SloWays • La Verna-Castiglion del Lago, Via Romea Germanica |

The Via Romea Germanica was the chosen route for the majority of pilgrims from Northern Europe to reach Rome: this stretch begins from the enchantment of Chiusi della Verna, with its sanctuary, and continues through the Casentino Forests National Park and then into the Etruscan lands of the Arezzo region, between Subbiano and Arezzo, a city that celebrates all sort of ancient beauty.

And then Cortona, a symbol of iconic Tuscan beauty, and Castiglion del Lago, the jewel of Lake Trasimeno.

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Chiusi della Verna

Day 2: From Chiusi della Verna to Chitignano, 14,5 km

Day 3: From Chitignano to Subbiano, 14,5 km

Day 4: From Subbiano to Arezzo, 20 km

Day 5: From Gaville to Castiglion Fiorentino, 21 km

Day 6: From Castiglion Fiorentino to Cortona, 13,5 km

Day 7: From Terentola to Castiglion del Lago, 13 km

Day 8: Depart from Castiglion del Lago

Day 1: Arrive in Chiusi della Verna

Arrive in Chiusi della Verna. Head for the hotel and check in. If you arrive early enough, you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon. The Sanctuary is opened every day of the year from 06:30 to 19:30 hrs (22:00 hrs in summer) NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers / skirts long to the knee

Day 2: From Chiusi della Verna to Chitignano, 14,5 km

It is an easy hike along trails and forest tracks. You reach the Spring of St. Francis where, according to tradition, the saint brought water out of the rock. We suggest a 1-km detour to reach the medieval village of Sarna. The route then passes through the charming village of Rosina. Another suggested short detour can be made to approach Ubertini Castle. Today, there are no traces left of the original extensive walls, and the castle has been incorporated into a vast complex of buildings, taking on the appearance of a 17th-century villa. Of the three towers, one is clearly visible, with its crenellation, another round tower is under the present building, while only the foundations of the third remain.

Distance: 14,5 km

Elevation gain: +360/-790 m

Day 3: From Chitignano to Subbiano, 14,5 km

It is a comfortable hike through the agricultural landscape in the lower Casentino hills. It is worth making a small detour at the beginning of the route to see Poggio d'Acona hamlet. Then you walk pass the Valenzano Castle. The origins of the castle are lost in the obscurity of the Middle Ages and appear to predate the 10th century. The first nucleus arose in the late period of Lombard domination, between the end of the 1st and the beginning of the 10th century, as a lookout tower. It is thought that in Etruscan times, the tower was a garrison along the salt route, which was an essential commodity, in fact it was also used as currency. Presumably expanded between the 10th and 11th centuries, the fortified nucleus of Valenzano was owned by Lombard nobles, who shared the land with Camaldolese monks from the monasteries of Sasso and Selvamonda.

Distance: 14,5 km

Elevation gain: +360/-620 m

Day 4: From Subbiano to Arezzo, 20 km

It is a long hike that runs first along the Arno River and then across the plain that separates Arezzo from the beginning of the Casentino. The landscape is dominated by fields and hedges in the rural Tuscan tradition. Alon the route we suggest a short detour to reach the Pieve di Sietina. The stage can be shortened by about 8 km by taking the train at Subbiano-Capolona station and getting off at Giovi station.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +240/-260 m

Day 5: From Gaville to Castiglion Fiorentino, 21 km

It is a long hike through the hills of Valdichiana valley towards east. You pass through forests and wide stretches of countryside. Along the way there are sweeping views of the valley. You walk on country roads and trails passing sites of historical interest such as the Convent of Sargiano and the Pieve di Rigutino.

Distance: 21 km

Elevation gain: +700/-650 m

Day 6: From Castiglion Fiorentino to Cortona, 13,5 km

The hike of the day runs close to the plains, mainly on paved and dirt roads. At various points there are views of the valley, and in the final stretch Cortona appears to us in all its magnificence. The route pass by the Castle of Montecchio. The first settlements on the Montecchio hill date back to Etruscan-Roman times and perhaps a pagan sanctuary stood here. Around the 9th century, the castle was built here, originally a feud of the Marchiones and with interests of the Abbey of Farneta. Other feudal lords, such as the Orselli and Panzoni of Cortona or the Da Vitiano, also had rights there. In the early 13th century, Montecchio Vesponi was allied with the Municipality of Arezzo along with the other castles of Mammi and Monticello. Around 1234 it was purchased by the Municipality of Arezzo, which repopulated it, turned it into a 'semi-free' municipality and made it a stronghold against Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona. Along the way we suggest a 600-meter detour to the monumental Etruscan tomb of Sodo.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation gain: +370/-205 m

Day 7: From Terentola to Castiglion del Lago, 13 km

A short train ride takes you to Terentola. The day route first crosses the countryside on the border between Tuscany and Umbria and then runs all along Lake Trasimeno with few possibilities of detours to hidden point of view of the lake. The town owes its name to the symbol of the family that once ruled over it; in fact, Castiglione derives from Castellum Leonis (Castle of the Lion), later vulgarised into Castellioni. Founded by the Romans under the name Novum Clusium (New Chiusi), it stands on a hill that in ancient times constituted the fourth island of Lake Trasimeno (the three islands that still exist are Maggiore, Minore and Polvese) before the strip of water separating it from the mainland was filled in.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +70/-30 m

Day 8: Depart from Castiglion del Lago

Last day included. Tour ends after breakfast.

accommodation

Chiusi della Verna-Hotel Letizia

Thanks to all our guests, new and loyal, who over the years have shown us precious loyalty and trust. You: our strength that has allowed us with joy and dedication to grow, to renew ourselves and to create not just a hotel in San Martino di Castrozza, among the Dolomites of Trentino, but a "HOME" full of details, warmth and harmony, to make your vacation a unique and intense emotion. Over the years, values that are important to us have sprouted and we have made them our philosophy, thus creating the strengths of our hotel.

www.hletizia.it

Chitignano - Hotel Docciola

Every client is unique. That's why we customize our strategies to fit your needs. Whether the intervention is short or more challenging, we will listen to your requests to prepare a customized plan of action.

www.hotelristorantedocciola.com

Subbiano - La Corte dell'Oca

Rediscovered within the old Borgo Maestro of Subbiano in the province of Arezzo, at the foot of the Casentino Valley, there where the Arno River flows, immersed in the Tuscan countryside surrounded by hills covered with vines and olive trees, by farmhouses, medieval villages, and Romanesque parish churches, La Corte dell'Oca shows its history to be experienced and enjoyed today as it was then. It can be accessed on foot from 33 Borgo Maestro, now Via Roma, by walking through an andito carved out on the ground floor of the 19th-century building above and from Viale Europa 16, which is also a driveway. At the Corte dell'Oca, Guests not only savor the gastronomic history of the area, but also experience some moments of living history.

www.cortedelloca.it

Arezzo - B&B Antichemura

Bed and Breakfast "Antichemura" is located on the second floor of the building where we grew up and where we still live today. Antichemura is our home, that's why for us you will never be just customers: you will feel like guests in the home of friends, we will take care of you and your needs. We will make your stay in Arezzo unforgettable.

www.antichemura.it

Castiglion Fiorentino - B&B Viziottavo

Viziottavo is a modern, well-appointed bed and breakfast located in the historic center of a magical Tuscan hill town, Castiglion Fiorentino. This elegant bed and breakfast is located in a renovated 15th-century palazzo and offers 6 guest rooms. Each room is tastefully decorated and has a luxury bathroom, air conditioning, satellite television/radio and minibar. The Viziottavo is just a fifteen-minute walk from the train station, conveniently located between Cortona and Arezzo, the setting of the films Under the Tuscan Sun and Life is Beautiful, respectively. You can also take easy day trips by train to Florence, Rome, Pisa and Siena. On the other hand, if you wish to discover our beautiful region by car, there is free parking nearby.

www.viziottavo.com

Castiglion del Lago - Albergo Le Macerine

Albergo Le Macerine is located a short walk from the shores of Lake Trasimeno and 800 meters from the historic center of Castiglione del Lago, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.Surrounded by greenery and a few kilometers from the border with Tuscany, Albergo Le Macerine is the ideal hotel for those seeking a vacation to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature and the lake, but also for those who love to discover new places and traditions. The strategic location of the hotel allows you to reach in a short time the medieval villages of the terrtiorio and the most beautiful cities of central Italy, or to make magical excursions to the shores of the lake and the Islands, Maggiore and Polvese, the pearls of Trasimeno.

www.albergo-lemacerine.com

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

There are several trains per day from Rome PIsa and Florence, going to Arezzo, where you change train to Bibbiena and then a bus to Chiusi della Verna.

It is possible to book a transfer from Arezzo to Chiusi della Verna, or from Città di Castello to Rome or Florence.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

A journey on the Via Romea Germanica, an ancient route followed by pilgrims from Northern Europe: this part passes through the Arezzo region - Subbiano and Arezzo, cities with wonderful Medieval charm - and then reaches the iconic Cortona and Lake Trasimeno.

It's an alternative route to the Via Francigena, not particularly strenuous - however, good fitness and the habit of covering several kilometers on consecutive days are still required.

Distances are always under 15 km, except for day 4 when you exceed 20 km.