St.Francis Way: Stage 3, Città di Castello to Assisi

Your journey begins in Città di Castello, which will surprise you with its many artistic treasures: from the Palazzo del Podestà, overlooking other palaces on Piazza Matteotti, the Cathedral of San Florido, which gathers together a multitude of architectural styles. Do not miss the view of the Umbrian hills from the top of the Civic Tower, before celebrating the first day of your trip with a dish of white truffle, a prized local delicacy.

The day begins with a transfer to the starting point of the stage: you can choose from two different locations, shortening or lengthening the path accordingly. The route winds through woods and wide gravel roads up to Pietralunga, a village perched on a hill high 566 meters. Here you can wander through the narrow streets of the medieval center, admire the frescoes in the church of Santa Maria and the remains of the ancient Lombard fortress, positioned right in the middle of the square. Finally, enjoy a good home-cooked meal in the farm that will host you for the night.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +614/-655 m

From Pietralunga you will reach Mocaiana: you will face a scenic route passing through ancient abbeys, once an important reference point for pilgrims: among them, St. Benedict: founded in the tenth century by an hermit monk. You continue on forest roads up to Ponte San Giorgio, where you will be picked up and transported to Gubbio. From Piazza Grande, dominated by the majestic Palazzo dei Consoli, you will enjoy a magnificent view over the old town. You can walk under the high arches of the Cathedral or browse through the pottery workshops throughout the city center but do not miss the well-preserved Roman theater: if you are lucky, you can even watch a show or a concert. From Mocaiana a transfer will take you to Gubbio.

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: +547/-712 m

After a short bus ride to the Castle of Petroia, you regain your way through the Umbrian countryside. The stretch towards Valfabbrica follows the original "Franciscan Path of Peace", a leg walked by Francis himself, and will test you with its many ups and downs. But the effort will be rewarded by the beautiful landscape: you will walk through the valley of the river Chiascio, surrounded by castles and old farms perched on the hills, and if the weather is good you might even see the outline of Mount Subasio.

Distance: 23 km

Elevation gain: +336/-336 m

Today you will continue down the Franciscan path, for the last stage of your journey to Assisi: the path winds through roads and pine forests to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, from where you will face a final climb up to cross Porta San Giacomo, finishing your path in front of the Basilica of San Francesco. Despite the many visitors, Assisi is always pervaded with great peace: experience this sensation with a walk in the forest of Saint Francis (belonging to FAI - Italian Environment Fund), let yourself be guided by a friar to discover the cathedrals, and if you're interested in ancient history go to discover the amazing roman Assisi. To celebrate the end of your trip, enjoy the sweet Rocciata, an Umbrian variant of strudel.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +578/-498 m

The services end after breakfast.

Accommodation on Our Trips

Our adventures feature a variety of accommodations, depending on the location and the type of trip you choose. We carefully select each property, ensuring it is well situated along the route and locally run, so that you receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable, authentic experience.

Your comfort is a priority throughout your travels. Most of our trips include stays in friendly, independent, or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs. Each accommodation is chosen for its charm, cleanliness, and those personal touches that make you feel at home. Some trips offer more elevated stays that feel like a special treat, while others may include simpler options, such as mountain refuges, particularly in remote areas.

Classic Hotels – Comfort with Character

Most of our trips combine a variety of accommodation styles to suit the route and location. You will typically stay in charming, locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, inns, and small hotels that offer a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings. These properties often feature extra touches such as distinctive regional character, leisure facilities, or renowned local cuisine.

All accommodations feature private ensuite bathrooms unless otherwise specifically noted for mountain huts, refuges, and pilgrim hostels.

On some mountain adventures and selected pilgrimage routes, the experience may also include more basic accommodation, such as mountain huts, refuges, or pilgrim hostels, where ensuite rooms are not always available and shared bathrooms or dormitory-style accommodation may be part of the experience.

While simpler in style, these accommodations are often rich in atmosphere and camaraderie, providing an authentic connection with fellow travellers and the places you visit.

This part of the Path of St. Francis is among the most significant, because it leads to Assisi. Just the arrival in the city through the Forest of St. Francis – arriving directly in front of the Basilica, emerging from an enchanted setting into the heart of the city – would make the entire journey worthwhile. But then there's the serene and wonderful landscape, the enchanting town of Città di Castello, the perched village of Pietralunga, and the beautiful Gubbio, with its marvelous views over the Umbrian valleys.

There are some elevation changes that could be quite challenging for those on their first walking journey or who are not particularly fit; we recommend checking them and evaluating your level of preparation.