saint francis way spello seen from a sunflower field
saint francis way spello seen from a sunflower field

St. Francis Way, Stage 4 Assisi to Spoleto

Level
2
Distance
72 km
Duration
7 days | 6 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 636
CO2 footprint
125 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW230

Travelling in the footsteps of Saint Francis through Umbria, the green heart of Italy: you will perceive his humble spirituality in following his footsteps through forests, vineyards and olive groves, surrounded by green hills sprangled with medieval villages. You will visit towns where time seems to have freezed: from Assisi, where you will  able to visit the wonderful Basilica and walk in the Saint Francis wood, to Spello, with its streets full of flowers and the medieval towers. And finally Spoleto, which enshrines in its artistic richness the influence of all the people who have inhabited it.

The foodies will appreciate the tasty Umbria kitchen: recipes based on simple ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil and cereals, home made pasta with meat sauces and typical desserts such as the torciglione, whose recipe is passed down from one generation to the other.

Highlights

  • Walk under the frescoed vaults of the San Francesco Basilica;
  • Visit the Eremo delle Carceri grottoes, where Francesco and his companions gathered in meditation;
  • Enjoy the never ending view on the hills of Umbria, while walking the Via Francescana;
  • Follow Goethe's footsteps on the Ponte delle Torri, the ancient Roman aqueduct that leads to Spoleto. 

Itinerary

Day 1

Assisi

Assisi

You will start from Assisi, where you will be able to spend your day visiting the most meaningful places of Francis' life: from the Basilica crypt, where millions of people go to visit the Saint's grave, to the Porziuncola, the little church around which the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica was built. You will discover a perfectly preserved Roman temple in the middle of the city, and enjoy a unique view from the top of the Rocca. Finally, enjoy the sweetness of Rocciata: it's a dessert similar to a strudel, which is said to have been brought to Assisi by the Longobards people.

Day 2

From Assisi to Spello, 15,3 km

From Assisi to Spello, 15,3 km

Your first day of walk will lead you from Assisi to Spello: you will ascend the Monte Subasio through a wonderful uphill path until reaching the "Eremo delle Carceri", where you can gather in prayer in the caves where Francesco and his companions used to meditate. The itinerary continues trhrough an oak wood to the San Benedetto Abbey, built in the IXth century, today closed for restoration. You will later reach the medieval city of Spello through a downhill path: enjoy an evening walk through its stone made houses, whose balconies are typically decorated with flowers.

Distance: 15,3 km

Elevation gain: +385/-1005 m

Day 3

From Spello to Vegnole, 10 km

From Spello to Vegnole, 10 km

Before setting off you will be able to visit the medieval city of Spello: the two imposing towers defending Porta Venere are worthwile a picture, but we suggest visiting the rich rooms of the Municipal Palace, and visit the Santa Maria Maggiore church to admire some Pinturicchio and Parmigianino frescoes. Today walk will lead you to the small village of Scanzano, through vineyards and olive groves.

In July and August, this stage has a small variation with arrival in Vescia (one km before Vegnole) 

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +371/-233 m

Day 4

From Uppello to Bovara di Trevi, 20 km

From Uppello to Bovara di Trevi, 20 km

A brief car transfer will take you to Uppello,where your walk starts. A steep climp will lead you to the Rocca of Scandolaro, once in defense of the surrounding territories. You will continue through an oak wood until Trevi, where you may want to taste the famous olive oil. Walking through an ancient aqueduct you will reach Bovara di Trevi.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +593/-580 m

Day 5

From Bovara di Trevi to Poreta, 12 km

From Bovara di Trevi to Poreta, 12 km

From Bovara di Trevi you'll follow the original "Francis Way", the original path walked by the same Francis, until reaching Campello Alto, surrounded by wonderful views on the Spoleto valleys. Worthwhile of admiration are the convents of Pissignano and Campello, where you'll be able to gather for a few minutes, enjoying the meditative atmosphere permeating these places, surrounded by olive trees.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +461/-541 m

Day 6

From Poreta to Spoleto, 15 km

From Poreta to Spoleto, 15 km

Today, a narrow trail will lead you to the Santa Maria di Reggiano hamlet: visit the ancient monastery to admire the XIIth century frescoes, to later continue to the hamlet of Eggi. You will walk along a dismantled railway line until Spoleto. You can make a detour for a longer but spectacular entry into the city, passing high above the Tessino stream on the medieval aqueduct that bridges the valley. Once in Spoleto you'll be able to recite your favorite poem in the Roman theatre, let the simple beauty of the San Salvatore Basilica enchant you, or celebrate the end of your journey with a nice dinner: the local pride is the black truffle, to be enjoyed on a bruschetta, or powdered on an omelette.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +488/-454 m

Day 7

Spoleto

Spoleto

Services end after breakfast.

Details

Is this for me?


This section of the St.Francis Route includes some of the most important places of the Saint's life: Assisi, the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage, the Medieval village of Spello, beutiful Spoleto. It's the right trip for you if this is not your first walking holiday - some days are quite long and challenging - and if you like walking in the forest. 

Included


What is included

  • 6 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • 1 dinner in Vegnole
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer to Uppello
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital for, app
  • 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.
  • official camino guidebook, shipped to the first hotel
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Country House Tre Esse Assisi
Country House Tre Esse - Assisi

Country House Tre Esse is located 400 m from the centre of Assisi with views of the Umbrian countryside. It's surrounded by the green and it offers an external swimming pool. Rooms are confortable and equipped in a simple way with air conditioning/heating, TV, free Wifi. Breakfast buffet is various and rich. 

www.countryhousetreesse.com

Hotel Il Cacciatore Spello
Hotel Il Cacciatore - Spello

Hotel Il Cacciatore*** is centrally located in Spello, nestled into the slopes of Mount Subasio. It offers basic rooms with furniture a little bit dated, but clean and spacious with free Wifi, TV, telephone with direct line. The hotel has a terrace overlooking the valley.Breakfast is good and rich. 

www.ilcacciatorehotel.com

Agriturismo Le Vigne Vegnole
Agriturismo Le Vigne - Vegnole

Agritourism Le Vigne is situated 7 km from Foligno on umbrian hills, surrounded by olive groves and an external swimming pool. Rooms are well-furnished, spacious with relaxing wooden ceilings and underfloor heating. These have TV satellite, free Wifi, air conditioning, private bathroom. Breakfast is very good. Owners are very helpful and courteous. 

www.agriturismolevigne.com

Agriturismo I Mandorli Bovara di Trevi
Agriturismo I Mandorli - Bovara di Trevi

Agriturismo I Mandorli is an Agritourism run only by women located in Bovara di Trevi, 30 minutes from the city center of Trevi. It offers basic accommodations with rustic style with free Wifi, TV, heating and an external swimming pool. Owners are kind and helpful. Breakfast is simple but good, with savoury and sweet dishes. 

www.agriturismoimandorli.com

Agriturismo Borgo della Marmotta Poreta
Agriturismo Borgo della Marmotta - Poreta

The Agritourism Borgo della Marmotta is located near the little hamlet of Poreta halfway between Spoleto and Trevi. The origins of the village date back to the seventeenth century, but an attentive restoration was recently completed. Location is very quiet and relaxing, like the comfortable rooms with a canopy-bed, air conditioning/heating, free Wifi, TV and electric kettle. Staff is nice and helpful. 

www.leterrediporeta.it

Hotel Charleston - Spoleto
Hotel Charleston - Spoleto

Hotel Charleston is centrally located in Spoleto and it offers refurbished abd well-furnished rooms with parquet floors and original paintings. These offer free Wifi, mini bar, air conditioning, telephone, TV. Breakfast is good and the staff is courteous and kind. 

www.hotelcharleston.it

When to travel


The climate in Central Italy is generally very mild  with  differences  depending  on  the geography  of the  region,  from  coasts  and valleys to the continental areas. The warmest months are generally July and August, with temperatures ranging from 23°C up to 30°C; the valleys can often see higher  temperatures and 38°C to 40°C is not uncommon. While June and September offer both nice warm weather. Of course, there are always exceptions or dry spells that cause a few days to get really hot.Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are dry, with sunny days but the chances of rain are high.The weather can change very quickly and you must be prepared forrain, mist, wind, fog (and even hail or snow at higher elevations) –especially in spring and autumn. 

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


From Rome airports (FCO, CIA), you need to get to the railway station and take a train from there to Assisi (either direct or with change in Foligno).

From Florence airport (FLR) and Pisa airport (PSA), you need to get to the railway station Santa Maria Novella in Florence, and take a train from there to Assisi (either direct or with change in Terontola-Cortona and Perugia).

On departure from Spoleto, there are direct trains to Rome, whereas you need to change if you need to get to either Pisa or Florence.

Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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