a walking tour from Città di Castello to Assisi following the St Francis way
TOUR DETAILS
The St Francis Way, or Via di Francesco, is a cherished pilgrimage route that traces the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi through the rolling hills, medieval towns, and tranquil forests of Umbria, Italy. This week-long walking tour covers the scenic and spiritually significant stretch from Città di Castello to Assisi, passing through charming villages and offering an authentic experience of Italy’s sacred landscapes. Each day promises cultural discoveries, natural beauty, and moments of reflection.
| Duration | 8Days/ 7Nights | |
| Season | March-October | |
| Area | Umbria | |
| The Tour starts in
The Tour ends in |
Città di Castello (PG)
Assisi (PG) |
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| Tour Type | Walking tour | |
| Navigation | GPX routes | |
| Ready for Rental
Regions Visited |
walking poles
Umbria, Italy |
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| Distance Traveled
Terrain |
15-27 km/day, daily distance and elevation gain may be revised and subject to change depending on the accommodation availability, weather conditions, paths and roads conditions
Footpaths, gravel road & mule tracks, some asphalt roads |
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| Minimum Age Limit | 18 (Younger Guests Must be Accompanied by Relatives) | |
| Skill Levels Accommodated | Advanced | |
| Self Guided | It means you will be walking on your own, we do provide assistance and support with our local guides or drivers in case of help. | |
| Guest Capacity | 2-14 | |
| Available | Yes | |
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| Accommodations | A mixture of very nice two and three-star hotels/B&Bs, Rifugios and Agriturismo all comfortably located within the historical center. Most of them are family run. Accommodation upgrades are available. | |
| Meals | 7 breakfasts are included. | |
| About Beverages | Not Included | |
| Average Price Per Person
(Rates shown are in Euros. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.) |
Option A – With Luggage Transfer –,00 € per person in double room occupancy. (minimum two participants) Single supplement: –,00 €GPS Rental Fee: 25 € per unit ( batteries not included – works with 2x AA)Accommodation Upgrade: Available |
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Before you come on the holiday we recommend you to subscribe an adequate travel insurance, which must include cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance. |
Day 1: BENVENUTI! Arrival at Città di Castello
Begin your journey in the picturesque town of Città di Castello, a city of art and history nestled along the Upper Tiber Valley. Explore its Renaissance palaces, ancient walls, and vibrant local markets. This is a perfect spot to acclimate, enjoy Umbrian cuisine, and prepare for the pilgrimage ahead.
Special Event of the Day: The visit to the monumental area of the town where imposing churches and palazzi are.
Day 2: Città di Castello – Pietralunga 28km +903m
Highlights of the Day: The port of land of Pieve de’Saddi managed by volunteeers helping pilgrims. Views of the forested hills of Pietralunga.
Walk Details:
Difficult leg. 30% Unpaved. This walk is quite beautiful and wild with meadows and oak wood forests; this is the paradise of the truffles. We start following the paved road as it leaves the valley floor of the Tiber River then we take a footpath climbing for 2 km the hills south, from here it becomes undulating following a drivable gravel road with vista over the Apennine Mountains and the surrounding hills. A very important stop is Pieve de’ Saddi a historic rural church believed to have early Christian origins and once a significant spiritual outpost. The path winds through lush woodlands and quiet valleys, culminating in the hilltop village of Pietralunga. Here, the medieval streets and panoramic views make for a rewarding end to your first day of walking.
Transfers to shorten the walk are available
Day 3: Pietralunga – Gubbio 25.7 km +627m
Highlights of the Day: Views of the countryside moving from the hills of Pietralunga to the plains of the Chiascio in the Gubbio valley.
Walk details: Moderate – Difficult walk. We leave the Medieval village of Pietralunga, the trail follows blacktop and uneven gravel roads crossing 2 hills, with 1km and 3 km long climbs after that you are entering in the valleys verging to the plains of Gubbio, forests and open countryside, provides glimpses of wildflowers and ancient limestone buildings. The approach to Gubbio is dramatic, with the medieval city perched on the slopes of Mount Ingino. Gubbio is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, including the Palazzo dei Consoli and the Roman Theater. Take time to explore its steep lanes and perhaps enjoy local cuisine.
Day 4 : Gubbio – Biscina 21.6 km +616m
Walk details: : Moderate walk. The route from Gubbio to Biscina is among the most contemplative stretches, after having crossed the plains of Chiascio you start climbing hills passing through olive groves and oakwoods, at 14 km pass to the chapel of le Ripe a classic stop for all the pilgrims that leave a sign of their presence with a thought or something meaningful for them, reach then the atmospheric San Pietro in Vigneto. This ancient abbey, surrounded by peaceful countryside and run by a community of volunteers welcoming pilgrims, this place invites a pause for reflection. The trail then descends closer to the course to the Chiascio river here starting to become a dam and then gets to the hilltop to Biscina, a rural outpost near the ruins of an old castle, offering solitude and a connection to Umbria’s pastoral past.
Day 5: Biscina – Valfabbrica 15 km +245m
Walk Details: Moderate – Easy. From Biscina, the path follows gentle ridges and forested valleys toward Valfabbrica. This section is known for its tranquil landscapes and the sound of birdsong. Valfabbrica, a small town with a history tied to St. Francis, is an ideal place to rest and absorb the serenity of this journey. For those that might be interested there could be also the Parish of St Mary, once a benedictine abbey founded in XI c. open upon request just out of Valfabbrica.
Day 6: Valfabbrica – Assisi 13km +443m
Highlights of the Day: the moving view of Assisi
Walk Details: Moderate. 34% Unpaved. The final leg leads you through olive groves and undulating hills, with the mystical silhouette of Mount Subasio and Assisi gradually appearing on the horizon. The approach to Assisi is unforgettable, you have the choice to use the paved road leading to Porta San Giacomo gate or the St Francis Forest footpath, the latter is a nicer alternative for a small fee as a pilgrim, you reach the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to visit the basilica, the tomb of St. Francis, and the quiet streets of this sacred city…and do not forget to ask for the Testimonium!
Day 7: Exploring Assisi!
Highlights of the Day: the imposing historic center of Assisi
Walk Details: Dedicate your last day to fully exploring Assisi, visiting not only the grand basilicas but also smaller chapels, gardens, and the Rocca Maggiore fortress. Reflect on your journey and the legacy of St. Francis, whose message of peace and connection with nature resonates deeply in every step of the way.
Day 8: Assisi. Ciao Ciao!
End of tour after breakfast. From the railway station located in the lower end of Assisi, the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli there are trains available to reach Rome or Firenze.
Package Includes
7 Nights in Excellent Two and Three-Star Hotels/B&Bs (Double Room with Private Bath)
7 Breakfasts
Route Notes and Itineraries, Sightseeing Opportunities, Restaurant and Shopping Suggestions
Luggage transfer
Notes
This is a self-guided tour that offers total freedom of dates – you can choose whatever dates you wish. Small parties of two persons up to large groups can be accommodated.
This tour is not necessarily corresponding 100% with the Franciscan pilgrimage route, it is revised and we think we made it better way for walkers, the reality is that Francis has followed various routes in his journeys.
