Footsteps of St. Francis Walk

Location: Umbria, Italy. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 2 boots Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 3 May '12 to 14 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This 8-night holiday combines relaxed walking through olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards with time in gorgeous historic towns and sun-drenched villages. Highlights include Etruscan Perugia, picture-postcard Spello, ancient Assisi and the wild Subasio Natural Park..

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Spello

We meet you at Foligno train station and take you (25 mins) to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2 - Spello to Assisi 11km/7mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/5hr

The shorter, lower route takes you through lush Umbrian countryside - with its distinctive dark green cypresses and silver-coloured olive trees whilst the longer, more challenging route takes you via the sacred 'Eremo delle Carceri' - St Francis' famous hermitage where he used to pray and talk to the birds.

Day 3 - At Assisi

A full day to explore the ancient town of Assisi. The Basilica, and its magnificent C13 Giotto frescoes is a must before ambling up Via San Francesco to the beautiful Piazza del Comune to visit the well preserved temple of Minerva.

Day 4 - Assisi to Satriano 16.5km/10mi/4.5hr

Today's route skirts the mediaeval centre of Assisi - option to visit the Rocca Maggiore, Assisi's well preserved castle offering excellent views over the Valle Umbra - before heading out along the unspoiled Francescan trail, tracing backwards St Francis' steps on his last journey to the town. You'll pass the north side of Monte Subasio through gentle hillsides and green valleys dotted with isolated farms, monasteries and watchtowers before winding down to Satriano, in the heart of the Monte Subasio natural park, and home for the next 2 nights.

Day 5 - At Satriano

At an altitude of 800m above sea level, the views from your hotel afford a fabulous 360 degree panorama of the luxuriant natural park and surrounding Apennine Mountains. You've literally hundreds of forest trails on your doorstep.

Day 6 - Satriano to Le Silve 14km/9mi/4.5hr

You'll set off this morning along pine scented forest trails before winding slightly uphill along the Marchetto River. You'll continue along former drover's tracks, passing meadows carpeted with colourful flowers - orchids, edelweiss and wild tulips - enjoying lovely gorge views. You cross the gorge via the Ponte del Marchetto, or Wolves Bridge - if you're 'lucky' you may catch the rare sight of a wolf! You'll enjoy pure luxury for the next 2 nights on the Silve di Armenzano estate.

Day 7 - At Le Silve

You almost feel as though you have the world to yourself as you explore the wonderfully wild surroundings of this 230-hectare estate! There are over 20kms of well marked walking paths and trails winding around St Francis' 'magical' Subasio Mountain and surrounding valleys. Have a swim in the new deck-level saltwater pool, and perhaps end the day with a relaxing sauna or afternoon tea in the exquisite tea-room. A guided tour of the estate can be organised through the hotel with photography stations for local wildlife.

Day 8 - Le Silve to Spello 14km/9mi/4.5hr

Today's route follows the lower eastern slopes of Monte Subasio, passing through the restored hamlet of San Giovanni. Then up to the Rifugio di Madonna della Spella for panoramic views on the open pastureland before descending through oak and centuries-old olive groves to finish in charming Spello, one of the finest preserved mediaeval towns in the region.

Day 9 - Leave Spello