Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
12.0Kg CO2e
This 9-night linear trip is a fantastic mix of wonderfully scenic walking, historic towns and panoramic hilltop villages. The walks follow a mix of quiet country lanes, paths and trails, using in part the St Francis' Way - so called after the route the saint took on his final visit to Assisi in 1226 - and the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way, admire the stunning valley vistas from the slopes of the 'bald mountain' Monte Subasio, discover the secluded hermitage of St Francis nestled amongst ancient oak forest, pass through olive groves that date as far back as Roman times and wander around the evocative centro storico of the walled town of Bevagna.
You stay in beautiful medieval towns including Assisi, 'the town of St Francis' with its UNESCO-listed basilica; flower bedecked Spello, which lies on the other side of Mount Subasio from Assisi; and Spoleto - the town of the amphitheatre and aqueduct. The walking is beautifully unhurried, leaving you plenty of time for independent exploration of these lesser known Umbrian gems.
The hotels we've chosen are special too, ranging from a Renaissance-style palace in Assisi to a beautifully converted castle and convent in Campello Alto. Food of the region is rustic and often called 'cucina povera'. Expect to try strangozzi pasta served with black truffles or a spicy tomato sauce, followed by simple grilled local meats and then a slice of pecorino cheese washed down with some of the superb Sagrantino di Montefalco wines. For a picnic lunch why not try the Umbrian staple, the porchetta sandwich - roast pig stuffed with herbs.
The routes and paths you follow are generally well maintained. As there are frequent ascents and descents which are steep in places, you need to be reasonably fit and confident. Walking boots are essential and walking poles are recommended (but only if you already use them).
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Settle into your gorgeous **** hotel in the centre of Assisi's historical centre.
You stay at Hotel Fontebella Palace.
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Situated in central Assisi just a stone's throw from the UNESCO basilica, the Hotel Fontebella Palace is a fantastic melange of different historical periods ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to the 17th century, with each room having been beautifully renovated to preserve and respect the building's historic origins. Admire the public lounges, the astmospheric wine bar and the fireplace room with the original coat of arms still proudly displayed on the walls. The hotel also comes with a lovely garden, and there are exquisite views from here over the beautiful Umbrian valley.
Headwater customers are allocated the classic rooms with valley view at the Hotel Fontebella Palace.
The hotel's restaurant, Il Frantoio, is just a short walk from the main building and also benefits from those stunning views as well as a beautiful rose garden. There are over 300 wines in its cellar. The restaurant specialises in traditional Umbrian cuisine.
Room upgrades: Superior valley view
Superior rooms are larger than classic rooms
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Choose between a city walk, taking in the UNESCO St Francis' basilica and the town's many other sights, or walk through woodland to the Hermitage of St Francis, the saint's historic retreat, where a small oratory has been dedicated to his memory. Descend back to Assisi.
Set off across the olive grove clad slopes of Monte Subasio, enjoying the gorgeous view below. The longer option takes you on a mountain trail past the Abbey of San Benedetto to Spello. The shorter, easier route continues through olive groves and vineyards to Spello, the town of flowers, famous for its annual Infiorita festival when the streets are carpeted in colourful floral mosaics.
You stay at Albergo La Bastiglia Hotel.
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La Bastiglia Hotel boasts a beautiful setting in the centre of Spoleto's historical centre, overlooking the Umbrian valley. Originally an ancient mill, the hotel has been lovingly restored and transformed, with facilities including a wellness centre, panoramic swimming pool and excellent restaurant which serves a mix of ancient recipes and modern creations using the freshest ingredients. On display inside the hotel, there is a collection of ceramics, antique furniture and important paintings from the private collection of Schifano and Norberto.
Room upgrades: Deluxe rooms
Deluxe rooms are larger with a terrace
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Follow a beautiful path along a Roman aqueduct to the cobbled streets of the hilltop, pink hued village of Collepino. Then it's downhill through olive groves back to Spello before taking a train to Foligno. Alternatively, continue along the historic St Francis' Trail all the way to Foligno.
You stay at Villa Metelli or Villa dei Platani.
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The beautiful Villa Metelli is just a short walk from both Foligno's train station and the town's charming centro storico. It is elegantly furnished with individually designed bedrooms, whilst still retaining the charm of its Art Nouveau origins. There's also a tranquil garden with palm trees to relax in, as well as 2 cafe bars.
Please note that this hotel does not have any rooms with twin beds.
Room upgrades: Deluxe
Deluxe rooms are larger than executive rooms
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Hotel Villa dei Platani in Foligno's centro storico is a liberty style villa dating back to 1928. The rooms are stylish and very modern, with all the comforts you'd expect from a 4* hotel. The hotel also benefits from a garden, a roof top terrace and a wellness centre.
Room upgrades: Deluxe
Deluxe rooms have either a balcony or a private outdoor space.
There's ample time to discover the ancient market town of Foligno with its Romanesque cathedral, evocative Trinci Palace and many museums. Then walk along the Topino river across the lush valley, with gorgeous views of Montefalco, to the walled town of Bevagna, home to the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden theatre and Roman temple and baths.
You stay at Hotel Brunamonti.
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The Hotel Palazzo Brunamonti is a former nobleman's house that has been lovingly converted into a hotel. It retains its vaulted ceilings and intricate frescoes in the public rooms, whilst the bedrooms still have their original wooden beams. The rooms here are very spacious and traditional with wrought iron beds and antique furniture, and are all ensuite.
Make your way through a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards to the hilltop wine village of Montefalco. Wander round its medieval streets, admire the superb views and enjoy wine tasting in one of the many Sagrantino wineries. A panoramic downhill walk with stunning views of the Valle Umbra brings you back to Bevagna.
We take you to Montefalco, then set off on the lower flanks of Mount Serano, with expansive views over the fertile plain of the Clitunno river. Head uphill through olive groves to Trevi, known as the Italian capital of olive oil. Discover this old theatre town with remnants of the Mura Romana (Roman Wall) and Mura Medieval (Medieval Wall) still encircling the town. Pick up and transfer to Campello Alto, where you spend the night.
You stay at Relais Borgo Campello.
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The Relais Borgo Campello is a stunningly restored 10th-15th century castle and convent, with further rooms located in other outbuildings and houses within the tiny village of Campello Alto. There are simply gorgeous views from the terrace, where you'll also find the pretty kitchen garden. Other facilities include a spa with indoor pool, restaurant and bar, whilst the former stalls now house a tavern with an antique billiards table.
Headwater customers are allocated the deluxe rooms here, which are located in both the castle and the convent.
Room upgrades: Suite
The suites are larger with a sitting area. Some also have a small kitchen area.
Transfer back to Trevi. Then join the ancient St Francis' Trail to amble along to the hillside church of Madonna di San Arcangelo. Pass the secretive Eremo Francescano (Convento Pissignano) before heading to your hotel in the pretty village of Campello Alto.
Pick up the St Francis' Trail as you make your way through olive groves and tiny medieval villages to Spoleto. Discover the town's Roman arch, 12th century Duomo and 14th century viaduct.
You stay at Hotel Charleston or Hotel San Luca.
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The Hotel Charleston is housed in a 17th century building in Spoleto's historical centre, next to the Modern and Contemporary Arts Museum. It retains the wooden beams and brickwork floors from the original building, whilst its bedrooms are individually decorated, and come with exposed wooden beams on the ceilings. The hotel benefits from a guests' bar and lounge - where you'll find the original fire place - sauna and reading room as well as a charming outdoor terrace.
Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms here.
Room upgrades: Suite
The suite is much larger with a sitting area.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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In spite of its villa feel, the beautiful Hotel San Luca is actually a former tannery dating back to the 19th century. Family run, with great attention to detail, there is a homely lounge to relax in along with gardens to soak up the Umbrian sun. Rooms here are well appointed with all the modern comforts, and ensuite marble bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the shady courtyard over the summer months.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel Canada Roma, Rome.
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The 3 star Hotel Canada Roma is centrally located near the main railway station, making it an excellent base from which to explore Rome. Each room is ensuite and has been lovingly decorated in an elegant Italian style complete with vintage furniture. Rooms come with tea and coffee maker as well as air conditioning and safe.
This well appointed hotel also boasts a bar for pre dinner drinks and nibbles, as well as an external courtyard where you can savour a drink under the stars.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and junior suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a more stately decor.
Junior suites have a separate living room.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
12.0Kg CO2e
