Erik Eriksen says...
Very good
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This 7-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.
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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).
Explore the UNESCO St Francis' basilica and the town's many other sights.
You stay at the Hotel Fontebella Palace (breakfast included)
Set off across the olive grove clad slopes of Monte Subasio, enjoying the gorgeous view below. If doing the longer option, pause at the Hermitage of St Francis, the saint's historic retreat, before traversing a mountain trail to Spello, the town of flowers, famous for its annual Infiorita festival when the streets are carpeted in colourful floral mosaics.
You stay at the Albergo La Bastiglia (breakfast included)
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 the Relais Metelli (breakfast included)
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 the Hotel Brunamonti (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Hotel Brunamonti (breakfast included)
Transfer to Trevi. Discover this old theatre town with remnants of the Mura Romana (Roman Wall) and Mura Medieval (Medieval Wall) still encircling the town. 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.
You stay at the Relais Borgo Campello (breakfast and evening meal included)
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 the Hotel San Luca (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
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Room upgrades: Superior valley view
Superior rooms are larger than classic rooms
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
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Room upgrades: Deluxe rooms
Deluxe rooms are larger with a terrace
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Deluxe
Deluxe rooms are larger than executive rooms
Find out more on the hotel website.
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Room upgrades: Deluxe
Deluxe rooms have either a balcony or a private outdoor space.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Suite
The suites are larger with a sitting area. Some also have a small kitchen area.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Suite
The suite is much larger with a sitting area.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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 the following hotels.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and junior suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a more stately decor.
Junior suites have a separate living room.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Foligno train station at 17:15, and back to Spoleto train station at 10:30.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Very good
Hidden Umbria was a wonderful holiday. The walking was varied with lots of great views and virtually no one else on the trails. It was lovely staying in such beautiful and historic towns where there was always a wide selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. We didn't have a bad meal the entire holiday! As ever, the arrangements and route notes from Headwater were spot on and we ended each day physically tired from the walking but relaxed in every other way.
This was our 4th self guided walk with Headwater so we knew what to expect and the holiday delivered in every sense. It is understandable that in order to maintain margins and price points that there are certain things that are no longer included and we have no problem with that. Overall it still seemed great value for what is a marvellous way to explore for independent minded people who do not want to be organised and also do not have the time to research it all out for themselves.
very enjoyable
A great adventure through the lush land of forest, vines and olives visiting several fascinating medieval towns along the way. The walks are the right length to see the diversity of the landscape and leave time to explore the towns. Staying in plush accommodation in the centre of town makes it easy to take in some tourist sights and acquaint yourself with local food and wine. The stay at Campello Alto is particularly magical. You may want to book to spend more time in Assis. We arranged to have a few hours in Rome on the way home which topped off what was an excellent holiday.
We really enjoyed our trip to Umbria. The holiday had a good mix of gentle walking, impressive sights, peaceful countryside and excellent food and drink.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
All continental breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfer on day 6
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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 us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Meals
All continental breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Foligno train station at 17:15, and back to Spoleto train station at 10:30.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
