Christopher Sanders says...
This was a well-organised trip where the local representative had clearly invested a lot of time in creating clear route descriptions. There were a few ...
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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.
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
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).
Settle into your gorgeous **** hotel in the centre of Assisi's historical centre.
You stay at the Hotel Fontebella Palace (breakfast included)
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.
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. 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 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)
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 the Relais Borgo Campello (breakfast and evening meal included)
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.
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.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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 have either a balcony or a private outdoor space.
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.
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.
This was a well-organised trip where the local representative had clearly invested a lot of time in creating clear route descriptions. There were a few inaccuracies but the level of detail provided meant that we could quickly check if we were on the correct route. All transfers were smooth and we enjoyed staying at all but one hotel. We would have preferred more walking options on some days e.g. the two days from Assisi covered some of the same ground, the walk from Trevi to Campello Alto was too short for a day (8.4km). However, we did enjoy our stay. The routes were very quiet in October and the towns and villages always interesting. We ate well - Euros 60-70 for two or three course meal with wine.
The level of assistance from the Headwater office was excellent throughout. Especially when train strikes in Italy changed our timings en route back to the airport, although if we had not bumped into someone whilst out walking who mentioned the strikes we would have been blissfully unaware
Excellent walking holiday in beautiful Umbria, Grade 2 but some stiff ascents in part. Hill top towns beautiful and varied, excellent accommodation and great food.
Excellent booking experience and the holiday delivered all that we wanted.
The attention to detail & good liaison with local staff ensured that everything Headwater was responsible for worked very well.
We had a super holiday exploring the east of Umbria. Walking enables you to see more of the lovely countryside & visit cultural gems off the beaten track.
A fantastic holiday. The use of a GPX map and routes was fantastic. Umbria in May is beautiful, not too crowded and offers really good value for money. We had some amazing 3 course meals at under 40 euros a head and the people of Umbria were incredibly friendly and kind. The accommodation varied and the journey there and back was arduous but I would do it again.
We were very impressed we were with the organisation of our holiday; it was simply superb!
From the administration, through to the flights, trip notes, map downloads and app, train tickets, hotels, taxis and taxi drivers - everything worked absolutely perfectly and like clockwork!
The walking was as challenging as we’d expected (lots of uphills!), the weather was amazing (could have done with it a little cooler!) and the walks, views and villages were absolutely stunning.
Many thanks to you and the Headwater Team, and to Petra, for making it such a hassle free and wonderful holiday. We will certainly recommend you to others and look forward to our next Headwater adventure!
Karen from Headwater and Petra in Umbria were most helpful, approachable and friendly. The walking is considered and superb, walking boots and good level of fitness essential. The accommodation and food good, hosts were most hospitable. The transfers were flawless. A wonderful experience to be often repeated.
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 9 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers on days 7 and 8
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 2 evening meals
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.
