Self-guided walking
6 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Richly verdant Umbria, sandwiched between the rolling landscape of Tuscany and the hills of Lazio, is Italy's only land locked region and is frequently referred to as the country's 'green heart'. The area is renowned for its deep valleys, abundant oak forest, swathes of olive groves and of course its stunning medieval towns and ancient hill top villages.
This 6 night twin centre walking trip takes you to the highlights of this beautiful region, to discover its UNESCO sites, historic pilgrimage trails and stunning sun drenched landscapes.
Your first 3 nights are in magical Assisi, the town of St Francis. Here you enjoy a city walk to fully appreciate the fantastic sites that this beautiful medieval town has to offer. Climb to St Francis' peaceful hermitage retreat, hidden within lush oak forest on the flanks of Monte Subasio, where the saint would preach to the birds. From Assisi, you walk to the medieval gem that is Spello, with balcony views of the Umbrian Valley. Your final 3 nights are spent in the fascinating historic city of Spoleto, crammed with exciting Roman remains including the Emperor Vespasian's mother's house, baths and mosaics. From here you ascend to an ancient monastery through sacred woodland that has for years been tended and cared for by the Franciscan monks, and follow the Olive Grove Trail through evocative hilltop villages back to Spoleto.
Your **** accommodation for the 6 nights combine superb levels of comfort with prime locations, ranging from a Renaissance style palace in Assisi to a family run villa style hotel set in pristine gardens in Spoleto.
The routes and paths you follow are generally well maintained. As there are frequent ascents and descents, you need to be reasonably fit and confident. Walking boots are essential and walking poles are recommended (but only if you already use them).
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
Settle into your comfortable **** hotel in the heart of Assisi's historic 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.
Today's walk takes in all of Assisi's famous sights including the perfectly preserved temple of Minerva and of course St Francis' basilica with its magnificent 13th century Giotto frescoes. There's the option to extend the walk to the impressive 16th century basilica in Sta Maria degli Angeli, returning to Assisi by bus.
You stay at Hotel San Luca.
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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.
Head uphill to the Hermitage of St Francis, set in a gorge where the saint himself would retreat to pray and where a small oratory has been dedicated to his memory. Optional loop walk on Monte Subasio. Descend back to Assisi.
Walk through verdant olive groves on the slopes of Monte Subasio with stunning views of the lush Valley of Spoleto. The longer option takes you past the Abbey of San Benedetto through olive groves to Spello. Explore medieval Spello, its tiny cobbled streets resplendent with colourful flower boxes, before taking the train to Spoleto.
Monte Luco, once considered a holy place in ancient times, is swathed with peaceful oak woods where hermits used to live. Follow the hermits' path with opportunities to spot woodpeckers and porcupines, past a series of ancient hermitages to the Convent of San Francesco, said to have been founded by the famous saint.
Transfer to Poreta, then follow the Sentiero degli Olivi through the typically Umbrian villages of Bazzano and Eggi, before joining St Francis' Trail to the centre of Spoleto.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights 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
6 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
