DAY 1 Arrive Starting Point: Perugia
We recommend flying to Rome, Florence or Pisa and then catch the train to Perugia (Train 3h00, 2h20 and 3h50 respectively). After checking into your hotel you can explore Perugia. Originally founded by the Etruscans, Perugia is a well preserved town that enjoys a spectacular situation. There are a number of excellent museums, rich architecture and a self guided archaeological tour which explores the history of Perugia dating back to Etruscan times.
Overnight:Hotel Fortuna
Exclusively located in the heart of the historical centre of Perugia, Hotel Fortuna is housed in a building that dates from the 1300’s and still boasts numerous original features.
DAY 2 Walk to Assisi—5 Hours
Our representative will meet you and after a thorough briefing transfer you to the start of the trail at Valfabbrica (20 minutes). Walking on quiet dirt tracks and footpaths you walk through farmland and wooded countryside, climbing steeply until you reach Pieve San Nicolo, a small hamlet which makes an ideal lunch stop. Continuing through thickly wooded hillsides, you are suddenly greeted with by the most spectacular view of Assisi and the Basillica Di San Francesco.
Overnight: Country House TreEsse enjoys a peaceful location 400m outside Assisi, this traditional country house has been sympathetically converted to offer comfortable accommodation. The dining terrace, swimming pool and most rooms enjoy wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
DAY 3 Assisi Circular Walk —3 Hours
Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, is the spiritual heart of Umbria. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it’s churches, monuments and the very fabric of the town are much as St Francis would have seen it in the 13th Century and the Basilica di san Francesco is quite spectacular. If you would prefer to escape the crowds you can instead enjoy a rewarding walk to Eremo delle Carceri, St Francis’ peaceful retreat, which overlooks the town and is a eight kilometre round trip.
Overnight: Country House TreEsse
DAY 4 Assisi to Spello — 6 Hours
Leaving Assisi you soon enter the Subasio Regional Park, which enjoys enormous views of the surrounding countryside and back towards Assisi. A stretch of olive groves and developed land bring to the pretty village of Spello. Much quieter than Assisi, it is a pleasure to wander the cobbled streets and quiet squares decorated by hanging baskets
Overnight: Albergo Il Cacciatore
The Cruciana family have owned and run the Albergo Il Cacciatore for over 50 years and take pride in offering the warmest welcomes and outstanding food and service. The hotel enjoys wonderful views overlooking the valley.
DAY 5 Spello Circular Walk —4 Hours
If you can drag yourself away from the charming streets of Spello this thoroughly enjoyable circular walk visits the beautifully situated medieval hamlet of Collepino.
Overnight: Albergo Il Cacciatore
DAY 6 Collemancio to Bevagna - 5 Hours
The day begins with a short transfer to Collemancio, where you begin a spectacular walk to Bevagna. This region is famed for producing outstanding red wine and olive oil of the finest quality. This of course means that you will be walking through vineyards and olive groves and can visit the rustic cellar of Cantina Dionigi, a Sagrantino di Montefalco producer.
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Brunamonti is located in the heart of this delightful town, ringed by ancient city walls.
DAY 7 Motefalco to Bevanga —2/3 Hours
An enchanting walk in the heart of the Montefalco wine area, Umbria’s best wine producing area. After a morning visiting all Bevanga has to offer you can take the local bus the short distance to Montefalco. On reaching Montefalco, you really have no choice but to enjoy a relaxed lunch at an enoteca (restaurant that offers wine tasting) on the main square before a delightful walk back to Bevagna
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Brunamonti.
DAY 8 Onward Travel
Unfortunately this part of your journey is at an end. From Bevagna you can catch a bus or taxi to Foligno where you can catch a train south to Rome (2h00) or north to Florence (2h45) or further afield.
Extensions
Why not extend your time in Italy with a few nights in Florence, Rome or even Venice? We offer several short city extensions at hand picked hotels.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. View Accommodation Details. We specifically choose the hotels and agriturismo (country hotels) to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm Italian welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food and drink. Details of the lovely local hotels we normally use are detailed below.
Accommodation Details
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed below, but because of limited availability we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location of the same or better standard. Alternative details will be noted on your accommodation sheet.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is not available to solo walkers. If you require single rooms in your party we will of course try to accommodate your request, subject to availability and payment of a single supplement.
Meals
The delicious Italian food and wine available locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday. The price of your holiday includes a hearty breakfast each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively your route includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Recommended Reading
Tuscany & Umbria—Lonely Planet Regional Guides
Under The Tuscan Sun—Frances Mayes
Walking and Eating in Tuscany & Umbria—James Lasdun & Pia Davis
Additional Nights
Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk or at the start/end of the walk. These can be added at the time of booking.
Hotel Fortuna - Perugia
Exclusively located in the heart of the historical centre of Perugia, Hotel Fortuna is housed in a building that dates from the 1300’s and still boasts numerous original features.
Country House Tre Esse - Assisi
Enjoying a peaceful location 400m outside Assisi, this traditional country house has been sympathetically converted to offer comfortable accommodation. The dining terrace, swimming pool and most rooms enjoy wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
Albergo Il Cacciatore - Spello
The Cruciana family have owned and run the Albergo Il Cacciatore for over 50 years and take pride in offering the warmest welcomes and outstanding food and service. The hotel enjoys wonderful views overlooking the valley.
AlbergoHotel Palazzo Brunamonti
The Hotel Palazzo Brunamonti is located in the heart of this delightful town, ringed by ancient city walls.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice from our clients and team.
How fit do I need to be?
This walking holiday is graded easy to moderate and involves 3 - 6 hours of walking each day so you should enjoy an active lifestyle to get the most from this holiday. If you are unable to walk on any day you can use taxis or public transport to move onto the next night's accommodation.
When is the best time of year?
Spring in Italy is sublime and April, May and June are absolutely lovely. Autumn is probably my favourite time of year as the landscape is made up of a gold and red pallet so September and October are unmissable. July and August can be very hot so you will have to start early to miss the heat of the day, although the towns and villages are buzzing which is great. You can view weather details for the region here.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised Umbria is extremely popular especially during July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans so just ask.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
Which is the best airport?
Either Pisa, Florence or Rome are convenient and you can reach the start/end of the walk by train in an hour or two.
