Umbria: Trails to Assisi Short Break

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.8 Read 8 reviews

A walking short break in Italy’s green heart, Umbria
Full-bodied Sagrantino wines and the rich earthiness of tartufo (truffles)
Stay in the remarkable hilltop towns of Montefalco and Spello
Assisi, the birthplace of Italy’s premier saint, St Francis
An unspoiled region of old-world traditions and architectural treasures

Take a short break in Umbria, walking through Italy’s “green heart” and following trails to the birthplace of St Francis, Assisi. From Montefalco you can see your final destination, Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio with the sweeping plains below. Begin to get excited about what comes between: constant views to the Apennine Mountains, history galore and pretty towns offering exquisite cuisine and wines. Umbria’s old-world traditions have been kept alive due to this region having no sea or country borders and whilst the towns you visit are vibrant and fun, there is also a sense of tradition with many ancient architectural and artistic treasures to behold. (Some photos are accredited to Copyright Regione Umbria)

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This short break offers easy to moderate walks following routes through the Umbrian countryside, staying in hand-picked accommodations in historical and very appealing towns. It will be of particular interest to those who love architecture, art (oh those frescoes!), the delicious local cuisine (oh those truffles!) and wines.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie
Wine
Short Break

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded ‘easy to moderate’ overall, as the terrain is not that hilly. You should be in good physical fitness to fully enjoy the walking on this tour. Most of the route follows either gravel or dirt tracks and trails, and you will also be walking on quiet rural roads. You’ll be walking an average of 14 km each day, with one free day in Montefalco. When you walk from Spello to Assisi there is an easier or more challenging option. Should you wish to skip a walk between towns then you will be responsible for taking a taxi or bus (if possible) to the next place.

Navigation

The route is waymarked in places especially when you are walking on the Way of St Francis, but there are also many places where it is not waymarked. We provide you with detailed turn-by-turn route notes and maps and you will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way.

Accommodations

7 Nights in good quality 3* and 4* hotels and 1 countryside resort. You can add on extra nights in any of the overnight locations on this tour.

The accommodation we normally use is detailed below. However we may use alternatives of a similar standard should the dates you request not be available.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is available to solo walkers , although there is a supplement due to the fact that some of the costs (such as transfers) are not shared. Single rooms are available on request and a supplement is payable.

Meals

A breakfast will be provided by your accommodation every morning. Usually they are buffet-style or continental breakfasts. Dinners are not included, however there are options to dine out in any of the towns, and villages (apart from Poreta where you can dine in the accommodation’s restaurant).

Lunch is also not included, but you can find small stores in which to purchase items for a picnic lunch, or your accommodation can possibly make a picnic lunch if you ask in advance. In your route notes we give advice on where you can eat/pick up lunch.

Included

4 Nights in good quality 3* and 4* hotels
4 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Transfer from Foligno Train Station to Montefalco on Day 1
Information Pack, maps, route notes, GPX tracks, access to our smartphone app
24-7 Emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to starting point/from finish point
Lunches & Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When To Go

You can start this walking tour anytime between April and October. Please bear in mind that July and August can be very hot for walking. We therefore advise that if you choose to walk during these months that you begin the walks very early in the morning, so to avoid the midday heat.

Availability in Spoleto is challenging around the times of the Festival di Spoleto which is held each year around the first 2 weeks of July. There may also be a supplement to pay if you wish to go during this time.

Getting to the Start

In order to get to Montefalco you can fly into Umbria Airport in Perugia or either of the Rome Airports. Flights into and out of Perugia are limited, however there is a flight out of London and other smaller European airports.

From Umbria Airport you can take a shuttle bus to the city centre and then board a train to Foligno which takes approximately 45 minutes. From Rome Airport, take a train to the city centre and then board another train to Foligno, which takes approximately 2H30.

An included transfer will be arranged for you from Foligno Train Station to Montefalco (20 mins). Please let us know what time you would like your transfer as soon as possible after you have booked.

Please check the Trenitalia website for timetable planning. Another useful website is Go Euro.

Getting from the End

Since Assisi Train Station is located about 3km from central Assisi you will need to take either a bus or taxi to get to it. Once at the train station, Assisi is on the main train line between Perugia and Rome, therefore both airports are easily accessible. It will take only 20 minutes to Perugia and just over 2H to get to Rome, not taking into account the shuttles to the airports from the centre of both cities. However it is also possible to get a direct bus (E422) from the centre of Assisi to Perugia Airport. It runs twice daily and takes about 30 mins. For more information check the Bus Italia website.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Montefalco and overnight

An included transfer brings you from Foligno Train Station to Montefalco (20 mins), known as the “balcony of Umbria” because of its lofty position overlooking the plain below which is covered with vineyards. This town is the centre of the Sagrantino wine region, as testified by the beautiful frescoes painted by Benozzo Gozzoli in the apse of St. Francis Church.

Be sure to arrive early if you can and take advantage of sightseeing opportunities before embarking on your first day of walking in Umbria tomorrow. A 12th century town, 5 gates lead to paths up into the central piazza. There is plenty to see here and you will have a whole day to browse, perhaps starting with the Museo di San Francesco, which is part of the St Francis Church and where you can admire many fresco paintings from the Renaissance.

Round off your day with a glass of Sagrantino wine on the terrace of a restaurant which surrounds the main piazza.

Overnight Montefalco

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Oro Rosso | 3 Star | Hotel

Your stay here includes warm hospitality, comfort and many great suggestions on what to visit locally. Our rooms are modern and with all comforts and in the restaurant you can try good local recipes and wines like the famous Sagrantino.

La Rocca Guest House and Spa | Guest House

Guests at “La Rocca” can expect a unique setting and relaxation, located in the centre of Montefalco. This big house, nicely restored and with a beautiful garden offers a peaceful haven in the heart of the green and enchanting Umbria. There are spacious terraces and bathrooms expertly decorated.

Hotel degli Affreschi | 3 Star | Hotel

Situated in the heart of Montefalco and just a 2 minute walk from the main piazza, the rooms here are modern and comfortable with views over the sweeping plain below. All the rooms are supplied with WiFi, a hairdryer, minibar, LED TV and air conditioning.

Day 2 Walk Montefalco to Bevagna 7.5 miles / 12 km Day 3 Walk Bevagna to Spello 10 miles / 16 km Day 4 Walk Spello to Assisi 11 miles / 17 km

Today you have 2 choices. You can either take an easier route to Assisi or a more challenging one. The easier route takes you alongside the valley with higher ground to your right and the harder route takes you further up the hillside close to Monte Civitelle with breath-taking views from the rock promontories.

Assisi gets closer and closer as you walk and you can admire its very dramatic position on a rocky promontory. This city is steeped in the spirit of its most prominent and well-known resident, St Francis.

Consider an extra day here as there is so much to see; the Basilica di San Francesco, being the most famous. The lower Romanesque level holds St Francis’s tomb and you can also visit the Chapel of the Relics which houses his sandals and tunic. The Upper Basilica has a high altar with frescoes by Giotto and Cavallini adorning the walls of the Gothic-style nave.

Overnight Assisi

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Giotto & Spa Assisi | 4 Star | Hotel

This 4* hotel enjoys a strategic position overlooking the Umbrian valley with panoramic restaurant, spa and conference center. Almost all rooms at the Giotto Hotel & Spa overlook the wonderful Umbrian Valley, a small part overlooks the characteristic medieval alleys of the historic city of Assisi. All rooms here are built with comfort, elegance, and practicality emphasized.

Hotel Fontebella Palace | 4 Star | Hotel

Hotel Fontebella a Renaissance style throughout and an exquisite view of the gorgeous Umbrian valley. Free WiFi is available throughout.All the rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathrooms. Some room have views over the Umbrian Valley or over the Assisi city centre.A buffet breakfast is served in the Sala degli Archi, decorated with beautiful brick arches and on site you will also find the Restaurant Il Frantoio. It has over 300 wines in its cellar, and specialises in truffle dishes and homemade pasta.

Hotel Umbra | 3 Star | Hotel

The Hotel Umbra is a three-star hotel in the heart of the historically rich Assisi, offering both city and plain views. Th Umbra offers free WiFi, an active bar and cafeteria, and communal indoor and outdoor spaces.

Day 5 Onward Travel