Umbria Unveiled (self-guided)

Walk through the hill towns of Umbria along the ancient pathways of St Francis

Italy has a ‘Green Heart’, where it is a pleasure to walk through the lovely countryside on this self-guided adventure. You walk from village to village, a full immersion in the mythical Umbrian landscape. At first through forests and vineyards, then through the rolling hills between the spectacular hilltop towns of Trevi, Spello and Assisi. A short detour can be made to the wonderful high plain of Castelluccio, near Norcia, with its extensive meadows, fields of wheat and wild flowers. Walking here in spring is an unforgettable experience! Moreover Umbria is a land full of cultural treasures, ranging from the world famous Assisi, to lesser known small medieval towns like Trevi, Spello and Norcia, and of course the wonderful Roman town of Spoleto. You have ample time to visit these historic towns and the many beautiful medieval monasteries along the pilgrim’s roads. However the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. Most of all, many of the views have changed little for hundreds of years. Eastern Umbria is still an area where you feel the genuine heart of Italy. You’ll walk at an easy pace from highlight to highlight, taking in the best of central Italy. Our tour finishes in the city of Assisi, but can easily be extended with a day or more in Perugia, the region’s capital city, a beautiful and lively cultural capital.

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Spoleto

Meals included: 1 dinner

Your tour starts with your arrival in the beautiful Umbrian town of Spoleto. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving/departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. Your hotel is located in the heart of the old town, known for its beautiful churches and many Roman monuments. Spoleto is a very pleasant city to wander around and explore and depending on your arrival time, you may wish to go for a short visit of the town centre. This evening dinner is included at the restaurant of the hotel, which has a renowned kitchen. After dinner you may wish to take a stroll to the famous ‘Ponte delle Torri', an incredible 13th century aqueduct and a marvellous site when illuminated at night!

Day 2: Spoleto - Monteluco

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your walk today takes you firstly through the historical town centre of Spoleto and to the fortress. You then walk across the impressive ‘Ponte delle Torri’ bridge to the other side of the valley and on to the hill of Monteluco. From here you can take a pleasant roundwalk through the forested hills, with wonderful views on Spoleto and its surroundings. The hill of Monteluco is known to be a ‘holy mountain’ and many of the trails are linked to the spiritual history of the area. Here you can discover the ‘holy forest’ with its many grottoes and wander along medieval chapels through a pleasant wooded landscape. You then descend back into the valley of Spoleto again, and along the medieval chapel of San Pietro you return to the old town. (Walking time: 4-5 hours)

Day 3: In to the Valnerina

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

After breakfast you begin a long and rewarding walk, which will brings you into the Valnerina, the wonderful valley of the Nera river. Firstly you cross the Ponte delle Torri again, and then start following a beautiful path along an ancient aqueduct, with great views across to Spoleto. Then you follow the waymarked trail into the small valley of the Val Cieca, the ‘blind valley’, uphill until you reach the Castelmonte pass. From here the path goes downhill and in the early afternoon you reach the small hamlet of Cese. You'll continue the walk through forested hills and towards the end of the afternoon you reach the beautiful Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, now a historical country residence. This wonderful property is your base for the next two nights. (Walking time: 6 hours)

Day 4: Marmore waterfalls

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Leaving the abbey this morning, you head west, walking through the narrowest part of the Nera valley, which until not so long ago was almost completely cut off from the outside world and virtually untouched. Along several charming hamlets, following the pilgrim’s trail from Assisi to Rome, you reach one of the wonders of central Italy: the Marmore waterfalls. These waterfalls, about 165 metres high offer a unique visual and acoustic experience. And the most intriguing fact about them is that they were actually manmade in Roman times. You can take a wonderful roundwalk in the area, walking from one viewpoint to the next. After some time for contemplation or a drink at the waterfalls, you return either by bus or private taxi (optional) to your base at the abbey. Walking time: 5 hours

Day 5: Along the ‘Path of the Olives’ to Trevi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today a short transfer takes you to Poreta (or to Bazzano Superiore should you wish to do a slightly longer walk). From one of these places you start your walk in northerly direction, again along the medieval trails that link Assisi to Rome, today known as the ‘Path of the Olives’. Depending on the walk you choose to take you can opt for a route through the hills, scattered with remains of medieval castles and walled hamlets, or descend into the valley and discover the mythical springs of the Clitunno river, believed to be divine waters in Roman times. Your goal for today is the beautiful small town of Trevi, one of the most charming villages of central Italy, overlooking the Valle Umbria and famous for its crystal clear spring water. Upon arrive you can settle into your hotel for the night. In the evening you might choose to dine in one the nearby restaurants in the old town centre or at the hotel's restaurant. (Walking time: 4 +2 hours for longer option)

Day 6: Spello - Assisi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

From Trevi you’ll have a short transfer to the old Roman town of Spello, according to many one of the most charming villages in the area. Here you can enjoy a morning coffee or refreshment before commencing your walk uphill, all the way through the old town centre, located on a ridge. After having passed the medieval town walls, the ridge continues and you walk uphill, through the olive groves. According to your energy level you can opt for either the walk over the ridge of the Monte Subasio, or (recommended) stay at a lower level and walk through pleasant countryside, with great views over the valley and the city of Assisi, yet another highlight of this tour and the goal for today. In the afternoon you reach the Eremo delle Carceri, the place where St. Francis, and after him many others, sought spiritual relief, now a beautiful small monastery with nice surrounding garden. From here you have the possibility to either continue the walk all the way down or take the bus to downtown Assisi, where you will spend the next two nights. Walking time: 6 hours + 1.5-2 hours for longer option)

Day 7: Assisi - Mt Subasio

Meals included: 1 breakfast

After breakfast you can take your time to explore the city of Assisi. The city is full of highlights, among which of course, the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St. Francis), with its wonderful frescos by Giotto, a World Heritage Site. The Greek temple of the central square and the underground Roman Forum are also worth a visit. For those who want to do another short walk to conclude their walking holiday in style you can take the bus to the Eremo delle Carceri and from there undertake the ascent of Mt. Subasio. This beautiful roundwalk takes you along natural springs and small chapels, before descending back into the historical heart of Assisi, where you’ll spend your last evening. (Walking time 3.5 hours + 2 hours for longer option)

Day 8: End Assisi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your trip comes to an end, after breakfast this morning. From the centre of Assisi a regular bus service operates to the train station from where there are frequent trains to Rome and Florence. An optional private transfer is possible at an additional cost - enquire at time of booking.

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About Peregrine

Peregrine has been operating adventure holidays since 1977. Today we can help you discover all four corners of the globe, from the Polar regions, to Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. We offer high-quality, excellent-value, small-group adventures to interesting areas of the world, in harmony with the local people and the environment.

What's Included

Luggage transfers, transfer on Day 5, detailed route notes and maps.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• Mini-van
• On foot

Accommodation

• 5 nights Comfortable hotel
• 2 nights Feature Stay

Meals

• 7 breakfasts
• 2 dinners

Not Included

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals (unless stated in itinerary), drinks, additional tours or activities, entrance fees, taxis/transport (if opting out of walks), tips and items of a personal nature.

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Visas and Permits

Italy

Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Italy. Some EU nationals may travel in Europe using only an identity card, however it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities if this applies to you.

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Important Information

Departure dates This trip operates daily from 01 March until 31 October. 

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

3 November 2011

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