DAY 1Arrival in Spello We meet you at Foligno train station late afternoon and transfer you (25 minutes) to your hotel in time for dinner. La Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 2Spello to Assisi; 11km/8mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/5hr The shorter, lower route takes you through lush Umbrian countryside, with its distinctive dark green cypresses and silver-colored olive trees, and will get you back to Assisi with time to continue your exploration of this spiritual city. The longer, more challenging route takes you via the sacred Eremo delle Carceri (St. Francis’ famous hermitage) where he used to pray and talk to the birds. A final dinner of Umbrian specialties rewards your efforts. Hotel La Terrazza, Assisi
DAY 3Layover day at Assisi Several options await you today. You may laze by the hotel pool, enjoy a relaxed lunch on the outdoor patio, walk to the historic center of town, or visit the stunning St. Francis basilica and the beautiful Piazza del Comune where you’ll find the well-preserved Minerva Temple. Or you may take the train into Perugia, the region’s capital city and home to infinite art treasures. Hotel La Terrazza, Assisi
DAY 4Assisi to Santa Maria di Lignano; 15km/9mi/4.5hr Today, you then head out along the unspoiled Franciscan trail, tracing (in reverse) St. Francis’ steps on his last journey to the town. You’ll skirt the north side of Monte Subasio before winding down to Satriano, in the heart of the Monte Subasio Natural Park, where you arrive at your home for the next two nights. La Tavola dei Cavalieri, Santa Maria di Lignano
DAY 5Layover day at Santa Maria di Lignano At an altitude of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, the views from your hotel afford a fabulous 360-degree panorama of the luxuriant natural park and surrounding Apennine Mountains. There are literally hundreds of forest trails at your doorstep. The hotel also rents bikes if you prefer to explore on two wheels. La Tavola dei Cavalieri, Santa Maria di Lignano
DAY 6Santa Maria di Lignano to Le Silve; 14km/9mi/4.5hr You set off this morning along pine-scented forest trails before winding slightly uphill along the Marchetto River. You continue along former drover’s tracks, passing meadows carpeted with colorful flowers—orchids, edelweiss, and wild tulips—enjoying lovely gorge views en route. You cross the gorge via the Ponte del Marchetto, also known as Ponte dei Lupi, or Wolves’ Bridge. It’s unlikely you will encounter this rare animal. You will, however, enjoy pure luxury for the next two nights relaxing at the Silve di Armenzano estate. Hotel Le Silve, Armenzano
DAY 7Layover day at Le Silve You almost feel as though you have the world to yourself as you explore the wonderfully wild surroundings of your 230-hectare estate. There are over 20 kilometers, or 12.4 miles, of well-marked walking paths and trails winding around St. Francis’ “magical” Subasio Mountain and the surrounding valleys. Enjoy a swim in the new deck-level saltwater pool, and perhaps end the day with a relaxing sauna or afternoon tea in the exquisite tearoom. A guided tour of the estate, complete with photography stations for wildlife, can be organized through the hotel’s reception. Hotel Le Silve, Armenzano
DAY 8Le Silve to Spello; 14km/9mi/4.5hr Today’s route follows the lower eastern slopes of Monte Subasio, passing through the restored hamlet of San Giovanni. You then continue up to the Rifugio di Madonna della Spella for panoramic views over the open pastureland before descending through oak and centuries-old olive groves to finish in charming Spello, one of the finest preserved medieval towns in the region. La Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 9Departure from Spello After breakfast, a transfer is provided to Foligno train station (30 minutes) where you may make connections for your journey home or your next destination.
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After eight days of hiking around Umbria we felt wonderful and invigorated! The scenery was great, the staff at the hotels were wonderful, the food was fabulous, and our lack of Italian language skills was not a problem.
- T. & S. Strane, WisconsinOur Country Walkers tour exceeded every expectation. We can’t wait to try one in another location.
- G. & H. Crew, Massachusetts