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St Francis - Section 2
From Sansepolcro to Assisi - ""
Walking: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
The second section of the St Francis Way will take you into northern Umbria, Italy’s green heart.
As you leave Florence and the mountains and forests behind, the landscape opens on a wide flat valley, surrounded by hills topped with charming little villages.
Your destination for this section is ASSISI. This little town on the flanks of Mount Subasio is the centre, both in spiritual and geographical sense, of your route.
This is where Francis was born in the year 1189 and where he died in 1226: the great Basilica built on his tomb contains some of the most important frescoes of the Middle Ages.
The town is an open-air museum, with its medieval walls, castle, alleys, churches and buildings, not to mention its now subterranean Roman quarter.
Your arrival point is the BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO.
How to get there? Click here
Day by Day & Hotels
Hotels & country cottages have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, character, food, and friendliness of the staff. They are subject to availability and if the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price. Please click on hotel information below.
There are 9 days
Day 1: Sansepolcro
Sansepolcro is a pleasant and interesting town located on the plains of the Upper Tiber Va ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
Sansepolcro is a pleasant and interesting town located on the plains of the Upper Tiber Valley, in the southeast of Tuscany, Italy, bordering Umbria and The Marches. It is worth visiting for its ambiance, for its art works, to a lesser extent for its architecture, and if possible for the Palio della Balestra (crossbow tournament) held every year on the second Sunday of September when large numbers of citizens dress in mediaeval costume and the evocative Piazza Torre di Berta becomes the site for the historical competition of the “Palio of the Ballestra”, during which the crossbow-men of Sansepolcro challenge those from Gubbio in neighbouring "Bella Umbria". In the morning, as an ancient custom requires, the Herald proclaims the challenge against the rivals. In the afternoon, after the crossbows are blessed, the crossbow-men come into the square after the flag-throwing exercise is completed. For both of these displays, Renaissance costume is worn, inspired by the paintings of Piero della Francesca. The challenge between the towns of Gubbio and Sansepolcro has very ancient origin: in a document dated 1619, the crossbow-men of Sansepolcro invite those from Gubbio to take part in the Palio of Saint Egidio on the second Sunday of September. According to tradition, Sansepolcro was founded in the 10 C by two pilgrims, Arcanus and Aegidius, who, returning after a long stay in Holy Land, brought with them a fragment of the Holy Sepulchre. They constructed an Oratory which, because of the holy relic, became an important spiritual site. The first historical records date from slightly later and refer to the construction of a Benedictine Abbey. The historical centre Sansepolcro reached its current size around 1400, and in 1500 Giuliano da Sangallo ordered the construction of its walls. Sansepolcro has been ruled by Milan, the Malatesta of Rimini and then Florence.
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in a 3* hotel located in the heart of the town. www.ristorantefiorentino.it
Day 2: Sansepolcro to Citerna
12km, 3h30, +227 m / -142 m: We get out of the walls of Sansepolcro by Porta Fiorentina an ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
12km, 3h30, +227 m / -142 m: We get out of the walls of Sansepolcro by Porta Fiorentina and walk down the main road to Arezzo. Past the industrial area and across the bridge on the Tiber, we continue on secondary roads across the flat contryside. Fighille, in the administrative province of Perugia, is the first village over the regional border between Tuscany and Umbria, lying at the foot of the hill, topped by the beautiful medieval town of Citerna (480m). It is highly recommended to take an extra 4 Km walk, downhill and back, to see the “Madonna del Parto” in the neighbouring little town of Monterchi (350m).
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in 2* hotel.
Day 3: Citerna to Città di Castello
20km (Via Monterchi 22 Km), 5h45, ,110 m / -282 m: Start downhill amid open fields. It you ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
20km (Via Monterchi 22 Km), 5h45, ,110 m / -282 m: Start downhill amid open fields. It you have not gone to Monterchi the day before, you can do it now by following an alternative route. A winding country road over the hills leads to Le Burgne (agriturismo). Across the beautiful countryside, dotted with scattered villas and farmhouses, we get down to Lerchi and uphill again to the ancient Franciscan convent of Eremo del Buonriposo (520m). Finally, downhill again to Città di Castello (290m), the largest town in Umbria north of Perugia.
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in a 3* hotel located in the heart of the town.
Day 4: Città di Castello to Collevecchio
12km, 3h30, +304 m / -183 m : From Città di Castello the path takes into the hills on the ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
12km, 3h30, +304 m / -183 m : From Città di Castello the path takes into the hills on the east side of the Valtiberina. Over country roads, get to the spectacular Molino del Sasso on the river Soara, then up into the mountains, amid woods and vineyards, to Collevecchio (570m) and the local agriturismo.
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: in historic old farm that has been carefully restored. It stands in a splendid hill setting just outside the picturesque little thirteenth century town of Collevecchio.
Day 5: Collevecchio to Pietralunga
19km, 5h30, +677 m / -519 m: Follow the main road for a while, over the pass of Candeggio ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
19km, 5h30, +677 m / -519 m: Follow the main road for a while, over the pass of Candeggio (620m), then turn into solitary country roads, with a broad view on the hills all around; stop for rest and water supply at Pieve di Saddi, an ancient church in the middle of a little rural village. Up and down the hills amid woods and open fields, the path finally takes to Pietralunga (565m).
own Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in a 3* hotel located in the heart of the town.
Day 6: Pietralunga to Gubbio
26km, 7h30, +850 m / -896 m: This stage continues eastwards into the mountinous pre-apenni ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
26km, 7h30, +850 m / -896 m: This stage continues eastwards into the mountinous pre-apenninic area, past the ancient Abbey of San Benedetto Vecchio (630m). The path then winds its way around Monte Spesce, up to Poggio del Prato (780m), amid woods and a few scattered houses. Downhill again to isolated little villages, the church of Loreto (530m) and Casamorcia (440m), where we finally find bars and restaurants, as well as an hotel. The path continues over a flat country road, to reach the Roman Theatre and the church of St Francis in Gubbio (520m).
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in a 2* hotel located in the historic centre.
Day 7: Gubbio to Biscina
22km, 6h15, +527 m / -609 m: Leave Gubbio passing by the little church of Vittorina and fo ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
22km, 6h15, +527 m / -609 m: Leave Gubbio passing by the little church of Vittorina and follow a little straight road across the flat countryside. Continue uphill amid woods to Valdichiascio (650m); in the area we find some agriturismo and the Abbey of Vallingegno. Over dirt roads and trails, we pass by the Church of Caprignone before reaching Biscina (520m), an ancient castle with annexed agriturismo.
Day 8: Biscina to Assisi
29km, 8h15, +1167 m / -1126 m: From the hilltop, overlooking the artificial lake of Valfa ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
29km, 8h15, +1167 m / -1126 m: From the hilltop, overlooking the artificial lake of Valfabbrica, we follow a country road over the hills that surround the lake, passing by the Pieve di Coccorano (440m) and the dam. Continue downhill to Barcaccia (270m), an ancient farmhouse where Francis used to rest, and, just past the crossroads to Ripa and Perugia, onward to the bridge on River Chiascio, then up to Valfabbrica (290m), the first refreshment point on the way. Leave the little town on a country road and into the hills again: Pieve San Nicolò (570m) lays less than 1 Km off the path. Continue gently downhill amid olive trees and vineyards, already in view of Assisi, then amid the woods to an ancient stone bridge on River Tescio, Ponte di Santa Croce (270m), at the foot of Mount Subasio. A steep road leads to Porta San Giacomo and to the St Francis Basilicas in Assisi (370m). www.fontebella.com/home_eng.html
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room in a 3* hotel with renaissance style located in the centre.
Day 9: Assisi
Assisi is a small Umbrian town in central Italy, located 12 miles (19 km) east of Perugia ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: No
Assisi is a small Umbrian town in central Italy, located 12 miles (19 km) east of Perugia at an elevation of 1,300 feet (400 meters). Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi — patron saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. Assisi's main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which contains the sacred relics of Francis and beautiful frescoes of his life. And there are at least seven other churches well worth visiting for their history, beauty, and connection with Francis or his friend Clare. The town of Assisi, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines, has been a major Catholic pilgrimage destination for centuries and is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
Location: ATM, shops. all facilities. Lodging: 3* hotel en-suite in the center of the town, with renaissance style throughout the establishment.
Prices & Booking
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There is no intermediaries when booking with us, so feel free to contact us for advice, customisation or if you wish to combine several sections together. If you just wish to make a quick payment, submit your credit card and reference on our booking page. |
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Classic |
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Note:
Options: We can upgrade your holiday in 4, 5* and Paradors. We can also offer extra nights and airport transfers. Ask us!
Families: We are now offering 40% off prices for children aged between 3-9 years old, and 20% off prices for children aged between 10-17 years old. Children under 3 come free.
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Price € PPS |
Single Room |
Extra Nights |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
899 |
1106 |
Single: 99 |
ask us For more info, see "how to get there" section, right under trip's introduction. |
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Mid Season |
869 |
1049 |
Single: 99 |
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Low Season |
839 |
993 |
Single: 99 |
PPS: Per person sharing
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 140km
Duration: 8 Nights
Activity: 
Walking
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Half Board
Available: All year round
Price: From €839
10 reasons to book with us
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(1,2) Leisurely (3,4) Stimulating (5) A Challenge
Our holidays are graded by 3 categories of difficulty: Leisurely, Stimulating and A Challenge. This grading system will allow you to select the ideal holiday for yourself or your group. We aim to offer you the best experiences and unforgettable memories on a holiday where your desire for a challenge, comfort and safety are our priority. As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you decide on a holiday which best suits your own needs and capabilities. You should take some time to look over our grading system so you can decide which holiday is best for you!
How do we grade?
When grading our holidays we take 3 main factors into consideration: Distance, Gradient and Trail Type (i.e. mountain track, forest road, surfaced road, etc.)
Our Easy walking and cycling holidays are best for families with young children. With older children, experience and fitness level should be considered when deciding on a holiday.
Leisurely(1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.
Stimulating(3,4)
• Time: 5 to 7 hours / less than 20km per day on average
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation.
A Challenge (5)
• Time: Days can be over 7 hours / 20km
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to your holiday. These should include some mountain walks.
Please find below information on how to get to your destination and back. You can also look at our "Camino flight Finder" page, and our airport guide.
Fly to and back from: Rome
Rome (Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino): Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino is Romes main airport and is served by virtually all airlines. It is situated beside the coast, about 15km west of Rome city centre. Airport info http://www.adr.it/fiumicino
Rome (Ciampino): Ciampino is a small airport but Ryanair serve most European destinations from here. The airport is about 10km south of Rome city centre.. Airport info http://www.ciampino-airport.info/
Fly to and back from: Pisa
The Pisa airport (Galileo Galilei) is situated 1km from the city centre., and is the main airport of Toscany. http://www.pisa-airport.com/
To the start of the walk in Sansepolcro:
From Rome (Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino): Take the train (Leonardo Express, 14€) from the airport to Rome Termine Train Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From here take the train to Sansepolcro, which takes arround 3,5 hours. Train info www.trenitalia.com.
From Rome (Ciampino): There are 2 options for getting from Ciampino Airport to Rome Termine Train Station. (A) Take a 5min shuttle bus to Ciampino Train Station and then a train to Rome Termine Station, which takes about 15 minutes. OR (B) Take a 40min bus (Terravision - 4€) from the airport. Bus info: www.terravision.eu/rome_ciampino.html From Rome Termine Station From take the train to Sansepolcro, which takes about 3,5 hours. Train info www.trenitalia.com.
From Pisa (Galileo Galilei): Take the train from the airport to Sansepolcro, which takes arround 5 hours.
Back from Rome:
To Rome (Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino): There is a shuttle train to the airport, from Rome Termine Station, which takes about 30 mins.
To Rome (Ciampino): From Rome there are 2 options for getting to Ciampino Airport. (A) Take a 15min train to Ciampino and then a 5min shuttle bus to the airport. OR (B) Take a 45min bus to the airport from Rome Termine Station. Bus info www.adr.it/static/en/portal/portal/adr/Ciampino/Servizi/Come_raggiungerci/Arrivo_bus.html
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Not Included:
Flights Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
