S-cape travel

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From Tuscani to Assisi inn to inn

During the obscure times of the middle ages an enlightened man walked along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God's signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility and brotherhood. He was Francis of Assisi a mystical personage who fascinates, even now, people from all countries; his charisma and philosophy are recognized, also, by all religions of the World.

Thanks to this trip you can follow the routes which Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of La Verna (where he received the stigmata), and the area of Assisi (where he was born and died); you can discover hidden evidences of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, crosses, walking inside forests and the typical countryside landscape of Tuscany and Umbria.

Apart from amazing places for religion and nature, along the Franciscan Path is possible to get in touch with history and culture, as well as taste the traditional recipes from the local poor cuisine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chiusi della Verna

Arrive in Chiusi della Verna, a quiet hamlet at the base of La Verna Mountain. After checking in to your hotel, walk along the medieval path to the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna and the ancient forest around; discover the many secrets of the Sanctuary and the signs of Saint Francis.

Villages along the way: Chiusi della Verna

Day 2: Chiusi della Verna to Fonte della Galletta

Walk along the edge of the Catenaia Alps between the Arno and Tiber valleys. Rest at Casella Hermitage, built in the point where Saint Francis last time looked at his holy mountain coming back to Assisi. Enjoy the several panoramic points over Casentino and Valtiberina and watch the other mountain chain around with the most important picks.

Challenge: 10 km, 880m ascending, 600m descending, 5 hours

Villages along the way: Caprese Michelangelo

Day 3: Fonte della Galletta to Anghiari

Enjoy to day's walk through the woods of Catenaia Alps to the amazing town of Anghiari. Descend from the top of the mountain, along a wild trail and observe the change of typical vegetation (beech and chestnut trees to oaks). Cross the Monti Rognosi, impressive hills composed by magmatic rocks. Discover interesting places according to local tradition and superstition. Admire the vast Montedoglio Lake and the Valley of Tiber River.

Challenge: 16 km, 200m ascending, 1400m descending, 6.0 hours

Villages along the way: Anghiari

Day 4: Anghiari round walk and San Sepolcro

Walk in the countryside around Anghiari along panoramic gravel roads. Discover medieval churches as the Pieve di Sovara. A short extension allows getting the amazing Galbino Castle, built in the 16th century. After the walk you will be transferred to San Sepolcro; according to the legend this town was founded by two pilgrims returning from the Holy Land with a fragment of Christ's tomb and they chose the place as a shrine for this relict. The name Sansepolcro comes from Santo Sepolcro which means "holy sepulchre". We recommend to walk inside this noble town and taste typical products.

Challenge: 15 km, 340m ascending, 795m descending, 5.0 hours

Day 5: San Sepolcro to Città di Castello

Following the Tiber River, the itinerary crosses one of most cultivated valleys in Italy, the Valtiberina. The local important and famous product is tobacco which is used for the production of Tuscan cigars. The to day's walk is completely flat and runs along country roads or parallel paths to the river; fields and pastures alternate with preserved bank vegetation composed by poplars and willows. In this kinds of environments it is easy to see many birds of prey or water birds as Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night-Heron, Moorhen etc..

Challenge: 19 km, 0m ascending, 0m descending, 6 hours

Villages along the way: San Sepolcro

Day 6: Valfabbrica to Assisi

You get the hamlet of Valfabbrica by taxi and start to follow the Strada Francescana della Pace; this itinerary runs along the typical hills of Umbria, rich in clay and sand soil. The walk is quite demanding whit some hard slopes which get impressive panoramic point; you can avoid one harder section follow instructions. In the last part you sight Assisi from a top of hills; the walk passes directly from the countryside to the centre of the town. It is strictly recommend walking in the town enjoying its history, art and structure.

Challenge: 12 km, 615m ascending, 956m descending, 5 hours

Villages along the way: Assisi

Day 7: Eremo delle Carceri to Spello

Both the itineraries to day, take you across the Subasio Mountain from the north side to the south side, leaving from the Eremo delle Carceri to Spello. You will enjoy wonderful landscapes along the routes covered by Saint Francis during his pilgrimages; it is a trip inside wilderness and spirituality, discovering pleasant hermitages and hamlets.

Challenge: Itinerary 1: 8 km, 473m ascendnig, 940m descending, 3 hours

Itinerary 2: 14 km, 524m ascending, 1015m descending, 5 hours

Villages along the way: Eremo delle Carceri and Spello

Day 8: Arrivederci Assisi!

The trip and our services end after breakfast.