General Information Walk from the Etruscan city of Todi to Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis. Tranquil countryside of meadows, woods, vineyards and olive groves – Italy’s ‘green heart’, visit some of the finest Umbrian hill towns on route – medieval Montefalco, and roman Spello and Bevagna. See superb art, including frescoes by Giotto, Pinturicchio, Simone Martini, etc. High, open pastures of Monte Subasio, and the path used by St Francis.This is an 8-day trip which has 5 days walking, 1 of which is optional. Shortest / Longest days walk: 2.5 / 6 hrs.
Travel Information Travel: Recommended Destination Airport : Rome
Arrival:.From Rome there is a 2.5 hour train and bus service to Todi (last departure 18.00). From Assisi there are frequent trains to Rome, Florence etc. Public transport on route: Montefalco – Bevagna – Spello – Assisi – Perugia.
Taxis: Rome Airport to First Hotel - approximately 190 Euros. Last Hotel to Rome Airport - approximately 220 Euros.
Dates:Start any day from 01 Apr to 24 Oct
Level of Difficulty Terrain:Flat plains and high hills but gradual ascents. Strade bianche (small gravel roads), wood-land paths, grassy meadows and forest tracks.
Accommodation On this trip there is both Standard and Superior accommodation packages.
Night 1: Todi Standard: **** Fonte Cesia Historic palazzo in centre of medieval city. B&B (Night 1) Superior: Same Hotel, Larger room.
Night 2: Giano dell'Umbria Standard and Superior: ** Park Hotel Montecerreto Simple modern hotel a short distance from the little village. B&B Night 3: Montefalco Standard and Superior: *** Degli Affreschi Converted historic palazzo in centre. Swimming facilities nearby. B&B
Night 4: Bevagna Standard: *** Brunamonti Comfortable hotel in medieval centre. B&B Superior: Orto degli Angeli Residenza d'Epoca Elegant villa with garden in medieval town centre. B&B
Night 5: Spello Standard: ** Il Cacciatore Family-run hotel in the old town, terrace with views to Monte Subasio. B&B Superior: **** Palazzo Bocci Fine converted palazzo with antique furniture in historic town. B&B
Night 6 & 7: Assisi Standard: Country House (Agri) A simple converted farmhouse set in an olive grove, with outdoor pool, 1km from the city. B&B Superior: San Crispino Historical Residence Beautiful apartments in 14C building in centre of Assisi. Room only
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Todi
Day 2: Todi to Giano dell’Umbria Walking: down to the Tiber valley, across farmland, up to the pastures of Monti Martani and down to Giano. (12.6 miles, 6 hrs)
Day 3:Giano dell’Umbria to Montefalco Walking: from sheep pastures through vineyards and olive groves, then across wheat and barley fields to Montefalco. (7.2 miles, 3 hrs 30) Cycling: lanes lead through the renowned vineyards of this area to Montefalco. (18.2 miles)
Day 4: Montefalco to Bevagna Walking: explore Montefalco then an afternoon walk down through vineyards and farmland to the walled medieval town of Bevagna. (4.7 miles, 2 hrs 30) Cycling: country roads along a ridge to walled Bevagna. (9.4 miles)
Day 5: Bevagna to Spello Walking: explore Bevagna then an afternoon walk across a fertile plain to Spello. (7 miles, 3 hrs 30) Cycling: quiet lanes across a plain to Spello. (11.5 miles)
Day 6: Spello to Assisi Walking: up through scrub and woods to Monte Subasio, then across high meadows and down the stony path used by St Francis to Assisi. (11 miles, 5.5 hours). There is also an alternative route along the side of the mountain to the Carceri Hermitage and down to Assisi. (10 miles; 5 hrs 30) Cycling: fine ride across the hills (14.5 miles with an ascent of 500 metres); or the ‘classic’ route, for the experienced mountain biker, straight across the top of Monte Subasio. (14.5 miles, 1000 metres up)
Day 7: Free day in Assisi
Day 8:Return to the airport
Notes: No. Of luggage moves included: 5 No. Of nights with half board (dinner included): 0 Cycle hire: £60 / $95
No. Of luggage moves included: 5 No. of nights with half board (dinner included): 0 Cycle hire: £60 / $95
