General Information Walk from the medieval town of Norcia to the bustling city of Spoleto. Enjoy one of the least-visited and most beautiful areas of Europe, rounded peaks of the Monti Sibillini and the piano Grande filled with flowers in spring visit superb medieval towns, Romanesque monasteries, shrines and frescoed churches. This trip is an elegant approach to the medieval city of Spoleto, via its arched 14c bridge. This is an 8-day trip with 5 days walking, 2 of which are optional. Shortest / longest days walk: 2.5 / 6.5 hrs.
Travel Information Travel: Recommended Destination Airport : Rome
Arrival: Trains depart hourly from Rome Fiumicino airport to Rome Tiburtina train station, from where the last bus to Norcia leaves at 1530 (arr. 1830). Alternatively, trains from Rome Termini to Spoleto take 1 hr 20, with bus connection to Norcia. Last train/bus dep. Rome 1845, arr. Norcia 2055. On your return Spoleto is on main line to Rome.
Taxis: Rome Airport to First Hotel - approximately 220 Euros. Last Hotel to Rome Airport - approximately 195 Euros
Dates Start any day from 01 May to 30 June & 1 Sep - 31 Oct
Level of Difficulty Terrain: Woodland, sheep and mule tracks, dirt roads and ways over high open grassland with wide views. In the Monti Sibillini the route includes grassy ridges and well-made tracks on most ascents and descents. Some steep, stony paths; Stick/pole is advisable.
Food/Meals Truffle country! Noted for the superb Tuber Melanosporum of Norcia and Norcineria (the superb hams and salami of Norcia that have given their name to a generative term for cured meats used throughout Italy). Fresh trout from streams, games, lamb, sheep's cheese and noted green lentils. Si mangia bene.
Famous wines from nearby Montefalco and Orvieto, and some interesting ones from the Adriatic Coast.
Accommodation On this trip there is both Standard and Superior accommodation packages.
Night 1 & 2: Norcia Standard: *** Grotta Azzurra Characteristic hotel in town centre with renowned restaurant. HB Superior: **** Palazzo Seneca Elegantly restored palazzo in town centre. B&B
Night 3: Roccaporena Standard and Superior: ** Hotel Roccaporena Basic rooms in pilgrim hotel in medieval village (officially 3*) HB Night 4 & 5: Scheggino Standard: *** Del Ponte Hotel with renowned restaurant, beside medieval village and river. HB San Pietro in Valle Superior: Residenza d'Epoca Beautifully restored rooms in Romanesque abbey. B&B
Night 6 & 7: Spoleto Standard: ** Aurora Friendly, comfortable hotel in quiet medieval quarter. B&B Superior: **** Il Gattapone Best rooms in delightful hotel overlooking gorge and medieval aquaduct. B&B
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Norcia
Day 2: Free day around Norcia Opportunity to walk across the Piano Grande, (taxi ride to Castelluccio) perhaps the most inspiring highland plain in Europe, or alternatively take a walk on the Piano di Santa Scolastica and explore Norcia with its central piazza with church of St Benedict (480-543AD) and medieval town walls. (9.9 miles, 5 hrs)
Day 3: Norcia to Roccaporena Walk through oak woods and follow farm tracks across low hills to the small town of Cascia and chrches with 14th century frescoes. The follow an ancient pilgrim path along the gorge to Roccaporena, birthplace of St Rita, patron saint of desperate causes. (12.7 miles. 6 hrs 30)
Day 4: Roccaporena to Scheggino Cross hills with oak woods, famous for their truffles to Gavelli, with fine frescoes recently restored. Follow an old (dirt) road steeply down to Scheggino. If you are staying at San Pietro in Valle you will need to take a taxi from Scheggino (10 minutes). (12.9 miles, 6 hrs 30)
Day 5: Scheggino to San Pietro in Valle Optional walk along the Valnerina Valley to the superb monastery of San Pietro in Valle, founded in the 5th century with frescoes, Roman decorative fragments and sarcophagi of 8th century Lombard dukes. (6.1 miles, 2 hrs 30 – double for return) Day 6: Scheggino to Spoleto From Scheggino follow the route of a disused, but once famous railway, a remarkable example of 19C engineering. Cross a pass before descending through chestnut woods, farmland and olive groves to enter Spoleto across the Ponte delle Torri, and the most elegant approach on foot to any city in Italy. (11.8 miles, 6 hrs)
Day 7: Free day in Spoleto An opportunity to explore the medieval city, its 12th C cathedral with frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi, and Romanesque churches. The Spoleto Festival takes place during the first two weeks of July.
Day 8: Return to the airport
Notes: No. Of luggage moves included: 3 No. Of nights with half board (dinner included): Standard - 5 nights ; Superior - 1 night
