St Francis Way: Chiusi to Città di Castello

Walking through the Umbrian landscape

Walking through hilltop towns is a highlight on the St Francis Way

Walking on the open landscapes of western Tuscany on the St Francis Way

The rolling landscapes of Umbria are a feature of the St Francis Way camino route

Walkers on the route from La Verna to Caprese Michelangelo

The hilltop town of Anghiari along the St Francis Way in western Tuscany

Walking through the Umbrian landscape

Walking through hilltop towns is a highlight on the St Francis Way

Walking on the open landscapes of western Tuscany on the St Francis Way

The rolling landscapes of Umbria are a feature of the St Francis Way camino route

Walkers on the route from La Verna to Caprese Michelangelo

The hilltop town of Anghiari along the St Francis Way in western Tuscany

moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

5 nights hotels/agriturismo/B&B'\s

Meals

2 Dinners
5 Breakfasts

6 Days£650GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SW1

Trip highlights

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
Discovering the wild slopes of the Apennine mountains and the best preserved forests in Italy
Visiting quintessential Italian towns each with their unique atmosphere
Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming B&Bs and agriturismo

During the Middle Ages St Francis of Assisi traversed the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God's signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility and brotherhood. During this section of the Way of St Francis 'camino' route, follow the paths St Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages. Discover traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels and crosses as you walk through the typical landscape of eastern Tuscany and northern Umbria; shady forests, orchards, olive groves and fields of wheat, corn and tobacco. Apart from the spiritual side of this walk, there are numerous drawcards along the way such as Chiusi with its charming location and Franciscan monastery, the medieval hamlet of Anghiari and the culinary delights which await each evening. Crossing from the Arno to the Tiber river valleys, with hill top castles dotting the landscape and evidence of St Francis and his journey from church to chapels, there are also opportunities to view birdlife such as Montagu's Harrier and Moorhen.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Chiusi

Finishing Point:

Città di Castello

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Chiusi della Verna

On arrival in Chiusi, head to the hotel and check in (usually from 2pm). If you arrive early enough you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon*. The Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 6:30am to 7:30pm, and until 10pm in summer. NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers/a skirt below the knee. For more information: www.laverna.it/en/ *Buses operate only on week days.

Meals: D

Day 2
Walk to Caprese Michelangelo (4hrs)

Today's walk takes you along the edge of the Catenaia “Alps” between the Arno and Tiber valleys. Throughout the day you'll enjoy many panoramic points overlooking the Casentino and Valtiberina valley. Overnight in a cosy hotel well located in the village of Caprese Michelangelo in the high Tiber Valley. The town is the birthplace of Renaissance artist Michelangelo and the Michelangelo museum is worth a visit. Distance 13km/8mi, Ascent +456m/1496ft, Descent -820m/2690ft

Meals: B

Day 3
Discover castle topped hills en route to Anghiari (7hrs)

Today is the longest stage of the trip and we suggest setting off early. After the sights at the 13th-century church of St John the Baptist, where Michelangelo was baptised, walk on paths and dirt roads along the Valtiberina valley enjoying breath-taking views. You walk through the countryside surrounding Anghiari and cross castle topped hills, ancient parish churches and medieval villages and hamlets. The landscape is beautiful and the vast views are amazing; looking west is the imposing Alpe di Poti mountain chain, to the north the Alpe di Catenaia, to the south the flat plain of the Tiber river and east are the Alpe della Luna. On arrival in Anghiari you can explore this amazing medieval hamlet and we recommend having a drink in “Giardini del Vicario” at Piazza del Popolo. It’s a lovely cafè-wine bar with a wonderful view over the valley. Own dinner arrangements. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, +672m/2204ft, -907m/2975ft An extra night can be added here - must be requested at the time of booking. Please ask for our rates.

Meals: B

Day 4
Transfer to Sansepolcro and walk to Citerna in Umbria (5hrs)

A short morning transfer will take you to Sansepolcro. Today’s walk is along the valley, following the course of the Tiber River between the two most important towns of Valtiberina (the Upper Tiber valley). Leaving the centre of Sansepolcro you'll be immersed in the rich countryside, walking among corn, wheat and tobacco fields, pastures and country houses. Named one of Italy's prettiest villages, medieval Citerna has typical lanes, stone buildings, encircling walls, and city gates. Once part of the territory of the Etruscans, evidence of a Roman presence can also be found. Distance 16km/10mi, Ascent +322m/1056ft, Descent -170m/558ft

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Final stage to Città di Castello (5 or 7hrs)

Following the river Tiber, the route crosses one of most cultivated valleys in Italy (Valtiberina), where the most important crop is tobacco used for the production of Tuscan cigars. Today’s walk is at times completely flat and runs along country roads or paths parallel to the river; fields and pastures alternate with preserved bank vegetation with by poplars and willows. In this area it is easy to see many birds of prey or water birds such as Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night-Heron and Moorhen. Overnight in the historic town of Città di Castello, Umbria’s northern-most town and the largest town in the Tiber valley. Its many artistic treasures will surprise you, including the Palazzo del Podestà overlooking other palazzi on Piazza Matteotti and the Cathedral of San Florido. Don't miss the views from the top of the Civic Tower and perhaps dine on white truffles, a prized local delicacy, and perhaps a glass of Montefalco Sagrantino amidst monuments dating from Roman times Distance 16 or 20km/10 or 12.5mi, Ascent +705m/2313ft, Descent -903m/2692ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast, or you can continue on the next stage to Assisi.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

5 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
5 nights in 3 star hotels, B&Bs and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Private transfer from Anghiari to Sansepolcro on day 4
St Francis Way passport
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Chiusi della Verna and from Città di Castello
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees (galleries, museums etc)
Excess luggage
Hotel tax - (if applicable) - allow EUR1-2pp each night payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. Most sections are not particularly steep, with the exception of some short sections on day 2. The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road. You should be able to walk for up to 16km per day in sometimes hot sun on stony tracks. There is also an option on day 5 to walk for 23km (up to 7 hours). The classic Tuscany landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day. A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£650GBP

Options & Supplements*

Discount for triple share rooms (pp)GBP£-46
Single supplementGBP£90
Solo traveller supplementGBP£210

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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