Trails of Medieval Umbria

Our first full day is an introduction to the postcard-pretty town of Assisi. We’ll follow in the footsteps of St Francis and explore the footpaths of Mount Subasio - Italy's so-called holy mountain.

Option 1 - The Forest of St Francis

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,950ft (600m)

Leaving the hotel we'll head into the woods of St Francis, following the ancient rocky path below the Basilica of St Francis.

Option 2 - Mount Subasio

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 3,150ft (960m)

Today's harder walk takes us into the foothills of Monte Subasio, known as the holy mountain. The scenery changes as you go from town to forest to meadows, full of flowers in spring. After taking in the views from the treeline, we descend on a different path back into the town. 

Starting in the walled medieval town of Bevagna, we'll set off through the vineyards to Umbria's wine capital, Montefalco - most famous for its Sagrantino red wine.

Option 1 - Bevagna to Montefalco

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 1,200ft (400m)

Take some time to explore Bevagna before following a series of tracks through olive groves and criss-crossing the vineyards for views of the valley. We’ll climb into the medieval walled town of Montefalco, where you'll get time to explore this beautiful town known as the balcony of Umbria, and of course the chance to buy and taste its famous wines.

Option 2 - Bevagna Circular via Montefalco

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 1,730ft (530m)

After discovering Bevagna, we’ll climb out of town to follow a ridge passing through vineyards, tiny hamlets, and pretty chapels whilst taking in the views. Rest up in Montefalco, where you can sample a glass of local wine at one of the cafes before setting off on a lower trail through the vineyards back to Bevagna.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include:

Spello

You could easily spend the day enjoying Spello. Explore its warren of medieval streets and visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore to admire frescoes painted by Pinturicchio, Umbria’s most famous artist.

Perugia

Alternatively, take the train to the region’s capital, Perugia, and head up to the hilltop viewpoint - on a clear day you can see Lake Trasimeno. Explore the subterranean Etruscan temple and wander the traffic-free streets to Piazza V Novembre with its gothic cathedral and impressive fountain. There’s no dinner provided on this day so you could have a large lunch in Perugia or head to one of the many restaurants in Spello.

The ancient hillside town of Spoleto is our destination today.  Explore the town’s grand viaduct and Roman amphitheatre with two different walking options.

Option 1 – Monteluco and the Bridge of Towers

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2km)

Ascent: 1,476 ft (450m)

Leaving Spoleto behind we cross the Bridge of Towers, climbing through forested trails to Monteluco. This peaceful woodland, encircled by meadows, is where the rich of Spoleto once holidayed. Today it’s a tranquil spot, where you can picnic and enjoy the peace and quiet. We’ll take a different trail back down to Spoleto where there will be free time to explore the town.

Option 2 - Monteluco and the St Francis Way

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,673 ft (510m)

Heading south out of Spoleto, we climb steeply through the Sacred Wood of Monteluco, following the St Francis Way to Monteluco and Le Aie. We’ll encounter dense forests overlooking glittering rivers before making our descent back into Spoleto

Today’s walks leave from the hotel passing the impressive Porta Montanara. Follow the course of an ancient viaduct to climb above Spello into the olive groves for views of Monte Subasio and Vale of Spoleto. Tonight's farewell dinner includes a wine tasting and is held in a local enoteca.

Option 1 - To Collepino and Back

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,500ft (470m) 

After passing the Porta Montanara, we follow the ancient aqueduct that fed water to the town. Admire the views across the valley as you walk through olive-laden fields and onto the pretty village of Collepino. From here you head downhill following a section of the Olive Trail to Spello.

Option 2 - Collepino and Foothills of Subasio

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 2,200ft (700m)

Following the same route as option one to the village of Collepino, you then climb to circle Monte Pietrolungo passing through olive orchards, before taking the Olive Trail back into Spello.

It’s the final day – we’ll depart for Rome Airport, which is about a three-hour drive away.