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Footsteps of St. Francis Walk, Italy

Superb walking routes through Italy's "Green Heart" of deep lush forests, majestic lakes and impressive limestone gorges, with rare flora and fauna, romantic Apennine peaks and soft terracotta colours along the way.

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Type of Holiday: Self-guided Walking Holidays, Walking Holidays

Price:

Self drive from £1,057 per person; tour only from £1,028.

Duration: 9 days

Departures: Every two days from May 3 to Oct 14.

Start point: Assisi

End point: Assisi

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Overview of Footsteps of St Francis Walk

This independent 8-night walking holiday follows a circular loop, exploring the rich rolling countryside of the Assisi valley, one of the most beautiful corners of Italy, and the true green heart of the country. It’s a sun-drenched region of deep lush forests, impressive limestone gorges, majestic lakes and stunning Mediaeval villages seemingly unchanged over the years. And the views are simply superb! The walking is relaxed and unhurried, re-tracing in part the trail St Francis took on his last visit to the town in 1226, and taking in the sacred woodland that for years has been tendered and cared for by the Franciscan monks. It’s a rural route, brimming with rare flora and fauna, along ancient forest tracks, through centuries-old forests and passing olive groves dating back to Roman times. The places we’ve selected for you to stay in are pretty special too. In Assisi, the Tardioli family’s hotel is ideally located just minutes from the historic centre, and boasts a panoramic pool and dining terrace. You also stay in two prestigious 4* countryside retreats in the heart of the Monte Subasio natural park – the grounds of Le Silve are spread over 230 hectares of spectacular countryside! And, in mediaeval Spello, you’ll stay in a magnificent 17th century former mill, crammed with numerous works of art and a wine cellar packed with over 900 bottles!Detailed Itinerary:Day 1 - Arrive in Assisi We meet you at Foligno train station and take you (30 mins) to your hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 - Assisi to Satriano 15km/9mi/4.5hr We've kept today's route fairly short giving you plenty of time to first explore mediaeval Assisi. Make sure you visit St Francis' Basilica and the beautiful Piazza del Comune where you'll find the well-preserved Minerva Temple. Then head out along the unspoiled Francescan trail, tracing backwards St Francis' steps on his last journey to the town. You'll skirt the north side of Monte Subasio before winding down to Satriano, in the heart of the Monte Subasio natural park, and home for the next 2 nights. Day 3 - At Satriano At an altitude of 800m above sea level, the views from your hotel afford a fabulous 360 panorama of the luxuriant natural park and surrounding Apennine Mountains. You've literally hundreds of forest trails on your doorstep - the hotel also hires out bikes if you prefer to explore on two wheels. Day 4 - Satriano to Le Silve 14km/9mi/4.5hr You'll set off this morning along pine scented forest trails before winding slightly uphill along the Marchetto River. You'll continue along former drover's tracks, passing meadows carpeted with colourful flowers - orchids, edelweiss and wild tulips - enjoying lovely gorge views. You cross the gorge via the Ponte del Marchetto, or Wolves Bridge - if you're 'lucky' you may catch the rare sight of a wolf! You'll enjoy pure luxury for the next 2 nights on the Silve di Armenzano estate. Day 5 - At Le Silve You almost feel as though you have the world to yourself as you explore the wonderfully wild surroundings of this 230-hectare estate! There are over 20kms of well-marked walking paths and trails winding around St Francis' 'magical' Subasio Mountain and surrounding valleys. Have a swim in the new deck-level saltwater pool, and perhaps end the day with a relaxing sauna or afternoon tea in the exquisite tea-room. A guided tour of the estate can be organised through the hotel with photography stations for local wildlife. Day 6 - Le Silve to Spello 14km/9mi/4.5hr Today's route follows the lower eastern slopes of Monte Subasio, passing through the restored hamlet of San Giovanni. Then up to the Rifugio di Madonna della Spella for panoramic views on the open pastureland before descending through oak and centuries-old olive groves to finish in charming Spello, one of the finest preserved Mediaeval towns in the region. Day 7 - At Spello Laze by the hotel pool, enjoy a relaxed lunch on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Chiona valley, explore the town or take the train into Perugia, the region's capital city and home to infinite art treasures. Day 8 - Spello to Assisi 11km/7mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/5hr The shorter, lower route takes you through lush Umbrian countryside - with its distinctive dark green cypresses and silver-coloured olive trees - and will get you back to Assisi in good time to visit anything you missed at the start of your holiday. The longer, more challenging route takes you via the sacred 'Eremo delle Carceri' - St Francis' famous hermitage where he used to pray and talk to the birds. Day 9 - Leave Assisi Is this trip for you? This is a 2 boot independent walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System). The paths are generally marked and well maintained, predominantly through woodland and with plenty of shade. There are frequent ascents and descents, so you need to be reasonably fit and confident. This holiday is not suited children under 12.