Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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This 7-night linear trip is a fantastic mix of wonderfully scenic walking, historic towns and panoramic hilltop villages. The walks follow a mix of quiet country lanes, paths and trails, using in part the St Francis' Way - so called after the route the saint took on his final visit to Assisi in 1226 - and the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', the Olive Grove Trail. Along the way, admire the stunning valley vistas from the slopes of the 'bald mountain' Monte Subasio, discover the secluded hermitage of St Francis nestled amongst ancient oak forest, pass through olive groves that date as far back as Roman times and wander around the evocative centro storico of the walled town of Bevagna.
You stay in beautiful medieval towns including Assisi, 'the town of St Francis' with its UNESCO-listed basilica; flower bedecked Spello, which lies on the other side of Mount Subasio from Assisi, and Spoleto - the town of the amphitheatre and aqueduct. The walking is beautifully unhurried, leaving you plenty of time for independent exploration of these lesser known Umbrian gems.
Food of the region is rustic and often called 'cucina povera'. Expect to try strangozzi pasta served with black truffles or a spicy tomato sauce, followed by simple grilled local meats and then a slice of pecorino cheese washed down with some of the superb Sagrantino di Montefalco wines. For a picnic lunch why not try the Umbrian staple, the porchetta sandwich - roast pig stuffed with herbs.
The routes and paths you follow are generally well maintained. As there are frequent ascents and descents which are steep in places, you need to be reasonably fit and confident. Walking boots are essential and walking poles are recommended.
Explore the UNESCO St Francis' basilica and the town's many other sights.
You stay at Hotel Porta Nuova.
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Located a stone's throw from Porta Nuova - one of the main medieval gates into Assisi's Old Town - the family run Hotel Porta Nuova comes with a contemporary design and modern, well appointed bedrooms. There is a lounge and panoramic terrace on the first floor, where you can relax with a drink whilst admiring the rolling, verdant Umbrian hills.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Set off across the olive grove clad slopes of Monte Subasio, enjoying the gorgeous view below. If doing the longer option, pause at the Hermitage of St Francis, the saint's historic retreat, before traversing a mountain trail to Spello, the town of flowers, famous for its annual Infiorita festival when the streets are carpeted in colourful floral mosaics. The shorter version (elevation chart below) follows the Via degli Ulivi through the foothills of Monte Subasio with stunning valley views as you go.
You stay at Albergo il Cacciatore.
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A warm welcome is guaranteed at the Albergo il Cacciatore (the hunter!) as the hotel has been in the same family for over 50 years. Located in Spello's Old Town, there's a lovely terrace with an amazing, far reaching view over the valley. Bedrooms here are airy and spacious with a traditional Italian design.
Follow a beautiful path along a Roman aqueduct to the cobbled streets of the hilltop, pink hued village of Collepino. Then it's a panoramic downhill walk through olive groves back to Spello.
You stay at Albergo il Cacciatore.
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A warm welcome is guaranteed at the Albergo il Cacciatore (the hunter!) as the hotel has been in the same family for over 50 years. Located in Spello's Old Town, there's a lovely terrace with an amazing, far reaching view over the valley. Bedrooms here are airy and spacious with a traditional Italian design.
We take you (20 mins) to the perfectly restored Benedictine abbey of Sassovivo, then walk on the appropriately named Sentiero degli Ulivi through woodland and olive groves to the hilltop village of Roviglieto, before descending to Trevi for a picture-postcard view of this Roman gem on the slopes of Monte Serano. Discover this old theatre town with remnants of the Mura Romana (Roman Wall) and Mura Medieval (Medieval Wall) still encircling the town.
You stay at Hotel Antica Dimorra alla Rocca.
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The Antica Dimora alla Rocca is housed in 4 different historic buildings which date back to 1650, built by an aristocrat for his eldest son. The buildings have been restored and renovated to a high standard. The decor keeps with the elegance and architecture of 17th century, the rooms feel grand and luxurious with frescoed ceilings.
The hotel offers a large buffet breakfast which in good weather can be taken on the terrace. The hotel has a small pool and terrace where you can catch the late sun in the afternoon.
A transfer this morning (25 mins) to the walled town of Bevagna, home to the 13th century Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, the golden theatre and Roman temple and baths. Explore this lovely town then make your way through a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards to the hilltop wine village of Montefalco. Wander round its medieval streets, admire the superb views and enjoy wine tasting in one of the many Sagrantino wineries. Transfer and overnight in Trevi.
You stay at Hotel Antica Dimorra alla Rocca.
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The Antica Dimora alla Rocca is housed in 4 different historic buildings which date back to 1650, built by an aristocrat for his eldest son. The buildings have been restored and renovated to a high standard. The decor keeps with the elegance and architecture of 17th century, the rooms feel grand and luxurious with frescoed ceilings.
The hotel offers a large buffet breakfast which in good weather can be taken on the terrace. The hotel has a small pool and terrace where you can catch the late sun in the afternoon.
Join the ancient St Francis' Trail to amble along to the hillside with stunning views of the valley of Spoleto to the church of Madonna di San Arcangelo. Pass the secretive Eremo Francescano (Convento Pissignano) before heading to the tiny medieval village of Poreta, with the ruins of its 10th century castle still standing guard.
You stay at Agriturismo Borgo della Marmotta.
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Borgo della Marmotta is not just a hotel. Borgo means 'village' in Italian and this wonderful location is more like a hamlet than a hotel. In fact, the hotel has been built by restoring the buildings that were left unoccupied from a 17th century village. Located next to the tiny hamlet of Poreta, the restoration has breathed new life into the tiny village restoring the granary, the stables, the mill and even the sheep barn - now home to the hotel's restaurant - to create a luxurious, relaxing retreat in the beautiful Umbrian countryside.
Today the hotel offers airy rooms, a swimming pool, lovely grounds and a terrace with wonderful views.
Pick up the St Francis' Trail as you make your way through olive groves and tiny medieval villages to Spoleto. Stroll along the impressive 14th century viaduct that bridges the valley to enjoy the spectacular views and discover the town's Roman arch, Roman theatre and 12th century Duomo.
You stay at Hotel dei Duchi.
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Boasting a prime location in the centre of Spoleto's historic centre, the Hotel dei Duchi panoramocally gazes out over the town's Anacajani Park, the Roman theatre and St Agatha's monastery. Inside, the hotel is stylish and modern, with a lounge and terrace - which benefit from the lovely views - bar and 2 restaurants. Bedrooms at the Hotel dei Duchi are contemporary and comfortable, with views over the valley, the garden or the Roman theatre.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Canada Roma, Rome.
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The 3 star Hotel Canada Roma is centrally located near the main railway station, making it an excellent base from which to explore Rome. Each room is ensuite and has been lovingly decorated in an elegant Italian style complete with vintage furniture. Rooms come with tea and coffee maker as well as air conditioning and safe.
This well appointed hotel also boasts a bar for pre dinner drinks and nibbles, as well as an external courtyard where you can savour a drink under the stars.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and junior suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a more stately decor.
Junior suites have a separate living room.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £299.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Rome airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
