St. Francis Way – Chiusi to Città di Castello
Follow the footsteps of St. Francis on one of Italy’s most special pilgrimages
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
St. Francis Way – Chiusi to Città di Castello Overview
During the obscure times of the Middle Ages, an enlightened man walked along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God’s signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility, and togetherness. He was Francis of Assisi, a mystical person who fascinates us still today and whose charisma and philosophy are respected the world over. The St. Francis Way – Chiusi ti Città di Castello Tour is a pilgrimage that follows his footsteps.
On this trip you will follow the paths Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of La Verna (where he received “the stigmata”), and that of Città di Castello. Discover the traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, and crosses as you walk through the stunning landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria; shady forests, orchards, olive groves and fields of wheat and barley await.
Apart from amazing natural and religious places, along the “Franciscan path” you will visit towns and villages of great history and culture and you will have many occasions to taste the renowned cuisine of this region. Get in touch with nature, with yourself, and with St. Francis on this life-changing journey.
Trip highlights
Walk where St. Francis walked in the Middle Ages, enlightened by God’s signs in nature and sharing a message of peace.
Cross the wild slopes of the Apennines and walk through some of the most magical forests in Italy.
Stop in medieval towns like Anghiari, which resemble their original forms in a way that denies the passage of time.
Stay the night in small, comfortable family-run accommodations with friendly hosts.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Chiusi della Verna. If you arrive early enough, you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon. The Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 06:30 to 19:30 hrs (22:00 hrs in summer)
NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers/skirts to the knee.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Chiusi della Verna
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Dinner
Walk along the edge of the Catenaia “Alps” between the Arno and Tiber valleys. During the day, enjoy the many panoramic points overlooking the Casentino and Valtiberina valley. The scenery will make you want to stop and stare! Tonight, stay in Caprese Michelangelo.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Caprese Michelangelo
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 13km, 456m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After the sights at the 13th-century church of St. John the Baptist, where Michelangelo was baptized 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 it’s easy to recognise the imposing of Alpe di Poti mountain chain, in the north the Alpe di Catenaia, towards south the flat plain of the Tiber river and east the Alpe della Luna. Once you arrive in Anghiari visit this amazing medieval hamlet and have a drink in “Giardini del Vicario” at Piazza del Popolo. It’s a lovely cafè-wine bar with a wonderful view over the valley.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Ponte alla Piera
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 20km, 672m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, dinner
A short morning transfer will take you to Sansepolcro. Today’s walk is a long promenade in the valley, following the course of the Tiber River. The itinerary links the two most important towns of Valtiberina; leaving the centre of Sansepolcro you can immerse yourself in this rich countryside and spend many hours among corn, wheat, and tobacco fields, pastures, and country houses.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Citerna
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 16km, 322m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, dinner
Following the Tiber River, the itinerary crosses one of the most cultivated valleys in Italy (Valtiberina). The most important and famous product is tobacco used for the production of Tuscan cigars. Today’s walk is completely flat and runs along country roads or paths parallel to the river; fields and pastures alternate with preserved bank vegetation with 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. Once you arrive tonight, find a nice terrace to have a celebratory drink and dinner on!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Citta di Castello
- Distance:
- 5/7 hours, 16/20km, 705m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The tour comes to a close after breakfast unless you’ve booked additional days. Safe travels!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included
- Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
- Luggage transfer is included on this trip. Your transfer to Sansepolcro on Day 5 is also included. When you travel with public transport you will take your luggage with you. Travel from and to the airport is not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Information kit
- St. Francis' Way Passport
- 24/7 emergency support phone line
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry
- Meals note previously mentioned as included
- Visas if required
- Guide services
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The length of the walks varies from 13 km to 23 km per day. Ascents can be up to 705 metres, but long walks can be shortened with taxi transfers if desired. Fit walkers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Rome to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA). You may also choose to fly into Pisa Airport (PSA) or Florence Airport (FLR). There are several trains per day from all 3 destinations going to Arezzo, where you change trains to Bibbiena and then a bus to Chiusi della Verna. It is possible to book a transfer from Arezzo to Chiusi della Verna, or from Città di Castello to Rome or Florence.
The tour ends in Città di Castello. You can either arrange your own travel to your departure airport or book a transfer as a supplement.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book St. Francis Way – Chiusi to Città di Castello with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
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