St. Francis Way – Firenze to La Verna Tour
Walk part of the St. Francis Way through Tuscany’s countryside and villages
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
St. Francis Way – Firenze to La Verna Tour Overview
During the Middle Age, 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 curious person who fascinates people today and whose charisma and philosophy are respected the world over.
On this trip, you will follow the paths Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of Santa Croce in Florence to La Verna Sanctuary, where he received “the stigmata”. Discover the traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, and crosses as you walk through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Tuscany: shady forests, orchards, olive groves, and fields of wheat and barley. With a tour that begins in Florence, you can experience the vibrant culture of Tuscany’s city centres before heading out into the countryside to find out what this pilgrimage will mean to you.
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.
Explore the capital of the Renaissance, stunning Florence (Firenze) with its vibrant culture.
Taste Tuscany’s fine foods and wines, stay in local accommodations, and get to know your friendly hosts.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Firenze and bask in the city’s atmosphere. Take a stroll along the tiny alleys and end up in piazza dei Miracoli or climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo to get a panoramic view at sunset. You can explore however you please–consider pre-booking additional days in Florence before you start your pilgrimage.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Firenze
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
After a short transfer by train or bus you start walking towards La Consuma Pass. It's a long walk that runs from the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountains at Consuma Pass, with great views over the Sieve Valley. You walk mostly in the shade of the forest, passing by Ferrano castle.
At the end of the walk a short transfer will lead you to the small hamlet of Caiano.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Caiano
- Distance:
- 6 hours, 17.5km, 1000m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, dinner
A morning transfer will lead you back to Consuma. From the pass you descend easily to the bottom of Casentino Valley. Most of the itinerary runs inside the woods, with an optional detour to the village of Castel Castagnaio. You also have the option of an alternative route with great panoramic views over the Casentino Valley before you reach the beautiful hamlet of Stia.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Stia
- Distance:
- 4.5 hours, 14.7km, 475m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you have a long and demanding walk in terms of elevation change. Start at the bottom of the valley, heading up through the Apennines before descending to Camaldoli monastery, walking through the Cosentino's rural landscape until you reach the fascinating Eremo di Camaldoli, dating back to the 11th century.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Camaldoli
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 15.8km, 1000m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today a relatively short walk from Monastero di Camaldoli to the top of the mountain’s edge, and then down to the village of Badia Prataglia. The walk runs mostly inside the forests. There is also an alternative route you can follow that is 6 km longer but more interesting in terms of landscape, with spectacular views of southern Casentino valley, its villages, and the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Badia Prataglia
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 8km, 500m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s walk runs through the forests to the hamlet of Frassineta, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Vallesanta, La Verna mountain, and the Apennines ridge. Continue to Casa Santicchio where you can find a nice spot for dinner.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Casa Santicchio
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 10km, 500m of ascent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today you finally arrive in Chiusi della Verna. Head for the hotel and check-in. 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). Find a terrace to grab a celebratory drink on
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:
- 4 hours, 9km, 800m of ascents
- Meals:
- Breakfast, dinner
After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Safe travels!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
- Luggage transfer is included on this trip as well as private transfer for you on Days 2 and 3. When you travel with public transport you will take your luggage with you. Airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Information kit
- St. Francis' Way Passport
- 24/7 phone assistance
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Transfers
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes where applicable
- 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 8 km to 17.5 km and a couple require more strenuous elevation gain. 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.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
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.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Florence Airport (FLR). Airport transfers can be added as a supplement or you can arrange your own transportation to your hotel.
The tour ends in Chiusi. You can take public transportation to your departure airport or arrange 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 – Firenze to La Verna Tour 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.
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