Poggio Bustone

Walking from Rieti to Assisi on the Via di Francesco allows a deep connection with the places in the life of Italy’s beloved Saint Francis. Walkers see convents, hermitages, and sanctuaries that remember key events in his life as well as the landscapes of olive orchards, forests, and rivers that accompanied him on his journeys. Each day hear memories and reflections on this Patron Saint of the Environment as told by author, Russ Eanes, and take time to reflect on the lessons of faith, prayer, and love that St Francis lived out each day.

Itinerary for Rieti to Assisi:

Saturday, April 27, 2024 – Gather, Overnight in Rieti.

Orientation meeting and introduction to the life of St Francis in Lazio and Umbria.

Sunday, April 28, 2024 – Tour Rieti.

Transport to Greccio Station, walk to Santuario Greccio, Greccio town, and Contigliano. Return transport to Rieti.

Monday, April 29, 2024 – 11km walking Tour of Santuario Fonte Colombo.

Walk to Santuario di Fonte Colombo. After Fontecolombo, walk over mountain to Poggio Fidoni, for transport home and lunch. Overnight Rieti.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – 17.7km Rieti to Poggio Bustone.

Visit Santuario della Foresta and see beautiful Cantalice on the way to Poggio Bustone, home to Santuario di San Giovanni and the Sacro Specco (sacred cave) of St Francis’s important initial visions.

Thursday, May 1, 2024 – Walk 21km from Poggio Bustone to Piediluco.

For 800 years the story has been told of the beech tree that shielded St Francis in a storm. What is believed to be an offshoot of that tree is the focus of our day’s climb up to Faggio San Francesco. The views are worth the walk! On the way downhill we come to the deserted town of Labro, then make our way to lakeside Piediluco and its church that remembers the visit of St Francis to this lakeside town. Overnight Piediluco.

Friday, May 2, 2024 – Walk 13km from Piediluco to Arrone.

After a big day up to Faggio San Francesco it’s nice to get a break with this short day, punctuated by a visit to the largest human-made waterfall in the world – Marmore Falls. Overnight Arrone.

Saturday, May 3, 2024 – Walk 10km from Arrone to Macenano.

A second short day includes a visit to an ancient monastery that is now a luxury hotel. This is our opportunity to rest and stock up for the big climb to Spoleto.

Sunday, May 4, 2024 – Walk for Macenano to Spoleto.

The most challenging day of the trip takes us from the Nera Valley to the beautiful town of Spoleto. The views are spectacular and the walking is extraordinary. Before the final descent into Spoleto we stop at the Convent of Monteluco to see a cell where St Francis stayed.

Monday, May 5, 2024 – Rest day in Spoleto with Tour.

Spoleto’s Duomo holds a letter written in St Francis’s own hand, and above Spoleto is its mighty fortress that dominates the skylines. Spoleto also has an intact Roman-era amphitheater. We enjoy a 2-hr tour and then take the rest of the day to absorb the atmosphere of this beautiful Umbrian city.

Tuesday, May 6, 2024 – Spoleto to Trevi

The Spoleto Valley is ringed by tall hills, and for the next days we walk in the valley and along the hillsides, enjoying the views of the valley and walking among castles and convents. One of the most beautiful of the Umbrian hilltop villages, Trevi is known for the production of olive oil, and we tour the Museum of the Olive before our overnight here.

Thursday, May 7, 2024 – Trevi to Spello

We stop at Foligno to remember the place where Francis sold his father’s cloth to pay for his newfound ministry. Then it is on to Spello, the walled village that still rings with the medieval sounds of St Francis’s day.

Friday, May 8, 2024 – Spello to Assisi

Today’s walk delves into the olive groves and forests of Monte Subasio, the place where Francis spent much of his childhood. We make a glorious entry into Assisi through the Porta Nuova, passing the Basilica of Santa Chiara on our way to the Basilica of San Francesco, known worldwide for its early Renaissance frescoes, but even more importantly as the tomb of San Francesco himself. After a time of reflection, we make our way to the Pilgrim Office to receive our completion certificates. Overnight Assisi.

Saturday, May 9, 2024 – Tour Assisi and Surrounding Areas.

A trip to Assisi must include sights like San Damiano, Rocca Maggiore, Santa Maria degli Angeli, and San Gregorio. We tour them all, enjoying the medieval atmosphere of this beloved pilgrimage city. In the afternoon, an optional walk to Eremo delle Carceri, a beloved sanctuary of St Francis. We share a final meal together. Overnight Assisi.

Sunday, May 10, 2024 – Depart Assisi

We go our separate ways for further adventures, now filled with memories of the places dear to St Francis of Assisi.

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Return Home

After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, step back in time to ancient forests and monasteries of the Middle Ages. The beautiful Casentino National Forest is the setting and St Francis’s beloved Santuario della Verna atop serene Mount Penna with its active Franciscan convent is the first goal. His hometown is the final destination. In between, walk among the towns and forests that were his inspiration, including the town of Gubbio where he made peace with the wolf, and Montecasale where he converted the three thieves. At Valfabbrica he was robbed and stripped and, of course, at Assisi he was born and was buried. No itinerary brings you closer to the person and the legend than walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis. Pricing to be announced in December, 2023.

Itinerary for Florence to Assisi:

Friday, August 30, 2024 – Gather, overnight in Florence

– Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk. Dinner at a Florence restaurant and overnight in Florence.

Saturday, August 31, 2024 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles)

– Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals and overnight at Pontassieve in the suburbs of Florence. Overnight in Pontassieve.

Sunday, September 1, 2024 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles)

– Vineyards turn to forests as you climb to the first reaches of the Casentino National Forest where you’ll remain for the next days. Overnight near Consuma.

Sunday, September 1, 2024 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles)

– Almost exclusively on paths and gravel roads, see the green side of Tuscany and the first hints of breathtaking mountain views. Sita stands at the headwaters of the Arno amidst forests of oak, birch and pine. Overnight in Stia.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – Stia to Camaldoli (16.6km/10.3miles)

– For over 1000 years monks and hermits have called Camaldoli their home. See their chapels and shop among their soaps and medicinal herbs at Camoldoli Hermitage and Monastery. Overnight in Camaldoli.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 – Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia (15.0km/9.3miles)

– Take the van uphill for a visit to the Camaldoli Hermitage where hermit monks live and pray to this day, then walk among forests to the lovely resort town of Badia Prataglia, nestled in a narrow valley of the Casentine forest. See the 1000 year old crypt, last remnant of the abbey from which Badia Prataglia gets its name. Overnight in Badia Prataglia.

Thursday, September 5, 2024 – Badia Prataglia to Santuario della Verna (20.1km/12.5miles)

– Take the van for a brief trip to the start of the hike, then walk across the Madrioli Pass with views of the Adriatic Sea in good weather to Monte Penna, site of the beloved Santuario della Verna, a functioning Franciscan convent and one of Italy’s holiest places. Overnight in the convent or in Chiusi della Verna.

Friday, September 6, 2024 – Santuario della Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano (15.2km/9.4miles)

– After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us. Overnight Pieve Santo Stefano.

Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Pieve Santo Stefano to Sansepolcro (24.3km/15.1miles)

–Take the van to the Viamaggio Pass, then walk mostly downhill in forests to Sansepolcro, stopping along the way at Montecasale, one of the oldest St Francis sites, where the saint converted three thieves. Athletic walkers can begin walk to Viamaggio, stopping at the 8th c Cerbaiolo hermitage to see this beautifully restored site that was given to St Francis in 1216 and was an overnight stay for St Anthony of Padua.

Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Sansepolcro to Citerna (12.7km/7.9miles)

– A flat walk through farms ending with a short climb up to the walled, hilltop town of Citerna with its sweeping views of the Tiber Valley and the mountains beyond.

Monday, September 9, 2024 – Citerna to Città di Castello (20.3km/12.6miles)

– A green day of farms nurturing sunflowers. Climb the famed cylindrical tower at Città di Castello and enjoy the delicacies of this picturesque town. Dinner is not included at Città di Castello so you have an opportunity to explore the gastronomic pleasures of this beautiful Umbrian town.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 – Città di Castello to Pietralunga (29.8km/18.5miles)

– From the Tiber Valley climb a pass toward the Chiascio Alto, the headwaters of the river that waters Assisi, before your overnight at medieval Pietralunga. It’s a “pizza experience” in Pietralunga, where we order off the menu in a traditional pizzeria.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – Pietralunga to Gubbio (26.5km/16.5miles)

– Everyone loves medieval Gubbio, the town of the Ceri races, the wolf tamed by Francis, and acrobatic funicular that ascends to Basilica San Ubaldo above the settlement.

Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Gubbio to Biscina (22.7km/14.1miles)

– The Chiascio River drains these forested hillsides among castles and convents ending in a hostel stay in a former hermitage.

Friday, September 13, 2024 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles)

– Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.

Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Valfabbrica to Assisi (13.4km/8.3miles)

– Climb the ridge separating the two towns and see Assisi’s Rocca Maggiore and then the beloved Basilica San Francesco. Receive the final stamp on our pilgrim passports and then your testimoniumthat confirms completion of your pilgrimage walk. A 6:00 mass in the Basilica welcomes all pilgrims. Afterward toast your accomplishment over a beautiful dinner with your pilgrim companions.

Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Depart Assisi – (overnight option, tour option)

You’ve had a memorable pilgrimage in unforgettable scenery accompanied all the way by the memory and spirit of St. Francis.

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After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, step back in time to ancient forests and monasteries of the Middle Ages. The beautiful Casentino National Forest is the setting and St Francis’s beloved Santuario della Verna atop serene Mount Penna with its active Franciscan convent is the first goal. His hometown is the final destination. In between, walk among the towns and forests that were his inspiration, including the town of Gubbio where he made peace with the wolf, and Montecasale where he converted the three thieves. At Valfabbrica he was robbed and stripped and, of course, at Assisi he was born and was buried. No itinerary brings you closer to the person and the legend than walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis. Group pricing to be announced in December, 2023.

“What you are looking for is where you are looking from.” – St Francis of Assisi

“A pilgrimage is a significant journey, often to a sacred place, undertaken to find new perspective. This magnificent walk through medieval towns and ancient forests in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi offer a chance to reflect and learn from a man who nearly 800 years after his death is still inspiring us with his words and life. It is an opportunity to enjoy not only the nature, art and culture of this place but to step out of our conditioned lives and experience the world and ourselves anew. Through days filled with walking, fellowship, good food, and contemplative exercises, we rediscover how to live from our most authentic selves. Communing with yourself and a small group of pilgrims allows you space to rediscover your sense of joy, confidence, and clarity.  Laura Harris

Itinerary for Florence to Assisi:

Monday, April 15, 2024 – Gather, overnight in Florence

– Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk. Dinner at a Florence restaurant and overnight in Florence.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles)

– Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals and overnight at Pontassieve in the suburbs of Florence. Overnight in Pontassieve.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles)

– Vineyards turn to forests as you climb to the first reaches of the Casentino National Forest where you’ll remain for the next days. Overnight near Consuma.

Thursday, April 17, 2024 – Consuma to Stia (17.0km/10.6miles)

– Almost exclusively on paths and gravel roads, see the green side of Tuscany and the first hints of breathtaking mountain views. Sita stands at the headwaters of the Arno amidst forests of oak, birch and pine. Overnight in Stia.

Friday, April 18, 2024 – Stia to Camaldoli (16.6km/10.3miles)

– For over 1000 years monks and hermits have called Camaldoli their home. See their chapels and shop among their soaps and medicinal herbs at Camoldoli Hermitage and Monastery. Overnight in Camaldoli.

Saturday, April 19, 2024 – Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia (15.0km/9.3miles)

– Take the van uphill for a visit to the Camaldoli Hermitage where hermit monks live and pray to this day, then walk among forests to the lovely resort town of Badia Prataglia, nestled in a narrow valley of the Casentine forest. See the 1000 year old crypt, last remnant of the abbey from which Badia Prataglia gets its name. Overnight in Badia Prataglia.

Sunday, April 20, 2024 – Badia Prataglia to Santuario della Verna (20.1km/12.5miles)

– Take the van for a brief trip to the start of the hike, then walk across the Madrioli Pass with views of the Adriatic Sea in good weather to Monte Penna, site of the beloved Santuario della Verna, a functioning Franciscan convent and one of Italy’s holiest places. Overnight in the convent or in Chiusi della Verna.

Monday, April 21, 2024 – Santuario della Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano (15.2km/9.4miles)

– After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us. Overnight Pieve Santo Stefano.

Tuesday, April 22, 2024 – Pieve Santo Stefano to Sansepolcro (24.3km/15.1miles)

–Take the van to the Viamaggio Pass, then walk mostly downhill in forests to Sansepolcro, stopping along the way at Montecasale, one of the oldest St Francis sites, where the saint converted three thieves. Athletic walkers can begin walk to Viamaggio, stopping at the 8th c Cerbaiolo hermitage to see this beautifully restored site that was given to St Francis in 1216 and was an overnight stay for St Anthony of Padua.

Wednesday, April 23, 2024 – Sansepolcro to Citerna (12.7km/7.9miles)

– A flat walk through farms ending with a short climb up to the walled, hilltop town of Citerna with its sweeping views of the Tiber Valley and the mountains beyond.

Thursday, April 24, 2024 – Citerna to Città di Castello (20.3km/12.6miles)

– A green day of farms nurturing sunflowers. Climb the famed cylindrical tower at Città di Castello and enjoy the delicacies of this picturesque town. Dinner is not included at Città di Castello so you have an opportunity to explore the gastronomic pleasures of this beautiful Umbrian town.

Wednesday, April 25, 2024 – Città di Castello to Pietralunga (29.8km/18.5miles)

– From the Tiber Valley climb a pass toward the Chiascio Alto, the headwaters of the river that waters Assisi, before your overnight at medieval Pietralunga. It’s a “pizza experience” in Pietralunga, where we order off the menu in a traditional pizzeria.

Thursday, April 26, 2024 – Pietralunga to Gubbio (26.5km/16.5miles)

– Everyone loves medieval Gubbio, the town of the Ceri races, the wolf tamed by Francis, and acrobatic funicular that ascends to Basilica San Ubaldo above the settlement.

Friday, April 27, 2024 – Gubbio to Biscina (22.7km/14.1miles)

– The Chiascio River drains these forested hillsides among castles and convents ending in a hostel stay in a former hermitage.

Saturday, April 28, 2024 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles)

Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.

Sunday, April 29, 2024 – Valfabbrica to Assisi (13.4km/8.3miles)

– Climb the ridge separating the two towns and see Assisi’s Rocca Maggiore and then the beloved Basilica San Francesco. Receive the final stamp on our pilgrim passports and then your testimoniumthat confirms completion of your pilgrimage walk. A 6:00 mass in the Basilica welcomes all pilgrims. Afterward toast your accomplishment over a beautiful dinner with your pilgrim companions.

Monday, April 30, 2024 – Depart Assisi – (overnight option, tour option)

You’ve had a memorable pilgrimage in unforgettable scenery accompanied all the way by the memory and spirit of St. Francis.

Return Home

After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, step back in time to ancient forests and monasteries of the Middle Ages. The beautiful Casentino National Forest is the setting and St Francis’s beloved Santuario della Verna atop serene Mount Penna with its active Franciscan convent is the first goal. His hometown is the final destination. In between, walk among the towns and forests that were his inspiration, including the town of Gubbio where he made peace with the wolf, and Montecasale where he converted the three thieves. At Valfabbrica he was robbed and stripped and, of course, at Assisi he was born and was buried. No itinerary brings you closer to the person and the legend than walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis. Pricing to be announced in December, 2023.

Friday, September 1, 2023 – Gather, overnight in Florence – Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk. Dinner at a Florence restaurant and overnight in Florence.

Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles) – Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals and overnight at Pontassieve in the suburbs of Florence. Overnight in Pontassieve.

Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles) – Vineyards turn to forests as you climb to the first reaches of the Casentino National Forest where you’ll remain for the next days. Overnight near Consuma.

Monday, September 4, 2023 – Consuma to Stia (17.0km/10.6miles) Almost exclusively on paths and gravel roads, see the green side of Tuscany and the first hints of breathtaking mountain views. Sita stands at the headwaters of the Arno amidst forests of oak, birch and pine. Overnight in Stia.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Stia to Camaldoli (16.6km/10.3miles)– For over 1000 years monks and hermits have called Camaldoli their home. See their chapels and shop among their soaps and medicinal herbs at Camoldoli Hermitage and Monastery. Overnight in Camaldoli.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia (15.0km/9.3miles) – Take the van uphill for a visit to the Camaldoli Hermitage where hermit monks live and pray to this day, then walk among forests to the lovely resort town of Badia Prataglia, nestled in a narrow valley of the Casentine forest. See the 1000 year old crypt, last remnant of the abbey from which Badia Prataglia gets its name. Overnight in Badia Prataglia.

Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Badia Prataglia to Santuario della Verna (20.1km/12.5miles) – Take the van for a brief trip to the start of the hike, then walk across the Madrioli Pass with views of the Adriatic Sea in good weather to Monte Penna, site of the beloved Santuario della Verna, a functioning Franciscan convent and one of Italy’s holiest places. Overnight in the convent or in Chiusi della Verna.

Friday, September 8, 2023 – Santuario della Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano (15.2km/9.4miles) – After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us. Overnight Pieve Santo Stefano.

Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Pieve Santo Stefano to Sansepolcro (24.3km/15.1miles) –Take the van to the Viamaggio Pass, then walk mostly downhill in forests to Sansepolcro, stopping along the way at Montecasale, one of the oldest St Francis sites, where the saint converted three thieves. Athletic walkers can begin walk to Viamaggio, stopping at the 8th c Cerbaiolo hermitage to see this beautifully restored site that was given to St Francis in 1216 and was an overnight stay for St Anthony of Padua.

Sunday, September 10, 2023 – Sansepolcro to Citerna (12.7km/7.9miles)- A flat walk through farms ending with a short climb up to the walled, hilltop town of Citerna with its sweeping views of the Tiber Valley and the mountains beyond.

Monday, September 11, 2023 – Citerna to Città di Castello (20.3km/12.6miles)- A green day of farms nurturing sunflowers. Climb the famed cylindrical tower at Città di Castello and enjoy the delicacies of this picturesque town. Dinner is not included at Città di Castello so you have an opportunity to explore the gastronomic pleasures of this beautiful Umbrian town.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Città di Castello to Pietralunga (29.8km/18.5miles)- From the Tiber Valley climb a pass toward the Chiascio Alto, the headwaters of the river that waters Assisi, before your overnight at medieval Pietralunga. It’s a “pizza experience” in Pietralunga, where we order off the menu in a traditional pizzeria.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – Pietralunga to Gubbio (26.5km/16.5miles) – Everyone loves medieval Gubbio, the town of the Ceri races, the wolf tamed by Francis, and acrobatic funicular that ascends to Basilica San Ubaldo above the settlement.

Thursday, September 14, 2023 – Gubbio to Biscina (22.7km/14.1miles) – The Chiascio River drains these forested hillsides among castles and convents ending in a hostel stay in a former hermitage.

Friday, September 15, 2023 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles) – Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.

Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Valfabbrica to Assisi (13.4km/8.3miles) – Climb the ridge separating the two towns and see Assisi’s Rocca Maggiore and then the beloved Basilica San Francesco. Receive the final stamp on our pilgrim passports and then your testimoniumthat confirms completion of your pilgrimage walk. A 6:00 mass in the Basilica welcomes all pilgrims. Afterward toast your accomplishment over a beautiful dinner with your pilgrim companions.

Sunday, September 17, 2023 – Depart Assisi – (overnight option, tour option) You’ve had a memorable pilgrimage in unforgettable scenery accompanied all the way by the memory and spirit of St. Francis.