Umbria Unveiled (self guided)

8 days - from $1345

Walk through the hill towns of Umbria along the ancient pathways of St Francis Italy has a ‘Green Heart’, where it is a pleasure to walk through the lovely countryside on this self guided adventure. Not as famous as the Tuscan landscape, but perhaps more genuine and at least equally beautiful ! You walk from village to village, a full immersion in the mythical Umbrian landscape. At first through forests and vineyards, then through the rolling hills between the spectacular hilltop towns of Trevi, Spello and Assisi. A short detour can be made to the wonderful high plain of Castelluccio, near Norcia, with its extensive meadows, fields of wheat and wild flowers. Walking here in Spring is an unforgettable experience!

Moreover Umbria is a land full of cultural treasures, ranging from the world famous Assisi, to lesser known small medieval towns like Trevi, Spello and Norcia, and of course the wonderful Roman town of Spoleto. You have of course ample time to visit these historic towns and of course also the many beautiful medieval monasteries along the pilgrim’s roads.

However the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. Most of all, many of the views have changed little for hundreds of years. Eastern Umbria is still an area where you feel the genuine heart of Italy. You’ll walk at an easy pace from highlight to highlight, taking in the best of Central Italy.

Our tour finishes in the city of Assisi, but can easily be extended with a day or more in Perugia, the region’s capital city, a beautiful and lively cultural capital.

Highlights

• Into the Valnerina on foot
• Spoleto
• Take a walk around Spello
• Umbrian food

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Spoleto.2: Explore the historical town centre of Spoleto, its Duomo and the fortress. Walk across the 'Ponte dell Torri' bridge onto the hill of Monteluco, the ‘Holy Mountain’. Roundwalk through dense woods and via medieval chapels back to Spoleto (4-5 hours).3: Walk to the unspoilt Valnerina, the valley of the Nera River, along small rural hamlets and through forested hills. Arrive at the beautiful Abbey of San Peitro in Valle, where you stay overnight (5-6 hours).4: Walk along the pilgrim's trail to the incredible Marmore Waterfalls, man-made in Roman times. Round walk in the exquisite natural surrounds (5 hours).5: Transfer to Poreta and walk ‘the Olive Trail’, through the hills and via the remains of medieval castles and walled hamlets to the valley and mythical springs of the Clitunno river. Arrive at the wonderful medieval village of Trevi (4-5 hours).6: Transfer to old Roman town of Spello. Explore the old town centre. Walk through olive groves with sweeping views over the valley and across to Assisi. Continue to the small monastery of Eremo delle Carceri and descend to Assisi (6 hours).7: Free time to explore the town of Assisi, with its medieval and Roman monuments and of course the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. Optional round walk up Mt Subasio along natural springs and via small chapels. Return to Assisi (3-5 hours).8: Trip ends after breakfast in Assisi.
Included: Accommodation, transfer & luggage transfer on Day 5, detailed route notes and maps.
Not Included: International flights, arrival & departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals (unless stated in itinerary), drinks, additional tours or activities, entrance fees, taxis/transport (if opting out of walks), tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Valid From: 01 Jan 10
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Notes: This is a self guided walking tour and does not include the services of a tour guide and you will not be part of a group. Departure dates This trip operates daily from 01 March until 31 October. Route notes At the joining hotel on Day 1 you will receive your detailed road book which includes a technical description of the itinerary, maps, contact listing and 24-hour emergency phone number, as well as useful information on each place visited.
Starts/Ends: Spoleto to Assisi
Trip Reference: PEUU