Tuscany and Umbria – 8 Days
In the Footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi
Discover the magical Casentino region in eastern Tuscany. Visit the sights, experience the majestic views and hike through the countryside that inspired St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. See stunning medieval and Renaissance art created by some of Italy’s greatest masters. Hike the Appenine ridge, follow evocative pilgrim trails and walk along pretty woodland paths. End the walking holiday at a restored Abbey near Gubbio in Umbria. Opportunity to extend holiday and visit Assisi.
For similar tours, see also:
A Week in Tuscany
Parma, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre
Volterra and Tuscan Maremma
Download print version of Itinerary
 What is included?
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 4 delightful hotels
Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
- All meals including wine.
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
- Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
- Transport to/from Florence in air-conditioned minibus
- Comprehensive pre-trip information.
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Itinerary
The walking tour starts and ends in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. There are daily flights from the UK to Florence airport and the city is on a main train line. The nearest intercontinental airport is Pisa and we can help you to arrange airport transfers from there if required. We start walking in the Casentino National Park in eastern Tuscany and wind our way south in the shadow of the Appenines to Gubbio in Umbria.
 Sunday
Meet Florence Airport at 3pm. Drive(1½ hours) to Poppi in eastern Tuscany. We stay for the next 2 nights in the delightful family-run I Tre Baroni in the Casentino National Park. Time to settle in before a welcome drink and delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Monday
We walk through a thousand-year-old forest in the Tusco-Romagnola Appennines to the hermitage and monastery of Camaldogli, founded by the Benedictine monk St Romuald in the 11th century. After a picnic lunch in a peaceful spot in the woods we continue our hike through the National Park. Later in the day we visit the walled medieval village of Poppi with its 12th century castle and chapel with an important fresco cycle by the school of Giotto. Dinner in Poppi. (10km/6.5miles)
 Tuesday
Starting above Poppi we follow trails through chestnut and beech woods, passing small villages with beautiful views to the valley. We stop for a delicious picnic en route and, in the afternoon, emerge at La Verna, the site of the cave where St Francis was once a hermit. Visit the sanctuary before a short drive takes us to the tiny village of Caprese Michelangelo, the birthplace of the great artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. Stay in the village for one night and enjoy a classic Tuscan meal at the hotel restaurant. (15km/ 9.5miles)
Wednesday
We leave Caprese Michelangelo and walk on country lanes and farm tracks to reach the delightful medieval village of Anghiari. Visit the town immortalized in the infamous painting by Leonardo di Vinci which was commissioned by the Florentine government to hang in their Palazzo Vecchio in the 16th century. Stroll the perfectly preserved medieval streets and explore its buildings before a short drive takes us to Sansepolcro, the birthplace of Piero della Francesco. Stay for two nights in a converted palazzo in the centre of the town. This evening we eat in a fabulous Slow Food restaurant in the town. (14km/8.9miles)
Thursday
We start the day with a beautiful hike following the high Appenine ridge of the Alpi della Luna with views across the Tiber Valley. We descend through woods and meadows to the Franciscan convent and hermitage at Monte Casale. In the afternoon we continue through pretty countryside to arrive at the fort and roman gate of Sansepolcro. Time to see the renowned works by Piero della Francesca in the town’s museum before dinner in a local restaurant. (16km/10.1miles)
Friday
A short drive takes us into Umbria and the important artistic city of Citta di Castello. We start our walk high above the town and hike through open farmland and woods, passing abandoned stone houses and a dramatic fort before arriving at the stunning Abbazia San Faustino, a beautiful small hotel converted from a former abbey. Time to relax in the gardens or swim in the pool before dinner. (19km/12miles)
Saturday
We visit the town of Gubbio with its beautiful churches, open squares and fascinating museums. A leisurely lunch showcases the wonderful Umbrian cuisine. Explore the shops or take in the atmosphere at an open air café. In the afternoon there is time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of San Faustino before a wonderful last night dinner.
Sunday
Return to Florence Airport for 1pm (2 hours).
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Shortest day: 10km/6.5miles
Longest day: 19km/12miles
There are 5 days of walking on the trip. We walk on strade bianche (gravel roads), through vineyards, along woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. There is always van support with the opportunity to walk a half-day and spend the afternoon at the hotel. This area of Tuscany and Umbria is one of rolling hills with some significant ups and downs. Sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
Spring and autumn are delightful times to walk in central Italy. We are quite high up at times so can take advantage of the cooler temperatures for walking. See current local weather.
6th – 13th June 2010
5th-12th September 2010
€2145
Single supplement €140
The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras
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info@hedonistichiking.com.au
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