Umbria The Way Of Saint Francis Private Tour

Day 1: BENVENUTI! - CHIUSI DELLA VERNA

1. Chiusi della Verna
   Pass by
   Arrival of the participants in Chiusi della Verna, hotel accommodation in the booked rooms, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: SANTUARIO FRANCESCANO DELLA VERNA - PIEVE SANTO STEFANO (15 km)

1. La Verna Santuario Francescano
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. Set high in the Tuscan Apennines and surrounded by ancient beech and fir forests, the sanctuary is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, remarkable architecture, and breathtaking natural scenery. It was here, in 1224, that St. Francis received the stigmata, making La Verna a place of profound spiritual significance.
   Enjoy time to visit the sanctuary and experience its unique history and sacred atmosphere before continuing to Pieve Santo Stefano. Later, transfer to Pietralunga for hotel check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.
2. Pieve Santo Stefano
   Pass by
   Upon arrival in Pieve Santo Stefano, a short break and a private transfer to Pietralunga. Arrival in Pietralunga, hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 3: PIETRALUNGA – GUBBIO (27 KM) (Transfer to reduce the number of km)

1. Pietralunga
   Pass by
   Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the hiking guide and departure towards Gubbio.
2. Gubbio
   Pass by
   We continue our journey through the Franciscan sites of Umbria, starting in the beautiful city of Gubbio, whose history is closely linked to that of Saint Francis. As recounted in Chapter XXI of the Fioretti, it was precisely here, near the Church of Our Lady of Victory, known as the Church of the Victorina, that Saint Francis miraculously tamed a ferocious wolf that had been terrorizing the inhabitants for some time. Free time for lunch during the day.
   Arrival in Gubbio, check-in at the Hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 4: GUBBIO – BISCINA (19 KM)

1. Gubbio
   1h
   Breakfast at the hotel in Gubbio and meeting with the guide for a short visit of the city before leaving and start hiking towards the next stage.
2. Castello di Biscina
   Pass by
   After the short visit of Gubbio, departure towards Biscina. Halfway between Assisi and Gubbio lies the medieval Castle of Biscina. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle, together with the nearby castles of Giomici, Vallingegno, Petroia, and Coccorano, served as one of the strategic control points along the ancient road and the Chiascio River, which flows at the foot of the hill. Today, the castle forms part of the Franciscan Route linking Assisi and Gubbio, allowing visitors to rediscover lesser-known sanctuaries and the historic paths once traveled by shepherds. Free time for lunch along the way.
3. Biscina
   Pass by
   Continue the hike and reach the farmhouse in Biscina, accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: BISCINA – VALFABBRICA (15KM)

1. Valfabbrica
   Pass by
   Leaving Biscina, follow a scenic route of gentle climbs and descents to Valfabbrica, nestled between Gubbio and Assisi. According to tradition, St. Francis stopped here several times, making Valfabbrica an important destination for pilgrims along his route.
   Continue on the Saint Francis Way, also known as the Way of Peace, and explore the town’s charming medieval center. Highlights include the 14th-century Church of San Sebastiano, restored in the 16th century by the Confraternities of the Blessed Sacrament and the Good Death, and the 17th-century Church of Madonna della Foce, located just outside the ancient town walls.
   Free time for lunch along the way.
   Arrival to the hotel in Valfabbrica, accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: VALFABBRICA – ASÍS (15 KM)

1. Valfabbrica
   Pass by
   Breakfast at the accommodation, meeting with the guide and continuation of the hike towards Assisi.
2. Assisi
   Pass by
   From Valfabbrica, there are two routes leading to Assisi: a longer path through the forest and a shorter one, more challenging trail that requires a strenuous climb. Whichever route you choose, both lead over the hill before revealing the magical skyline of Assisi in the distance. Free time for lunch during the day.
   Upon arrival in Assisi, check in to your hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: ASSISI

1. Assisi
   4h
   Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide and visit of the city of Peace. Spend a full day discovering Assisi, the spiritual heart of the Franciscan world and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy. S. Francis was born here in 1182; the New Church now stands on the site believed to be his birthplace. Here, in the Cathedral of S. Rufino he was baptized; in the narrow streets of the town he spent his youth dreaming of a future as a knight. Where the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore now stands, in Piazza del Vescovado, he renounced worldly possessions for the love of God and his fellow man. In the Church of San Damiano, praying before the crucifix, he received the mission to renew the Church of Christ. In the town square he began his preaching and his work of charity and peace. It was in Assisi where he died in 1226. His remains are kept in the Basilica of S. Francis, but the saint lives on in every stone of Assisi.
2. Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Together with your guide, explore the most important Franciscan sites in Assisi. Begin at Porta Nuova and walk through the historic center, passing Piazza Santa Chiara, home to the Basilica of Saint Clare, and Piazza del Comune, the heart of the medieval town. The tour concludes at the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning frescoes by Giotto and for housing the tomb of Saint Francis, one of Christianity's most beloved saints. Radio guide for visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis Included.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels