After several walks on the Way of St. Francis (and writing my books) I designed my own tour–Rieti to Assisi, and along with my wife Jane, taking groups in 2024 and 2025. We are happy to offer this again in 2027, organized again by our Italian ground operator, UmbriAction, this time adding an extra day and ground transportation to and from Rome. This group pilgrimage is an excellent introduction to this beautiful and spiritual pathway. Encompassing hilltop towns, thrilling views and charming villages and cities, it winds its way from the Rieti Valley into Umbria, the “Green Heart of Italy.”
Over fourteen days of walking, discover some of the best delights that Italy has to offer. Lodging, breakfasts and dinners are all included in this package, along with an expert Italian tour guide, luggage transfer and a support van. We also include transport to and from the. Rome Airport as a group.
Our tour starts with four of the most beautiful and historic sanctuaries that ring the Rieti Valley: Greccio, Fonte Colombo, La Foresta and Poggio Bustone, before we cross mountain passes into the Spoleto Valley. We’ll visit Marmore Falls, the world’s largest man-made waterfall, constructed by the Romans in the third century B.C., stay in an ancient monastery and spend an extra day in Spoleto, world-famous for its arts festivals. On our last days into Assisi, we’ll stay in the charming hill-top towns of Trevi and Spello, before walking the last miles past olive groves into the medieval heart of Assisi.
Rieti to Assisi tour detail
Friday October 8, depart from U.S. Group airfare might be possible.
Saturday Oct. 9 – Pick up and transfer to Rieti from Rome Airport, followed by supper as a group.
Sunday Oct. 10 – 11km Walking Tour of Santuario Greccio and Santuario Fonte Colombo. Transport to Greccio Station, walk to Santuario Greccio, sight of the first live Nativity scene staged by St. Francis in 1223. (5.5 km) Bag lunch above the Santuario. Conclude with a transport to Santuario di Fonte Colombo, where Francis wrote his famous Rule of 1223. Walk back to Rieti (5 km)
Monday Oct. 11, 2025 – Walk 12.7 km to Poggio Bustone. Transport out of Rieti to Santuario della Foresta, and learn about St. Francis and the miracle of the grapes. Lunch at beautiful Cantalice on the way to the mountaintop village of Poggio Bustone, home to Santuario di San Giovanni and the Sacro speco, or Grotto of Revelation.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2025 – Walk 13 km to Piediluco. Begin the day with an optional steep 1 km hike up the mountain to the breathtaking Sacro Speco (sacred cave) of St Francis’s dreams and visions. Then transport to Faggio San Francesco, the legendary Beech tree that sheltered St. Francis in a storm. From there it is downhill past the small town of Labro, then to our overnight in lovely Piediluco and its church that remembers the visit of St Francis to this lakeside town.
Wednesday Oct. 13, 2025 – Walk 13 km to Arrone. This is a beautiful, short day, mostly on flat terrain, punctuated by a visit to the largest human-made waterfall in the world – Marmore Falls– built by the Romans nearly 1,700 years ago. Lunch at Marmore Falls. Overnight in the charming hilltop town of Casteldilago.
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2025 – Walk 10 km to Macenano. A second short day along the Nera River and through the dramatic river valley concludes with a stay at an ancient monastery that is now a luxury hotel. Lunch stop in one of the beautiful hilltop towns along the way.
Friday Oct. 15, 2025 Walk 15 km to Spoleto . The most challenging climb of the trip takes us from the Nera Valley to the beautiful town of Spoleto. We begin with transport to Pontuglia where a mountain trail takes us to spectacular views, then carries us down a shaded path to the Convent of Monteluco to see a cell where St Francis stayed. After that we transport to Spoleto.
Saturday Oct. 18, 2025 – Rest day in Spoleto. Spoleto’s Duomo holds a letter written in St Francis’s own hand, and above Spoleto is its mighty fortress that dominates the skyline. 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. Supper on your own this night.
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2025 – Walk 19 km 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.
Monday, Oct. 18 2025 – Walk 12 km to Foligno, the place where Francis sold his father’s cloth to pay for the rebuilding of San Damiano in Assisi.
Tuesday Oct. 19, Take a late start to walk 5km to Spello, the walled village that still rings with the medieval sounds of St Francis’s day. Home to the Infiorate di Spello, an international flower festival, its colorful streets are filled with blossoms. You will have the day to explore this beautiful town.
Wednesday Oct. 20, 2025 – Walk 13 km 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 St Francis himself. We make our way to the Pilgrim Office to receive our completion certificates and a tour of the beautiful and famous Basilica. Optional Pilgrim Mass in the evening.
Thursday, October 21—An extra day in Assisi includes a tour of San Damiano, the church where Francis first heard the call from God to “rebuild my church.” Optional walk -4k- to the Eremo di Carceri will be offered as well.
Thursday October 22 – Our group returns to Rome for flights home on Oct. 23.
If you are interested in reserving a spot on this tour, please fill out the information form below.
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