After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, figuratively 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 that walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis.

• September 5, 2022 – Gather, overnight in Florence – Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk.
• September 6, 2022 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles) – Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals.
• September 7, 2022 – 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.
• September 8, 2022 – 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.
• September 9, 2022 – 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.
• September 10, 2022 – 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.
• September 11, 2022 – 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.
• September 12, 2022 – 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.
• September 13, 2021 – 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.
• September 14, 2022 – 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.
• September 15, 2022 – 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.
• September 16, 2022 – 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.
• September 17, 2022 – 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.
• September 18, 2022 – 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.
• September 19, 2022 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles) – Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.
• September 20, 2022 – 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.
• September 21, 2022 – 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.

Walk among vineyards and olive groves through the region St Francis loved, stopping at key sites in his life. See where he heard his call to poverty, where he spoke to the Pope, where he received his vision and look at a letter written in his own hand. Visit serene lakes and enjoy mountain vistas, then feel the mists of the thundering waters of the largest human-made waterfall. When it is all over, arrive at the incomparable Eternal City of Rome to enjoy an unforgettable pilgrimage made more real because you walked to get there.  

• September 21, 2022 – Gather, overnight in Assisi (optional Assisi tour).The beautiful hometown of St. Francis is one of the most beloved pilgrim sites in all the world.
• September 22, 2022 – Assisi to Spello (easier: 13.8km/8.6miles; harder: 17.6km/10.9miles) –The climb on Assisi’s Mount Subasio offers spectacular views of the Tiber River Valley. Choose this for its views or stay below in the easier and still scenic route among olive groves.
• September 23, 2022 – Spello to Trevi (19.1km/11.9miles) – Onto the valley floor now, enter Foligno, where Francis sold his father’s cloth to raise money to rebuild the Church of San Damiano then climb to delightful Trevi famous for its beautiful views.
• September 24, 2022 – Trevi to Spoleto (easier: 19.1km/11.9miles; harder: 27.6km/17.2miles) – Either descend to the valley floor for a quiet walk along a flat bike path or take the longer mountainside option through Poreta. Spoleto is a cultural capital of Umbria as it hosts the annual Due Mondi festival that attracts the world’s finest classical musicians each year; its cathedral houses a hand-written letter of St Francis.
• September 25, 2022 – Spoleto to Macenano (20.4km/12.7miles) – A brisk 45-min climb takes you to the Monteluco Franciscan convent, and then a long downhill wilderness trail leads along dramatic gorges into the Valnerina recreational area. Overnight at the ancient Abbey of San Pietro in Valle (when available).
• September 26, 2022 – Macenano to Arrone (10.4km/6.5miles) – A perfectly restful day with a quiet, flat walk along a green mountain-bike path to the charming Umbrian hill town of Arrone.
• September 27, 2022 – Arrone to Piediluco (15.2km/9.4miles) – Leave later in the morning so you can arrive when the waters are flowing at majestic Cascata delle Marmore, a waterfall on the Velino River made by the Romans over 2000 years ago. Walk alongside the Velino River to quiet Piediluco, home to the Italian National Crew Team.
• September 28, 2022 – Piediluco to Poggio Bustone (21.8km/13.5miles) – Atop a mountain stands the 800-year old Beech Tree of St Francis. The day ends in Poggio Bustone, site of the cave where St. Francis had two visions that would change his life.
• September 29, 2022 – Poggio Bustone to Rieti (17.7km/11.0miles) – A quiet and verdant walk to the gorgeous village of Cantalice and then the sanctuary of La Foresta where legend attributes a key miracle to St. Francis. End the day in Rieti, an important stop on the ancient Roman salt road.
• September 30, 2022 – Rieti Rest Day – optional trip to Greccio and Fontecolombo, key St Francis sites in the Rieti Valley, and optional tour of Rieti. Dinner is on your own this evening so you can explore the restaurant scene of this historic town on the Salt Road.
• October 1, 2022 – Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo (21.8km/13.5miles) – Walk along the ancient Roman Salt Road through quiet farms of the Sabine Region to tiny Poggio San Lorenzo.
• October 2, 2022 – Poggio San Lorenzo to Ponticelli (21.6km/13.4miles) – An up-and-down day of forested ridges, olive groves and sheep pastures with views to castles and quiet villages. Overnight at 15th c Castello Orsini.
• October 3, 2022 – Ponticelli to Montelibretti (13.2km/8.2milesl) – The mountains begin to spread out before you and the hills begin to flatten as you prepare for the broad Tiber Valley ahead.
• October 4, 2022 – Montelibretti to Monterotondo (16.6km/10.3miles) – Although Rome is near, the path carries you through lush nature preserves, away from traffic and city life. In clear weather the first glimpse of St. Peter’s can be seen in the far distance.
• October 5, 2022 – Monterotondo to Monte Sacro (19.3km/12.0miles)- With some sadness leave nature behind and walk the second half of this day through Roman suburbs to a comfortable lodging in the Monte Sacro district of Rome.
• October 6, 2022 – Monte Sacro to the Vatican (15.4km/9.6miles) – Follow quiet bicycle paths until the right moment to dive into the city, walking through Piazza del Popolo and on the edge of Piazza Navone. Cross the Bridge of Angels and take the first steps out of Rome into Vatican City at the doors of the Basilica of Saint Peter, our journey’s goal.
• October 7, 2022 – Depart Rome – With your testimonium in hand and your mind full of memories say goodbye to Rome. This pilgrimage through the Roman countryside in the places beloved by St. Francis stays vivid in your mind for a lifetime of cherished memories. Optional Rome Tour (inquire for details)

The most challenging and beautiful section of the Via Francigena is its transit of the Alps at the Grand St Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. This unforgettable Alpine walk features snow-capped mountain peaks, towering waterfalls and majestic forests, interspersed with castles, Roman ruins and spectacular mountain scenery. This group walk is timed to allow a snow-free transit of the Alps, and offers overnights in modest, pilgrim-class accommodations, with dinners and breakfasts included, except as specified. Accompanied by your host, guidebook author Sandy Brown. Join our contact list for updates.

• September 4, 2023 – Gather in Lausanne, Switzerland– Home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne sits on the north shore of beautiful Lake Geneva. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and prepare for your first day of walking.
• September 5, 2023 – Lausanne to Vevey (21.0km/13.0miles)– Leave Lausanne on charming lakeside trails, then head up onto vineyard-covered mountain sides on the way to lakeside Vevey.
• September 6, 2023 – Vevey to Aigle (25.8km/16.0miles) – July’s annual Jazz Festival put Montreux on the map. Enjoy its lakeside promenade and then beautiful Chillon Castle before saying goodbye to the lake and heading up the Rhône Valley to Aigle.
• September 7, 2023 – Aigle to St Maurice (16.6km/10.3miles)– As the valley narrows and the track slowly climbs, mountain towns like Ollon exude Swiss charm. Set along tall cliffs, the town of St Maurice holds one of Europe’s oldest monasteries.
• September 8, 2023 – St Maurice to Martigny (16.7km/10.4miles)– The valley continues to narrow while the boulder-strewn route traverses mountainsides in quiet forests to the accompaniment of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
• September 9, 2023 – Martigny to Orsieres (18.4km/11.4miles) – The path continues to ascend on narrow mountain paths under tall forests. The valleys are just wide enough for a two-lane road, a train track, and your pathway.
• September 10, 2023 – Orsieres to Bourg St Pierre (14.0km/8.7miles)– The last night in Switzerland is spent above the tree line in the sparse settlement of Bourg St Pierre after the truly first steep climb of the walk.
• September 11, 2023 – Bourg St Pierre to Col St Bernard (12.6km/7.8miles)– The climb concludes in an enchanting land of heather, cool streams and tall, snowy peaks. Summit at the historic St Bernard Hospice at the Swiss/Italian border where dogs are still trained to rescue stranded hikers.
• September 12, 2023 – Col St Bernard to Echennevoz (14.8km/9.2miles) – The first steps follow cattle trails down the green peaks and then a path alongside a delightful wayside canal that feeds vast, irrigated fields far below.
• September 13, 2023 – Echennevoz to Aosta (13.9km/8.6miles) – Italian Alpine towns like Etroubles dot the countryside as the road continues downhill to the Roman city of Aosta, now capital of the Italian Aosta Valley region.
• September 14, 2023 – Rest Day in Aosta – Take time to enjoy this Italian city that speaks French and has deep roots in the Roman Empire. Explore the Roman theater, and Arch of Augustus and then stroll on the main shopping street and browse gifts for your loved ones at home. Dinner is on your own tonight so you can explore the town’s Valdostan gastronomy (we’ll offer some suggestions).
• September 15, 2023 – Aosta to Chattillon (27.7km/17.2miles) – Castles stand like silent sentinels on hilltops below tall peaks whose steep slopes end at the green valley floor below.
• September 16, 2023 – Chatillon to Verres (18.5km/11.5miles) – A day of castles and gorges spent on hillsides high above the valley floor. Terraced vineyards result in fine wines that demand a sample over Valdosta specialties at dinner.
• September 17, 2023 – Verres to Ponte-Saint-Martin (16.0km/10.0miles) – The town of Bard relives its medieval roots each day as its trendy shops welcome tourists and pilgrims both. Roman bridges cross the blue-green waters of the Dora Balthea River.
• September 18, 2023 – Ponte-Saint-Martin to Ivrea (23.4km/14.5miles) – Widening out into the Po River Plain, the Aosta Valley ends at the castles of Ivrea, while the Italian National Kayak Team practices its maneuvers on the cascading currents of the Balthea River in the heart of town.
• September 19, 2023 – Depart Ivrea– Catch a train to Milan or Torino to return home, or continue your holiday with a stop in Venice, Florence or Rome.