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67 Kilometers

from Passignano sul Trasimeno to Spoleto

2.250 Meter

total ascent & descent

4–7 hours

daily hiking time

Yellow-blue way markers

Trail Marking of the St. Francis' Way

April to October

Best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

The St. Francis' Way (Via di Francesco) is more than just a hiking path – it connects history, culture, and nature in the green heart of Italy. From Assisi to Spoleto, the path passes through towns like Spello, rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards near Lake Trasimeno, offering views of Monte Subasio. Historical highlights such as Spoleto’s Ponte delle Torri and Spello’s Roman heritage accompany the route – a landscape that fascinated Goethe and Hermann Hesse alike.

Our walking tour on the St. Francis’ Way is rated at our difficulty level walking. The trail is well marked with the yellow-blue St. Francis’ Way signs, mostly on natural or gravel paths, offering a varied mix of gentle valley sections and moderate climbs that require sure-footedness and stamina.

Questions and Answers about hiking the St. Francis’ Way

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The St. Francis' Way in Italy traditionally starts in Florence at the Church of Santa Croce. However, our hiking tour in Umbria starts in Passignano sul Trasimeno on Lake Trasimeno and leads from there through unspoiled and picturesque countryside to Assisi and on through olive groves and forests to Spoleto.

The best time to experience the St. Francis' Way is from late April to mid-October. Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy either the warm summer temperatures or the pleasant cool breezes.

The St. Francis’ Way is ideal for culture-loving hikers with good fitness levels and is classified under our "Walking" category. This means that you will always be walking on well-maintained trails.

The total length varies depending on the route. On our hiking tour in Umbria, you will hike in 5 stages on the St Francis' Way, covering a total distance of around 69 kilometers. In total, you will climb and descend around 2,250 meters in altitude.

Depending on your personal hiking pace, each stage can be comfortably completed in around 5 to 6 hours.

On our tours along the St. Francis' Way, you'll stay in charming accommodations. After a rewarding day of walking, you can put your feet up and relax while reflecting on your journey.

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the St. Francis’ Way

Assisi

Assisi is the heart of St. Francis’ Way. The Basilica of Saint Francis, the narrow streets, and the pink-hued houses of the old town create a unique atmosphere. From the hill above the town, sweeping views over the Umbrian plain invite a moment of pause and wonder.

Walking path through green meadow with olive trees leading to Sacro Convento monastery on hilltop in Assisi under blue sky with white clouds.

Spello

Spello charms with blooming streets, historic city gates, and quiet squares. Small cafés and charming eateries shape the town’s character, while the surrounding hills provide fantastic views over the valley and Umbrian countryside.

Narrow cobblestone street in Spello with stone buildings. A sign reading 'Via Povera Vita' is visible on the wall with flowering plants.

Monte Subasio

Between Assisi and Spello rises Monte Subasio. Hiking paths lead through dense forests, colorful meadows, and past ancient hermitages. Fresh mountain air and expansive views make this section one of the most impressive on the route.

Monte Subasio with the Sasso Piano summit cross

Spoleto

Spoleto impresses with the imposing Ponte delle Torri, the cathedral, and the charming streets of the old town. The city combines history, culture, and a lively local atmosphere, while the surrounding hills offer beautiful panoramic views.

Stone-paved square in Spoleto leading to a white church with bell tower and decorated facade, framed by historic buildings under blue sky.

Todi

Perched on a hill above the Tiber Valley, Todi boasts winding streets, historic squares, and medieval architecture. From here, wide views stretch over the gentle Umbrian hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards.

Hilltop town of Todi in Italy with stone buildings, a bell tower, and monastery on top. Green trees frame the medieval architecture under blue sky.

Orvieto

Orvieto dominates a striking rock formation. The Gothic cathedral immediately draws the eye, while the city’s underground tunnels reveal a mysterious side. The view over the valley is spectacular, making Orvieto an unforgettable stop on the way to Rome.

Panoramic view of Orvieto perched on a volcanic cliff, surrounded by cypress trees and green hillsides under a blue sky with white clouds.

The Most Scenic Stages on the St. Francis’ Way

12 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 100 Meters

From the Tescio River, follow the “Green Way” into the mystical Holy Forest, past old mills and the art installation Third Paradise. The final climb rewards with a striking arrival at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi.

↔ 16 Kilometers | ↗ 700 Meters | ↘ 850 Meters

A panoramic stage over Monte Subasio with expansive ridges, soft alpine meadows, and wide views over Umbria. The descent leads to the picturesque town of Spello, famous for its churches and Renaissance frescoes.

↔ 12 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘  150 Meters

Following the colorful Tao symbols, the trail passes the Sant’Eraclio Castle and continues along the historic Via Flaminia. Gentle hills, wide olive groves, and quiet paths accompany you before the charming village of Trevi appears high above the valley – one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its stunning piazza and the elegant Villa Fabri.

↔ 14 Kilometers | ↗ 550 Meters | ↘ 550 Meters

Through shimmering olive groves and small hamlets, the trail passes a Franciscan hermitage and the fortified village of Poreta. You reach the historic town of Spoleto conveniently via its unique network of underground escalators.

Why Choose to Hike the St. Francis’ Way?

Moments of Reflection

Pilgrimage in quiet contemplation along the footsteps of Saint Francis.

Green Heart of Italy

Hike through gentle hills, olive groves, and idyllic valleys of Umbria.

Magic of Assisi

Arrival in the luminous old town with its basilica creates an unforgettable moment.

Royal Footsteps

Visit historic monasteries and hermitages closely connected to Saint Francis.

Hearty Rewards

Savor Umbrian cuisine: homemade pasta, truffles, and local wines.

Travel Stories on the St. Francis’ Way

St. Francis’ Way: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

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Hikers at Lake Kaltern

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

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Team Eurobike & Eurohike

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

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Hiking in the Dachstein Mountains

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

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Finca Son Palou in Majorca

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

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Bavaria's royal castles

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

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Information talk on site

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

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Hikers in Riva on Lake Garda with App

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.

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Panoramic view of the Lechtal Alps with Travelife certification logo. Green valleys, mountain lake, and snow-capped peaks under cloudy sky.

Other Hiking Paths in Europe

Sophia Altenberger

If you have any questions about your hiking tour on the St. Francis' Way, I am here to help and advise you!

Sophia Altenberger
Travel Specialist
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