St. Francis Way (Via di Francesco)

Begin your pilgrimage from the spiritual heights of the La Verna Sanctuary, descending through dense woodland and across creek beds to reach the charming town of Pieve Santo Stefano. The route is marked by forested paths, occasional rocky terrain, and provides an immediate immersion into the scenic mountains of Tuscany.

Today’s segment travels along the Tiber River valley, following a mix of country lanes and wooded trails. You arrive in Sansepolcro, famed for its Renaissance architecture and historical significance, with gentle elevation changes along the day’s walk.

Crossing the border into Umbria, this stretch moves from fields and farmlands into historic Città di Castello. The terrain is a gentle mix of gravel and paved surfaces, passing through small villages and olive groves en route to the medieval town center.

Climbing into the Umbrian hills, this day’s journey is both scenic and demanding, traversing woodlands and pastoral countryside to reach the elevated medieval village of Pietralunga. Expect some prolonged ascents and rewarding valley views.

Descend from Pietralunga through forested hills and small hamlets on your way to Gubbio, a highlight of the route with its striking medieval architecture and stunning hilltop location. The day is characterized by quiet rural settings.

Leaving Gubbio behind, travel a more remote route over rolling hills where pockets of forest give way to patches of open land. The stage concludes at Biscina, offering peace and panoramic vistas in the Umbrian countryside.

The trail threads its way through quiet forest, following gravel tracks and country lanes, with brief but steep ascents before the descent to Valfabbrica. Along the way, enjoy tranquil woods and scenic river crossings.

One of the most anticipated stages, this section leads you through scenic woodland trails and gentle hillsides into the sacred city of Assisi. The finish is marked by your first awe-inspiring sight of the Basilica of St. Francis across the valley.

Departing from Assisi, follow hillside paths across Monte Subasio to the attractive hillside town of Spello. This section features olive groves, far-reaching mountain views, and ancient Roman ruins along the route.

Continue along the valley with a short and mostly gentle walk to the bustling town of Foligno. The terrain is primarily flat, making this a less demanding day and allowing for exploration of Foligno’s vibrant historic center.

Traverse olive groves and vineyards as you climb toward the picturesque hilltown of Trevi. The route includes both paved and unpaved paths, with steady elevation gain offering wide views across the valley below.

A longer walk on gentle terrain brings you alongside waterways and ancient Roman infrastructure into the city of Spoleto. This day combines stretches of open countryside with woodland sections and urban entry.

Leaving Spoleto, the trail winds into the Valnerina Valley, passing through secluded villages and lush forests. The walk to Ceselli is peaceful, with fewer urban encounters and plenty of opportunities to enjoy quiet nature.

Follow trails through the green heart of the Nera River Valley, visiting old abbeys and stone villages before finishing in Arrone. This section stays close to the river, with soft terrain and beautiful natural surroundings.

A gentle walk takes you past lakeside scenery and the Terni waterfalls as you travel toward Piediluco. This is a relatively easy day, with opportunities to visit the iconic Cascata delle Marmore, one of Europe’s highest manmade waterfalls.

The route becomes more mountainous as you enter Lazio, climbing steeply though forests with panoramic views of Lake Piediluco. After a demanding ascent, you’ll reach the tranquil Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone.

Descend into the Rieti plain, passing several Franciscan sanctuaries and rural hamlets before reaching the historic city of Rieti. The terrain alternates between woodland paths and quiet country roads.

Today’s stage follows the ancient Via Salaria, traversing rolling farmland, oak forests, and passing archaeological remains before arriving in the small hilltown of Poggio San Lorenzo.

Walk through classic Lazio landscapes of olive groves, cypress trees, and gentle ridges. The path is rural and crosses several historic villages before concluding at Ponticelli di Scandriglia.

Continue through hilly pastures and open countryside, occasionally walking on quiet local roads. The day ends in the historic town of Montelibretti, set in a region dotted with ancient castles and villas.

Wander through farmlands and rolling hills, blending rural landscapes with increasing signs of nearby Rome. Monterotondo welcomes you with historical sites and bustling piazzas.

This stage marks the transition from rural trails to the outskirts of Rome. Walk along quiet country paths that gradually lead into suburban neighborhoods before arriving at Monte Sacro, just north of the city center.

Follow urban paths and greenways as you cross into Rome proper, passing Roman aqueducts and city parks before reaching Stazione Tiburtina. This is a short but busy segment in preparation for the final approach.

Conclude your pilgrimage with a walk through Rome’s historic streets and bustling urban environment, culminating at the spiritual heart of Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

A suggested rest day or time for further exploration of Rome or Assisi, allowing hikers to recover, reflect, and immerse in the local culture and historical treasures.

For those starting or ending in Assisi, this optional day takes walkers up Monte Subasio to the hermitage of Eremo delle Carceri before returning to town; peaceful, forested paths offer contemplative solitude.

Some hikers choose the alternative Franciscan route linking the sanctuary of Greccio (site of the first Nativity scene) to Rieti, passing through the villages and forests of the Sabine hills.

This day can be used for shorter walks, local explorations in key towns, or logistical transfers between segments based on individual itinerary preferences.