High Paths to Assisi – Independent
As you head northwards from Spoleto to Assisi, birthplace of St Francis, following high ancient pilgrim paths along the slopes of the Apennines, you'll pass through age-old olive groves and tiny, fortified hilltop villages, castles and monasteries rich in art and history. The views are spectacular, as are some of the frescoes you will see along the way.
This trip offers great walking through the 'green heart of Italy' and springtime is best for wildflowers when the countryside blooms with new life.
Magnificent Sagrantino wines accompany delicious Umbrian cuisine. Truffles are, perhaps, the most famous Umbrian delicacy and olive oil is a particular speciality in the area you'll walk through.
Duration: 8 days
Itinerary
Elegant and medieval city with important Romanesque churches and a 12th century cathedral with frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi. Stay in a 3-star hotel or upgrade to an elegant palazzo hotel, both situated in the medieval centre.
Once a Roman stronghold, Spoleto went on to become the seat of one of the most powerful states in Italy – the Lombard Kingdom - and later a Papal stronghold. The town is dominated by a 14th-century fortress (now a museum) and stunning aqueduct, but also boasts a beautiful Romanesque cathedral with fine frescoes and some good Roman remains. There are some excellent restaurants here to suit every budget, offering an outstanding array of typical Umbrian cuisine.
Friendly, comfortable hotel in quiet medieval quarter
Elegant, boutique palazzo hotel, centrally located
From Spoleto follow a scenic disused railway line with long views across the Umbra Valley, then paths that climb and fall between small villages, through woodland, olive groves and farmland, to the tiny hamlet of Poreta (10.7 miles, 6.5 hours). Stay on a traditional working farm.
A tiny village which lies below the medieval, fortified settlement of Castello di Poreta. The high defensive walls still remain, as well as a centuries-old olive grove that grows among the ruins within. Relax at your historic farm resort which has a pool and small spa, or perhaps book one of the seasonal activities on offer such as truffle hunting.
Agriturismo – authentic, luxurious farm resort
Upgrade option is a superior room with garden view
Small lanes and tracks lead up to Campello Alto, a delightful medieval hilltop village with wonderful views, and then on to the village of Pissignano, with its majestic 11th century castle. Ancient olive grove terraces lead us via spectacular scenery, until ascending, via a Roman aqueduct, to the ancient hilltop town of Trevi, with its excellent churches and museums housing numerous art treasures – frescoes by Perugino and Lo Spagna – and interesting museum of olive oil (8.9 miles, 5 hours). Stay in a 3-star B&B with gardens, pool and wonderful views.
An ancient hilltop town with stunning views, surrounded by olive groves. There are some wonderful churches and museums housing exceptional art treasures including frescoes by Perugino and Lo Spagna. The olive oil museum is also well worth a visit.
In lovely garden setting, with pool and wonderful views
Paths continue along the slope of Monte Serano, offering splendid views over the valley. Walk via a series of tiny, remote hilltop villages, Roman settlements and an impressive ‘keep’ before descending to Agriturismo La Quercetta, in a lovely setting with wonderful views (Low route: 9 miles / High route: 9.2 miles, 5.5 hours).
The views and panoramic pool are the highlight of your stay at a country house in the small village of Carpello. Just a short distance away is Foligno, a town with a significant Roman past and charming historical centre featuring noble palaces, beautiful churches and a cathedral. Also nearby is Sassovivo Abbey. Founded by the Benedictines in around 1070, the centrepiece of the abbey is a particularly fine Romanesque cloister in white marble.
Family-run country house, with magnificent views and pool
Paths lead gently up through oak forests and olive groves to the impressively situated 11th century Benedictine Abbey of Santa Croce in Sassovivo, with important artistic and architectural features. Then descend gradually, through juniper and pine forest, via waterfalls and ancient hamlets, across the Topino Valley, up and on to the splendid Roman, medieval town of Spello (13.7 miles /13.4 miles to upgrade hotel, 7.5 - 8 hours). Option of a family-run 3-star hotel or 4-star boutique hotel with heated pool (upgrade).
Quietly appealing and restful, this delightful hill town of pinkish grey stone climbing the lower slopes of Monte Subasio has long been a favoured destination to escape the demands of city life. This is where the faithful Roman legionnaires of Emperor Augustus came to retire. The town is renowned for its frescoes by such notable painters as Pinturicchio. It also has several delightful restaurants serving wonderful regional dishes.
Family-run hotel with terrace and views
Family-run boutique hotel with terrace, heated pool and excellent restaurant
Set off early to climb the high flower-filled pastures of Monte Subasio (1,278m /4,192ft), or take a ride to near the top, enjoying fabulous views, before descending a mountain spur to enter Assisi on the stony pilgrim path once frequented by St Francis (11 miles / 10.6 miles to upgrade hotel, 6 hours). Central 4-star hotel or upgrade to a 5-star converted monastery with unique spa housed within the Roman foundations.
Famous for Italy’s premier saint, St Francis, founder of the Franciscan order. With its muted, pinkish masonry and small streets, the town still retains much of its medieval charm and surrounded by olive groves and scenic vistas, Assisi offers a serene blend of history, art, and peaceful countryside. Visit the abundance of historic churches and monuments and the Basilica di San Francesco with astounding frescoes. We offer a 2-hour walk in the Route Book that takes in the best sights.
Centrally located hotel with views over the valley
Stunning new hotel in converted monastery in the old town; indoor pool and spa uniquely housed in its Roman foundations
Free day to explore Assisi or visit the nearby Franciscan sites of the Carceri hermitage or churches of San Damiano and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Centrally located hotel with views over the valley
Stunning new hotel in converted monastery in the old town; indoor pool and spa uniquely housed in its Roman foundations
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to Challenging. The walk lengths vary from 4 hours to a maximum of 7 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. The walking, although intermittently hilly, is fairly relaxed, allowing time for sightseeing in the places en route, and with a free day in Assisi. The walk on Day 6 features some fairly steep and prolonged ascent and descent. There is an optional lower (gentler) route on that day.
Terrain: Including strade bianche (dirt/gravel roads), paths through olive groves, woodland and farm tracks, small grassy and stony paths and walk in open meadows. On certain days the paths may be rough and stony – so please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. There are no vertiginous sections.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to Challenging. The walk lengths vary from 4 hours to a maximum of 7 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. The walking, although intermittently hilly, is fairly relaxed, allowing time for sightseeing in the places en route, and with a free day in Assisi. The walk on Day 6 features some fairly steep and prolonged ascent and descent. There is an optional lower (gentler) route on that day.
Terrain: Including strade bianche (dirt/gravel roads), paths through olive groves, woodland and farm tracks, small grassy and stony paths and walk in open meadows. On certain days the paths may be rough and stony – so please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. There are no vertiginous sections.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local walks and visits - some can fit in with itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
There’s plenty to explore in Spoleto including:
The Cathedral (including the Renaissance frescos by Filippo Lippi, the Eroli chapel by Pinturicchio and a XII century wooden crucifix by Alberto Sotio)
Eufemia church (one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture) and the adjecient Museo DiocesanoRoman house (a great example of a roman house)
Roman theatre and archaeogical museum
The Rocca di Albornoz fortress and its National Museum of Duchy of Spoleto
ATG offers a number of city walks designed to take in the main cultural attractions of the town.
Additional Walks
Trevi city walk – taking in the highlights of Trevi
Spello city walk – taking in the highlights of Spello
Spello circular walk - along the Roman Aqueduct to Collepino and back to Spello: 8 mile walk, taking approx 4 hours
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Discover the magic of Umbria region with me. Walk ancient paths and medieval streets, explore frescoed chapels and silent monasteries, and breathe the fresh mountain air with amazing views. Taste truffles, fine cured meats, and regional wines while embracing the slower rhythm of authentic Italian life. I look forward to welcoming you!
"Michal was fantastic and could not have been more helpful. He went above and beyond both in sorting out restaurant reservations but also keeping us updated everyday."
"He went out of his way to be helpful."
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Umbrian cuisine dates back to Etruscan times. Each town has developed its own take on the area’s intense flavours and rich dishes. Truffles are, perhaps, the most famous Umbrian delicacy, although olive oil is a particular speciality in the area you walk through too. Meat and game features quite largely on the menu, in particular porchetta, a variation on roast pork stuffed with herbs and spices. Look out for variations of roasted wild pigeon and for the extraordinary salame mazzafegato, a salami containing pine nuts, pork liver, candied orange, sugar and raisins. Notable local wines are the high-quality red wines of the DOC vineyards of Montefalco (Rosso and Sagrantino di Montefalco). The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
History
Waves of peoples have left their mark on the region. Traces of Stone Age settlements have been found as well as the remains of later tribal settlements. Umbria became a prosperous region under the Romans, favoured as a retreat from the city and as a retirement destination. After the fall of the Roman empire and barbarian invasions, the Lombards ruled, followed by power struggles over the region between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. Roman and Lombard relics, ancient abbeys, early fresco cycles, Romanesque architecture and Renaissance art all bear witness to this. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of the region.
Flora & Fauna
Often referred to as the green heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the most heavily wooded areas of Italy with a multitude of lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Flowers such as broom, wild roses and cyclamen abound in the forests while orchids, narcissi and aromatic herbs carpet the high grassy meadows in spring. Hares, pheasants and other game prefer the woodland habitats while frogs and toads lurk in the wetland areas and lizards lounge on exposed rocks. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Spoleto: Take the airport shuttle train or bus from Rome airports to Roma Termini rail station, from where there are regular, direct trains to Spoleto. If you are flying into Perugia, take a bus or taxi to the central station from where there are both direct and indirect trains to Spoleto.
Return travel from Assisi: For Rome airports, there are several trains a day from Assisi station to Roma Termini station, then take onward shuttle services to your required airport. For Perugia airport, there is a direct bus service from Assisi, or take the train from Assisi station to Perugia central station, then a bus or taxi to the airport.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour starts in Spoleto and includes 5 days walking through high hills with time to enjoy the overnight stays in historic locations and the delights of Assisi. Discover culture, excellent walking and the ‘green heart of Italy’ on this weeklong trip to Umbria.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Spoleto*
Day 2: Spoleto to Poreta*
Day 3: Poreta to Trevi
Day 4: Trevi to Carpello (Foligno)
Day 5: Carpello to Spello*
Day 6: Spello to Assisi*
Day 7: Assisi* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Other trips you may be interested in
