Unknown Umbria – Escorted
This route takes you through southeast Umbria, an area removed from the more famous centres of Assisi and Perugia. Historically inaccessible, it has remained significantly unspoiled. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty with picturesque towns and villages.
Norcia, the ‘black truffle centre of Italy’, nestles on an agricultural plain at the foot of the Monti Sibillini. These rounded green mountains encircle the ‘Piano Grande’ - a vast, high, mountain plain with wildflowers in abundance in spring - and its tiny settlement of Castelluccio. From Norcia, the landscape remains mountainous, ever beautiful, but is more wooded, the valleys gradually more populated. Pass through towns and villages revered for their religious associations, chestnut and olive groves, vineyards and farmhouses, en route to Spoleto, a town dominated by a 14th-century fortress and stunning aqueduct.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
30 May - 06 Jun 2026
Itinerary
Drive (2.5 hours) from Rome Fiumicino airport to the walled medieval town of Norcia, famous as the birthplace of St Benedict and for its hams, salamis – norcinerie – and world-renowned black truffles! We stay for 3 nights in an elegantly converted palazzo just off the central piazza, with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Mentioned by Virgil and the birthplace of St Benedict, the unique character and charm of this historic walled town has been compromised for the time being by the earthquake damage it suffered in 2016 and the reconstruction work now underway. It is nevertheless superbly situated within the Monti Sibillini National Park and is still much renowned for its gastronomic speciality – the black truffle – and its pork butchers!
Elegantly restored and extremely comfortable palazzo in town centre
We explore the idyllic, grassy highlands of the Monti Sibillini, including the Piano Grande – a vast mountain plain, that bears carpets of flowers from late May to July and is overlooked by the isolated medieval village of Castelluccio, famed for its delicious, tiny lentils (8 miles, 4 hours). Optional afternoon walk to explore more of the area.
Sitting high up in the Appennine mountains, within the beautiful Monti Sibillini National Park, this tiny farming settlement was severely damaged by the 2016 earthquake. It bears the accolade of being the highest village in peninsular Italy and is famous for its cultivation of a tiny and tasty lentil, grown extensively on the fertile slopes of the Piano Grande (great plain) beneath the village.
Elegantly restored and extremely comfortable palazzo in town centre
We return to the Monti Sibillini and follow paths leading over hills with views across the Piano Grande, before descending towards our picnic (10 miles, 5 hours). After lunch we continue to Norcia.
Elegantly restored and extremely comfortable palazzo in town centre
We walk through oak woods and across farmland to the small town of Cascia, a centre of pilgrimage for St Rita, patron of desperate causes. From here an old pilgrim path follows the steep-sided river valley to Roccaporena, a hamlet dramatically situated at the junction of three gorges, and the saint’s birthplace (13 miles, 6.5 hours).
A picturesque village at the junction of two gorges, situated up the valley from the larger town of Cascia. Both centres are much visited by pilgrims as, respectively, the birthplace and subsequent home of St Rita, the patron saint of desperate causes and one of Italy’s best loved! There are many sites dedicated to the saint in both towns, including an enormous white basilica built by Mussolini in her honour and which houses the immaculate remains of Saint Rita.
Clean and comfortable, modern pilgrim hotel in the medieval village
We cross hills with scrub and oak woods famous for truffles, climb to a ridge from which there are panoramic views, then walk down to the picturesque village of Gavelli, with the finest small frescoed church in Italy (former ATG Trust restoration project). From here we descend into a gorge that leads down to medieval Scheggino on the River Nera (12.8 miles, 6.5 hours).
Dominated by its ruined castle walls, this medieval village also houses a 13th-century church with paintings by Lo Spagna. All the more picturesque for its position on the fast-flowing River Nera and for the tiny canals, constructed for early cottage industries, which criss-cross the village.
Boutique hotel and spa. Unique rooms in picturesque, medieval hamlet. Wonderful views
Optional walk along the picturesque Nera River valley to the church of San Pietro in Valle, to see remarkable 12th century frescoes restored by the ATG Trust (5.9 miles, 3 hours).
Boutique hotel and spa. Unique rooms in picturesque, medieval hamlet. Wonderful views
From Scheggino we walk through wooded hills, offering wonderful views, and descend through chestnut woods and olive groves, to conclude this journey most elegantly, arriving via the remarkable Ponte delle Torri, to the delightful, medieval city of Spoleto. (12.3 miles, 6 hours).
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.
Elegant hotel in converted palazzo
Return to Rome Fiumicino airport (2.5 hours).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging. This is an 8-day walking holiday, with walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 3 hours to a maximum of 6.5 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The walking/trekking in Umbria is fairly challenging but extremely rewarding. The paths vary. There is the dramatic Piano Grande (an unspoiled upland meadow six miles long, three miles wide), woodlands, wooded fertile river valleys, grassy tracks, mule/sheep tracks and open scrubland. fortified villages and hilltop abbeys. There are quite a few rocky, steep descents and ascents as well as the ATG Trust's restored pilgrim path on the way to Sant’Eutizio. We walk on two short asphalt roads.We enjoy extensive views of the hills and plains of the area as well as the other Apennine ranges in the distance. The scenery on this trip is truly outstanding.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging. This is an 8-day walking holiday, with walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 3 hours to a maximum of 6.5 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The walking/trekking in Umbria is fairly challenging but extremely rewarding. The paths vary. There is the dramatic Piano Grande (an unspoiled upland meadow six miles long, three miles wide), woodlands, wooded fertile river valleys, grassy tracks, mule/sheep tracks and open scrubland. fortified villages and hilltop abbeys. There are quite a few rocky, steep descents and ascents as well as the ATG Trust's restored pilgrim path on the way to Sant’Eutizio. We walk on two short asphalt roads.We enjoy extensive views of the hills and plains of the area as well as the other Apennine ranges in the distance. The scenery on this trip is truly outstanding.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
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
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask. There are no particular dress requirements in the restaurants we use, although some are obviously smarter than others.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Food & Wine
A temperate climate produces an abundance of fruit and vegetables whilst its rolling grass uplands have, since Neolithic times, provided grazing for herds of sheep, pigs and cattle. In the streams and rivers are fish, notably an abundance of trout. Norcia is traditionally famous for producing some of the tastiest salamis in Italy. However, Umbria’s most prized speciality is the black truffle. Notable local wines are the fruity yet delicate Trebbiano Spoletino and 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
Umbria, ‘the green heart of Italy’, has been renowned for its beauty since Roman times. The region contains a huge variety of landscapes, criss-crossed by numerous rivers and lakes, providing an ideal habitat for abundant flora and fauna. This route starts within the Monti Sibillini National Park, an impressive mountainous landscape with a rich biodiversity. In the spring there are superb wildflowers with lots of mountain varieties, mostly at their best from mid to late May. From mid-June into July, colourful summer flowers bloom in profusion on the Piano Grande, a vast grassy plain flanked by the peaks of the Sibillini mountains. You may spot birds of prey including lesser kestrels, peregrine falcons and the occasional golden eagle. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour 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.
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. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
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.
Your Tour Leader will be able to tell you about three ATG Trust projects on this route: The restoration of the fresco in the right apse of the Romanesque Abbey of San Pietro entitled ‘Madonna & Saints’, dating from XIV century, the restoration of a fine cycle of frescos by Lo Spagna 1518 in the church in Gavelli and the restoration of eroded parts of pathway, dating back to the period pre S Benedict (5C), linking the town of Norcia with the 13thC Abbey of S Eutizio. This was one of the first projects undertaken by the ATG Trust which was set up in 2000.
Other trips you may be interested in
