From Spoleto to Assisi, a pathway between the olive trees in the heart of Umbria
Tour Highlights
A pathway between the olive tress in the heart of Umbria from Spoleto to Assisi, the cuisine of Umbria blend refinement and simplicity. The repertoire of pasta dishes is similar to that of neighbouring regions. There are two local specialties, however: strascinati and umbrici, both long, thick spaghetti, and dressed with oil, garlic and a soupcon of chilli pepper
In Umbria, pasta is often flavoured with a grating of the local black truffles, found around Norcia. In the towns and villages along our route, we dine in fine restaurants and simple tavernas, sampling the sharp pecorino cheese, hand-plucked truffles, and olive oil pressed in the traditional way. Meat is important fare. It is here that the craft of slaughtering the pig and preparing the various cuts for salami is at its best. The meat of the Umbrian pigs is particularly tasty. The reason is because the animals live in the mountains and feed on wild plants, herbs and even truffles. Regional white wines are some of Italy’s most renowned, such as the Orvieto, the Torgiano, the Colli del Trasimeno and the red wines Sagrantino and Montefalco, and we experience them with memorable meals. Follow us on Facebook!
Tour Itinerary
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DAY 1: ROME/SPOLETO
.Arrival in Rome airport and transfer to hotel.
Check in and, according to the arrival time, brief exploration of this wonderful city.
Spoleto was one of the most important place of St. Francis’s conversion because here he had the dream that completely changed his life. Introductory talk and explanation of trip.
Dinner at restaurant. Overnight hotel -
DAY 2: SPOLETO/PORETA
Breakfast at hotel. Spoleto is situated on a dominant position overlooking the valley, this superb landscape made St. Francis exclaimed “ I’ve never seen anything more agreeable than my Spoleto valley”. Following secondary roads we will go forward in the countryside plentiful of olive trees. After passing the village of Bazzano Superiore we will proceed until we will see afar the bell tower of Poreta ready to welcome us. Dinner and overnight at hotel.14.5kms, total ascent 562m, descent 507m, 5h
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DAY 3: PORETA/TREVI
Breakfast at hotel. Left behind us the Poreta’s medieval Castle, we will walk along the drywalls that separate us from the olive groves. We will pass the Franciscan hermitage “Delle Allodole” and the sanctuary of “Madonna delle lacrime”, apparently modest, but inside are still well preserved the wonderful masterpieces of Perugino and Spagna. At the end of this walk we will reach the ancient door which represents the access road to Trevi. Visit of Trevi. Dinner and overnight hotel.12.5kms, total ascent 432m, descent 400m, 5h -
DAY 4: TREVI/FOLIGNO
Breakfast at hotel. Alternating climbs and descends always surrounded by olive groves we will reach the village of St. Eracleo, ancient stopping point of Via Flaminia (a famous Roman consular road). From here the old centre of Foligno is not very far, once we arrive at destination we will be in the middle of Piazza della Repubblica, where in 1205 St. Francis sold his father’s fabric factory to get the money to repair the San Damiano Church in Assisi. Visit of Foligno. Pic nic lunch. Dinner at restaurant Overnight hotel.
12.5kms, total ascent 432m, descent 400m, 4.30h
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DAY 5:FOLIGNO/SPELLO/ASSISI
Breakfast at hotel. From Foligno after a short walk we will arrive at Spello, this town worth a visit because combines its medieval features with many traces from Roman period. Along the path we will walk on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Up to this point only a slight slope will separate us from Assisi. The reward at the end of our journey will be visit the tomb of St. Francis.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.20kms, total ascent 504m, descent 372m, 5.30h -
DAY 6: ASSISI
Breakfast at hotel. Day of total relax to walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Assisi. We will be caught for the last time by the beauty of Umbrian landscapes. There will be the opportunity to visit: the Sanctuary of San Damiano, one of the most important places in the Franciscan story; The Eremo delle Carceri, a small hermitage in an oak forest on Mount Subasio; The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli where was fonded the Franciscan religious order. Lunch and dinner free.
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DAY 7: ASSISI/ROME- DEPARTURE DAY
After an early breakfast we greet our group and drive back to departure Airport
End of our services.
