High Paths to Assisi

Day 1 • Arrive in Spoleto

Elegant and medieval city with Romanesque churches and a 12C cathedral with frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi

HHH Charleston (std) HHHH Palazzo Sant’Angelo (sup)

Day 2 • Spoleto to Poreta

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 far mland, to the tiny hamlet of Poreta (std: 10.7 miles / sup: 10 5 miles, 5 5–6 hrs)

HHHH Borgo della Mar motta (std & sup rooms)

Day 3 • Poreta to Trevi

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 11C castle. Ancient olive grove terraces lead us via spectacular scenery and a Roman aqueduct, to the ancient hilltop town of Trevi, with its museums housing numerous art treasures –frescoes by Perugino and Lo Spagna (8 9 miles, 4 hrs)

HHH Palazzo Natalini

Day 4 • Trevi to Carpello

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, with wonderful views (9 2 miles, 5 hrs)

La Quercetta agritu rism o

Day 5 • Carpello to Spello

Paths lead gently up through oak forests and olive groves to the impressively situated 11th century Benedictine Abbey of Santa Croce in Sassovivo Then descend through juniper and pine forest, via waterfalls and ancient hamlets, across the Topino Valley, up and on to the splendid Roman town of Spello (Std: 13 7 miles / Sup: 13.4 miles, 7 hrs).

HHH Il Cacciatore (std) HHHH La Bastiglia (sup)

Day 6 • Spello to Assisi

Climb the high flower-filled pastures of Monte Subasio, or take a ride to near the top, enjoying fabulous views, before descending to Assisi on the stony pilgrim path once frequented by St Francis (std: 11 miles / sup: 10 6 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Hotel Giotto & Spa (std) HHHHH Nun Assisi (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Assisi

Explore Assisi, or visit the nearby Franciscan sites of the Carceri her mitage or churches of San Damiano or Santa Maria degli Angeli

HHHH Hotel Giotto & Spa (std) HHHHH Nun Assisi (sup)

Day 8 • Departure day

Route open: April-Nov

Airports to first hotel: u Rome (100 miles)

Train/bus: 2 5 hrs - €25

Taxi: 2 hrs - ~€210 u Perugia (34 miles)

Train/bus: 1 5 hrs - €15

Taxi: 45 mins - ~€110

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: 104 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 4) See p 8

Terrain: Small gravel roads; woodland paths; grassy meadows; forest paths; and ancient olive grove tracks