Overview

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Begin in the heart of the Renaissance and walk toward the cradle of Franciscan spirituality: our Florence → Assisi pilgrimage traces the footsteps of St. Francis through Tuscany’s hills and Umbrian valleys. This journey is part travel, part spiritual quest, and rich in art, nature, and sacred places.

From Florence’s domes and cloisters, you depart into the hills and forests of eastern Tuscany. The route takes you through chestnut woods, quiet ridges, and ancient hermitages where Francis sought solitude and encounter. You will pass sites tied to his life and legend: the hermitage of Camaldoli, the Monastery of La Verna (where Francis received the stigmata), Montecasale (where he is said to have converted three thieves), and San Damiano’s humble chapel. These places foster quiet prayer, contemplation, and a direct sense of Francis’s path.

In between, you traverse the Casentino National Forest, cross the Tiber Valley, and ascend into the uplands that border Umbria. The days are shaped by forest trails, small towns, and contrasts of light and shadow. Approaching Assisi, the hills soften, the scent of olive trees rises, and the presence of Francis’s birthplace draws near. In Assisi itself, pilgrims arrive amid basilicas, chapels, and the stones that tell centuries of devotion.

Every step is supported: luggage moves ahead, guides share stories and reflections, and accommodations offer warm restorative care. Evening reflections, liturgy, or shared silence nurture a deeper rhythm to the journey. This pilgrimage is flexible: you may walk the full route from Florence or join in from La Verna, or even split into segments.

But at its heart, it is a walk into deeper presence. To walk from Florence to Assisi is to move through the landscapes that shaped Francis’s imagination, theology, and love of creation. It’s a path of beauty, humility, and transformation: every hill, every hermitage, every forest breathes sacred echoes. At day’s end, the walls of Assisi welcome you—and with them the promise of pilgrimage fulfilled.

Map of the route

Daily Itinerary

Monday, September 21, 2026 - Gather in Florence
Monday, September 21, 2026 - Gather in Florence

Description

Arrive in Florence, settle into your hotel, and meet your fellow pilgrims. In the evening you’ll gather for orientation, blessing, and an introductory walk through Florence’s alleys and piazzas in the glow of Renaissance art.

distance: 0 km

ascent: 0 m

descent: 0 m

% hard surfaces: 0

difficulty rating: 0


Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – Florence To Pontassieve
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – Florence To Pontassieve

Description

Walk from Florence along quiet riverside trails and through olive groves to Pontassieve. The route reveals the shift from city to countryside, with views of the Arno and the gentle hills rising beyond.

distance: 18.4 km

ascent: 271 m

descent: 215 m

% hard surfaces: 65%

difficulty rating: 6


Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – Pontassieve To Consuma
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – Pontassieve To Consuma

Description

Vineyards recede and forest takes over as the trail climbs. You enter the Casentino National Forest, with mossy paths and tall trees. Tonight you rest in the small village of Consuma, deep in woodland.

distance: 16.8 km

ascent: 999 m

descent: 74 m

% hard surfaces: 67%

difficulty rating: 7


Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Consuma To Stia
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Consuma To Stia

Description

Great stretches of forest, soft slopes, and filtered light on trail lead you toward Stia. The environment feels more remote; often paths dip and climb, and the silence opens with each step.

distance: 14.4 km

ascent: 247 m

descent: 833 m

% hard surfaces: 14%

difficulty rating: 8


Friday, September 25, 2026 – Stia To Camaldoli
Friday, September 25, 2026 – Stia To Camaldoli

Description

Walking through mixed woodland, you reach the Camaldoli Hermitage — centuries of monastic life resonate here. Spend time in its chapels, shop for monastic goods, then rest in this deeply atmospheric place.

distance: 17.5 km

ascent: 766 m

descent: 377 m

% hard surfaces: 37%

difficulty rating: 7


Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Camaldoli To Badia Prataglia
Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Camaldoli To Badia Prataglia

Description

Leave Camaldoli behind and walk through forested valleys, crossing slender ridges and streams. Arrive at Badia Prataglia, tucked in the Casentino forest, with its abbey crypt and quiet mountain charm.

distance: 8.3 km

ascent: 493 m

descent: 489 m

% hard surfaces: 10%

difficulty rating: 7


Sunday, September 27, 2026– Badia Prataglia To Santuario Della Verna
Sunday, September 27, 2026– Badia Prataglia To Santuario Della Verna

Description

After a short van ride, you begin hiking above the Madrioli Pass toward Mount Penna. The path winds through forests to the sanctuary of La Verna, where Francis received the stigmata and where silence lingers.

distance: 15.8 km

ascent: 1085 m

descent: 791 m

% hard surfaces: 7%

difficulty rating: 9


Monday, September 28, 2026 – Santuario Della Verna To Pieve Santo Stefano
Monday, September 28, 2026 – Santuario Della Verna To Pieve Santo Stefano

Description

After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us. Overnight Pieve Santo Stefano.

distance: 14.5 km

ascent: 236 m

descent: 930 m

% hard surfaces: 22%

difficulty rating: 7


Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Pieve Santo Stefano to La Montagna
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Pieve Santo Stefano to La Montagna

Description

From the Tiber Valley, the path climbs to La Montagna, a highland village surrounded by oak forests and mountain meadows, offering expansive views and simple hospitality.

distance: 22.9 km

ascent: 841 m

descent: 592 m

% hard surfaces: 16%

difficulty rating: 8


Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – La Montagna to Sansepolcro
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – La Montagna to Sansepolcro

Description

We descend toward Sansepolcro, birthplace of painter Piero della Francesca. Its lively squares, churches, and museums welcome pilgrims with both art and history.

distance: 10.9 km

ascent: 149 m

descent: 502 m

% hard surfaces: 41%

difficulty rating: 6


Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Sansepolcro to Citerna
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Sansepolcro to Citerna

Description

Crossing the Tiber Valley, we arrive at Citerna, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Its medieval walls and panoramic views make it a memorable stop.

distance: 12.6 km

ascent: 229 m

descent: 84 m

% hard surfaces: 97%

difficulty rating: 5


Friday, October 2, 2026 - Citerna to Città di Castello
Friday, October 2, 2026 - Citerna to Città di Castello

Description

Olive groves, farmland, and cypress-lined trails lead us to Città di Castello, a bustling Umbrian town with towers, piazzas, and a lively atmosphere.

distance: 28.7 km

ascent: 834 m

descent: 566 m

% hard surfaces: 71%

difficulty rating: 8


Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Città di Castello to Pietralunga
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Città di Castello to Pietralunga

Description

The path climbs through forests and remote ridges, descending into Pietralunga, a small hilltown with winding streets and quiet charm—perfect for evening reflection.

distance: 28.7 km

ascent: 834 m

descent: 566 m

% hard surfaces: 71%

difficulty rating: 8


Sunday, October 4, 2026 - Pietralunga to Gubbio
Sunday, October 4, 2026 - Pietralunga to Gubbio

Description

A classic Franciscan stage: forest paths, open ridges, and descent into Gubbio. This medieval town recalls Francis’s encounter with the wolf and offers stunning architecture.

distance: 25.6 km

ascent: 623 m

descent: 694 m

% hard surfaces: 52%

difficulty rating: 7


Monday, October 5, 2026 - Gubbio to Valdichiascio
Monday, October 5, 2026 - Gubbio to Valdichiascio

Description

We walk south into rolling countryside, passing small chapels and farmhouses, before reaching Valdichiascio, a tranquil rural stop near Assisi.

distance: 16 km

ascent: 354 m

descent: 390 m

% hard surfaces: 64

difficulty rating: 7


Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Valdichiascio to Valfabbrica
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Valdichiascio to Valfabbrica

Description

A shorter stage through hills and woodland, leading to Valfabbrica, a village with strong Franciscan associations and a welcoming spirit for pilgrims.

distance: 20.7 km

ascent: 570 m

descent: 732 m

% hard surfaces: 24

difficulty rating: 7


Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Valfabbrica to Assisi
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Valfabbrica to Assisi

Description

The final climb brings Assisi into view. Olive groves and stony paths lead to the Basilica of St. Francis, where we celebrate arrival with gratitude and joy.

distance: 13.2 km

ascent: 420 m

descent: 347 m

% hard surfaces: 50

difficulty rating: 7


Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Depart Assisi
Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Depart Assisi

Description

After breakfast, depart Assisi or extend your stay. Visit the Porziuncola, San Damiano, or simply wander Assisi’s streets, carrying with you the spirit of pilgrimage.

distance: 0 km

ascent: 0 m

descent: 0 m

% hard surfaces: 0

difficulty rating: 0

What we provide

  • Hosted by Third Order Franciscan, Patrick Mowrer
  • Expert European hiking guide Giovanni Ramaccioni
  • All (17) overnight accommodations
  • All breakfasts and dinners (except 2nd night in Città di Castello)
  • Complete van and driver support
  • Baggage transfer daily (up to 40 lbs/18 kg)
  • City Guide in Assisi
  • E-guidebook from Pilgrim Paths' own Sandy Brown
  • Official Via di Francesco credential
  • Private rooms and private baths

What you provide

  • Transportation to and from the journey
  • Lunches and snacks each day
  • Gratuity for guide and driver (from €5-10 each per day)
  • Adequate fitness to walk 15km/day in mountainous terrain

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