Brother Leo from Piediluco to Assisi

Brother Leone from Piediluco to Assisi

On this itinerary, nature evokes the memory of St. Francis. It starts from the shores of Lake Piediluco and ends in Assisi, the city of the Poverello, passing through the wonderful Umbrian landscapes and cities of art such as Spoleto, which you will encounter along the way. In addition to St. Francis, this itinerary is also inspired by Brother Leo, his faithful companion, to whom the package is dedicated.

Availability: you can participate any month of the year.

Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.

Services included:  

- half board  
- luggage transport  
- transfers as specified in the programme  
- pilgrim's credential  
- cancellation, medical and luggage insurance  
- digital maps in GPX format  
- telephone assistance from Francesco's Ways  

Extra services: 

- Packed lunch 
- Hiking guide 
- Transfers not included in the programme 
- Anything not specified in ‘Services included’ 

Price per person: from €1,143.00 per person in a double room, single room price on request

ITINERARY

PROGRAM

DAY 1 - Stage 1 - from Piediluco to Arrone
This 13 km stage follows the flow of water, an element dear to St. Francis, through a rejuvenating landscape. From Lake Piediluco, it runs alongside the Velino River to the spectacular Marmore Falls, an example of harmony between nature and human ingenuity. From here, the easy, flat path follows the cool banks of the Nera River within the River Park to the picturesque village of Arrone. A relaxing stage, perfect for recharging your batteries before the next day's exertions. By arriving a day early, you can include a visit to Terni and the Marmore Falls.

DAY 2 - Stage 2 - from Arrone to Ceselli
The stage starts from the collegiate church of Arrone and gently climbs up the narrow Nera Valley, between rocky walls and crystal clear waters. Ferentillo can be seen in the distance with its two opposing castles; a stop allows you to visit the original Mummy Museum in the crypt of Santo Stefano. Continuing on, you can see the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle on the opposite side, a treasure trove of art surrounded by greenery. The route ends in Ceselli, a small village nestled on a hill beyond the river.

DAY 3 - Stage 3 - from Ceselli to Spoleto
From Ceselli, there is a long climb through woods and panoramic views of the Nera Valley, up to the Castelmonte pass. This stretch, which is tiring but picturesque, also passes through the abandoned village of Sensati. The arrival at the Sacred Wood of Monteluco, with the mystical Hermitage of St. Francis, invites reflection. From here, the route descends towards Spoleto, passing ancient hermitages and rock chapels. The descent ends with the crossing of the vertiginous Ponte delle Torri bridge and the entrance to the splendid city, where the Cathedral houses a precious autographed letter from the Saint.

DAY 4 - Stage 4 - from Spoleto to Poreta
The stage begins at Spoleto Cathedral, with an easy stretch that becomes more challenging as it climbs towards the hilltop villages. After a short detour to the splendid Lombard Basilica of San Salvatore, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the route leaves the city and enters the quiet countryside, among olive groves and oak woods. Trevi, Assisi and the Martani Mountains can be seen on the horizon. After passing the charming villages of Eggi and Bazzano, the route descends along paths through meadows and pine forests to Poreta. Here you can choose to climb up to the castle for a panoramic view or continue downhill towards the lower village.

DAY 5 - Stage 5 - from Poreta to Trevi
The route winds through olive groves and dirt roads, crossing silent landscapes dotted with villages and places of spirituality. In Campello Alto, you will encounter the village walls and the Barnabite convent, immersed in tranquillity. A steep climb leads to the Hermitage of the Larks, where a Franciscan community lives in prayer in this place linked to the memory of St Francis. The route continues with ups and downs to Bovara, with its church linked to the vision of Fra Pacifico. The last climb leads to Trevi, perched on a hill: don't miss the Church of the Madonna delle Lacrime and the Museum Complex of St Francis, guardian of art, history and tradition.

DAY 6 - Stage 6 - from Trevi to Foligno
An easy stage, except for the last stretch on a busy road towards Foligno. The route starts from Trevi and descends, passing through Collecchio and terraced olive groves, along sunny paths, asphalted and dirt tracks. Along the way, you will encounter votive shrines and, in San Clemente, a charming parish church surrounded by olive trees invites you to stop for a break. You enter Foligno through Porta Romana: crossing the centre, you reach Piazza Duomo, where a plaque commemorates the decisive gesture of Francis, who sold his father's fabrics here to follow his vocation.

DAY 7 - Stage 7 - from Foligno to Assisi
Although the excitement of arriving may tempt you to hurry, this is the moment to slow down and savour every moment. The route starts from Foligno Cathedral, crossing Piazza San Giacomo and passing the River Topino. After 6 kilometres along quiet roads, you enter Spello, a jewel of art and history. From here, there are two options: the challenging hiking trail through the woods of Mount Subasio or the gentler route along the Via degli Ulivi, along its slopes. Both lead to Assisi, where the journey culminates with the arrival at the Basilica of Santa Chiara and finally the Basilica of San Francesco. In the dim light of the crypt, in front of the tomb of the saint, the profound meaning of the journey becomes clear. The journey continues to Santa Maria degli Angeli, where the Porziuncola, the heart of the Franciscan brotherhood, stands. Assisi deserves time: every stone tells the story of Francis.