Epworth St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto

Walk the St Francis Way from Assisi to Spoleto, experience the beauty of the Italian countryside on foot, and raise vital funds for the Epworth Foundation

Challenge Highlights

  • Support the Epworth Foundation, making your pilgrimage a journey of both personal meaning and lasting community impact
  • Walk in the footsteps of St Francis, following a historic pilgrimage route
  • Experience the natural beauty of Umbria, walking through forests, vineyards and olive groves in the heart of Italy
  • Begin at the Cathedral of Assisi and finish in the vibrant town of Spoleto, taking in sweeping views along the way
  • Enjoy authentic Umbrian hospitality, staying in local hotels and agriturismi
  • Explore timeless hilltop villages, where medieval charm and a strong sense of tradition

Overview

During the Middle Ages, St Francis of Assisi walked the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, seeking signs of God in nature and sharing his message of peace, humility, and brotherhood. Following the trail through Umbria, the "green heart of Italy," from Assisi to Spoleto, you’ll walk in his footsteps—through forests, fields, vineyards, and olive groves, with the ever-present silhouette of medieval hill towns guiding your way.

The villages along the route retain a strong sense of identity, where it often feels as though time has stood still. Each day reveals new highlights: starting on the steps of Assisi’s cathedral, taking in sweeping views from hillside trails, immersing yourself in local culture, and enjoying traditional Umbrian cuisine.

You'll stay in welcoming local hotels and agriturismo, experience heartfelt hospitality, and reflect on your own personal journey as you complete one of the most picturesque and meaningful sections of the St Francis Way.

Join us in walking this sacred path, and help make a lasting difference through your support of the Epworth Foundation.

Fundraising Portal

Before you begin fundraising for the charity donation component of this challenge, it’s important to obtain permission from the charity to fundraise on their behalf. Once you register, the Epworth team will contact you with details for setting up your official online fundraising page and will provide formal approval to begin fundraising.

Challenge Grade

GRADE 3 - Along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road. You should be able to walk for up to 14.5km per day although there are some options to shorten walks. The walks may in part be during hot sun on stony tracks. The classic Umbrian landscape of rolling hills (although sometimes steep and long), olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day.

A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Itinerary

On arrival in Assisi, make your way to the joining hotel, where check-in is available from mid-afternoon. Later today, we'll head out on a guided tour of this enchanting town, known for its outstanding churches, historic palaces, and ancient architecture. The tour includes the Basilica of St Francis with its crypt. Other impressive buildings include the Church of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino, and the Temple of Minerva, dating back to Roman times. After settling into our hotel, we’ll meet for a brief orientation with our guide, then come together for a welcome dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Giotto, Assisi

Meals:  D

Today’s walk follows the Via degli Ulivi ("Path of the Olive Trees") from Assisi to the picturesque hilltop town of Spello. This scenic route winds through olive groves, vineyards, and quiet country lanes, with expansive views of the Umbrian countryside and distant hill towns. Along the way, pass rustic stone farmhouses, forested paths, and small chapels — a peaceful and reflective walk rich in natural beauty and rural charm. On arrival in Spello, we'll set off on an orientation tour to explore its highlights, including Roman gates, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its Pinturicchio frescoes, and the town’s beautifully preserved medieval streets and flower-filled balconies. Accommodation: Hotel ll Cacciatore, Spello Grade: Mostly easy to moderate, with some gentle ascents and descents (Follows country paths, olive groves, and quiet rural roads)

Meals:  B,L,D

Begin the day with an optional scenic loop walk from Spello to the hilltop hamlet of Collepino. The trail climbs steadily through olive groves and forest, offering wide views over the Umbrian Valley. Collepino is a peaceful stone village—ideal for a short break—before descending back to Spello. Continue from Spello to Foligno on mostly flat, rural paths through open farmland and quiet backroads. This gentle section offers a glimpse into everyday Umbrian life. In Foligno, we have an orientation tour of the historic centre, including its cathedral, medieval streets, and lively piazzas. Accommodation: Hotel Trevi Palazzo Natalini, Trevi Distance with Collepino loop: 18–20 km / 6–7 hours Without loop: 12 km / 4-5 hours Grade: Moderate – steady climb to Collepino, otherwise gentle terrain

Meals:  B,L

This morning begins with a transfer to Bevagna, a charming town on the valley floor known for its Roman and medieval heritage. Enjoy an orientation tour through its historic streets, including a visit to the Roman theatre and Piazza Silvestri, one of Umbria’s most picturesque squares. Next, head to Borgese Winery for a wine tasting and light lunch, featuring regional wines like Montefalco Rosso and Sagrantino, paired with local produce. After lunch, walk through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montefalco, known as the "Balcony of Umbria" for its panoramic views. Explore the town centre, including the Church of San Francesco with its famous frescoes, before a transfer back to Trevi for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Trevi Palazzo Natalini, Trevi

Meals:  B,L

After a short transfer to Uppello, enjoy a scenic walk to the hilltop town of Trevi. The route passes through olive groves and peaceful countryside, gradually ascending along stone paths with panoramic views of the Valle Umbra. As you near Trevi, the trail winds up a historic mule track into the town’s medieval centre. Evening is at leisure to explore Trevi and enjoy dinner independently. Accommodation: Hotel Trevi Palazzo Natalini, Trevi Grade: Moderate difficulty, with a steady uphill finish

Meals:  B,L

Start in the peaceful village of Bovara di Trevi and follow quiet trails through olive groves, vineyards, and rolling Umbrian countryside. Enjoy scenic views and glimpses of rural life as you make your way to Poreta. You’ll spend the night at a welcoming agriturismo, where you can relax with local wine and enjoy home-cooked meals in a charming farmhouse setting. Accommodation: Hotel San Luca, Spoleto Grade: Mostly gentle terrain with some moderate sections

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, enjoy a scenic walk from peaceful Poreta through rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards to the historic town of Spoleto. Explore its medieval streets and Roman landmarks at your leisure. In the evening, join a farewell dinner featuring local dishes, with water, table wine, and coffee included—a perfect way to celebrate your Umbrian journey. Accommodation: Hotel San Luca, Spoleto Grade: Moderate - it involves mostly gentle rolling terrain with some steady uphill sections as you approach Spoleto

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

What's Included

  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels & agriturismo with ensuite facilities
  • 2 nights in 4 star hotels in Assisi and Spoleto
  • 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 5 picnic lunches & 1 light lunch and wine tasting paired with local produce
  • 4 dinners at hotel restaurants or specially selected restaurants with table wine and coffee
  • Experienced English speaking tour leader
  • St Francis Way pilgrim passport
  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Hotel taxes
  • Walking tours of Spello, Foligno, Bevagna, Montefalco

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Assisi and from Spoleto
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratitudes

What You Carry

  • As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Fundraising Impact

Epworth Medical Foundation - The difference you make

When you donate to the Foundation, your generosity is used to directly benefit our patients. For example, more than half of all medical equipment at Epworth Health Care is funded by the Foundation, and 80 percent of our medical research.

Charitable funds are used to support:

*state-of-the-art medical equipment that ensures our patients receive the very best

*world-class facilities that maximise patient outcomes, safety and comfort

*groundbreaking medical research projects and trials, shared with our patients

*staff education and training opportunities to pass best-practice on to our patients

*support programs to care for our patients’ emotional and financial needs

Italy Challenge Reviews

Travel Dates

Other Challenge Costs

Non refundable registration fee $200 + part payment hotels deposit:USD$500 
Fundraising target:USD$2080 

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:8 Days
Grade:moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:EWI
Travel Cost:USD$500
Non refundable registration fee $200 + part payment hotels deposit:USD$500 
Fundraising target:USD$2080 

At Epworth, more than half of all medical equipment and 80% of medical research is funded through the generosity of donors to the Foundation. This challenge is proudly raising funds to support the enhancement of Paediatric Allergies at Epworth — helping provide comfort, dignity, and specialised care when it matters most.