We meet this afternoon at our hotel in Rome. Here we'll get to know our other group members in our orientation meeting, then walk to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Rome sites and tours are not included in this trip, so it is suggested you arrive a day or two early and explore Rome on your own. Overnight in Rome.

From our hotel in Rome, we are transported by private bus to the beautiful village of Orvieto, a picturesque hill town built high on a plateau of tufa rock. Besides its spectacular duomo (cathedral), Orvieto is known for its mysterious Etruscan caves and delicious wine. We enjoy a short walk around the perimeter of the town to visit an Etruscan archeological site and will have time to explore on our own, perhaps visiting the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. At dinner we sample local cuisine at a small restaurant in town. Hiking distance: 2 miles, +/- 700 feet elevation gain. Overnight in Orvieto, Umbria.

This morning we explore the historic crumbling village of Civita di Bagnoregio, and hike through the countryside to enjoy the stunning landscape. We will sample typical bruschettas and local wines, returning to enjoy Orvieto's duomo. This evening we have dinner on our own (at participants’ expense). Those who wish can try the region's best gnocchi (potato dumplings) at a local restaurant. Hiking distance: 5 miles, +1,500 feet. Overnight in Orvieto.

An early departure from Orvieto takes us on a naturalist expedition to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Oasis of Lake Alviano. The Oasis includes all typical environments of freshwater wetlands and is among the largest in central Italy, preserving aquatic environments that had disappeared for over a century. Its 900 hectares protect this unique treasure of biodiversity from hunting and speculation. It is a perfect spot for a little birdwatching and learning about some of its 200 migratory and sedentary species, as well as its flora and fauna. After lunch in a small village, we continue to our picturesque new home for the next seven nights, situated in the peaceful Umbrian countryside near Gubbio. En route we’ll stop at a supermarket to pick up breakfast supplies, and later we retire after another delicious dinner. Hiking distance: 2 miles, mostly flat. Overnight near Gubbio, Umbria (for seven nights).

Insert your content

Visiting one of the highest mountains in Umbria, Monte Cucco, we hike on its slopes and enjoy incredible views of surrounding mountains. The flower varieties here are diverse and, on a clear day, we may see the Adriatic Sea. The park has mineral springs, healthy beech forests, and deep caves accessible only to small groups of travelers. It is also home to wolves and golden eagles. After our hike we can enjoy the quiet of a small church where St. Francis frequently prayed. Hiking distance: 4-5 miles, +1,500 feet.

Insert your content

Our hike today is a loop trail of the back side of Monte Ingino into Gubbio through the prettiest unspoiled countryside in Umbria. The trail winds through a forested canyon and past a small stone shrine and chapel that were used in filming a movie about St. Francis. At the end of the hike, it's possible to enjoy time on your own at the unique Gubbio shops in the afternoon. Hiking distance: 5 miles, +900 feet.

In the morning we drive to the quaint hill town of Collepino, where we begin our downhill walk to Spello, a charming town famous for its homes beautifully decorated with flowers, where we walk its cobblestone streets. On our way back to Gubbio, we stop at Santa Maria delgi Angeli, a pilgrimage site where an enormous cathedral encloses a tiny 13th century church, the Porziuncola, where St. Francis prayed. This is one of the most important places for the Franciscans, as it was here that young Francis of Assisi understood his vocation, affirming his dedication to live in absolute poverty, all the while advocating for the poor, the sick, and animals. Hiking distance: 3 miles, -1,200 feet.

Insert your content

Moving from Umbria to Tuscany, the region of Italy most familiar to Americans, we head to Cortona, stopping at Trasimeno Lake, where we visit what is arguably the best small olive oil production center in Italy. Once you’ve tasted here, you will never think the same way about olive oil again. After leaving the lake, we continue to Cortona, the town made famous by the book Under the Tuscan Sun. Here we have time for a short walking tour of this charming town, and possibly visit the Basilica of Santa Margherita and Le Celle hermitage, and/or have time to explore the town on our own. Overnight in Arezzo, Tuscany.

Today we hike the Franciscan Trail to La Verna, another significant Franciscan center of Italy. The Sanctuary of La Verna, which sits on Monte Penna, was given to St. Francis by Count Orlando of Chiusi in 1213 as a retreat especially favorable for contemplation amidst nature. We will hike in silence through this old-growth, magical, spruce-beech forest, enjoying its soundscape. Here we see the art of della Robbia and visit the site where St. Francis is said to have received the stigmata. We celebrate our trip together with a farewell lunch in the monastery, before we drive back to our hotel where we have a final group aperitif and prepare for train departures the next day. Dinner is on our own this evening (at participants’ expense) in order to offer time for packing and menu choices for our last night. Hiking distance: 4 miles, +1,300-1,800 feet. Overnight in Arezzo.

After breakfast, participants can depart from Arezzo by train to Rome, Florence, or other cities to either fly home or further explore the wonders of Italy.