International Retreats
Assisi, Umbria Pilgrimage Hike
September 18-27, 2026
Overview of the Via di Francesco (Saint Francis Way)
The Via di Francesco is a pilgrimage route that follows in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi, weaving through the green heart of the Umbrian Valley in Italy. It links together forest paths, hillside trails, and medieval villages connected by Franciscan history. Our 60 mile walk will focus on one of the most scenic and spiritually resonant sections—beginning at the lakeside village of Piediluco and ending in the hilltop town of Assisi, where Saint Francis is buried. Along the way, we’ll pass through oak and chestnut woods, cross stone bridges over mountain streams, and visit small sanctuaries nestled in the hills. The Via di Francesco is less traveled than other European pilgrimage routes, offering space for reflection, connection, and a more personal rhythm. While the way is quiet, we’ll still encounter fellow pilgrims and locals who warmly share in the spirit of the cammino.
Fall is an ideal time to walk in Umbria. Daily temperatures typically range from 55–75°F (12–24°C), with cool mornings and mild afternoons that are well-suited for walking. Hillsides are brushed in soft gold and earthy greens, and workers tend vineyards and prepare for the olive harvest. Local markets brim with seasonal flavors—ripe figs, olives, apples, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and black truffles—and villages often host small autumn festivals that celebrate the harvest and community traditions. Meals shift with the season, becoming heartier and deeply rooted in local ingredients. Fall is a time when the Umbrian landscape feels in sync with the calm pace of the journey itself.
A Note on Walking Distances
The suggested routes highlight the most scenic and meaningful parts of the Saint Francis Way. Each day can be shortened with van support if rest or flexibility as needed. The group leader can tailor each day’s walk to suit your needs perfectly. Each stage is customizable based on your energy level and physical ability. Together with the group leader and support driver, you’ll decide how much you want to walk each day — it’s your cammino!
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Rome (FCO)
It is recommended to make your flight arrangements early from your hometown to Rome.
Day 2
Transfer from Rome to Piediluco; (D)
Take a train from Rome (FCO) to Rome Termini train station on the Leonardo Express and then transfer to Terni. Regular trains run from Rome Termini to Terni (approximately 1.5 hours). A group transfer (included) will depart from the Terni train station in the mid-afternoon and bring you to our accommodation in Piediluco. Exact timing and meeting details will be shared in advance. If you prefer to arrive independently or at a different time, you're welcome to arrange your own private transfer—recommendations will be provided to assist with planning. Piediluco is about 20 minutes by taxi or 50 minutes by bus from Terni. Piediluco is a picturesque lakeside village on the shores of Lake Piediluco, surrounded by forested hills. The village’s small harbor is dotted with colorful boats, and the lake itself is popular for sailing, kayaking, and fishing. Piediluco is also home to Italy’s National Rowing Center, and it's common to see teams gliding across the water in synchronized rhythm. Strolling through Piediluco’s narrow streets, you’ll find waterside cafés, local artisan shops, and quiet piazzas ideal for relaxing and watching daily life unfold. Nearby, the panoramic views from the hilltop sanctuary of Madonna della Stella provide a breathtaking vantage point over the lake and surrounding countryside. The area is also rich in history and nature, making it a perfect starting point for our Via di Francesco journey. This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner where you’ll meet the rest of the group and receive a short orientation from your trip leader to kick off our journey together. Overnight: Piediluco Hotel Miralago This lakefront property features rooms with stunning lake views, a saltwater outdoor pool, a lakeside restaurant serving traditional Umbrian cuisine, and a wellness area complete with a hot tub and Finnish sauna. Hotel Del Lago Piediluco Active & Spa Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Piediluco and the surrounding hills, a private beach club with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the Ninfea Panoramic Spa featuring emotional showers, sauna, and hot tub. The resort offers active experiences like kayaking, rafting, and hiking, along with two on-site restaurants: La Vista, serving traditional cuisine, and Umbro Churrascaria, offering a Brazilian-Italian fusion.
Day 3
Walk Piediluco – Marmore Falls – Arrone (11 miles/ 18 km); (B/L)
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Highlights: Marmore Falls, Velino & Nera rivers, Arrone
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off on foot from Piediluco. The trail traces the shores of Lake Piediluco and continues along the Velino River, whose waters plunge over the towering Marmore Falls—among the highest in Europe. These falls are not only a spectacular display of natural power but also an ancient feat of Roman engineering. Water is released at scheduled times, typically starting at 11:00 and continuing for several hours, creating the full force of the cascade. We’ll time our visit to coincide with the flow, entering the park from the upper side and descending roughly 600 steps to reach the network of trails at the base, where mist rises and rainbows often appear. Nearby, the Butterfly House offers a glimpse into a vibrant world of native and exotic species in a lush, climate-controlled garden. We’ll pause for lunch in Marmore before continuing on. From Marmore, the route levels out as we follow gentle riverside paths through fields and into the Nera River Park for the last 3 miles. The presence of water is constant—flowing beside us, carving through stone, and drawing birds to the trees overhead. As St. Francis once wrote, “Sister Water is very useful, humble, precious, and pure.” The walk passes small farms and stretches of shaded woodland that reflect the quiet rhythm of rural life. The path then leads us toward Arrone, a picturesque medieval village ranked among Italy’s 100 most beautiful. With its stone houses, narrow lanes, and views over the valley, Arrone offers a fitting end to the day’s walk. In Arrone’s historic center, we’ll find the medieval Clock Tower, part of the original fortress walls, and the Gothic Porta San Giovanni, which once guarded the town’s main entrance. The village is also home to two remarkable churches: San Giovanni Battista, with 15th-century frescoes, and Santa Maria Assunta, featuring Renaissance artworks and glazed terracottas. You’ll have time to explore the village, and we’ll transfer back to Piediluco. The evening is yours to relax. Overnight: Piediluco
Day 4
Walk Arrone – Macenano (8 miles/13 km); optional 3 mile extension to Ceselli; (B/L)
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Highlights: Nera River Valley, Ferentillo castles, Museum of the Mummies, optional visit to Abbey of San Pietro in Valle
After breakfast, we transfer back to Arrone to begin the next leg of the St. Francis Way. The trail follows the narrow Nera River valley, where rocky cliffs rise on one side and the clear, steady flow of the river moves beside us on the other. This peaceful stretch is fairly flat through forested corridors and open meadows, the air filled with birdsong and the gentle murmur of water. Soon, the twin castles of Ferentillo—Precetto and Matterella—appear on opposite cliffs, guarding the valley below. We’ll pause in the village for coffee and a chance to visit the unique and slightly eerie Museum of the Mummies, housed in the crypt of the Church of Santo Stefano. Among the well-preserved remains are two pilgrims said to have passed through this valley long ago—offering a strange but moving connection to the past. The trail continues gently to Macenano, where we stop for lunch. From here, anyone wanting a shorter day can finish, while others carry on three more miles toward Ceselli. Along the way, the bell tower of the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle rises through the trees on the opposite bank—a Romanesque treasure that still bears the quiet majesty of its Benedictine roots. The walk ends in Ceselli, a small hilltop village overlooking the river valley. After a pause to take in its stone architecture and rural charm, we transfer to Spoleto, a city rich in Lombard history. Highlights here include the Cathedral, where one of the few surviving letters penned by St. Francis is kept, and the Basilica of San Salvatore—a UNESCO-listed gem of early medieval architecture. Overnight: Spoleto Hotel Dei Duchi Overlooking the Roman Theatre and Ancajani Park, this hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, with rooms offering views of either the park or the historic center. Hotel San Luca Conveniently situated near Spoleto's historic center, this family-run hotel offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere in a restored 19th-century building with a peaceful courtyard, featuring spacious, soundproof rooms complete with Carrara marble bathrooms. Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca is a refined historic residence in Spoleto offering elegant rooms, sweeping views of the Umbrian hills, and a peaceful garden steeped in medieval charm. Albornoz Palace Hotel Situated just outside Spoleto's city center, this modern hotel showcases contemporary art throughout its premises and offers an outdoor swimming pool and a city-view terrace.
Day 5
Walk Monteluco – Spoleto (5.5 miles/9 km); optional 5 mile add on Cimitero de Le Cese to Monteluco (B/L)
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Highlights: Monteluco Sacred Forest, hermitages, Ponte delle Torri, Cathedral of Spoleto
After breakfast, those opting for the longer hike will transfer to Cimitero de Le Cese, just outside Ceselli, to begin what is arguably one of the most dramatic and rewarding segments of the St. Francis Way. The route climbs steadily—about five miles—through hushed forests and into the wilder hills of Monteluco, offering sweeping views over the Nera Valley. We’ll pass through Sensati, a nearly forgotten hamlet where ivy clings to crumbling stone walls and time feels suspended. It’s a haunting pause along the trail, echoing the lives of pilgrims and hermits who once sought solitude here. The trail is rocky and steep in parts, requiring sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with a rock plate. The terrain is challenging but beautiful—flecked with forest flies, ancient fountains, and a quiet that settles into your bones. Those choosing the shorter option will enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Spoleto before transferring to the Sacred Forest of Monteluco, where St. Francis once retreated for prayer and reflection. This serene patch of woodland, cooled by altitude and dappled with filtered light, is where both groups reunite for a lunch and a visit to the Franciscan hermitage. Here, we’ll see the saint’s stone cell and reflect on his enduring commitment to simplicity. From Monteluco, the trail begins its descent into Spoleto, passing a series of ancient hermitages—San Girolamo, Delle Grazie, and the Church of San Paolo Protoeremita—once home to Syrian monks drawn to these sacred hills. The final stretch is steep, with wide stone steps that eventually lead us to the Ponte delle Torri, a magnificent 13th-century aqueduct-bridge that seems to float between cliff and city. Crossing it is unforgettable—for the drop beneath and the centuries underfoot. Once in town, the rest of the day is yours to rest and recharge. Overnight: Spoleto
Day 6
Walk Spoleto – Basso Inferiore; (7 miles/11 km); optional 5 mile add on to Poreta (B/L)
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Highlights: Basilica of San Salvatore, Eggi village, Santa Maria di Reggiano, panoramic views near Poreta
We begin the morning at the Cathedral of Spoleto, leaving the city’s historic core as we follow the Via delle Mura Ciclopiche—a quiet path that traces the remnants of ancient Cyclopean walls. A short detour leads us to the Basilica of San Salvatore, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest examples of early Lombard architecture. Its stark columns and weathered carvings speak to centuries of devotion and silence. The trail climbs gently into forested hills, winding through groves of chestnut and oak. Dappled light filters through the leaves as we gain elevation, opening views over the Nera River gorge and, further west, across the Umbrian plain. Hill towns like Trevi and Assisi shimmer on the horizon. The descent from the Valnerina mountains brings us into rolling farmland and olive groves. We pause in the stone hamlet of Eggi to rest and, if open, step inside the church of San Michele Arcangelo to see its centuries-old frescoes. The trail continues among Aleppo pines and silver-leaved olive trees, past low stone walls once known to pilgrims traveling this same route. We ascend through the villages of Bazzano Inferiore and Bazzano Superiore, where benches shaded by oaks offer quiet places to rest. We’ll stop for lunch here. Those wishing to continue may walk the final 5 miles to Poreta, where the bell tower and castle mark the end of today’s journey and a sweeping view across the valley. Afterward, we return by van to our hotel in Spoleto. Overnight: Spoleto
Day 7
Walk Campello Alto – Bovara (8 miles/15 km); (B/L)
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Highlights: Campello Alto, Eremo delle Allodole, Il Sagrantino rest stop, Church of San Pietro, Madonna delle Lacrime, Trevi museums, time to explore Assisi’s riches
After a transfer to Campello Alto, a small circular hilltown surrounded by medieval walls. we continue southward along gravel roads through gently rolling hills, terraced olive groves, and pockets of shaded forest. We move through the Umbrian landscape that feels timeless: ancient stone farmhouses, hilltop churches, and long views across the Spoleto Valley. Just beyond the village lies the convent of the Barnabite Order, devoted to silence and contemplation. The stillness of the place seems to echo across the hillside. From here, a stony path climbs through olive groves to the Eremo delle Allodole, a Franciscan hermitage nestled among pines and oaks. A small community still lives here according to the principles of Sister Maria. Behind its gate lies a peaceful grove and a cave where St Francis is said to have paused on his journey. Visitors are welcome to stop and reflect, while respecting the hours dedicated to prayer and silence. As the trail continues, it rolls through open countryside and intermittent woods, offering views of the valley below. Near Bovara, we’ll pause for a rest at Il Sagrantino Punto Sosta beneath the olive trees. Just beyond is the Church of San Pietro, associated with the vision of Fra’ Pacifico—one of many legends that thread through this landscape. From here we will transfer to Trevi for lunch and time to explore the historic center. We will transfer to our next hotel in Assisi by late afternoon so that you can begin exploring the many riches of this town. Assisi is the spiritual heart of the Via di Francesco, where you'll encounter places that echo the life and legacy of St. Francis in every stone. Recommended sights include a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, where you can descend into the quiet of the Lower Basilica and pause at the tomb of the saint whose spirit has guided our journey. From there, wander through Assisi’s medieval streets to the Basilica of St. Clare, where the San Damiano cross—the one that spoke to Francis—still hangs, and where Clare herself is buried. Take in the pink limestone buildings, the ringing of distant bells, and the layered history in every archway and piazza. Overnight: Assisi Asisium Boutique Hotel Set in a restored 13th-century building just 100 meters from Piazza del Comune and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, blends historic charm with modern design, offering rooms with terraces, an on-site restaurant, Osteria del Corso, serving traditional Umbrian cuisine. Fontebella Palace Hotel Housed in a Renaissance-era mansion with rooms reflecting different historical periods, this elegant hotel features a panoramic terrace overlooking the Umbrian Valley, the acclaimed Il Frantoio restaurant with over 300 wines, a rose garden, a medieval breakfast room, and a prime location within walking distance of the Basilica of San Francesco. Hotel Dei Priori Set in a 16th-century building in the heart of Assisi, this hotel blends historic architecture with modern comforts, offering air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine, and a prime location near Piazza del Comune and other central attractions.
Day 8
Walk Trevi-Sant’Eraclio (7 miles/11 km); (B/L)
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Highlights: Olive Groves & Terraced Slopes, Devotional Landmarks of Marian aedicules, Village of Sant’Eraclio, historic Foligno (Porta Romana, walking Corso Cavour to the central piazza and Cathedral of San Feliciano), time to explore Assisi’s riches.
This morning we set out from Trevi, descending gradually through olive groves and open countryside. Leaving the Convent of San Martino behind, we follow trails and quiet roads that curve through terraced slopes and sunlit fields. The views stretch wide across the Valle Umbra, with distant villages dotting the hillsides like stepping stones toward what lies ahead. As we walk, the terrain alternates between dirt paths and stretches of roads, always surrounded by the silvery-green shimmer of olive trees. The countryside is dotted with small Marian aedicules—niches sheltering images of the Virgin—each one a quiet reminder of the region’s deep-rooted devotion. Just past the hamlet of San Clemente, we pass a simple rural parish church nestled on a hillside, offering a peaceful spot to pause for water, rest, or reflection. Once we reach Sant’Eraclio we will transfer to Foligno and pass through Porta Romana, the historic gateway into Foligno’s old town. From here, elegant Corso Cavour leads us directly to Piazza della Repubblica, where the Cathedral of San Feliciano stands at its heart. Here, a small plaque marks the spot where the young Francis of Assisi, still a merchant, once sold his father’s cloth to raise funds for the church of San Damiano—an early spark in the fire of his transformation. In the late afternoon we will meet for an optional cooking class. Overnight: Assisi
Day 9
Walk Assisi – Spello (8 miles/13 km); (B,D)
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Highlights: Abbey of Sassovivo (requires 1 mile round trip detour), Santa Maria Maggiore with frescoes by Pinturicchio in Spello, Olive Groves & Umbrian Hills, Basilica of St. Francis (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in Assisi
We will do our final stage on the Via di Francesco in reverse order to avoid significant elevation gain. Leaving Assisi after breakfast, we have two choices: a more challenging route through the forested Monte Subasio Regional Park, or a gentler hillside path known as The Via degli Ulivi—a peaceful trail lined with olive trees and sweeping views over the valley. The latter option includes modest elevation gain / loss. the path softens and opens. We exit Assisi through Porta Cappuccini, soon finding ourselves on quiet slopes descending steadily toward Spello. As we approach, the Roman gate Porta Consolare, flanked by ancient towers, welcomes us into Spello. This village, famous for its flower-lined alleys and Renaissance frescoes, invites us to pause—perhaps for a well-earned lunch or to explore its artistic heritage. In see the magnificent Baglioni chapel graced with frescoes by Pinturicchio. You will have time in Spello to explore and have lunch on your own. We will return to Assisi in the afternoon and gather for a goodbye dinner. Overnight: Assisi
Day 10
Tour End – Buon Cammino; breakfast included
Enjoy breakfast before saying arrivederci or extending your stay in Italy. The group transport option (included) will leave our hotel in Assisi for the train station in the morning (exact details to be communicated later). It is a 2-3 hour train ride back to Rome.
PRICE PER PERSON:
$2799 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
+800 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
To register for this trip, please submit online Booking Request, then call or e-mail Lynne Norris at (317) 385-6998 or macynorris@yahoo.com to submit the initial deposit.
Payment
Schedule:
* A $500 non-refundable deposit is die per person upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation, a 3.5% is added for credit card fees.
Send checks to:
Peace Through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Lynne Norris
16511 Stonewolf Blvd
Noblesville, In 46060
Cancellation Policy:
$500 is charged for cancelling up to 90 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee is charged after 90 days prior to departure.
Trip Protection:
Call Travel Guard at 800-454-7107
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Pre-departure briefing to orient you and answer any questionsP
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Eight (8) night accommodations at unique properties
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Seven (7) days of hiking as described
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Daily breakfast
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Daily snacks
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Meals as described
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Support van
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Pickup at Terni train station / drop-off at Assisi train station (if you take the group option)
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Entrance fees to Marmore Falls, Butterfly House and Museum of Mummies
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Cooking class in Assisi
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Trip leader
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Pilgrim Passport
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare from your hometown
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Airport transfers
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Meals not listed
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Beverages
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guide
Notes:
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his itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.T
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Where we stay may vary depending on availability but will be of a similar standard to the accommodation listed.
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We have the luggage van to transport your luggage and you, if you feel you need some assistance while on this journey.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, from Indianapolis, Indiana, has lived as a nomad for more than 15 years, balancing a career working as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with long distance walking for thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. Pilgrimage routes have a special place in her heart and the fellow pilgrims she has met along these paths have impacted her life in profound ways. Some of the multi-day hikes she has enjoyed include the John Muir Trail in California, backcountry trekking in Denali National Park in Alaska, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Ciudad Perdida and Nevado del Tolima in Colombia, W-Trek in Patagonia Chile, Lakes District and Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cirque de Mafate in Reunion, Drakensburg Circuit in South Africa, Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Rwenzori Central Circuit in Uganda, Mt. Karisimbi in Rwanda, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Ras Dashen and Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Mt. Toubkal and High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Jordan National Trail, Druk Path in Bhutan, Kumano Kodo in Japan, Guguan Seven Heroes in Taiwan, Ma Pi Leng in Vietnam, Mt. Apo in Philippines, Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia, Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia, Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand, Janapar Trail in Nagorno-Karabakh, Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, Lycian Way in Turkey, High Tatras in Slovakia and Poland, Via Dinarica in Croatia, Alpe Adria in Slovenia, Peaks of the Balkans in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanian Coastal Trail, Prague-Viena Greenway in Czechia and Austria, Kaiserkrone in Austria, Via Transilvanica in Romania, GR20 and GR10 in France, Coronallacs Trail in Andorra, Laugavegur Trek in Iceland, Alta Via 1, Via Francigena and Via di Francesco in Italy, Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal and various Caminos in Spain and Portugal (del Norte, Primitivo, Salvador, Mozarabe, Orixe, Frances, Portuguese Central, Portuguese Coastal, Spiritual Way). She is always dreaming about the next adventure. “It's a beautiful world, and I'll be thrilled to explore it with you one step at a time.”
Leticia Troyas Martínez
Leticia Troyas Martínez is from Falces, a small town near Pamplona in northern Spain. Walking is one of the most meaningful parts of her life—a way to connect with herself, others, and the world around her. She has journeyed on foot across Spain, Italy, and Portugal along pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena, drawn by a deep curiosity and a love for both nature and culture. She has also lived in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam at different points in her life. Leticia has worked as a guide on both the Camino and the Francigena, offering transportation, massage services, and stretching sessions to clients. She is currently studying exercise science at the University of Pamplona, with the goal of becoming a physical education instructor for children. Earlier in her career, she worked as a hairdresser in major cities such as London, Madrid, and Milan. But what truly inspires her now is movement—physical, emotional, and spiritual. For Leticia, life is about growing, evolving, and learning—becoming a little more herself with every step.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
