Current as of: June 24, 2019 - 16:36 Valid for departures: From April 11, 2018 to December 31, 2019
Walking the Olive Trails of Umbria, Self-Guided Trip Notes
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 9 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate Programmes: Walking & Trekking W10UM
Trip Overview
Along the way, you explore the upper slopes of the 'bald mountain' Monte Subasio with stunning mountains vistas. You can discover the secluded hermitages of St Francis, pass the great Abbey at Sassovivo and wander the ruins of Campello Alto.The walking is beautifully unhurried, retracing in part the trail St Francis took on his final visit to Assisi in 1226. It's a rural route brimming with rare flora and fauna, passing through olive groves dating back to Roman times. Stroll along pilgrimage trails through centuries-old forest and sacred woodland that has for years been tended and cared for by the Franciscan monks.
At a Glance 10 nights hotel-to-hotel 5 Days walking All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals Services of your local Headwater Representative Headwater Wine Collection Service Route directions and maps Luggage transfers between hotels
Countries visited: Italy
Trip Highlights Discover Italy's 'Green Heart': deep lush forests, hidden hermitages, endless olive groves and the flora and fauna of the Monte Subasio Natural Park World-famous Assisi, the jewel in the Umbrian crown; Spello, one of Italy's best preserved towns; Trevi and Spoleto, hilltop towns completing a daisy-chain of medieval marvels Exceptionally friendly hotels - two with swimming pools - including a converted 17th century palazzo and a luxury 'farm resort' Superb regional cuisine: freshly prepared pastas, highly prized black truffles, the finest of olive oils, famous Sagrantino wines
Is This Trip for You?
Classification: Self-Guided Average daily distance on move on days: 15.2km (9.6miles). No. of days Walking: 5 Terrain: The paths you follow are generally waymarked and well maintained. As there are frequent ascents and descents, you need to be reasonably fit and confident.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 13 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 12
Itinerary Land Only
Start City: Assisi End City: Assisi
Land Only Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Assisi Arrive at your hotel, where you'll stay for three nights. (Staying at Hotel Fontebella Palace, Breakfast only)
Day 2 Valfabbrica to Assisi A short transfer to pick up the Via San Francesco pilgrims' trail. Stroll through peaceful oak and pine woods and enjoy superb views as you approach the ancient town of Assisi. Call in at the San Croce chapel with its three-arched Ponte dei Galli, finishing off on a manicured trail through a 1,000-year-old forest to the majestic Basilica di San Francesco. (Staying at Hotel Fontebella Palace, Breakfast only)
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 3 At Assisi Visit the basilica with its magnificent 13th century Giotto frescoes and the commanding hilltop castle. Amble up Via San Francesco to the beautiful Piazza del Comune to visit the well-preserved temple of Minerva. (Staying at Hotel Fontebella Palace, Breakfast only)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Assisi to Spello Climb up Monte Subasio to the Hermitage of Asissi. Traversing a trail along the mountain you get unforgettable views of the Vale of Spoleto, before heading down into delightful Spello and your hotel for two nights. (Staying at Albergo La Bastiglia, Half Board)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 6
Day 5 At Spello Pink-stoned Spello is a well-preserved Roman town, with beautiful town walls, ruins of the old theatre and amphitheatre and thermal baths. Visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its outstanding frescoes by Pinturicchio, the town's art gallery, annexed to the church, and the Palazzo Comunale Vecchio (Old Town Hall). Or perhaps take the train to Perugia the region's capital. (Staying at Albergo La Bastiglia, Half Board)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Spello/Sassovivo to Trevi A short transfer this morning - Then follow the Sentiero degli Ulivi - the Olive Grove Trail - that connects Spoleto to Assisi. Spend time at the beautifully-restored cloistered Abbey of Santa Croce di Sassovivo and continue through woodland and olive groves to the hilltop village of Roviglieto - the highest settlement on the trail at 700m. Descend to Trevi for a picture-postcard view of this Roman gem on the slopes of Monte Serano. You'll stay here for two nights, and enjoy dinner (included) under the church tower in the atmospheric Piazza della Rocca. (Staying at Hotel Antica Dimora, breakfast included)
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 7 At Trevi Explore this old theatre town with remnants of the Mura Romana (Roman Wall) and Mura Medieval (Medieval Wall) still encircling the town. The Teatro Clitunno is still one of the town's most important gathering places. Visit the Olive Oil Museum, housed in an ex-convent, and stroll around the main square, home to the 14th century Palazzo Comunale. (Staying at Hotel Antica Dimora, Breakfast included)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Trevi to Poreta On the shared Olive Trail and Francesco Way, amble along to the hillside church of Madonna di San Arcangelo. Pass the secretive Eremo Francescano (Convento Pissignano) and explore the ruins of 10th century Castello di Campello Alto. Then meander down to Poreta and your hotel for the next two nights, where dinner is included in the converted stables. (Staying at the Borgo della Marmotta, Half Board )
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5
Day 9 9:W10UM: At Poreta Borgo della Marmotta is a perfect place to unwind for a day or two. Relax on a lounger by the pool with a good book, soak up the sun in the hotel gardens, or pamper yourself with one of the wellness sessions. Or follow small country roads down to the village of Campello sul Clitunno and visit the Roman Springs and temple of Clitunno. (Staying at the Borgo della Marmotta, Half Board )
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Poreta to Spoleto Pass through the typically Umbrian villages of Santa Maria Reggiano, Bazzano and Eggi. From Eggi, the St Francis Way leads you along back lanes to the bustling town of Spoleto. Or take the old Olive Trail high up onto the former railway line that used to run from Spoleto to Norcia. Cross the 60m-high Cortaccione Viaduct for a superb view back over your week's walking. (Staying at the Hotel Charleston, Breakfast only )
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5
Day 11 Leave Spoleto Meals included: Breakfast All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.
Accommodation Hotels
The hotels we've chosen are special too. From Renaissance-style palaces in Assisi and Trevi to a chic renovated farmhouse in Poreta.
Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.
Single supplement from $387.50 USD
Food & Transport
Eating & Drinking
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals.
Food of the region is rustic, often called 'cucina povera'. The most typical pasta dish is Stongozzi, served with black truffles or a spicy tomato sauce, followed by simple grilled local meats and then a slice of pecorino cheese washed down with some superb wines. Sagrantino di Montefalco or red from Torgiano are just a sample. For a picnic lunch why not try the Umbrian staple, the porchetta sandwich - roast pig stuffed with herbs
Umbria represents Italian home cooking at its best and the region's cuisine reflects its landlocked location. The distinctive taste of the region's olive oil and black and white truffles flavour many of the dishes. The origins of many of the dishes derive from thrift, for example, bruschetta comes from toasting stale bread, covering it with olive oil and rubbing it with garlic. Similarly, crostini are thin slices of toast with a smear of pate, usually made from chicken liver, anchovies and capers. Cooked and cured meats also have a fantastic reputation in the region. You will get to try many of these famous and delicious antipasti, which will then be followed by a 'primo' (a first course). In Umbria this is usually a pasta dish oozing with flavour. Wild asaparagus is popular in the spring and truffles feature more strongly in autumn. Secondi (second course) will then follow, the Umbrian preference is for grilled meats. Rapidly grilled spatchcocked rabbit and guinea fowl remain favourites. Desserts do not feature strongly on the Umbrian menu, cheese is often the post dinner preference and you will find the option to dip them in oil or honey.
Meal times are usually later throughout the day (08:00-10:00 for breakfast; 13:30-15:30 for lunch; 20:00-22:00 for dinner).
Wine also has a strong history in this region. It has been produced in Umbria since Etruscan times, when vines were first planted. Possibly the most unusual wine of the region is the Vernaccia di Cannara, a desert wine which is unlike any other as it is red.
Weather & Seasonality
Weather Information The dates run from May through to October which will take advantage of the nicest weather of the region. May and October have the lowest average temperature, with highs of around 22 degrees Celcius. In the morning and evenings the temperature may drop to as low as 13 degrees Celcius so it is worth having an extra layer for your top and bottom that you can take off as it warms up. October will also see more chance of rain. From June to September the temperatures will be much higher, rising to 35 degrees Celcius in July and August, with much lower chance of rain. The weather is always variable so this should be used as a guide only.
Joining Instructions Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Arrival Details Tour prices do not include airport or rail station transfers. We can usually arrange pre-booked rail and transfers for you at an additional charge (inquire for details and prices).
Nearest arrival airport: Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, then train from Rome Termini to Foligno.
Nearest departure airport: Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
Train back from Spoleto train station to Rome Termini.
Location start: Assisi Location end: Assisi
What to Take Essential Equipment Walking boots Water bottle Daypack Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses Warm jumper Waterproofs Optional Equipment Warm top and leggings for the early spring and autumn departures Swimming suit Windproof and waterproof layer Walking poles
Reading List DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Umbria Lonely Planet Guide to Tuscany and Umbria The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria Umbria - Cadogan Guide
Weather Charts
Practical Information Passport Italy
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
Visa Italy
No visa required for US passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccination Italy
There are no specific health risks.
Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.
For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.
If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.
Local Time
Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)
Electricity
Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.
Money Italy's Currency
The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You will only need money for lunches and 2 dinners in Spoleto, snacks and drinks and any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting €5-15 for lunches, €25-65 for dinner in Spoleto and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras per person. Responsible Tourism
At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.
Important Information
On all guided trips
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
On all trips
In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD
The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/
Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Advice can change so check regularly for updates.
For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.
How to Book
Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com
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