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Highlights
Walk part of the St. Francis Way through Tuscancy’s countryside and villages
Walk where St. Francis walked in the Middle Ages, enlightened by God’s signs in nature and sharing a message of peace.
Cross the wild slopes of the Apennines and walk through some of the most magical forests in Italy.
Explore the capital of the Renaissance, stunning Florence (Firenze) with its vibrant culture.
Taste Tuscany’s fine foods and wines, stay in local accommodations, and get to know your friendly hosts.
During the Middle Age, an enlightened man walked along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God’s signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility, and togetherness. He was Francis of Assisi, a curious person who fascinates people today and whose charisma and philosophy are respected the world over.
On this trip, you will follow the paths Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of Santa Croce in Florence to La Verna Sanctuary, where he received “the stigmata”. Discover the traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, and crosses as you walk through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Tuscany: shady forests, orchards, olive groves, and fields of wheat and barley. With a tour that begins in Florence, you can experience the vibrant culture of Tuscany’s city centres before heading out into the countryside to find out what this pilgrimage will mean to you.
During the Middle Age, an enlightened man walked along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God’s signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility, and togetherness. He was Francis of Assisi, a curious person who fascinates people today and whose charisma and philosophy are respected the world over.
On this trip, you will follow the paths Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of Santa Croce in Florence to La Verna Sanctuary, where he received “the stigmata”. Discover the traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, and crosses as you walk through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Tuscany: shady forests, orchards, olive groves, and fields of wheat and barley. With a tour that begins in Florence, you can experience the vibrant culture of Tuscany’s city centres before heading out into the countryside to find out what this pilgrimage will mean to you.
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The St. Francis Way – Firenze to La Verna Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Firenze
Arrive in Firenze and bask in the city’s atmosphere. Take a stroll along the tiny alleys and end up in piazza dei Miracoli or climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo to get a panoramic view at sunset. You can explore however you please–consider pre-booking additional days in Florence before you start your pilgrimage.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Firenze
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Consuma Pass
After a short transfer by train or bus you start walking towards La Consuma Pass. It’s a long walk that runs from the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountains at Consuma Pass, with great views over the Sieve Valley. You walk mostly in the shade of the forest, passing by Ferrano castle.
At the end of the walk a short transfer will lead you to the small hamlet of Caiano.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Caiano
Distance: 6 hours, 17.5km, 1000m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Transfer Back to Consuma Pass & Walk to Stia
A morning transfer will lead you back to Consuma. From the pass you descend easily to the bottom of Casentino Valley. Most of the itinerary runs inside the woods, with an optional detour to the village of Castel Castagnaio. You also have the option of an alternative route with great panoramic views over the Casentino Valley before you reach the beautiful hamlet of Stia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stia
Distance: 4.5 hours, 14.7km, 475m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk to Camaldoli
Today you have a long and demanding walk in terms of elevation change. Start at the bottom of the valley, heading up through the Apennines before descending to Camaldoli monastery, walking through the Cosentino’s rural landscape until you reach the fascinating Eremo di Camaldoli, dating back to the 11th century.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Camaldoli
Distance: 5 hours, 15.8km, 1000m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk to Badia Prataglia
Today a relatively short walk from Monastero di Camaldoli to the top of the mountain’s edge, and then down to the village of Badia Prataglia. The walk runs mostly inside the forests. There is also an alternative route you can follow that is 6km longer but more interesting in terms of landscape, with spectacular views of southern Casentino valley, its villages, and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Badia Prataglia
Distance: 3 hours, 8km, 500m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk to Casa Santicchio
Today’s walk runs through the forests to the hamlet of Frassineta, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Vallesanta, La Verna mountain, and the Apennines ridge. Continue to Casa Santicchio where you can find a nice spot for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Casa Santicchio
Distance: 4 hours, 10km, 500m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Walk to Chiusi della Verna
Today you finally arrive in Chiusi della Verna. Head for the hotel and check-in. If you arrive early enough, you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon. The Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 06:30 to 19:30 hrs (22:00 hrs in summer). Find a terrace to grab a celebratory drink on
NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers/skirts to the knee.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chiusi della Verna
Distance: 4 hours, 9km, 800m of ascents
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Arrivederci!
After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Departure on April 1st – 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1539
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1196
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR984
- Sharing a triple room: EUR804
Departure on April 21st - June 24th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1561
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1219
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1001
- Sharing a triple room: EUR823
Departure on June 25th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1684
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1341
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1085
- Sharing a triple room: EUR875
Departure on September 1st – 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1561
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1219
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1001
- Sharing a triple room: EUR823
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1539
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1196
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR984
- Sharing a triple room: EUR804
Accommodation on the St. Francis Way – Firenze to La Verna
This tour is based in hotels and B&Bs. Hotels on this trip are 2-3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the St. Francis Way – Firenze to La Verna Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included on this trip as well as private transfer for you on Days 2 and 3. When you travel with public transport you will take your luggage with you. Airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- Information kit
- St. Francis’ Way Passport
- 24/7 phone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes where applicable
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the St. Francis Way - Firenze to La Verna Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the St. Francis Way - Firenze to La Verna Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Firenze to start this tour?
- Where does the St. Francis Way - Firenze to La Verna Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The length of the walks varies from 8km to 17.5km and a couple require more strenuous elevation gain. Fit walkers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners are included.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Florence Airport (FLR). Airport transfers can be added as a supplement or you can arrange your own transportation to your hotel.
The tour ends in Chiusi. You can take public transportation to your departure airport or arrange a transfer as a supplement.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
