This journey takes you to where Italy is still very authentic, spiritual and even a little mystic. Umbria is the region which the first Christians, coming from the Orient, crossed on their way to Rome. Here you find lush green hills, dense forests, plateaus and wide valleys where grain, legumes and of course the famous wine of Umbria are grown. Ancient stone villages cling to the mountain flanks and the hilltops, medieval abbeys stand in clearings and Roman or Etruscan buildings are to be seen everywhere. It is surely no coincidence that Saint Francis found the right place for his meditations here, feeling deeply connected to nature. But don’t worry – this region also provides plenty of worldly delights: delicious olive oil, fine truffles, wonderful cheeses and cold cuts, fresh pasta and great wines. You will stay in a typical agriturismo – a country house surrounded by olive groves and not far from the famous wine town of Montefalco. In this agriturismo you will taste the authentic local cuisine, a real delight.
Benvenuti in Umbria!
1st day: Individual arrival to the accommodation. In the early evening your hiking guide will greet you with a glass of wine and introduce you to the upcoming hiking week with Umbrian specialties.
The Montefalco wines
2nd day: Today after a short walk you reach the historical center of Montefalco with its many beautiful patrician houses and the ancient church complex of St. Francis. After a stroll through its narrow streets, the path leads into the vineyards and olive groves. Umbria’s most famous wine, Sagrantino di Montefalco, is named after this place and there are some of the best wineries in the area. On our first day of hiking, we will visit a winery where you get a brief overview of the local wine world. Montefalco lies on a hilltop surrounded by a picturesque landscape. The view sweeps far over the Umbrian countryside, in the distance you can see Assisi and Monte Subasio. In the afternoon, we invite you to an “aperitif” at the place of a friendly young winemaker who also produces tasty goat cheese in his biodynamic farm. You will try some of his products before heading back to the agriturismo.
Walking time on this day approx. 4 hours walking time, 11 km, altitude difference +/- 250 m