Umbria to Rome Hiking

Umbria to Rome Hiking Itinerary:

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• Day 1 We meet Assisi, a beautiful Umbrian hill town known for its finely-preserved marble buildings and gothic-style architecture.

  Our trip begins today in Assisi, Italy. Assisi can be reached via direct rail connections from Rome (2½ hours). The birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, Assisi's finely preserved marble buildings and scenic location on the slopes of Mt. Subasio contribute to its reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria. Depending on your arrival time today, you can opt to explore Assisi independently or relax before our initial group rendezvous this evening. A walk to the Basilica of St. Francis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will be rewarded with an opportunity to appreciate the building's Italian Gothic-style architecture and perhaps view some of the magnificent Giotto frescoes inside. An orientation meeting will take place at 6 p.m. tonight in our centrally-located hotel, followed by a casual dinner nearby. Overnight in Assisi for the next three nights. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Set out on a warm-up hike through the Vale of Spoleto to the lovely pink-stoned village of Spello.

  After breakfast we'll take a short vehicle transfer to Eremo delle Carceri where we begin our warm up hike. Eremo delle Carceri is a small hermitage located in Monte Subasio Natural Park that served as a spiritual retreat for the young St. Francis and is still home to a small group of Franciscan monks. We'll follow in the footsteps of St. Francis today as we continue our walk in the Vale of Spoleto. Along the way we'll be introduced to the lovely Umbrian landscape comprised of rolling hills, verdant valleys and thick oak forests. Our destination this afternoon is the quiet village of Spello, its pink-stoned medieval center beautifully intact. Time permitting, we'll stop to view Pinturicchio's superb Renaissance frescoes in Spello's church of Santa Maria Maggiore before transferring back to Assisi by private vehicle for dinner. All meals included.

  Hiking: 8 miles (approx. 5 hours) with 1,100' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 3 Hike through the gorgeous Umbrian countryside to the the hill town of Gubbio. Free time to explore Gubbio this afternoon.

  A one-hour transfer this morning shuttles us to a small monastery located in the remote, gorgeous countryside of northern Umbria. Built by the Benedictines from materials recovered from a pagan temple that originally stood on this site, the monastery served as a fortified refuge for exhausted pilgrims passing through the area during the Middle Ages. Our hike begins at the monastery and continues along ancient pathways to captivating Gubbio, one of Umbria's crown jewels. We'll visit Gubbio's Palazzo dei Consoli, its striking crenellated roof visible for miles around, and have free time this afternoon to explore some of the town's other notable sites or take the funicular ride to the top of nearby Monte Ingino for fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Returning to Assisi this afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of the Saint Francis Basilica, one of the wonders of early medieval architecture. We dine independently tonight allowing us to choose from a variety of local restaurants and cafes. Breakfast and lunch included.

  Hiking: 6 miles (approx. 4 hours) with 1,100' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 4 Explore elegant Perugia, known for its strong artistic and cultural traditions. Travel through Umbria's rolling hills to Orvieto.

  This morning we transfer to elegant Perugia, one of Italy's best preserved medieval hill-towns. Originally founded by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, Perugia was conquered by the Romans in 309 B.C. and throughout its history played host to numerous generals, nobles, popes and painters. During the late Middle Ages, the city was well-known as the site of a violent feud between two of its leading families, the Baglionis and the Oddis, before coming under control of the church in the early 16th century. Renowned for its strong artistic and cultural traditions, Perugia offers a multitude of noteworthy sites and we'll spend time this morning visiting the most interesting of these including the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori and St. Lorenz Cathedral. We'll also have a chance to view some of the paintings of the renaissance master Pietro Perugino, one of Umbria's native sons and Raphael's teacher. After our tour, another short transfer brings us to the village of Panicale, a tiny architectural gem set among the rolling hills. We take a stroll through Panicale's narrow cobblestone streets before continuing on to this evening's destination, the sublime hill-town of Orvieto where our small hotel awaits. All meals included.

• Day 5 Discover the ancient streets and cathedrals of Orvieto this morning. Hike to Lake Bolsena, formed in the crater of an extinct volcano.

  Rising from the top of a cliff formed of volcanic rock, magical Orvieto floats above the surrounding plateau as it has for over 2,000 years. After breakfast, we have an opportunity to stroll through Orvieto's ancient streets and visit the remarkable black and white-banded cathedral, one of Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture famous for its intricate and colorful façade made up of both mosaic and sculptural elements. We also take time to explore the town's Etruscan catacombs before once again setting out on foot into Italy's "Green Heart". Our undulating hike today leads us through rolling woodlands filled with wild boar and ends when we reach the cool waters of Lake Bolsena, formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. We spend the night in the small town of Bolsena, on the lakeshore. All meals included.

  Hiking: 10 miles (approx. 5 hours) with 1,500' elevation gain and 700' elevation loss.

• Day 6 Hike along a ridge trail overlooking sparkling Lake Bolsena to the village of Montefiascone. Wine tasting tonight!

  Today marks our passage into Tuscia Laziale, an agricultural region bordering Umbria known for its volcanic lakes, flower-filled fields and olive groves of rare beauty. Our path heads south this morning as we hike along a scenic ridge trail overlooking Lake Bolsena. We follow a stretch of the ancient Via Cassia – an important Roman road that connected Rome with Italy's northwestern coast – en route to Montefiascone, the next stop in our modern-day pilgrimage along the Via Francigena. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Montefiascone and nearby Viterbo became safe havens for numerous popes during a period when the papacy had difficulty asserting its authority over Rome. Today, the town's historic buildings, churches and piazzas allow us to imagine what medieval life might have been like for its former inhabitants. After our arrival in Montefiascone this afternoon, we'll enjoy a tasting of some of the regionally famous wines before dinner in our charming hotel's restaurant. All meals included.

  Hiking: 8 miles (approx. 4½ hours) with 2,000' elevation gain and 1,000' elevation loss.

• Day 7 Walk among orchards, stone farmhouses and stands of cypress trees to the fortified town of Viterbo.

  From Montefiascone's Rocca dei Papi (the old Papal summer residence), we begin our walk among orchards, stone farmhouses, and stands of cypress trees to the thermal baths of Bagnaccio. For hundreds of years, the Bagnaccio baths have welcomed all passersby – pilgrims, local residents or visiting hikers alike. We'll have lunch here and an opportunity to soak in the geothermally-heated waters, appreciating their restorative effects. After our lunch stop, we transfer to the fortified town of Viterbo, its thousand-year-old rock walls juxtaposed against the nearby green hills of the Monti Cimini. We'll dine on our own tonight allowing us plenty of time to explore the town before returning to the comforts of our local hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.

  Hiking: 11 miles (approx. 5 hours) with 330' elevation gain and 1,300' elevation loss.

• Day 8 Visit Viterbo's Piazza San Pelligrino, containing some of Italy's finest medieval architecture. Hike to Vetralla this afternoon.

  On our morning tour of Viterbo's old town we stroll past charming piazzas and ornate fountains, appreciate the buildings surrounding the Piazza San Pelligrino (considered to be some of the finest medieval architecture in Italy) and visit the monumental Palazzo dei Papi, the palace that hosted the papal seat from 1257-1281. Today's countryside hike passes an underground Etruscan tomb and, for those willing to make a short detour, the ruins of the archetypal pieve (rural church) of Santa Maria di Forcassi. Our trail ends at the doorstep of a small agriturismo near the village of Vetralla where we spend a relaxing evening enjoying a hearty homemade meal and the company of our travelling companions. All meals included.

  Hiking: 12 miles (approx. 5 hours) with 700' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 9 Transfer to Rome and enjoy a walking tour past the city's iconic sites to St. Peter's Square. Savor a delicious Italian dinner tonight.

  We'll transfer from Vetralla to Rome this morning, stopping for a short visit at the Sutri Roman Amphitheatre which was excavated out of the volcanic rock. We begin our "urban hike" from the manicured gardens of the Villa Borghese. We'll pass many of the city's most iconic sites including the whimsical Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and vibrant Piazza Navona en route to the final destination of our modern-day pilgrimage; St. Peter's Square. The enormous square, built by Gian Bernini between 1656-1667, is meant to allow as many people as possible to watch the Pope offer his blessing and is considered one of the world's architectural masterpieces. After taking some time to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship of the Square and adjacent St. Peter's Basilica, we'll have a few additional hours this afternoon to stop for some gelato or explore some of this beguiling city's other attractions. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we'll walk to Trastevere, one of Rome's most traditional neighborhoods, where we join our guides and newfound friends for a classic Italian meal at our final celebration dinner. Overnight in Rome tonight. All meals included.

  Walking: approximately 5 hours with 250' elevation loss.

• Day 10 After an amazing ten days of exploration in the Italian countryside, we part ways with our traveling companions in Rome this morning.

  Our adventure ends this morning in Rome. Trip members are free to depart at any time and can opt to transfer independently to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport or continue their travels in Italy. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Accommodations for nine nights and meals as noted on itinerary; English-speaking guide/leadership; sightseeing as noted on itinerary; luggage transfers; private in-country transportation; special wine tasting.

Air transportation to Italy; airport transfers; 2 dinners; entrance fees to museums, churches and other sites during leisure time; alcoholic beverages (except at wine tasting); travel insurance; excess baggage charges; gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should enjoy hiking and arrive in good physical condition. We hike between 4-12 miles (4-6 hours) on most days on established dirt and stone trails and footpaths. Daily elevation gains and losses range from 400'-2,000' with some short steep ascents and descents. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we strongly encourage participants to begin a conditioning regimen at least three months prior to departure consisting of hiking/walking. If you live in an area conducive to hiking, try to get out on those hills if possible and work some elevation gain and loss into your training regimen. The better shape you are in, the more you'll enjoy all that this adventure has to offer.

We have scheduled our departures to avoid the mid-summer heat and crowds while still traveling during periods that typically offer abundant sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Temperatures in central Italy in May, June and September range from 70-85° F with evening temperatures dropping approximately 10-15 degrees. October departures will experience slightly cooler temperatures and fewer daylight hours. Although prolonged periods of rainfall are not typical during these months, all trip members should plan to bring raingear as described on the Gear List tab.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or blister remedies for foot treatment. Thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate the contents.
• Laundry facilities are not readily available during this trip and can be quite expensive. We suggest hand washing your clothes in your hotel room.