In the footsteps of Francis of Assisi and Michelangelo
Hiking, exploring, feasting and unwinding.
Set among the rolling hills of the upper Tiber Valley, surrounded by forests, monasteries and medieval villages, this cultural hiking tour takes you through the heart of Tuscany and the breathtaking views of the Casentino National Park. The tour is led by a multilingual hiking guide (German/Italian/English/French) who knows the country and its people and has lots of insider tips...
Starting in Anghiari, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, we discover unspoilt landscapes, historic sites and quiet paths that pilgrims and artists have been walking for centuries. Authentic accommodation, Tuscan cuisine and family hospitality make this trip a holistic experience for body and soul.
Tour overview
Here is a brief summary of the most important information at a glance. More detailed information can be found below under Itinerary.
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Start / Finish
- Anghiari
- Total Length
- ca. 110 - 120 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate (daily stages 14–22 km, some with climbs)
- Catering
- Full board (breakfast, light lunch/sandwich on the go, dinner with regional homemade specialities)
- Luggage transport
- inclusive
- Price
- upon request
Dates
We have waiting lists, and you can sign up at any time.
Travel itinerary
A brief overview of the daily stages to be covered
Day 1 – Arrival in Anghiari
Meeting point: Historic centre of Anghiari
Welcome aperitif and group walk through the beautifully preserved medieval town of Anghiari, known for its stone alleys, craft shops and views over the Tiber Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in the Centro Storico or in a picturesque agriturismo nearby.
Day 2 – Anghiari → Pieve Santo Stefano
Stage: approx. 18 km – ↑600 m / ↓550 m
Overnight stay: Organic agritourism resort with views of Lake Montedoglio
The first hike takes you over hills and country lanes with magnificent panoramic views of the Valtiberina valley. Small picnic and panino en route. Arrival at a typical Tuscan agritourism resort with the opportunity to relax by the pool. Delicious dinner with regional homemade specialities.
Day 3 – Pieve Santo Stefano → Caprese Michelangelo
Stage: approx. 20 km – ↑700 m / ↓450 m
Overnight stay: Caprese Michelangelo
Today we follow old pilgrim trails to Michelangelo's birthplace. Depending on our arrival time, we will visit the small museum and take a walk through the mountain village. We will have a light lunch on the way. In the evening, we will enjoy the finest Tuscan cuisine with homemade pasta and, depending on the season, delicious mushroom dishes.
Day 4 – Caprese Michelangelo → La Verna (Chiusi della Verna)
Stage: approx. 18 km – ↑850 m / ↓300 m
Overnight stay: Pilgrim house or inn in La Verna
This somewhat more strenuous stage leads through shady chestnut forests up to the holy monastery of La Verna, where Francis of Assisi received the stigmata. Visit to the monastery, possibly participation in the monks' vespers. Dinner with regional specialities, as always a delight.
Day 5 – La Verna → Rifugio (Subbiano)
Stage: approx. 22 km – ↑500 m / ↓800 m
Overnight stay: Rifugio in the middle of the Casentino National Park
A varied day's hiking takes us along mountain paths and through forests towards Casentino, an impressive landscape straight out of a fairy tale. At lunchtime we enjoy a Tuscan panino, and in the evening a hearty dinner prepared by Nonna awaits us in a rustic agriturismo, accompanied by local vino tavola and a cosy atmosphere. Highlight: in the rooms we enjoy candlelight instead of electric light!
Day 6 – Rifugio → Località Viandante (near Anghiari)
Stage: approx. 20 km – ↑400 m / ↓600 m
Overnight stay: Località Viandante country house
Today we hike back towards Anghiari – a stage through chestnut forests and fields with views of the wide Tiber Valley and Lago di Montedoglio. In the stylish Viandante country house, we enjoy an aperitivo with views of the beautiful landscape, homemade cuisine, and the tranquility of nature.
Day 7 – Località Viandante → Anghiari
Stage: approx. 14 km – ↑200 m / ↓250 m
Return to historic Anghiari along old mule tracks.
Free time in the afternoon – for strolling, enjoying a coffee in the piazza, or visiting the town museum. In the evening, a farewell dinner with Tuscan specialties and a glass of regional red wine rounds off the hike in style.
Day 8 – Departure from Anghiari
Breakfast together, individual journey home or extension. Emotional farewell, because we all got on incredibly well on this hiking tour.
Hiking with light luggage
When hiking, we only take a light rucksack with us containing the essentials. The rest of our luggage is transported from place to place in our pick-up truck. The agriturismi usually offer double rooms, but sometimes there may be a triple or quadruple apartment. A small surcharge is applied for single rooms.
Required equipment
The weather in May/June is usually good. But even in October/November, you can usually expect mostly dry weather and, of course, cooler nights. It is advisable to bring something warm to wear: we eat outside whenever possible. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, so be sure to bring good shoes and rain gear, as well as a daypack for the essentials.
Our services
Check out which services are already included in the hike.
- 8 days / 7 nights with full board in a double room (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
- 7 nights in carefully selected, charming agriturismi, resorts, and country houses
- Daily stages between 14 and 22 km
- Experienced multilingual hiking guide (German/English/Italian/French) for the entire duration
- Luggage transport, so that only a light backpack needs to be carried
- Small to medium group size (3–10 people)
- Moderately difficult hike on easily accessible trails and nature paths
- Airport transfer NOT included, but can be arranged, Florence – Anghiari approx. 250 euros
- The itinerary does not include travel or health insurance.
Additional information
Please note that all guided tours are subject to change for various reasons, depending on:
the weather conditions
the physical condition of each participant
in case of very bad weather, we will decide together on a bad weather program (may be subject to a small surcharge)
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to send us a short email and we will be happy to answer your questions.
