In the footsteps of Francis of Assisi and Michelangelo
6 hiking days / 7 nights – circular route from/to Anghiari – active hiking, experiencing, feasting, letting the soul unwind.
Between the not always gentle hills of the upper Tiber Valley, amid forests, monasteries and medieval villages, this cultural hiking circular tour leads through the heart of Tuscany and the breathtaking views in the Casentino National Park. The tour is guided by a multilingual hiking guide (D/I/E/F), who knows the land, the people and many insider tips…
From Anghiari, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, we discover unspoilt landscapes, historically significant places and quiet paths that pilgrims and artists walked centuries ago. Authentic accommodation, Tuscan cuisine and warm family hospitality make this journey 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
- 6 hiking days / 7 nights
- Start / Finish
- Anghiari
- Total Length
- ca. 100-110 km
- Difficulty
- moderate to challenging (daily stages 14–20 km, with some ascents and descents)
- 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 / accommodation: charming agriturismo near Anghiari or directly in the historic centre.
Welcome aperitivo, information about the hike will be provided, shared dinner and overnight stay in the historic centre or in a charming agriturismo nearby.
Day 2 – Anghiari → Locanda Viandante
Stage: approx. 14 km – ↑500 m / ↓240 m – approx. 5 hrs.
Accommodation: Locanda Viandante, a charming estate in the midst of Tuscan nature.
Start of our hike, cappuccino and a brief visit to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Anghiari, known for its stone alleyways, craft shops and views over the Tiber Valley. The hike then takes us over hills and country lanes with magnificent panoramas of the Valtiberina Valley and Lago di Montedoglio. Panino along the way. Arrival at a typical Tuscan country house. Aperitivo. Delicious dinner with regional homemade specialities.
Day 3 – Locanda Viandante → Casina della Burraia
Stage: approx. 16 km – ↑740 m / ↓470 m – approx. 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Rifugio Casina della Burraia.
A varied hiking day leads over mountain paths and through forests towards the Casentino, an impressive landscape straight out of a fairy tale. At midday a Tuscan panino; in the evening a hearty dinner awaits us at the rustic agriturismo, prepared by the somewhat no-nonsense Nonna, with local Vino Tavola and a cosy atmosphere. Highlight: in the rooms we enjoy candles instead of electric light!
Day 4 – Casina della Burraia → La Verna (Chiusi della Verna)
Stage: approx. 15 km – ↑590 m / ↓610 m – approx. 5 hrs.
Accommodation: agriturismo near La Verna.
After a typical Tuscan breakfast we set off hiking to Monte Regina at 1,240 m altitude. This stage leads through the enchanting landscape of the Casentino Nature Park. Magnificent views of the monastery of La Verna and a steep descent to Chiusi await us at the end. At a rustic agriturismo we can refresh ourselves at the pool and round off the evening with pizza or pasta and a glass of wine.
Day 5 – La Verna (Chiusi della Verna) → Pieve Santo Stefano
Stage: approx. 13 km – ↑460 m / ↓660 m – approx. 5 hrs.
Accommodation: Villaggio Eden, Pieve Santo Stefano.
This somewhat easier stage leads up to the sacred monastery of La Verna, where Francis of Assisi received the stigmata. After visiting the monastery and fortified with a cappuccino, we tackle the next ascent and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. We continue through shady chestnut forests to a charming resort with alpacas – where we enjoy a vegetarian dinner and let our souls unwind.
Day 6 – Villaggio Eden Pieve Santo Stefano → Caprese Michelangelo
Stage: approx. 18 km – ↑420 m / ↓630 m – approx. 6.5 hrs.
Accommodation: Country Relais Borgo Faeta near Caprese Michelangelo.
Today we first hike to Pieve Santo Stefano, possibly enjoy a second breakfast and then begin the ascent back into nature. Enchanting forests, wild fields, single trails and once again in the footsteps of Assisi, which lead us after a short but steep ascent directly to the birthplace of Michelangelo. A short break with the option to visit, before we hike on to today's final destination: the beautiful Country Relais Borgo Faeta. A refreshing pool and a fine dinner at this stunning estate await.
Day 7 – Caprese Michelangelo → Anghiari
Stage: approx. 20 km – ↑650 m / ↓690 m – approx. 7 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel Meridiana in the heart of the old town of Anghiari.
Return along old mule trails to historic Anghiari. This demanding but beautiful stage takes us through the wide Tiber Valley, we admire the views over Lago di Montedoglio and hike repeatedly in the shade of ancient trees. Arrival in Anghiari, check-in. In the evening a shared aperitivo and farewell dinner with Tuscan specialities; a glass of Vino Rosso 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.
- 6 hiking 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
- Detailed route description, online tracking system
- 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.
