Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

Day 1 • Arrive in Norcia

Historic walled town, birthplace of St Benedict and renowned for its much cherished gastronomic speciality –the truffle

HHHH Palazzo Seneca

Day 2 • Free day around Norcia

Travel by road to picturesque Castelluccio (4,000ft) and walk across the Piano Grande, the most inspiring highland plain in Europe, then back down to Norcia (9.7 miles, 5 hrs). Alter natively, explore Norcia, its central piazza with church of St Benedict (480–543 AD) and medieval town walls

HHHH Palazzo Seneca

Day 3 • Norcia to Roccaporena

Follow far m tracks across low hills to the small town of Cascia and churches with 14th century frescoes Then follow an ancient pilgrim path along the gorge to Roccaporena, birthplace of St Rita, patron saint of desperate causes (12 9 miles, 6 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel Roccaporena-Margherita (std & sup rooms)

Day 4 • Roccaporena to Scheggino

Cross hills with oak woods famous for their truffles to Gavelli, with fine frescoes restored by the ATG Trust

Follow an old (dirt) road steeply down to Scheggino or, alter natively, take a gentler route via Caso (12.5 miles direct or 12.9 miles via Caso, 6.5 hrs).

HHHH Antica Torre del Nera (std & sup rooms)

Day 5 • Valley Walk

Optional walk along the Valnerina Valley to the superb 5th century monastery of San Pietro in Valle, with frescoes, Roman decorative fragments and sarcophagi of 8th century Lombard dukes (6 1 miles, 2 5 hrs one way)

HHHH Antica Torre del Nera (std & sup rooms)

Day 6 • Scheggino to Spoleto

Follow the 'Path of Pope Pius IX' along a valley, then climb up, in and out of woods, to a ridge with fine views of the surrounding hills, before descending, via chestnut woods and olive groves, to Spoleto (8.3 or 12.5 miles std / 12 3 or 14 3 miles sup)

HHH Hotel Charleston (std)

HHHH Palazzo Sant’Angelo Boutique B&B (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Spoleto

Explore the medieval city, its 12th century cathedral with frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi, and important Romanesque churches. The Spoleto festival takes place early-mid July.

HHH Hotel Charleston (std)

HHHH Palazzo Sant’Angelo Boutique B&B (sup)

Day 8 • Departure day

Route open: May-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Rome (125 miles)

Train/bus: 4 hrs - €30-45

Taxi: 2 5 hrs - ~€290 u Perugia (56 miles)

Train/bus: 3 hrs - €25

Taxi: 1 25 hrs - ~€250

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: 111 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 4) See p 8

Terrain: Woodland, sheep and mule tracks, dirt roads and ways over high open grassland with wide views