Mount Athos

Trace the life of St Benedict, through Rome to Norcia, Subiaco and Montecassino on this 180 mile pilgrimage through Italy. Born in Norcia, St Benedict studied briefly in Rome before living as a hermit in the mountains near Subiaco then founding the Abbey of Montecassino where he wrote the Benedictine Rule. The trek includes the most inportant places of his life as well as other sites linked to St Francis of Assisi and St Thomas Aquinas. You will walk through the picturesque Appenine mountains and small Umbrian mountain towns. Visit the monasteries and enjoy the local hospitality. The route is well marked and not too hilly. You will learn more about St Benedict, his life and "rule". Written in 516 for monastic communities ‘the Rule’ is followed by Benedictines throughout the world today and has profoundly sensible lessons for us all in today’s complex world.

The route between La Verna Sanctuary and Assisi is not the full length of the Via di Francesco (which is 340 miles from Florence to Rome) but it covers the 111 miles between the two most significant Franciscan sites. St Francis was born in 1182 at La Verna and died at Assisi, at only forty-four years old. There is a long descent from La Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano which is the first of nine stages of the route to Assisi. The days can be quite long but they are extremely rewarding as the route passes from Tuscany into Umbria. As you pass through the beautiful towns of Citta di Castella and Gubbio you will be amazed by their rich architectural history. Enjoy the stunning Tuscan and Umbrian countryside and delicious local cuisine.