In the Steps of Saint Francis

Tips and FAQs

Esperienza’s newest travel program is an 11-day immersive cultural experience highlighted by five days of vigorous hiking on The Way of St. Francis (or, in Italian, “Cammino di San Francesco”) between the beautiful seaside city of Rimini and the sacred site of La Verna. Below is information to help you prepare and plan for your journey. For general questions about traveling with Esperienza, please click here.

Hiking Route Summary

The distance in kilometers and elevation gain and descent for each day we will be hiking on the Cammino di San Francesco is provided below. Detailed information about each day’s route is available here. Please note that we will also have two days during the hike for rest and guided exploration, and also two days after the hike to relax in Bagno di Romagna.

Rimini – Verucchio: Miles: 15; Elevation change: +1,600 ft, -600 ft
Verucchio – San Leo: Miles: 13: Elevation change: + 1,900 ft, -1,000 ft
San Leo - Sant'Agata Feltria: Miles: 13; Elevation: +2,500 ft/-2,400 ft
Sant'Agata Feltria – Balze di Verghereto: Miles: 14; Elevation +3,700 ft/-2,100 ft
Balze di Verghereto - La Verna Sanctuary: Miles: 15; Elevation: + 2,600 ft/-2,300 ft

Weather

Spring Trip

Rimini: In early April, the average high temperature is in the low 60s and the average lows are in the mid 40’s. Click here for details.
La Verna/Bagno di Romagna: In early April, the average high temperature is in the low 50’s, and the average low is in the mid-30’s. Click here for details.

Fall trip

Rimini: In October, the average high temperature is in the low-70’s and the average low is in the high-50s. Days can be warmer in the early part of the month. Click here for details.
La Verna/Bagno di Romagna: In October, the average high temperature is in the mid-60s, and the average low is in the low-50s. Click here for details.

Recommended Clothing and Equipment

Clothing for hike

Footwear: The right shoes are very important, preferably high on the ankle and of good quality, sculpted vibram sole and a perfect fit. Be careful not to leave with fresh shoes from the shop! Buy them in time and take a few walks with them, so that the foot gets used to the shoe.

Socks: Just as important: avoid cotton as it is heavy, absorbs a lot of moisture and doesn't dry quickly. The preferred materials for socks are modern synthetic yarns and merino wool; they provide good "dry on the skin" condition. At the end of the journey you will notice the difference.

Other Clothing: Choose comfortable and appropriate clothing for the season. The weather in the Apennines can change very quickly so it is recommended to wear non-bulky and breathable clothing, dressing in layers to better adapt to the weather conditions. Before leaving, we will consult the weather forecast which, while remaining only a forecast, will help us to make the right choices.

For dinners and other non-hiking activities, you may wish to take a break from your hiking clothes. For this we suggest you pack clothing that is mostly informal and comfortable. Also, during the tour we have one or two more elegant meals; you may wish to bring an outfit for these occasions.

Outerwear: We will hike rain or shine. But rain is not a problem, provided you wear the right clothing. A good quality waterproof jacket (preferably Gore-Tex) is essential, and rainproof pants and gaiters will provide additional protection, keeping you dry in the event of rain.

other clothing

While on the trail, our meals will be fairly casual. While most people prefer to wear something other than hiking clothes, you’re welcome to dress comfortably. For our lunch and dinner after completing the hike, we will be dining at nicer restaurants. We recommend nice pants and dress shirt for men, and pants, or a skirt/dress for women is appropriate

Backpack

Because our luggage will be transported separately to our overnight stay location, a moderately-sized daypack is all you’ll need for our hike. Your pack will always be on your shoulders and even a few grams make the difference on long journeys, so it’s important to carry only what you need for the day.

Trekking Poles

These are highly recommended, as they will help provide an extra point of contact as you go uphill and downhill and preserve your knees.

Daily Supplies

Below is a list of essentials to carry in your backpack:

Bottle with water;. 2L or 2.5L on average is sufficient. We are usually able to refill at some point during the day
Energy snacks, if desired. Most days we will be carrying our lunch
Waterproof jacket/windbreaker
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Protective sunscreen
Mini first aid kit (bandages, plasters of various sizes and anti-blister, disinfectant wipes, sterile gauze, small scissors, tick remover, personal medicines ...)
Telephones, smartphones and GPS: they are useful tools, but reception is unpredictable. An external battery charger can be helpful
Identity document, health card with vaccinations and blood group, telephone numbers

Optional items:

Notepad and pencil
Small knife
Extra socks