In The Steps of St. Francis
Cammino di San Francesco

Hiking Immersion Tour

11 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS

Tour Dates: October 3-13, 2024; April 3-13, 2025; October 2-12, 2025

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for the journey of a lifetime! The Way of St. Francis, also known as the Cammino di San Francesco, offers a unique path of discovery. Relatively unknown outside Italy, this exceptional hiking trail offers a remarkable mix of nature, history, art and culture, in the context of the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. By focusing on the cultural, spiritual and historical aspects the Cammino offers, this trip is for those with an open heart and mind, who are interested in delving deeper into the local heritage. 

Tour basics:

Length: 11 days, 10 nights

Price: $4600* per person double occupancy; $400 single supplement for solo travelers.

Deposit: $600 per person

Includes:

  • Accommodations throughout the tour, in 4-star hotels and family-run inns

  • Transportation to and from the airport and for all scheduled excursions, and luggage transfers each day

  • All scheduled programs and tours with local expert guides as specified in the tour itinerary

  • Breakfast and other meals as described in tour itinerary

  • Comprehensive assistance and information during tour, from pre-arrival to departure, including help with flight arrangements (please inquire if needed)

  • Customized advice on pre- and post-trip destinations

Prices subject to change. Take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy. Start planning now!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Aligning with our mission to create a truly unique experience, we will go beyond the typical version of the 75-mile trek, seeking to breathe new energy into the remote rural areas of Romagna, in the Marecchia Valley and beyond, as far as the Apennine mountains on the border between Romagna and Tuscany. The trail, with breathtaking landscapes and ancient villages untouched by mass tourism, offers an exceptional mix of history, art and culture (including food and wine culture). And we’ve created a program that allows our travelers passing through to enjoy it at the slower pace it deserves.

Walking in the footsteps of St Francis offers a worthwhile journey. Indeed, the ideas of St Francis live on today in the men and women who dedicate their lives to preserving the environment, protecting the wildlife and supporting the less fortunate. Encountering beauty along the pathway is an invitation to appreciate being alive, without stopping at the aesthetic aspect alone, and to be grateful for everything. 

And unlike other more well-known hiking experiences that may be more commercialized, Esperienza will create opportunities for a genuine personal interaction both with locals and the wayfarers themselves. You will have a chance to engage with farmers, bread makers, monks, poets and truffle hunters along the route, adding a layer of personal experience that transcends mere sightseeing. It is not necessary to identify with any particular religious faith to appreciate the ideas of St. Francis. Our interactions will allow opportunities for an understanding of Franciscan spirituality, while also creating a more intimate connection with the history and the culture of the place. A transformational journey indeed.

Interested in learning more? Continue reading, or click the button below to request an itinerary.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Experience discovering Romagna, through the beauty of the Italian countryside from the Adriatic coast, through the valley of the Marecchia River, to the mountains along the border of Tuscany. Visit historic villages, learn the traditions of Franciscan teachings, and much more, as we hike “The Way of St. Francis,” led by knowledgeable, local English-speaking guides.

After landing in Bologna, we’ll begin our hike in Rimini, the ancient Roman city on the Adriatic Sea, and travel on foot through towns you may have never known, but which will become beloved places where beautiful memories will be made: Verucchio, San Leo, Sant’Agata Feltria, Balze di Verghereto and finally the La Verna Sanctuary. All along the way, we’ll connect with the natural wonders of the Valmarecchia, the generosity and culture of the region. And every night you’ll feel content as we enjoy the fresh local cuisine.

Be aware that the 75-mile trail is challenging, and to fully immerse yourself in it, we encourage all to embrace a spirit of adventure, for the occasional experience of serendipity and surprise. Each day’s hike will range from 14-16 miles with elevation gains of 1000-4000 feet. But we will also offer an option to shorten the day, plus we’ve built in several rest days that will allow us to explore the history of San Leo and nearby Pennabilli, the delightful village that was the first to host Esperienza’s tours. We’ll also take time to enjoy several local food experiences.

At the end of our hike we will spend two days in the relaxing spa town of Bagno di Romagna. There we will enjoy the natural hot springs and an extravagant and celebratory lunch at a favorite Michelin-starred restaurant before returning our travelers to Bologna.

Our Program Hosts and Experts:

Alessia Ghirardi. Our local, English speaking-guide offers a depth of knowledge, not only about the flora and fauna, but also the stories of those who live and work along the trail, including the dogs!

An Esperienza host will also be part of this tour, welcoming you each day and offering additional assistance as needed.

Guest Reviews:

Want to hear what it’s like to be part of Esperienza in the words of a past participant? Check out our guest reviews!