Pilgrims' Path: The Way of St Francis Florence to Rome

Duration
20
Departure
13 September 2027
Price from
TBA

INFORMATION SESSIONS

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OVERVIEW

Via di Francesco – The Way of St Francis

Florence to Rome via Assisi | September 2027

Walk in the footsteps of one of Christianity’s most beloved figures on a remarkable pilgrimage through the heart of Italy.

The Via di Francesco – the Way of St Francis is an ancient pilgrimage route connecting the landscapes, towns and sacred places associated with St Francis of Assisi. Beginning in beautiful Florence, our journey takes us through the hills of Tuscany and Umbria, through Assisi and onwards to Rome.

This is much more than a walking tour. It is an opportunity to slow down, step away from the busyness of everyday life and journey through places where Francis lived, prayed and ministered. Along the way we will visit churches, monasteries, hermitages and medieval villages connected with his extraordinary life and witness.

Our pilgrimage takes us to La Verna, where Francis received the stigmata; Gubbio, remembered for the story of Francis and the wolf; and, of course, Assisi, where we spend time exploring the places at the very heart of his story. From Assisi we continue south through the beautiful Umbrian countryside, visiting more of the communities and sanctuaries associated with Francis before making our way towards Rome.

Rather than walking every kilometre between Florence and Rome, we have carefully selected some of the most beautiful and meaningful sections of the Via di Francesco. This allows us to experience the joy and challenge of pilgrimage on foot while still having time to explore the places we visit, enjoy the wonderful food and hospitality of Italy, and pause for reflection along the way.

Each day will have its own rhythm of walking, fellowship and reflection. As with all Selah pilgrimages, we want to create space to encounter God in the landscape, in Scripture, in one another and in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.

Our final footsteps take us into Rome, following the pilgrim road towards the Vatican and bringing our journey from the world of Francis to the heart of historic Christianity.

Florence. La Verna. Gubbio. Assisi. The Umbrian countryside. Rome.

A beautiful journey through Italy – and a pilgrimage that invites us to consider the enduring challenge of Francis: to live more simply, love more generously and follow Christ more wholeheartedly.

Your Tour Leaders – Russell & Rhonda Stubbings

Russell and Rhonda Stubbings have been married for 38 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Throughout their married life, Christian faith and ministry have been central to their lives, with both serving in a variety of roles within and beyond the local church.

Their love of pilgrimage began in earnest in 2023 when they walked more than 1,500 kilometres of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury in England to Rome. It was an experience that profoundly shaped their understanding of pilgrimage – not simply as a long-distance walk, but as an opportunity to slow down, reflect, pray and create space to listen to God.

In May 2026, Russell and Rhonda led their first Selah pilgrimage, taking a group along selected sections of the Via Francigena in Italy. It was a wonderful opportunity to share their love of walking and pilgrimage with others and to experience the very special fellowship that develops when a group journeys together.

Immediately following that tour, Russell and Rhonda set off again – this time to reconnoitre the Via di Francesco, walking sections of the route and exploring the towns, trails and sacred places associated with St Francis of Assisi. That firsthand experience will be invaluable when they return to lead Selah's Via di Francesco pilgrimage in September 2027.

For Russell and Rhonda, one of the great gifts of pilgrimage is its simplicity. Walking removes many of the distractions and pressures of everyday life and creates space for reflection, conversation, prayer and Selah – a chance to pause and listen for the still, small voice of God. Walking ancient paths travelled by generations of believers and visiting places of deep Christian significance adds another rich dimension to the journey.

Russell has worked as a teacher, Bible college lecturer and church planter and currently serves as a chaplain in a state secondary school. When he's not walking, he enjoys cycling, fly fishing, swimming at the beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula, travelling, following the mighty Geelong Cats, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Rhonda has worked as a primary school chaplain for over 20 years, and more recently as a children's counsellor. She also loves to walk, cycle, spend time with her children and grandchildren, and swim on the beaches of the Bellarine, but also has a creative streak enjoying pottery and art. Encouragingly, she has a developing interest in watching the Geelong Cats!

Russell and Rhonda are looking forward to once again welcoming Selah pilgrims and sharing this beautiful journey from Florence to Rome, through Assisi and the landscapes where St Francis lived, prayed and ministered.

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ITINERARY

Travel today from Australia to Italy.
You can fly to Bologna (85km), Pisa (70kms) , Milan (250kms) or Rome (305kms) and then take a train to Florence. Please speak to your Selah sales consultant for assistance. You are welcome to arrive earlier and spend some time enjoying and exploring Florence before the formal commencement of the tour.

Included Meals: None

Settle into your hotel after check-in and meet the rest of the group at an assigned time where you will walk to the Santa Croce Duomo to get your first pilgrim stamp.
Return to the hotel for a meeting/briefing followed by dinner.

Hotel: TBC Florence


Included Meals:

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After breakfast we check out and travel to Rimbocchi (apprx 100kms). From there we walk the serene forest path into La Verna, where we attend the daily Stigmata Procession and explore the significant Franciscan sites, before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay with breakfast and a packed lunch provided for the following day.

8 km | approx. 3–4 hrs | Moderate–Challenging | Sustained uphill walking through forest trails, with some steep and uneven sections; approx. 630–650 m ascent.

Hotel: Foresteria, La Verna


Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we walk from La Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano, enjoying a packed picnic lunch along the way. On arrival, meet at a local hotel/bar for a well-earned drink and pilgrim stamp before transferring by bus to Sansepolcro. Check into your accommodation for a 2-night stay and enjoy free time to explore Sansepolcro, with dinner at your own expense.

Approx. 15–16 km | 4.5–5 hrs | moderate | predominantly downhill with forest trails, country paths and some uneven/steep sections.

Hotel: Borgo Palace or similar, Sansepolcro

Included Meals:

B
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This morning we transfer by bus from Sansepolcro to the Hermitage of Montecasale, an important Franciscan site nestled in the peaceful hills above the town.
After time to explore the hermitage, we walk the scenic Via di Francesco trail back towards Sansepolcro, stopping at Sasso Spicco, a place traditionally associated with St Francis.
On arrival, enjoy free time for lunch and to explore Sansepolcro’s beautiful old town, including the Civic Museum to see Piero della Francesca’s celebrated Resurrection, famously credited with helping save the town from destruction during World War II. Dinner is included this evening.

Approx. 8 km | 2.5–3 hrs | moderate | predominantly downhill on forest trails and uneven paths.

Hotel: Borgo Palace or similar, Sansepolcro

Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we checkout and transfer by bus to the small village of Fighille and begin our 10.5 km walk through the beautiful Umbrian countryside. We follow the ridgeline to the picturesque hilltop village of Citerna, enjoying wonderful views along the way and time for lunch before continuing on foot to Borgo di Celle Relais & Spa. Today’s walk is moderate, with a mix of country lanes and trails, rolling hills and some uphill and downhill sections. On arrival, relax and enjoy the hotel and swimming pool before our included dinner this evening.

Approx. 10.5 km | 3–3.5 hrs | moderate | undulating countryside with a steady climb to Citerna and downhill sections thereafter.

Hotel: Borgo di Celle Relais & Spa, or similar


Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we transfer by bus from Borgo di Celle to Candeggio, where we begin our approximately 14 km walk to Pietralunga via Pieve de’ Saddi. Following the Via di Francesco through the beautiful Umbrian countryside, we stop at the historic Pieve de’ Saddi to explore and collect our pilgrim stamp before continuing on foot to the medieval village of Pietralunga. The route is moderate and undulating, following woodland trails, country tracks and quiet roads, with some sustained climbs and descents. Allow approximately 4–4.5 hours of walking. On arrival, enjoy free time in Pietralunga before checking into our accommodation. Dinner is at your own expense at a local restaurant.

Approx. 14 km | 4–4.5 hrs | Moderate | Undulating woodland and country trails with several climbs and descents.

Hotel: Hotel Tinca or B&B Villa Ginevra

Included Meals:

B
This morning we set out on foot from Pietralunga, walking approximately 5.4 km along the Via di Francesco to our pick-up point just beyond the Church of San Benedetto Vecchio. This short but scenic section is moderate and undulating, following country tracks and rural paths through the Umbrian hills, with some uphill and downhill sections. Allow approximately 1.5–2 hours of walking.
From here we transfer by bus to the magnificent medieval town of Gubbio, with free time for lunch followed by a guided walking tour. Discover Gubbio’s connections with St Francis and the famous story of the Wolf of Gubbio, visit its historic churches and take the memorable open-air “birdcage” funicular up Monte Ingino for wonderful views over the town and surrounding countryside. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Gubbio’s many local restaurants.

Approx 5.4 km|1.5–2 hrs| Moderate – undulating rural paths and country tracks

Hotel: Hotel Relais Ducale or similar, Gubbio

Included Meals:

B
Enjoy a relaxed start and some free time in Gubbio before walking to the Park of Reconciliation, associated with the story of St Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio, where we meet our bus. We then transfer to Valdichiaschio to begin today’s approximately 12 km walk to Biscina. Following the Via di Francesco through peaceful Umbrian countryside, the route is moderate and undulating, with a mixture of rural tracks, woodland paths and quiet roads, including several climbs and descents. Allow approximately 3.5–4 hours of walking.
Our destination is the beautiful Tenuta di Biscina agriturismo, where we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. If the weather is warm, there Sept. even be time for a refreshing swim in the pool.

Hotel: Tenuta di Biscina agriturismo or similar, Biscina


Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we transfer by bus to Valfabbrica, where we begin our 13.4 km walk into Assisi along the Via di Francesco. The route follows beautiful Umbrian countryside and the colourful “mural road”, before the memorable final approach to Assisi. Today’s walk is moderate to challenging and undulating, with country lanes, gravel tracks and woodland paths, including several sustained climbs and descents and a final climb towards Assisi. Allow approximately 4–4.5 hours of walking.
On arrival in Assisi, we visit the Pilgrim Office to receive our Testimonium, marking the completion of this stage of our pilgrimage. This evening we attend the pilgrim Mass before gathering for a shared celebratory dinner.

13.4 km | 4–4.5 hrs | Moderate–Challenging | Undulating trails with several climbs and descents; uphill finish into Assisi.

Hotel: TBC, Assisi



Included Meals:

B
D
Today we enjoy a change of pace in Assisi, beginning with a hands-on Italian cooking class and the opportunity to enjoy some of the wonderful flavours of Umbria. Later, we visit San Damiano together, one of the places most closely associated with the lives of St Francis and St Clare, where we take time for group devotions and reflection. The remainder of the day is free to explore Assisi at your own pace, with dinner at your own expense this evening.

Hotel: TBC, Assisi

Included Meals:

B
L
Today we leave Assisi on foot for the beautiful hill town of Spello, walking approximately 13.8 km through the Umbrian countryside. The route is moderate and generally undulating, following a mixture of country lanes, tracks and paths, with some gradual climbs and descents. Allow approximately 4–4.5 hours of walking. The bus will meet us in Spello and take us to Spoleto.
On arrival in Spoleto, enjoy time for lunch and explore its charming medieval streets before meeting our bus for the transfer to Spoleto. After checking into our hotel, enjoy free time to discover this historic town, perhaps visiting the impressive Ponte delle Torri. Dinner is included this evening.

13.8 km | 4–4.5 hrs | Moderate | Undulating country paths and tracks with gradual climbs and descents.

Hotel: Hotel Dei Duchi or similar, Spoleto




Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we transfer by bus to Sant’Eraclio, just outside Foligno, where we begin our 12.2 km walk, combining some of the most scenic sections of two stages of the Via di Francesco. We walk through the beautiful Umbrian countryside to the hill town of Trevi, where there is time for lunch and to explore its picturesque historic centre. After lunch, we continue on foot through the surrounding olive country to visit the ancient Olivo di Sant’Emiliano, traditionally regarded as one of Italy’s oldest olive trees.
From here, our bus returns us to Spoleto for a second night. Enjoy some free time to explore the town, including the impressive Rocca Albornoziana and Spoleto’s ingenious system of underground moving walkways and lifts.

12.2 km | approx. 3.5–4 hrs | Moderate | Undulating country paths, lanes and olive groves, with some sustained uphill sections around Trevi.

Hotel: Hotel Dei Duchi or similar, Spoleto


Included Meals:

B
Today we checkout of our hotel in Spotelo to walk one of the particularly scenic sections of the Via di Francesco, beginning at Ceselli and following the beautiful Nera River Valley towards Arrone. Depending on our chosen pick-up point, today’s walk will be approximately 10–15 km, following riverside paths, country tracks and quiet lanes through the lush valley landscape. The terrain is easy to moderate and predominantly gentle, making this a more relaxed walking day. Allow approximately 3–4.5 hours of walking, depending on the distance chosen.
We meet our bus at the designated pick-up point and continue to the spectacular Marmore Falls, with time to explore one of Italy’s most impressive waterfalls. Later, we transfer to our hotel overlooking Lake Piediluco, where dinner is included this evening.

10–15 km | approx. 3–4.5 hrs | Easy–Moderate | Mostly gentle riverside and valley paths with some undulating sections.

Hotel: Hotel Miralago or similar, Lake Piediluco


Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we transfer by bus to Valliola and begin our walk through the beautiful countryside of the Rieti Valley. Our main route takes us to the celebrated Faggio di San Francesco (Beech Tree of St Francis), traditionally associated with Francis seeking shelter here during a storm, before continuing towards Poggio Bustone and its Franciscan Sanctuary. Today’s main walk is approximately 10 km and is moderate, with forest and mountain paths, uneven terrain and some sustained climbs and descents. A shorter and gentler option follows the road/bike route from Valliola, providing a flatter alternative for those who prefer it.
Our bus meets us at the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone and we continue towards Rieti, visiting the Franciscan Sanctuaries of Greccio and Fonte Colombo along the way. We then check into our hotel in Rieti. This evening we travel by bus to Le Macchie winery, where we enjoy wine tasting followed by a 4-course dinner.

Up to 10 km | approx. 3–3.5 hrs | Moderate | Forest and hillside trails with uneven ground, climbs and descents. Shorter, flatter road/bike-route option available.

Hotel: Hotel Miramonti or similar, Rieti

Included Meals:

B
D
This morning we transfer back towards Poggio Bustone, beginning our 11.3 km walk near the Cappelletta di San Francesco and following the Via di Francesco through the beautiful Rieti Valley to the Sanctuary of La Foresta. The route is moderate and undulating, following a mixture of woodland trails, country tracks and quiet lanes, with some climbs and descents. Allow approximately 3–3.5 hours of walking. On arrival, we take time to explore La Foresta, another significant place in the story of St Francis, before transferring back to Rieti. The afternoon & evening is free to relax or explore Rieti at your own pace.

11.3 km | approx. 3–3.5 hrs | Moderate | Undulating woodland and country trails with a mixture of climbs and descents.

Hotel: Hotel Miramonti or similar, Rieti

Included Meals:

B
Today we continue our journey towards Rome, transferring by bus to Poggio San Lorenzo to walk a beautiful section of the Via di Francesco towards Ponticelli. Depending on our chosen pick-up point, we walk approximately 10–15 km through the rolling Sabine countryside, passing olive groves, farmland and picturesque villages, with opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way. The terrain is moderate and undulating, following a mixture of country lanes, gravel tracks and rural paths, with some steady climbs and descents. Allow approximately 3–4.5 hours of walking, depending on the distance chosen.
At the end of our walk, we meet our bus and transfer to Monterotondo, on the outskirts of Rome, for our overnight stay.

10–15 km | approx. 3–4.5 hrs | Moderate | Undulating rural paths and country lanes through olive groves and the Sabine hills.

Hotel: TBC, Monterotondo


Included Meals:

B
Today we complete our pilgrimage to Rome. After transferring by bus to Monte Sacro, or a suitable point closer to the city centre, we begin our final 6–8 km walk, following the Via di Francesco through Rome towards Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The terrain is easy to moderate and predominantly urban, following paved paths, footpaths and city streets with relatively gentle gradients. Allow approximately 2–2.5 hours of walking.
On arrival at the Vatican, we receive our pilgrim Testimonium, a fitting conclusion to our journey in the footsteps of St Francis. We then transfer to Casa per Ferie Virgen del Pilar in Trastevere for our two-night stay. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring Rome, with dinner at your own expense.

6–8 km | approx. 2–2.5 hrs | Easy–Moderate | Predominantly flat urban walking on paved paths and city streets, finishing at the Vatican.

Hotel: Casa per Ferie Virgen del Pilar or similar, Rome

Included Meals:

B
Our final day in Rome provides time to reflect on both the early Christian Church and the journey of St Francis. We visit one of Rome’s ancient catacombs before continuing to the magnificent Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, traditionally built over the burial place of the Apostle Paul.
We also visit the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the oldest of Rome’s great papal basilicas. It was here in Rome that St Francis sought the approval of Pope Innocent III for his new way of life and community of friars. During the day we set aside extended time for devotions, retreat and personal reflection, bringing together the experiences and themes of our pilgrimage.
This evening we gather for our final group dinner at a local restaurant (private room), celebrating the journey we have shared from Tuscany and Umbria to Rome.

Hotel: Casa per Ferie Virgen del Pilar or similar, Rome


Included Meals:

B
D
Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Included Meals:

B

Highlights

  • Walk the Via di Francesco – Follow beautiful pilgrim trails through the rolling landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, continuing towards Rome.
  • La Verna Sanctuary – Visit the dramatic mountain sanctuary where St Francis received the stigmata and experience the moving daily Stigmata Procession.
  • Assisi – Spend two nights in the spiritual heart of the pilgrimage, exploring the Basilica of St Francis, San Damiano and other places central to Francis and Clare.
  • Sacred places of St Francis – Discover monasteries, hermitages and medieval towns including Sansepolcro, Gubbio, Spoleto and the Rieti Valley, where Francis lived, prayed and ministered.
  • Italian culture & hospitality – Enjoy wonderful local food and special experiences along the way, including an Umbrian cooking class and wine tasting.
  • Walk into Rome – Complete the pilgrimage with the memorable final journey into Rome, culminating at the Vatican and celebrating the completion of our Way of St Francis.

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like-minded people

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OUR PRICING

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Category Description Twin PP Single
Tour only Florence to Rome TBC TBC

 

 

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13 September 2027 ENQUIRE NOW

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