Between earth and spirit: a journey through secret Umbria

Hotel check-in. Free visit to the medieval village of Cesi, overlooking Terni, rich in atmosphere and historical churches, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its beautiful wooden choir and precious paintings.
Transfer to the archaeological site of Carsulae for a self-guided tour. Free lunch.
In the afternoon, circular trekking route from Carsulae to Romita di Cesi and back, following the path of the Franciscan Proto-Martyrs. The Romita hosts a Franciscan hermitage where silence and spirituality reign—St. Francis visited in 1213, restored a chapel, and composed a text that anticipated the Canticle of the Creatures.
The 6 km route takes about 3 hours, with a 350-meter elevation gain.
Return to hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

After breakfast, start the Franciscan Proto-Martyrs Path from Terni to Stroncone. This is a moderately challenging hike due to frequent ascents and descents through the Terni hills.
Starting from the Church of Santa Maria della Pace, you’ll admire the large fresco cycle dedicated to the Proto-Martyrs by artist Stefano di Stasio.
Along the trail, visit the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey of San Benedetto in Fundis and the Monastery of San Simeone, now home to the Ricostruttori nella Preghiera community.
Arrival in Stroncone, birthplace of Saint Ottone, and one of Umbria’s most charming medieval towns. The route ends at the 13th-century Convent of St. Francis.
Distance: 11 km (one way), 400 m elevation gain, duration: 4–5 hours.
Return to Terni by public transport. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the Franciscan Sanctuary of Sacro Speco, near San Urbano di Narni at 600 m a.s.l., built near the caves where St. Francis used to retreat in prayer.
After visiting the sanctuary, head to Narni. Along the way, you can admire the imposing Rocca Albornoziana from the outside or visit it with a brief detour.
Free visit of Narni’s historic center, followed by a guided tour of Narni Underground, a mysterious complex featuring crypts, churches, cisterns, and a former Inquisition tribunal with preserved graffiti by the accused.
In the afternoon, begin a riverside trek from the Bridge of Augustus to Stifone. This flat route along the Nera River offers stunning panoramic views and is about 12 km round-trip (approx. 3 hours).
Return to hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Amelia for a self-guided urban trek.
Enter the town through the grand Roman Gate, then walk through charming alleys to discover Renaissance palaces, the Cathedral of Santa Fermina, the civic tower, the Loggia del Banditore, and the Church and Convent of St. Francis with its harmonious cloister.
Optional visit to the Civic Archaeological Museum, home to the famous bronze statue of Germanicus.
Just a few kilometers away, you may also visit the Sanctuary of the Santissima Annunziata, a Franciscan convent with a Renaissance cloister.