Saint Francis was born in Umbria and loved its countryside. Refusing “brother donkey” he was an untiring hiker and left many memories of his presence. Assisi – his birthplace – and Perugia are worth a visit and we can still cross the Franciscan woods below the famous Basilica. Close to beautiful Spoleto he founded a convent on holy mount Luco which makes you see both this perfectly quiet place and picturesque Spoleto. We go to lake Trasimeno and to the Maggiore island where he celebrated Easter and see our “Umbrian ocean” and its surrounding soft hills. There is a reason why the region is called the green heart of Italy. Let’s go to Gubbio which is a special little town where Saint Francis tamed the wolf. No other medieval town in Italy can boast a square that rises so steeply among the houses. Let us also discover the Umbrian valley with its scenic villages like Montefalco and Bevagna which are close to where Saint Francis’ famous prayer to the birds took place.
Umbria is worth a good hike. Silent hills and mountains, picturesque villages and medieval towns, good food and delicious wines. A perfect mixture.