Saint Francis Walk, La Verna-Assisi

* Adventure of 170 km walk in 7 days plus two days at Ananda Assisi *

Following the path of Saint Francis: an unforgettable pilgrimage through the wonderful places of Tuscany and Umbria, finding beauty both natural and inspired, with moments of deep internal reflection.

DATES TO BE DEFINED

Are you ready to live a true soul’s adventure? Are you ready to open yourself to the intense beauty of nature and to the inspiring and uplifting energy of those sacred places where Saint Francis of Assisi lived and walked?

This pilgrimage is a transforming experience both inwardly and outwardly. Seven walking days from La Verna to Assisi with daily demanding route or moderately demanding routes. Each day you’ll walk from 16 to 29 km (effectively 4 to 8 hours daily). Many steps, many roads and many experiences along the walk! Each step will be an opportunity to deepen our relationship with our environment, ourselves and the very life that surrounds us. Each moment, each place will become precious, made so because of the conscious way in which we undertake this walk.

We will cross a wild beautiful area of Italy – a reserved natural area of Tuscany. Welcomed by splendid woods, we’ll see different characteristic medieval towns such as Sansepolcro, Citerna, Pietralunga, Gubbio, meeting and mingling with the inhabitants. We’ll admire some of the masterpieces of Reinassance art made by some of the most talented artists such as Piero della Francesca, Luca Signorelli, the Della Robbias, Donatello, Pomarancio and we’ll meet the local people that will introduce us to their origin and culture. Above all, we’ll seek in every moment to perceive and receive the presence and blessed spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and to live according to his awareness.

Along with your fellow adventurers (the group will include 10 to 15 pilgrims) you will experience moments of meditation and moments of sharing. There will be a daily group practice of the Energisation Exercises and of meditation from the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Breathing (pranayama) exercises and deep relaxation will feature at the end of each day’s walk. These practices will help us daily on our walk to be awake and ready!

The Ananda guide prepared to support you throughout this pilgrimage experience are Gopala and Marco. They will take care of you in order to give you a joyful and memorable experience.

Walking in peace: 2020 July 30th – August 9th

July 30th is the arrival day at Ananda Assisi. On July 31st we’ll depart by car to La Verna Santuary where we will visit this sacred place of Saint Francis. Our walking starts on August 1st..

day	route	km.	walking time	Altitude change
1/8	La Verna – Passo di Viamaggio	28	8,5 hours	ascent 910 m, descent 1070 m
2	Passo di Viamaggio – Sansepolcro	26	8 hrs	a. 320 m, d. 930 m
3	Sansepolcro – Le Burgne	23	6 hrs	a. 520 m, d. 430 m
4	Le Burgne – Città di Castello (and bus to Pietralunga)	16	4,5 hrs	a. 710 m, d. 430 m
5	Pietralunga – Gubbio	27	8 hrs	a. 510 m, d. 560 m
6	Gubbio – Biscina	24	6,5 hrs	a. 540 m, d. 490 m
7	Biscina – Assisi	29	8 hrs	a. 450 m, d. 610 m

The pilgrimage includes two nights full-board at Ananda Assisi (nights of August 7th and 8th) with yoga and meditation practices included in the package.

Physical condition

This pilgrimage requires sufficient physical stamina to be able to walk between 14 to 29 km per day for seven consecutive days. Each participant should check with his doctor to ascertain that his or her physical condition is suitable for this type of pilgrimage. When you book for the pilgrimage, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your health. We recommend that you do some training on your own before the pilgrimage in order to fully enjoy this adventure!

Climate

The weather in this period is ideal but at times uncertain and variable; sunny days with temperatures up to 30 degrees can alternate with possible rainy periods. You will need comfortable and appropriate clothing; a detailed list will be sent to you upon confirmation of booking.

Accommodation

All hotels have been inspected by the guides. They are simple and cozy, comfortable and fully equipped. All accommodations include towels and sheets. The rooms available are double, triple or quadruple, in a friendly spirit of sharing and pilgrimage. Bring your swimsuit, because one of our resting places has a swimming pool!

Food

Food will be completely vegetarian. The price includes half-board, with breakfast and dinner. Packed lunches, extra drinks and any additional options will be charged to the participant. Contact us in case of special dietary needs.

Directions

Depending on weather conditions, the programme may vary slightly. This adventure requires mental flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

This pilgrimage is organised by Ananda Assisi in collaboration with Vacantioner Travel Agency, Bastia Umbra PG Italy

10 nights in half board service in double or triple bedroom. The price is € 830 per person.
Booking and balance due by June 30th. The pilgrimage will be confirmed from 8 participants.

Optional Cancellation Insurance: 4% of the total cost.
Please ask to us during your reservation if you want to submit this insurance.

The price includes:

* Room and board, two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
* Transportation to La Verna and return to Ananda Assisi
* Medical insurance valid during the period of pilgrimage on foot
* Ananda guides and spiritual practices