This guidebook describes the Way of St Francis a 550km month-long pilgrimage trail from Florence through Assisi to Rome. Split into 28 day stages, the walk begins in Florence and finishes in the Vatican City. Stages range from 8km to 30km with plenty to see, including ancient ruins, picturesque towns, national treasures, and stunning churches. This comprehensive guidebook fits in a jacket pocket or rucksack, and contains information on everything from accommodation and transport in Italy, to securing your credential (pilgrim identity card), budgeting, what to take, and where to do laundry. Stories of Francis of Assisi's life are also included. Although the route includes climbs and descents of up to 1200m, no special equipment is required - although your hiking boots and socks definitely need to get along. Following the steps of heroes, conquerors and saints on this pilgrim trail is manageable all year round, but is best done from April to June and mid-August to October. Route maps are given for every stage, and basic Italian phrases are included in the guidebook.

A guidebook to 40 day walks exploring the Italian region of Umbria. Based in the area between Rome and Florence, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike. Walks range from 3 to 19km (2–12 miles) in length and can be enjoyed in 1–5 hours. Walks have been graded from 1 to 3 allowing you to choose routes suitable for your ability. Sketch maps included for each walk Detailed information on accommodation, public transport and facilities Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage towns and Lago Trasimeno

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

A guidebook to walks in the Italian region of Tuscany. 43 graded routes range from 2.5 to 18km, and take in the Renaissance splendour of Florence and Siena, the World Heritage scenery of Val d'Orcia and San Gimignano and the stunning island of Elba. Alongside detailed route descriptions and clear mapping there is essential practical information on public transport and food and drink, as well as a comprehensive list of accommodation, and a useful Italian-English glossary. The guide is packed with interesting details about the area's wildlife, landscape, culture and history, making it a perfect companion to getting to know this beautiful region. Tuscany is justifiably renowned for its glorious landscapes. Romantic hilltop villages clinging to rolling hills contrast with dense forests, rugged mountains and long, sandy beaches. This is a region that resonates with history - Etruscan remains, Medici villas, Renaissance towns and landscapes that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante. Add in the climate and superb food and wine and you have a perfect walking destination.

Breads - Appetizers, snacks and condiments - Soups and pasta - Recipes with meat and fish - Vegetables and side dishes - Sweets.

Walking in Italy is a unique guide written for those who want to experience the delights of Italy’s finest towns cities and landscapes.The best way to appreciate Italy is undoubtedly on foot, whether you are visiting a city for the first time or venturing out into the Italian countryside. You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy a well-informed stroll around Verona or even a two-day hike along the sparkling coastline of the Cinque Terre.This book helps you plan your journey and enjoy the best of Italy. It offers alternative walking tours in Rome, Florence, and Venice, suggests routes around such gems as Sienna and Perugia, and leads you into Italy’s most stunning landscapes and national parks. The day walks and two-day itineraries are designed with occasional walkers in mind and never take you too far from a comfortable hotel bed and a good meal. A lucid and lively text provides plenty of information and is accompanied by a collection of beautiful photographs and hand-drawn maps.

A guidebook to 21 day walks and 1 multi-day trek in the Sibillini National Park. Exploring the beautiful scenery of Italy’s Apennines, the routes are suitable for walkers of all abilities. The day walks range from 3 to 21km (2–13 miles) in length and can be enjoyed in 2–7 hours. The Grande Anello dei Sibillini trek is a circular route from Visso and is described in 8 stages covering 120km (75 miles). Sketch mapping included for each walk Detailed information on public transport, accommodation and facilities Advice on planning and preparation Easy access from Perugia