benedict way, monteleone di spoleto landscape
benedict way, monteleone di spoleto landscape

St.Benedict Way, from Norcia to Rieti

LEVEL
2
DISTANCE
74 km
DURATION
7 days | 6 nights
PERIOD
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
PRICE FROM
€ 860
CO2e FOOTPRINT
105 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW650

The St. Benedict Trail from Norcia to Rieti is a journey through spirituality and nature, crossing some of the most authentic landscapes of the Apennines. Starting from the Saint’s birthplace, the route winds through ancient sanctuaries, lush beech forests, and timeless villages, offering breathtaking scenery and a deep connection to history and local traditions. Each stage is an opportunity to discover fascinating and spiritual places, from historic monasteries to enchanting valleys. The arrival in Rieti is the perfect conclusion to this journey, in a city that blends the beauty of its Baroque churches and Renaissance palaces with the underground remains of the ancient Roman city, an unmissable visit to round off this extraordinary experience.

 

Highlights

  • Norcia and Rieti: ancient towns rich in history
  • Monasteries, chapels, and churches of great interest
  • Picturesque, quiet villages
  • Wonderful landscapes and authentic countryside 
  • Friendly people, delicious cheeses, salami, and wines

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Norcia

Arrive in Norcia

The journey begins in Norcia, a place of deep history and resilience. As the birthplace of St. Benedict, it marks the start of the trail, but it also tells a story of rebirth. The 2016 earthquake left its mark, yet Norcia stands strong—just like the façade of the Basilica of St. Benedict, which resisted the tremors. Today, this charming town in the Monti Sibillini welcomes visitors with its enduring spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions, making it the perfect starting point for an inspiring journey.
 

 
 
 


 

Day 2

From Norcia to Cascia, 17 km

From Norcia to Cascia, 17 km

The first day of walking leads to Cascia, a hidden gem surrounded by forests and the birthplace of Saint Rita. The route begins gently, crossing the Plain of St. Scholastica before climbing the hills above the Nerina Valley, offering stunning views. Midway, a stop in Fogliano is perfect for tasting local dishes, and if time allows, a visit to the Piconi Farm offers the chance to discover and purchase regional grains and legumes, including the prized Roveja. In Cascia, a visit to the 12th-century Monastery of Santa Rita is a must—still home to cloistered nuns, it is steeped in history and devotion.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation Gain: +560/-480 m

Day 3

From Cascia to Monteleone di Spoleto, 17,5 km

From Cascia to Monteleone di Spoleto, 17,5 km

A stage filled with breathtaking scenery, starting with the Santa Rita Trail, a stunning path carved into the rock, running along the hillside and overlooking the meadows and the Corno River Valley.

The route leads to the Sacro Scoglio of Roccaporena, perched atop a rocky spur. According to tradition, Saint Rita prayed here with such devotion that the imprints of her knees and elbows remained etched in the stone.

The journey continues through the lush Corno River Valley, a landscape of rare beauty, before reaching Monteleone di Spoleto. Here, you can visit the 14th-century Church and Convent of St. Francis, home to a bronze replica of an ornate 6th-century BC Etruscan chariot—the original, discovered in this very region, is now housed in New York.

Monteleone is also renowned for its DOP farro, an excellent local product and a perfect edible souvenir from the journey.

Along the route you reach Colle del Capitano, site of important archaeological discoveries. 

Distance: 17,5 km

Elevation Gain: +690/-336 m

Day 4

From Monteleone di Spoleto to Leonessa, 13 km

From Monteleone di Spoleto to Leonessa, 13 km

A short and flat stage, passing through small villages and fields cultivated with farro and potatoes, inhabited by cows and horses, all while being accompanied by the stunning Reatine Mountains that provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the journey.

The destination is Leonessa, founded in 1278 by Charles of Anjou to strengthen the northern border of the Kingdom of Naples. The town flourished in the 16th century, thanks to the wool trade.

The village and its charming streets are captivating year-round, but they come alive with their original 16th-century spirit during the Palio del Velluto, a festival held in June that attracts visitors from all over the region. Another tasty event? The Sagra della Patata Leonessana, a potato festival held on the second weekend of October.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: +240/-230 m

Day 5

From Leonessa to Poggio Bustone, 15 km

From Leonessa to Poggio Bustone, 15 km

On this stage, you will immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Reatine Mountains, reaching an altitude of 1500 meters. The beautiful beech forests surround you and guide your path, leading you to a descent with breathtaking views of the Santa Valley.

These forests once marked the border between the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with boundary markers still visible today.

You will then reach Poggio Bustone, a place deeply loved by Saint Francis. Here, you can visit the San Giacomo Sanctuary and the Sacro Speco, a small cave that Saint Francis chose for meditation and prayer, offering magnificent views of the town and the entire Santa Valley.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation Gain: +646/-1022 m

Day 6

From Poggio Bustone to Rieti, 12 km

From Poggio Bustone to Rieti, 12 km

Today, you can enjoy a relaxing descent from the Reatine Mountains to the bottom of the Santa Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming village of Cantalice, with its San Felice Sanctuary—named after a miracle by Saint Felice, who caused a fresh water spring to gush forth here—and La Foresta, a sanctuary and oasis of great peace.

The descent continues to Rieti, a Papal and Franciscan city known for its baroque churches and Renaissance buildings. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or if you’re seeking something unusual, explore Rieti Sotterranea: a tour of the ancient Roman city that extends beneath the central Via Roma, with the remains of the Roman viaduct and other treasures.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +395/-594m

Day 7

Arrivederci, Rieti!

Arrivederci, Rieti!

Our services end after breakfast. 

Details

Is this for me?


It is a beautiful route, following in the footsteps of the Saint, through a stunning natural landscape with ever-changing views, immersed in the breathtaking scenery of the Apennines. Like all multi-day walks, it is recommended for those who are already familiar with walking long distances over several days. The trail includes some rocky sections (so good stability is required) and a few challenging days with significant ascents and steep descents. While it is not a technical route, good fitness and experience with this type of hike are essential.
 

 
 
 

Included


What is included

  • 6 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • Maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance


What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • Lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • Visits and entrance fees - tips
  • Personal expense
  • Possible sojourn taxes
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request
  • Official camino guidebook, shipped to the first hotel
  • Travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

When to travel


The ideal time to walk the St. Benedict's Path from Norcia to Rieti is during spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, with pleasant temperatures and longer days, perfect for walking through woods and hills without the summer heat. Summer can be hot, especially in more sun-exposed areas, while winter brings cold temperatures and possible snowfall in the mountainous sections.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


On arrival:

The nearest airports are in Perugia and Rome.

From your airport, reach Spoleto by train. In Spoleto take the local bus to Norcia.


On departure:

You can take a train from Rieti to your airport.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

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Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
© 2025 SloWays. All rights reserved.
Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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