Surrounded by the lush greenery of the countryside, in the heart of Umbria, Le Rondini di Francesco di Assisi is a true “gem” nestled among gentle hills, offering a breathtaking view of Assisi, Mount Subasio, and the surrounding villages. It is a haven of relaxation and well-being, ideal for families and anyone looking to “escape” the hustle of city life. The evocative name of this small agritourism stems from a miraculous event nearby, involving the remarkable obedience of a flock of swallows to Saint Francis of Assisi.
The offer is perfect for hiking enthusiasts eager to explore the environment with a sense of adventure, sharing experiences with family, and gaining deeper insights into the natural surroundings.
Weekend Highlights
Over this long weekend, we’ll guide you on a journey to discover the region, blending nature, relaxation, and the essence of Umbria’s local products!
MONTE SUBASIO AND THE PATH OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 250 m; Distance: 10 km.
We will drive to the CAI refuge, Madonna della Spella, on Monte Subasio, where we will park. This meeting point will be the starting and ending location for our experiential loop walk on the sacred mountain. Accompanied by the sounds of nature and the colorful hues of its grassy slopes framed by shady woods, we will explore an area that provides shelter and protection to numerous living creatures. The Monte Subasio Park is a regional protected area covering about 7,500 hectares in the heart of Umbria, east of Assisi. It is distinguished by various types of vegetation, such as grasslands, beech forests, juniper formations, and reforestation areas. These habitats, protected within the Natura 2000 Network, are home to wildlife like wolves, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, weasels, badgers, and martens. You can also spot many birds of prey, including common owls, barn owls, golden eagles, kestrels, and peregrine falcons.
Returning to the accommodation, we will analyze collected items such as porcupine quills, gnawed pinecones, feathers, etc., learning how to recognize animal tracks.
MONTE SUBASIO AND THE PATH OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 250 m; Distance: 10 km.
We will repeat the same itinerary as Thursday, starting from the CAI refuge at Madonna della Spella. Once again, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant ecosystem of Monte Subasio, noting its varied flora and fauna, as well as the cultural significance of this protected area. Observations will include the same wildlife and habitats previously mentioned, making this an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the environment.
ORIENTEERING IN THE VILLAGE OF PALE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
The village of Pale is located about 10 km from Foligno, in the Altolina area, near the Menotre River. This small river, with a steady flow throughout the year, cascades into a nearby gorge. The region is rich in historical, artistic, and naturalistic points of interest. We will explore the village and its surroundings through an orienteering race. This activity, originating in Scandinavia in the early 20th century, combines physical and mental skills. Equipped with a compass and a specially designed topographic map, participants must complete a predefined route, passing through checkpoints (lanterns) as quickly as possible. The game can be played individually or in teams, requiring concentration, map-reading skills, strategy, and planning.
To cap off the day, we will visit Rasiglia, a small cluster of houses surrounded by water, just 10 minutes by car from Pale. Known as the “Village of Streams,” this enchanting location offers a unique experience. Back at the accommodation, we will hold a workshop on papermaking, learning how to craft paper from scratch.
THE FOSSIL FOREST OF DUNAROBBA AND THE WOODS OF FARNETTA
This medium-difficulty hike takes us through a gently hilly area composed of clay deposits. The highlight is the Farnetta woods, named after the prominent Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris), which characterized the countryside since the Middle Ages. The route is about 8 km with a 300 m positive elevation gain.
The Dunarobba Fossil Forest is of exceptional paleobotanical value, featuring around fifty fossilized conifer trunks from the Taxodiaceae family, a unique remnant of ancient forests that once lined the shores of the Tiberino Lake. Visiting this scientifically significant natural monument provides a rare glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric ecosystems.
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia