The Via di Francesco from La Verna to Assisi is a spiritual and nature trail that links two places symbolic of the Saint's life: the Sacred Mount of La Verna, where he received the stigmata in 1224, and Assisi, his birthplace. The itinerary winds mainly in Umbria, crossing some of the most unspoiled landscapes of the central Apennines, along silent forests, remote valleys, ancient paths and villages that are custodians of Franciscan faith and memory. From Verna, in the last Tuscan offshoots of the Casentino, the path enters Umbria through the Sacred Valley, touching places deeply linked to St. Francis such as Sansepolcro, Citerna, Città di Castello, Pietralunga and Gubbio, until it reaches Assisi, the spiritual heart of Franciscanism. Along the way, one encounters convents, hermitages, parish churches and shrines that recall significant episodes in the Saint's life: the hospitality he received, his preaching, and his simple life among the people. The natural landscapes, characterized by forests, ridges and small towns, offer an experience of deep recollection, in tune with Franciscan spirituality. This stretch represents the geographical and spiritual heart of the Cammino DI FRANCESCO, and is grafted into the larger system of the Ways and Paths of St. Francis continuing ideally towards Rome, following in the Saint's footsteps in his mission of peace, fraternity and love for creation.

The Via/Cammino di San Francesco Assisi - Rieti - Rome route starts at STAGE number 07 because it is preceded by the Florence - La Verna route, or alternatively Rimini.