Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Episode 386:
ℹ️ Today’s stage on the Via di Francesco takes us from Poggio Bustone down to Rieti… or at least that’s what we thought.
What should have been a simple downhill walk quickly turns into a surprising amount of climbing (seriously… how does that even happen?!). But with every unexpected uphill comes more of the stunning countryside that makes this route so special as we make our way toward Rieti—known as the “belly button” of Italy.
We’re also leaning heavily on our Cicerone guidebook for this stage, and it proves once again why we never hit the trail without it.
If you’re planning to walk the Way of St. Francis—or just want to see what it’s really like day-to-day—this stage is a great example of expecting the unexpected.
Follow along as we continue our pilgrimage on the Way of St. Francis, walking step-by-step across Italy.
#ViaDiFrancesco #WayOfStFrancis #ItalyTravel #Pilgrimage #SlowTravel #hikingitaly
📍 STATS FOR THIS STAGE:
📍 Route: Poggio Bustone to Rieti
🥾 Distance: 17.31 km (10.8 miles)
📈 Elevation Gain: 279 m (915 ft)
📉 Descent: 613 m (2,011 ft)
🥾 ABOUT THE VIA DI FRANCESCO:
We’re walking the Way of St. Francis from Assisi to Rome—one step, one story, and occasionally one questionable decision at a time.
🎥 WATCH THE FULL SERIES:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG--HvVXwJoUo2PklPagA0zBlX0VY1kXX
👍 If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for the rest of the pilgrimage.
💬 Have you ever skipped a meal on a hike and regretted it instantly? Let us know in the comments.
🔗 GEAR + RESOURCES:
Packing Blog: cruisinwiththecolemans.com/what-do-i-bring-on-pilgrimage
Guidebooks and Apps we are using:
Cicerone Press Sandy Brown Guide: amzn.to/4kZXgjp or 15% off the Via di Francesco guidebook on
cicerone.co.uk by using code: CRUISIN15
Gaia GPS: apps.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492
Map My Walk Fitness Tracker: apps.apple.com/us/app/map-my-walk-walking-tracker/id307861492
Subscribe for more pilgrimage stories, spiritual journeys, and Italy travel adventures from our continuing Via di Francesco travels.
🥾 Our favorite hiking gear: amazon.com/shop/cruisinwiththecolemans
🛒 Check out our Amazon Affiliate Storefront at: amazon.com/shop/cruisinwiththecolemans
All the products listed on our storefront are items we use and love!
🎵All other music is from EpidemicSound. Sands of Time - Jon Algar; Keys of Confidence - Experia; Del giorno - Daniel Fridell; Safe and Lonely (Instrumental Version) - Cian Buckley; Stay with Us - Sleeping Vines
🎶 Subscribe to Epidemic Sound to get great music for your channel!
epidemicsound.com/referral/lfwrab
📸 All photos and videos are taken on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max, or GoPro Hero 12 Black with Mic Mod and Hollyland Lark M2 microphones.
©️2026 Cruisin’ With The Colemans, All Rights Reserved
*This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not experts and are not making recommendations. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Episode 386:
ℹ️ Today’s stage on the Via di Francesco takes us from Poggio Bustone down to Rieti… or at least that’s what we thought.
What should have been a simple downhill walk quickly turns into a surprising amount of climbing (seriously… how does that even happen?!). But with every unexpected uphill comes more of the stunning countryside that makes this route so special as we make our way toward Rieti—known as the “belly button” of Italy.
We’re also leaning heavily on our Cicerone guidebook for this stage, and it proves once again why we never hit the trail without it.
If you’re planning to walk the Way of St. Francis—or just want to see what it’s really like day-to-day—this stage is a great example of expecting the unexpected.
Follow along as we continue our pilgrimage on the Way of St. Francis, walking step-by-step across Italy.
#ViaDiFrancesco #WayOfStFrancis #ItalyTravel #Pilgrimage #SlowTravel #hikingitaly
📍 STATS FOR THIS STAGE:
📍 Route: Poggio Bustone to Rieti
🥾 Distance: 17.31 km (10.8 miles)
📈 Elevation Gain: 279 m (915 ft)
📉 Descent: 613 m (2,011 ft)
🥾 ABOUT THE VIA DI FRANCESCO:
We’re walking the Way of St. Francis from Assisi to Rome—one step, one story, and occasionally one questionable decision at a time.
🎥 WATCH THE FULL SERIES:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG--HvVXwJoUo2PklPagA0zBlX0VY1kXX
👍 If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for the rest of the pilgrimage.
💬 Have you ever skipped a meal on a hike and regretted it instantly? Let us know in the comments.
🔗 GEAR + RESOURCES:
Packing Blog: cruisinwiththecolemans.com/what-do-i-bring-on-pilgrimage
Guidebooks and Apps we are using:
Cicerone Press Sandy Brown Guide: amzn.to/4kZXgjp or 15% off the Via di Francesco guidebook on
cicerone.co.uk by using code: CRUISIN15
Gaia GPS: apps.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492
Map My Walk Fitness Tracker: apps.apple.com/us/app/map-my-walk-walking-tracker/id307861492
Subscribe for more pilgrimage stories, spiritual journeys, and Italy travel adventures from our continuing Via di Francesco travels.
🥾 Our favorite hiking gear: amazon.com/shop/cruisinwiththecolemans
🛒 Check out our Amazon Affiliate Storefront at: amazon.com/shop/cruisinwiththecolemans
All the products listed on our storefront are items we use and love!
🎵All other music is from EpidemicSound. Sands of Time - Jon Algar; Keys of Confidence - Experia; Del giorno - Daniel Fridell; Safe and Lonely (Instrumental Version) - Cian Buckley; Stay with Us - Sleeping Vines
🎶 Subscribe to Epidemic Sound to get great music for your channel!
epidemicsound.com/referral/lfwrab
📸 All photos and videos are taken on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max, or GoPro Hero 12 Black with Mic Mod and Hollyland Lark M2 microphones.
©️2026 Cruisin’ With The Colemans, All Rights Reserved
*This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not experts and are not making recommendations. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
