DAY 13 - CITERNA to CITTÀ DI CASTELLO - 3 May 2026

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A downhill start this morning on the road to get to our breakfast stop, for cappuccino and pistachio croissant. The bar was very busy but the owner made us feel welcome and even gifted us two apples. 

We headed uphill on a track and a friendly border collie joined us on our walk for a few kilometres. At the top of the hill we spoke to him sternly and he reluctantly went home. 

Soon after, we joined the Via di Francesco and headed downhill on a quiet tarred road, with a bit of bird photography on the way. Leaving the road, we headed uphill through the fields on a dirt track. As we looked back to where we'd been, we spotted a group of five walkers. We are following some more popular sections of the Via di Francesco now and there are many more pilgrims, including at our bed and breakfast last night. 

We headed downhill again to the little town of Lerchi, which had a welcome sign for pilgrims and, even better, a water fountain. A bit of road walking took us to a beautiful flowery path along the Tiber, where we spotted birds, fish and exercise equipment for added interest. 

This path brought us into Città di Castello, another town with an historic centre. Elevated covered walkways topped narrow alleys. We had a pizza lunch in what seemed to be old cellars, and were given free desserts - our lucky day! 

After a trip to the supermarket for some healthy vegetables - yes, really - we continued on what we thought was the Via di Francesco but turned out to be a rather busy road. The route of the Via had moved and joined in later. There looked to be a festival but our agriturismo host later explained that the road was just busy with families driving to the river for a swim and picnic. 

We turned onto a track and enjoyed another river crossing before arriving at our agriturismo, set in the country with beautiful views. 

Leaving Citerna this morning
The first few kilometres today were on a relatively quiet road
So we had time to enjoy the views as we walked
Morning tea in Bar Vingone
Gearing up to hit the road again
An old border collie walked with us for a while
Until we told him sternly to go home (which, to our surprise, he actually did).
A colourful signpost on the Via di Francesco
Following the signs
Downhill, past olive and hazelnut orchards to the village of Lerchi
Drinking water provided by the community of Lerchi
The cycle path alongside the Tevere (Tiber), the river which passes this way on its way to Rome and beyond
A bit of exercise along the way
Either Kath's got wider or this is a very narrow street in Città di Castello 
Sightseeing in Città di Castello
Leaving Città di Castello for the final section of today's walk
Walking through Sasso, where crowds had come to enjoy a river swimming spot
Heading off the road to get to our accommodation
Just a small, refreshing water crossing to negotiate
Almost there
The Agriturismo where we are staying tonight
Today's bits and pieces 
Flowers
5 birds and a fish
Day 13 - Map
Day:                                13
Distance:                        26.76 km
Walking time:                5 hrs 47 mins
Elevation gain:              558 metres
Cumulative distance:  258.50 km

Comments

  1. VLN3 May 2026 at 23:52

    Was the “Yes - No” sign only for the English speakers?
    Your blog and photos are wonderful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers4 May 2026 at 05:51

      Ah, you noticed that! Yes, presumably the Italians all know how to use the toilet...

      Delete
  2. Butlers4 May 2026 at 10:33

    I love the car… can you bring it home for me 😆

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers4 May 2026 at 21:19

      One of us did manage to stuff an entire pizza in a pizza box in his backpack, but I think a car would be beyond even his packing capabilities....

      Delete
  3. Anonymous4 May 2026 at 20:01

    I’m now caught up! I’m exhausted just reading about walking up and down mountains but I’ve enjoyed every meal vicariously. Mel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers4 May 2026 at 21:20

      One of the rewards of walking... lots of eating!

      Delete
  4. Anonymous4 May 2026 at 21:28

    Today’s birds: western house Martin, can’t make out anything…maybe a bittern??, European bee-eater, probably western cattle egret, Pygmy cormorant

    ReplyDelete

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