The Capuchin Way, from Camerino to Amandola: a journey to discover the origins of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin The Capuchin Way is a journey that allows you to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Marche hinterland, following the story of the birth of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. A rich spiritual, historical, artistic, and naturalistic journey, it is also very physically demanding due to the Marche region's terrain, which features a constant succession of ups and downs, with many stages featuring significant elevation changes. It traverses the Marche region's internal ridge from north to south, covering nearly 400 km, retracing the Order's origins and encountering the Capuchins still present along the way, fostering a mutual exchange between those who welcome and those who are welcomed. On this journey, we offer a less demanding version of the walk, from Camerino to Amandola. Places of particular historical, artistic, and spiritual significance along this stretch of the walk include: - Renacavata Convent in Camerino - Church of San Giusto in San Maroto - Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Ambro SCHEDULE Monday, September 7 - Arrival in Camerino For those arriving independently the evening before, it is possible to arrange accommodation in a local accommodation outside of the following itinerary. Everyone is responsible for their own packed lunch for the next day. Accommodation options in Camerino are available at this link: https://www.camminodeicappuccini.it/mangiare-e-dormire/dormire/camerino/ Day 1 - Tuesday, September 8: Camerino – Polverina (Length: 11 km – Elevation gain: +460 m, -90 m) The walk begins in Renacavata, an important place to discover the history and spirituality of the Capuchin Friars. The first part of the route passes through the oak forests surrounding the Capuchin friary, descending towards the hamlet of Sfercia di Camerino, dominated by the Rocca dei Varano and offering spectacular views of the northern Sibillini Mountains. The route continues towards Polverina with its beautiful lake, the end of the stage. Hotel accommodation (breakfast, dinner, overnight stay) Day 2 - Wednesday, September 9: Polverina – San Lorenzo al Lago (Length: 14 km – Elevation gain: +630 m, -360 m) We begin the day by leaving Polverina for a challenging stage. The first part of the route leads to the splendid church of San Giusto in San Maroto, where you can enjoy a beautiful view from the panoramic terrace overlooking the Chienti Valley. The remaining section of the route passes through woods and earthquake-affected villages, reaching Fiastra and San Lorenzo al Lago. Hotel accommodation (breakfast, dinner, overnight stay) Day 3 - Thursday, September 10: San Lorenzo al Lago – Sarnano (Length: 17.5 km – Elevation gain: +740 m, -880 m) Today's stage takes you through the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park, an official stage of the Capuchin Way, through a mountain landscape that offers a different experience in every season. The first section climbs to Piani di Ragnolo, the highest point of the entire route (1,298 m), offering a panoramic view of the entire Marche region. The descent begins, reaching the beautiful center of Sarnano, rich in historical, cultural, and architectural treasures. Hotel accommodation (breakfast, dinner, overnight stay) Day 4 - Friday, September 11: Sarnano – Garulla (Length: 9.5 km – Elevation gain +460 m, -110 m) A mountain stage that immerses you once again in the mountainous landscapes of the Monti Sibillini National Park. The exit from Sarnano offers a series of refreshing waterfalls along the Lost Waterfalls trail, before gently climbing the foothills of Mount Castelmanardo to reach Garulla, amidst the silence of the woods. B&B/Agriturismo accommodation (breakfast, dinner, overnight stay) Day 5 - Saturday, September 12: Garulla – Montefortino (Length: 14.5 km – Elevation gain: +500 m, -770 m) After breakfast, we leave the small mountain village of Garulla and continue with spectacular views towards the Campolungo plains, with magnificent views of the Fermo countryside all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Ambro welcomes pilgrims for a spiritual break before tackling the final kilometers towards Montefortino, the final destination of this stage. B&B/Agriturismo accommodation (breakfast, dinner, overnight stay) Sunday, September 13: Montefortino – Amandola (Length: 6 km – Elevation gain: +150 m, -230 m) A short stage to conclude this stretch of the Capuchin Way. From the village of Montefortino, we reach Amandola, crossing the eastern slope of the Monti Sibillini National Park. The hike is dominated by Mount Sibilla and the rugged valleys that characterize this side of the protected area. Arrive in Amandola before lunch. End of activity. Services included (breakfast) Travel Notes: This program is subject to change, both before and after departure.