Take in the quiet beauty of the shrine and hermitage of Saint Francis in the village of Cortona. It is an extraordinary place just outside the town, immersed in the peaceful silence of the woods.

In our travels, we will also visit the town of Assisi and the beautiful cathedral of Saint Francis. Saint Francis was born here in 1180. He committed himself to the service of God by helping the poor and renouncing his family’s wealth. Many stories surrounding his life deal with his love for animals. Although it is one of the more significant towns in Italy because of St. Francis, Assisi remains off the beaten track.