INDEPENDENT WALKING TOUR
Please note this is an independent walking tour, and can depart on any day requested between the 20th of June and 15th September.
From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1900km “Francigena Way” dates back to the 11th century when pilgrims travelled across Europe on foot to visit the site of Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. For those with more time it’s possible to walk the whole Italian route and discover its history, culture and camaraderie. The start of the trip from the Saint Bernard Pass and crossing over the Swiss Alps into Italy will set the tone for the whole pilgrimage. There are no shortages of highlights on this extensive section of the route. As you walk you’ll pass countless vineyards, orchards and castles. The trail will wind through charming villages, quiet countryside and along river banks. The foodie-haven of Piedmont awaits you, before entering into the Emilia Romagno region and heading into Tuscany where you will walk from one hilltop town to the next. The Via Francigena takes in many of Tuscany’s most beautiful and renowned towns, including Lucca, Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano. To top off this once in a lifetime experience you’ll walk into the Eternal City of Rome. Each day you will be rewarded with stunning views and a real sense of achievement. En route stay in atmospheric farm houses and small family run hotels, soaking up the fine hospitality that has characterised the route for centuries.
Please note this is available for departure any day between the 1st of April to the 30th of September.
Today you will make your own way to the first hotel in Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses at the foot of the Saint Bernard Pass. The Great Saint Bernard Pass, located high in the Swiss Alps, rich in history. This pass was quite treacherous for medieval pilgrims, and become renowned for the monks and their Saint Bernard dogs who saved the lives of countless pilgrims.
The walk today will take you over the Saint Bernard Pass and across the border into Italy. You’ll walk through mountain villages and enjoy evocative views en route. Some sections today are a bit steep, but alternative options are available. Overnight in Etroubles, the lovely village which was once home to the winter quarters of the Roman soldiers.
Today’s walk promises a deep experience along the mountains, crossing meadows and pinewoods. You’ll pass ruins and ancient chapels, used by pilgrims of the past, and journey along the stream “Ru Neuf”. It’s possible to skip the last descent of the day by taking a bus through the village of Gignod.
The Via Francigena winds through castles and vineyards today. You’ll pass the ancient castle of Quart, with its chapel which is dedicated to the local saint, Emerico. En route you will pass, and even be able to touch, semi-spherical engravings made in the rock by prehistoric men. This afternoon you will arrive in Nus, your destination for the day, where you can relax and sample the local wine.
Today’s walk will follow ancient aquaducts, which are still used to water the crops on the mountainsides of the Valle d’Aosta. As you walk between vineyards we recommend stopping at the Crotta de Vegneron at Chambave. This wine collective celebrates and produces the greatest wines of the region. The walk continues to Saint Vincent, where you will stay overnight.
Today you continue walking through the valley. En route you will pass the ruins of the castle in Saint Germain and its Mezzogiorno tower which can still be admired. From here you will walk on a short section of the ancient Strada Delle Gallie, before being enchanted by the route as it winds up the side of the mountain to Verres. If you enjoy castles we recommend taking a detour and visiting Issogne. Overnight in Verres.
During today’s walk you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll feel just like a medieval pilgrim as you walk through the Nave of San Martino Church and then cross the ancient Enchallod bridge. You’ll even walk on a perfectly preserved Roman road where you can look for the tracks of Roman carriages. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your destination for today, Pont Saint Martin where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views from town.
Today the alpine scenery will give way to the gentle hills of Piedmont. The walk to Ivrea will lead you through charming villages and beautiful sections surrounded by nature. Arriving in Ivrea you will be delighted by the old town centre with its impressive castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Be sure to take a walk through the open-air museum of modern architecture. We also recommend trying the local Novecento cake, a delicious chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the town’s pastry makers.
Today’s walk follows the Dora Baltea River and along the way you’re sure to discover some of the hidden jewels of the Via Franciegna. You’ll walk under the arch of the Piverone tower as you enter the old town, then pass the ruins of a small, roofless church. Finally you’ll arrive in Viverone where you can end the day admiring the sun as it sets over the lake.
Today you will walk along quiet, country roads as you head towards Santhia. A highlight of today will be Roppolo Castle which offers splendid views over Lake Viverone. Along the way you will pass many wine cellars where you can stop and sample the famous regional wines. The hills gradually become smaller as you continue towards Santhia. Once you’ve arrived at your final destination and checked into your hotel you can enjoy the tasty local cuisine, ending your meal on a high note with a glass of white herbal liqueur.
You will start today by crossing the Vercelli plain, walking alongside the characteristic rice fields. If you travel before the end of May you’ll be lucky enough to see these fields flooded, and you’ll be enchanted by the shades of colour reflected in the water. The flooded rice fields are a unique landscape, and at any time of year these fields are buzzing with bird life. Once you have arrived in Vercelli, where you stay overnight, be sure to sample the local rice which is used in so many excellent dishes, from risotto, to savoury pies, and even desserts.
This morning you will need to take a short train from Vercelli to Robbio. You can enjoy the scenery of the Sesia River from the train window. From Robbio, the countryside of the Lomellina will lead you towards Mortara. You’ll walk over grassy sheep-tracks and along wide dirt trails. Along the way you’ll be able to admire the old facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the small Romanesque church of San Pietro, which once offered hospitality and comfort to thousands of pilgrims. If you appreciate local
delicacies, be sure to sample the goose salami of Mortara. Overnight in Mortara.
Today you will journey through woods, fields of growing crops and charming, small towns. We recommend stopping to visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, which you will find just outside of Mortara. This Abbey was frequented by ancient pilgrims, and you too can stand in prayer and meditation in front of its mosaic-decorated altar. Continue walking to Garlasco where you will overnight.
Today’s walk is a particularly scenic one, as you continue through countryside scattered with woods and farmhouses en route to the Ticinio Valley Natural Park. You can stop for a rest in the shade of the thick woods or sunbathe on the beaches and meadows on the river bank. Don’t stay too long as a veritable jewel of the Via Francigena, Pavia, awaits your arrival. Pavia has a splendid old town centre full of artistic treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. A memorable way to end the day is by taking an aperitif in the piazza Vittora, and sampling the popular local cake, the Torta Paradiso (also known as ‘Heaven Cake’).
The walk today will take you across the flood plains of the basso Pavese, with its typical flood terraces which reach as far as Santa Cristina. Enjoy the green countryside as you walk and make your way to Belgioioso where you will stay overnight.
This morning you will need to take the train to Orio Litta (cost payable locally) and then a short walk will bring you to the Transitum Padi, also known as the ford of Sigerico. An expert boatman will ferry you across to the other bank of the Po River. Once you have crossed the Po you will enter Emilia Romagna, a land with great hospitality and that is renowned for its food and wine. Following provincial roads and cycle paths you will arrive in Piacenzia, your destination for the day. Here you can sample the famous Piacenza charcuterie and wash it down with a glass of Gutturnio wine. The town also
has a splendid basilica that is well worth a visit.
Today’s walks is a long one so it is best to head off early. The walk will start along the Via Emilia, and you’ll follow a series of country roads towards Fiorenzuola, a town which is rich in history, with churches and buildings that are worth a visit. You can admire the facade of the San Fiorenzo church as well as the oratory of Caravaggio.
If you think today’s walk will be too long it is possible to make it shorter by taking brief stretches by public transport. (The cost of public transport will need to be paid locally).
A quiet and mostly flat walk will bring you to Fidenza, where the walk will end in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Along the way don’t miss a chance to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba. You can stand here for a few minutes and bask in the silence of the cloisters or admire the carved wooded interiors of the church, before continuing your walk.
The day begins with a section that takes you up and over the Parma Hills which will show you many monuments of great historical importance, including the Pieve di Cabriolo. Thie Pieve is dedicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket and has a mysterious history that links it to the knights of the Templar. The walk continues leading you alongside the ruins of Costamezzana Castle, dominated by its circular tower which still climbs among the trees. This afternoon you’ll arrive in Medesano where you will stay overnight.
Continuing among the Parma Hills, today you will cross the river Taro to arrive at Fornovo. Here we recommend a visit of the cathedral, where you can admire the basreliefs of its facade. You then continue to Sivizzano where you’ll stay in a characteristic B&B.
Today’s walk is demanding but the beautiful views and villages you will pass will reward your efforts. Along the way you will come to the small villages of Bardone and Terenzo where you can admire their ancient churches. From here you will tackle a climb that brings you to Casola Castle, before continuing up and down through conifer woods en route to Cassio. From Cassio you will follow a stone path which has been used by pilgrims for hundreds of years. You will then follow a country road to Berceto, a “little stone jewel” where you can restore yourself with local mushrooms and pattona, a regional cake made from chestnut flour.
Another climb awaits you this morning. Today you will be heading towards the Cisa Pass, first walking along mule tracks, then country roads and finally asphalted roads. The last part of today’s walk has stunning panoramic views over the Lunigiana to Mount Valdoria. Finally you’ll climb up again towards the Pass and then descend to Previde, a beautiful hamlet surrounded by natural beauty. Overnight Previde.
There will be no rest during this leg, however the walk is short and it holds many surprises in store that will make all of your efforts worthwhile. Leaving Previde you will walk along long sections of path surrounded by nature, through characteristic villages such as Groppadalosio with its medieval bridge, and Casalina which is a charming town full of small, stone houses. The walk ends with a descent to Pontremoli, a town known for its bridges and stele statues. When you arrive in Pontremoli you can enjoy a relaxing evening stroll among the alleyways of the illuminated old town centre.
Today you will walk through a mix of very green countryside and small medieval villages. Along the way you can admire the tower-houses of Ponticello, the ancient hospice of San Jacopo at Filattiera, and the ancient Pieve di Sorana which has been home to the stele statues of the Celtic warriors for centuries. You’ll pass Villafranca which is a very beautiful medieval village, where you can climb the hill above the walled village of Malgrate and its castle, or look through the trees of the ruins of the old castle of Malnido. The highlights don’t stop there, as you reach your final destination for the day, Filetto, the Via Francigena will meet the town’s castle. Overnight Filetto.
Today you will continue your walk to Aulla, crossing a thick forest and walking along sections of an ancient Roman road as you walk towards Terrarossa Castle. The last section of today’s walk is over old railway tracks which have now been transformed into a cycle path. When you arrive in Aulla this afternoon there is a huge choice of sites to see. If ancient history interests you be sure to visit the Abbey of San Caprasio and its museum which contains many archaeological finds from the medieval period. You can walk along the ancient walls of Brunella Fortress which is typical example of Renaissance military architecture, and then walk through the old town centre. If you’re hungry there is nothing better than the tasty local focaccias which are best enjoyed hot and served with charcuterie and cheeses. Overnight in Aulla.
The first section of today’s walk is over demanding but rewarding paths, and it’s here that you will catch your first glimpse of the sea. Along the way you will again pass through green countryside and medieval villages. Today you’ll be able to visit the ruins of the La Brina Castle, while at Sarzana you will be amazed by the Baroque interior of the Santa Maria Assunta Catherdral. You can also admire the Gothic facade of the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the oldest building in the town. This afternoon you can get lost in the old town centre as you wander through the alleyways which lead into the main squares. You can take dinner in one of these squares, and for dessert you can sample the “torta scema” which you should ask a local to explain the meaning behind its name. Overnight Sarzana.
The walk today will be mostly along flat paths, following in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims who walked from the Roman port of Luni towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Luni has a fascinating archaeological area which is well worth a visit. The archaeological area includes an ancient Roman amphitheater and a museum which houses a splendid mosaic dedicated to the God Neptune. Continuing along paths with stunning views of both the sea and the Apuan Alps, you’ll finally arrive in Massa where you will stay overnight.
Today’s walk takes you up to the Aghinolfi Castle and on to Pietrasanta, also known was “the small Italian Athens”. Pietrasanta has a splendid old town centre where you can browse its art galleries and shops and visit the town’s Duomo before continuing on. When you finally arrive in Camaiore with its old town centre and ancient Badia di San Pietro, you can sample to local rice-based chocolate cake to reward your efforts for the day. Overnight Camaiore.
Today you will continue walking over rolling hills en route to Lucca. You will descend to the valley of the Contesola creek and then once you’ve crossed the Serchio River in Ponte San Pietro, you will reach Lucca. You’ll enter Lucca through the city walls and find yourself surrounded by the historic town centre, where many attractions await you. You can admire the decorated facade of San Frediano, browse many of the small shops in the circular piazza where you can buy local biscuits, or conquer the Giunigi tower and look down on the town below. Overnight in Lucca.
This morning you’re free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the wooden crucific known as the Holy Face (“Volto Santo”), see the famous statue-reliquary in the Cathedral of Saint Martin that was legendarily carved by Nicodemus. This afternoon you will need to take a public train to Fucecchio (which takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.
Today you’ll be back on the walking trail, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d’Elsa region. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two “Submansiones” (Sigeric’s “stopping places”): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. This afternoon you will arrive at your hotel for the night in Gambassi.
The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. En route you will visit the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole where you can learn about its legend. Once you arrive in San Gimignano, your final destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot so you can really appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere.
Today the Via Francigena will lead you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation in Gracciano. Along the way it’s possible to make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Conera from the 11th century.
Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church. From there continue passing the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola before reaching Monteriggioni. You will see its famed towers in the distance as you approach. Once you’ve checked into the hotel in Monteriggioni you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town.
Leaving Monteriggioni you will walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the Castle of Chiocciola and ascend up to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago. The forest will give way to the beautiful and renowned town of Siena. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening.
Today you will head out on a wonderful walk along the Via Francigena through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. You’ll spend the day walking alongside cultivated meadows, with colours that change from greens to yellows to ochres depending on the season. You’ll pass through the medieval village of Cuna, just a few hundred metres before entering the town of Monteroni d’Arbia with its famous watermill. Overnight in Monteroni d’Arbia.
Today you continue your journey through the Valle dell’Ombrone to Buonconvento. As you arrive in Buonconvento you will enter through the gate and then find yourself in the old town centre of the village where you’re sure to discover why its name means “happy, fortunate place”. We recommend strolling through the picturesque streets, where life is lived quietly following the slow rhythms of a provincial village. If you love art you’ll be able to admire the works of some of the most famous Sienese painters in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia. Overnight in Buonconvento.
Today your journey will take you towards San Quirico, over dirt roads and some asphalted ones. En route you will enjoy beautiful views of the Val D’Orcia, as you walk among hills tinted with charming shades and scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. In San Quirico you can stand enchanted before the gate of the Collegiata, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the Horti Leonini, a fifteenth-century garden. Overnight in San Quirico d’Orcia.
Today’s walk is a short but beautiful one as you enjoy views of the Val D’Orcia. As you leave San Quirico you will enter a timeless world in Vignoni Alto, and you will be able to enjoy a reinvigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, with its unmistakable pool in the middle of the main square. Another highlight of the day is Castiglione, in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, which you will pass close by as you travel across one of the most beautiful panoramic sections of the whole Via Francigena.
The walk towards Radicofani will be a demanding but rewarding one. As you admire the view from the Radicofani fortress, tired but satisfied at the end of the day, all your efforts will be rewarded. You will also be able to visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a little jewel dating back to the thirteenth century, and take an evening walk in its old town centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress.
Another long walk awaits you today but it is also one of the most rewarding, thanks to the astonishing panoramic views you will enjoy en route. The day starts with a short transfer to the main square in Radicofani, with its imposing Rocca Castle dominating the entire valley. You’ll walk along the old consular road, the Via Cassia. As you walk along the ridge you will enjoy breathtaking sights as you continue to your final stop, Acquapendente.
Today you’ll walk across a plain to reach the village of San Lorenzo Nuovo, which is located on the edge of a crater that nowadays holds the lake town of Bolsena. Continue the gradual descent towards the charming village of Bolsena. Your destination for today is the old town of Bolsena and its castle. Known for the miracle of Corpus Domini, the town developed on the banks of the beautiful lake of volcanic origin.
Today you will walk from Bolsena, following along the crest of the hills surrounding the eastern part of the lake. You’ll walk along ancient parts of the ancient Roman Via Cassia. This afternoon you will arrive in Montefiascone, a lovely village with a prominent location, where you have a great panoramic view over the lake, the surrounding plain and the Cimini Mountains. The Fortress of the Popes in Montefiascibe is well-worth a visit. Overnight in Montefiascone.
The route to Viterbo today is along the plain that divides the Bolsena Lake from the Cimini Mountains. You’ll be able to see the outline of the hills as you walk, as they border the whole territory. There are no residental areas along the route today but there are some old drinking fountains. When you arrive in Viterbo this afternoon you can take some time to visit the charming old town.
The medieval walls, the seven entrances to the old town, the neighborhoods, the churches and the aristocratic palaces of Viterbo are a must to be visited before returning to the path. Through the countryside and forests, you pass an Etruscan underground tomb before reaching the gates of Vetralla, where you can visit the ruins of the Pieve of Saint Marie di Forcassi, a typical example of the architecture of the area. Overnight in Vetralla.
The walk today is quite long so we recommend leaving early. From Vetralla you’ll walk along the volcano side of a crater which was once occupied by Lake Vico. You’ll continue through Etruscan countryside until you reach the tiny village of Capranica. From here you descend down a tuff gorge, following the stream. This track is very stricking, but can be difficult in places depending on the water level. Finally you’ll arrive in Sutri where you can check into your accommodation for the night.
The first section of the walk today takes you across fields until you reach Monterosi and the Monte Gelato waterfalls. You can stop for a rest here or even swim on a warm day. You’ll then continue on, walking along a panoramic trail that leads to Campagnano di Roma. It is possible to shorten the walk by prearranging a morning transfer to the picturesque village of Monterosi.
Today you’ll walk through the Roman countryside, walking on mainly flat dirt roads or country trails. There are a few hills only in the final part of the day. Continue on to Isola Farnese where you will stay overnight.
After breakfast you will set off on the final leg of your pilgrimage. You can choose to reach Rome either by public transport or on foot. Part of the walk today is through the Insugherata park, a beautiful natural reserve just a few steps away from the bustling city. As you approach the eternal city you can stop for a triumphant photograph at the Monte Mario Belvedere. From here you’ll catch your first glimpse of the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica. You’ll then make your final descent to reach the Piazza San Pietro, your ending point and the ending point for thousands of pilgrims through the centuries.
There is much to do and see in Rome and it can be worth extending your stay to allow you enough time to explore the city.
The trip concludes in Rome this morning, with arrangements ending after breakfast.
| Starts | Ends | Price | Status | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2023 | 15/09/2022 | On Request | On Request | Book Now |
Travel to and from Saint Bernard Pass or Rome
Meals not included (lunch daily, 7 dinners). Allow EUR15‑20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch
Single supplement (is available if required)
Optional excursions/sightseeing
City Tax: some City Councils may introduce a tourist tax that has to be paid directly at the hotel
Meals and beverages other than those specified
Tips/Gratuities
Everything which is not clearly specified under inclusions
* Please note, price is subject to fluctuation and availability is subject to change until booked and confirmed *