Pilgrimage on Italy's Via Francigena
Self-Guided Trip
50
CA$
days from
10490
The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route spanning 1,900 km from Canterbury to Rome. This Italian 50-day section offers a profound journey through Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Beginning at the Saint Bernard Pass, the path winds through the Swiss Alps into Italy, crossing vineyards, orchards, and castles. The trail leads through charming villages, peaceful countryside, and alongside riverbanks, with each step steeped in centuries of tradition.
Along the way, travellers pass through iconic towns such as Lucca, Siena, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Orvieto, and Viterbo, each offering its own slice of Italian culture and history. The journey takes you through Tuscany's rolling hills and into the heart of its culinary regions, such as Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. The experience offers much more than just picturesque views; it’s about the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims and the warmth of staying in family-run hotels, where hospitality reigns.
As the pilgrimage concludes in Rome, the final steps towards St. Peter’s Basilica mark a sense of achievement, with the route offering unique glimpses into parts of Italy often missed by regular travellers. Walking the Via Francigena is not just a journey through Italy, but a deep dive into its heart and history.
Activity / Theme
Country
Hiking
Italy
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Moderate
Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
On foot, vehicle transfers, train
49 nights in charming B&Bs and agriturismo or 3-4 star hotels
Months of Operation
May, June, July, August, September
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
For pilgrims looking for an alternative to the busy Camino Frances, this is your trip. Best enjoyed in May and September for the cooler weather
Itinerary
You can choose to hike the full Via Francigena in one trip or do it over several vacations. ** in the itinerary indicates a possible break point where you can end one holiday and start again the next. If you wish to build in rest days along the way, let us know.
DAY 1: Arrive at Saint Bernard Pass, stay in Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses
DAY 2: Cross into Italy, hike to Etroubles (4hrs, 13.5km)
DAY 3: Hike through mountains and pinewoods to Aosta (4-5hrs, 15.5km)
DAY 4: Pass castles and vineyards to Nus (5hrs, 14km)
DAY 5: Continue to Saint Vincent (5hrs, 17km)
DAY 6: Valley walk to Verres (5hrs, 16.5km)
DAY 7: Hike to Pont Saint Martin (4hrs, 13km)
DAY 8: Walk through Piedmont Hills to Ivrea (5-6hrs, 21km) **
DAY 9: Pass villages to Viverone (6hrs, 20km)
DAY 10: Hike along country roads to Santhia (6hrs, 17km)
DAY 11: Walk across plains to Vercelli (7hrs, 27km)
DAY 12: Train to Robbio, hike to Mortara (4hrs, 14km)
DAY 13: Through woods and towns to Garlasco (7hrs, 23km)
DAY 14: Hike to Ticino Valley Park, then Pavia (7hrs, 25km) **
DAY 15: Walk to Belgioioso, train to Pavia (5hrs, 16km)
DAY 16: Transfer to Orio Litta, hike to Piacenza (6hrs, 24km)
DAY 17: Hike along roads to Fiorenzuola (9hrs, 32km)
DAY 18: Walk via Abbey to Fidenza (6hrs, 22km) **
DAY 19: Hilly hike to Medesano, transfer to hotel (6hrs, 22km)
DAY 20: Transfer to Medesano, hike to Bardone (7hrs, 22km)
DAY 21: Walk through small villages to Berceto (7hrs, 21km)
DAY 22: Cross Cisa Pass to Previde, transfer to Pontremoli (5hrs, 18km)
DAY 23: Walk through villages to Pontremoli (3hrs, 10km) **
DAY 24: Hike through countryside to Mocrone (5.5hrs, 15km)
DAY 25: Continue to Aulla (5.5hrs, 17.5km)
DAY 26: Visit villages and ruins to Sarzana (5hrs, 17km)
DAY 27: Flat hike to Massa (6.5hrs, 28km)
DAY 28: Walk via Pietrasanta to Camaiore (6.5hrs, 25km)
DAY 29: Hike over hills to Lucca (7hrs, 26km) **
DAY 30: Explore Lucca, train to San Miniato Alto
DAY 31: Walk through Val d'Elsa to Gambassi (7hrs, 25km)
DAY 32: Walk to San Gimignano (6hrs, 18km)
DAY 33: Hike through hills and vineyards to Colle Val d’Elsa (6hrs, 21km)
DAY 34: Continue to Monteriggioni (4hrs, 13km)
DAY 35: Walk to Siena (6hrs, 20km) **
DAY 36: Hike via Cuna to Monteroni or Lucignano d’Arbia (7hrs, 21km)
DAY 37: Walk to Buonconvento (5hrs, 13.8km)
DAY 38: Hike to San Quirico d’Orcia (7hrs, 21.6km)
DAY 39: Short walk to Castiglione d'Orcia (3hrs, 9km)
DAY 41: Long hike to Acquapendente (7hrs, 25km) **
DAY 42: Descend to Bolsena (7.5hrs, 22km)
DAY 43: Walk along the hills to Montefiascone (5hrs, 18km)
DAY 44: Continue to Viterbo (6hrs, 18km)
DAY 45: Hike through Etruscan countryside to Vetralla (8hrs, 21km)
DAY 46: Walk to Sutri via Capranica (7hrs, 24.5km)
DAY 47: Walk to Monterosi and Campagnano di Roma (7hrs, 24.5km)
DAY 48: Follow trails to La Giustiniana (7.5-8hrs, 27km)
DAY 49: Final walk into Rome (5hrs, 18km)
DAY 50: Trip concludes
Inclusions
49 breakfasts, 1 packed lunche, 7 dinners
Accommodation
Transfer Pavia to Orio Litta on day 16
Transfer Medesano-Sant'Andrea Bagni in the afternoon Day 19 and returning to Medesano on the morning of day 20
Transfer from San Miniato Basso train station to your hotel in San Miniato Alto on Day 30
Transfer from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 41 (or on day 40, subject to availability)
Return transfers between Previde & Pontremoli on days 22 & 23
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline and SMS alert
Credenziale - the pilgrim passport
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators