The Full Francigena Way
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Overview
Highlights
- Visiting countless beautiful including Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Monterigioni, Orvieto, Viterbo and Rome
- Walking in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims across diverse and stunning scenery from the Alps to Rome
- Discovering the hospitality of the small, family-run hotels and feasting on the culinary delights of the many regions
- Soaking up the history of this ancient pilgrimage
- Experiencing sides of Italy that are missed by many travelllers
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- 49 breakfasts, 7 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes
- 49 nights in charming B&Bs and agriturismo or 3-4 star hotels (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €35-40)
- Information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a guidebook per room booked
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to 49
- Emergency hotline
- Credenziale, the pilgrim passport
Itinerary
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.
meals : D
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.
meals : B
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.
meals : B
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 preh...
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.
meals : B
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 b...
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 y...
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...
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.
meals : B
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 wine...
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 f...
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 wi...
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.
meals : B
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 ...
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.
meals : B
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 c...
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 ...
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.
meals : B
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 his...
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 bas-reliefs of its facade. You then continue to Sivizzano where you'll stay in a characteristic B&B.
meals : 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 y...
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. Fi...
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...
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 stat...
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...
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 ...
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 archaeologica...
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 fi...
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 you...
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 wil...
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 “Submansi...
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...
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.
meals : B
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 pa...
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 Chiocci...
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 thr...
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, fortunat...
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 Quiric...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 o...
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 locat...
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 som...
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 re...
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 des...
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 he picturesque village of Monterosi.
meals : B
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.
meals : B
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. ...
The trip concludes in Rome this morning, with arrangements ending after breakfast.
meals : B
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Taking the Paths Less Travelled Since 1975
Since its inception in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as an innovator and world leader in quality, small group adventure holidays. Responsible travel at our core, we always believed that it is not only where but also how you travel that truly creates an experience of a lifetime. Over the past decades World Expeditions has been operating authentic and innovative adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where others end. As a leader in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- 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
- Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.
- Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
- Guide - this is a self guided tour
- Travel insurance
- Tourist Tax - allow EUR1-2 per day - payable directly to the hotel
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