Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia Overview
The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route that once guided countless travelers from Canterbury to Rome, the Holy Land, and Santiago de Compostela, symbolizing a quest for spiritual fulfillment. It emerged as a vital European thoroughfare over seven centuries, traversed by sovereigns, clergymen, and commoners. Originating in the Western Alps and winding southward through the Po Valley and Apennines to Rome, the route embodies the desire for unity in medieval Europe. Today, rediscovering this path reveals not only its spiritual and cultural heritage but also scenic landscapes like flooded rice fields, the Sesia and Ticino rivers, and the artistic richness of cities like Pavia. The journey offers a taste of regional cuisine, with specialties like Panissa, local meats, and traditional desserts passed down through generations.
This tour represents Part 2 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
- Via Francigena 1: St Bernard Pass to Ivrea
- Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza
- Via Francigena 4: Fidenza to Pontremoli
- Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca
- Via Francigena 6: Lucca to Siena
- Via Francigena 7: Siena to Montefiascone
- Via Francigena 8: Montefiascone to Rome
Browse all Self-Guided Piedmont tours on 10Adventures, or see more Self-Guided Italy tours across Italy.
Trip highlights
Follow the historic Via Francigena, a key European pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, rich in cultural heritage and landmarks.
Traverse diverse landscapes, from the Alps to the lush rice fields of the Po Valley, with spring views of the "chequered sea" and the serene rivers Sesia and Ticino.
Discover Pavia’s unique blend of ancient architecture and vibrant student culture, marking the grand finale of the journey.
Savor traditional Northern Italian cuisine, including Panissa, high-quality meats, and desserts based on local, time-honored recipes.
Day By Day Itinerary
After your arrival in Ivrea, explore the historic old town with its impressive castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Don’t miss the open-air museum of modern architecture and try the local Novecento chocolate cake, a guarded secret of the town’s pastry-makers.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Ivrea
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Today, enjoy a leisurely walk along quiet paths, discovering the hidden gems of the Via Francigena like the village of Piverone and the ruins of "Geisùn." Arrive at Lake Viverone, where you can admire the sunset along the lake's edge.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Viverone/Roppolo
- Distance:
- 20 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s route takes you past the splendid Roppolo Castle, offering panoramic views over Lake Viverone. Visit the cellars to sample regional wines and continue towards Santhià, where you can enjoy local rice and meat dishes.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santhià
- Distance:
- 17 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Walk through the picturesque rice fields of the Vercelli plain, with reflections of colorful hues in the water. Birdwatching is abundant along the way, and upon arrival in Vercelli, indulge in local cuisine featuring rice-based dishes and savory pies.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Vercelli
- Distance:
- 27 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Start the day with a short train ride to Robbio, then walk through the serene Lomellina countryside to Mortara. Highlights include San Pietro’s Romanesque church and traditional I.G.P. goose salami, a regional specialty.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Mortara
- Distance:
- 14 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s route follows country roads, passing fields, woods, and small towns. Visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, where ancient pilgrims once stopped, and admire the mosaic-adorned altar before reaching Garlasco.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Garlasco
- Distance:
- 23 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Enjoy scenic countryside views en route to Pavia, with stops in the Parco del Ticino. Relax by the river before arriving in Pavia's historic center, known for its artistic treasures. End the day with an aperitif in Piazza Vittoria and a slice of Torta Paradiso.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Pavia
- Distance:
- 25 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After breakfast, your service ends, marking the conclusion of your journey along the Via Francigena.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!
Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
- Luggage transfer is included in your package from Day 2 to Day 7. The train transfer on day 5 is not included (you will have to buy the ticket).
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Via Francigena Pass
Not included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Travellers love 10Adventures
View all
FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging, involving daily walks of up to 27 km on mostly flat terrain with some gentle ascents, making it suitable for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
To get to Ivrea, you can fly into Turin Airport (Turin-Caselle Airport), which is about 50 km away. From there, you can take a direct train from Turin to Ivrea, with the journey lasting around an hour. Alternatively, Ivrea is also accessible by train from major Italian cities like Milan and Rome, with regional and high-speed train connections available.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
The tour ends in Pavia.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!