Via Francigena Trips
Self-guided walking and cycling on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome.
The Via Francigena is the old pilgrim road from Canterbury to Rome, set down in the tenth century by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. The walking and cycling here follow its Italian length, from the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Alps, across the Po Valley and the Apennines, through Tuscany and on to Rome. Travelled self-guided, you set your own pace each day, with your luggage carried ahead and a bed booked at the next stop.
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10Adventures Via Francigena Trips
Displaying 14 of 14 tours
Displaying 14 of 14 tours
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Pavia to Fidenza
This tour along the Via Francigena takes you on a historic pilgrimage route from Pavia to Fidenza, retracing the steps of medieval travelers who sought spiritual fulfillment in Rome. As you journey across the Po River by ferry, you’ll encounter the rich cultural heritage of Pavia’s medieval center and enjoy the serene agricultural plains of the region. The route offers captivating historical sites like the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba and Fidenza’s magnificent cathedral. Along the way, indulge in Emilia’s renowned cuisine, sampling delicacies like Prosciutto di Parma, culatello di Zibello, and Parmigiano Reggiano, making this a deeply cultural and culinary experience.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Fidenza to Pontremoli
This tour explores a memorable stage of the historic Via Francigena, a route traveled by pilgrims for centuries on their way to Rome. Beginning in Fidenza, this journey takes you through the Apennines to Pontremoli, offering an immersive experience of nature, history, and spirituality. Along the way, highlights include the ancient Cathedral of San Donnino, with its inspiring bas-reliefs, the ascent to the Cisa Pass with sweeping views of the Lombardy Plain and Lunigiana, and the medieval Groppodalosio bridge. This section of the Via Francigena is a snapshot of the grand pilgrimage route that once connected people and cultures across Europe, capturing the spirit of devotion and adventure that defined medieval travel to the Eternal City.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia
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.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena from Montefiascone to Rome
A journey on the Via Francigena is like traveling back in time, and this self-guided route takes you from Montefiascone to Rome. Walk between lovely historic villages and through scenic Lazio countryside before reaching the incomparable city of Rome. This tour along the Via Francigena combines history, culture, nature, adventure, tradition, and great food into one amazing experience.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
Take a walk on an 8-day self-guided journey along the Via Francigena, from Pontremoli to Lucca, exploring a blend of nature, culture, history, and spirituality. This varied trek through Tuscany starts in the mystical Lunigiana region, famous for its ancient Stele Statues, before leading you to the sandy shores of Versilia. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pietrasanta, a haven for artists, and continue to Lucca, where Renaissance walls and charming streets await. This route combines lush countryside, medieval villages, coastal trails, and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, offering an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s historic pilgrimage paths.
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Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena
Beauty and adventure await you on this Via Francigena pilgrimage walking tour through Tuscany. Enjoy the best of the Italian countryside as you walk from Lucca to Siena along the ancient pilgrimage route. Panoramic views of rolling hills and vineyard stretch out before you like a painting on this incredible tour.
Via Francigena
The Heart of Via Francigena
This 9-day self-guided walking tour through the heart of Tuscany’s Via Francigena takes you from the historic town of San Miniato to the charming village of Buonconvento. Along the way, you’ll explore medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and enjoy local culinary delights, from truffles to traditional pici pasta. This route blends stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, making it an unforgettable journey through Italy’s rich history and vibrant traditions.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
At the beginning of the second millennium, thousands of pilgrims traveled across Europe searching for the “Celestial Land” in Rome, the Holy Land, and Santiago de Compostela. The Via Francigena, or “Way to Rome,” was among the most significant pilgrimage routes, linking Canterbury to Rome. Used for centuries by people from all walks of life, it was a symbol of unity, connecting various European cultures and beliefs. The path crosses the Swiss Alps through the Great Saint Bernard Pass, where pilgrims were aided by Augustinian monks and their iconic dogs. The route descends into Italy’s Aosta Valley, winding through vineyards, castles, and ancient towns with rich Roman and medieval heritage. Landmarks include Aosta’s Roman ruins, Chambave’s vineyards, the Bard Fortress, and the Roman bridge in Pont-Saint-Martin. The path’s final Italian stages lead through the historical town of Ivrea, which holds Roman relics and medieval fortifications. Rediscovering this route today reflects Europe’s enduring legacy of shared history and cultural connection.
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Via Francigena: Orvieto to Rome
The Via Francigena walking tour from Orvieto to Rome Tour is a unique opportunity to walk and trek across an ancient pilgrim trail through the awe-inspiring landscape and historic villages before arriving in Rome, one of Italy’s most popular destinations.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena: Siena to Montefiascone
This 10-day self-guided tour along the Southern Section of the Via Francigena offers an unforgettable journey from Siena to Montefiascone. As you explore this historic pilgrimage route, you’ll experience the medieval charm of Siena, the breathtaking rolling hills of the Crete Senesi, and charming hilltop villages like San Quirico d’Orcia and Castiglione d’Orcia. The walk blends Tuscany’s iconic cypress-lined paths, panoramic landscapes, and picturesque hamlets with cultural treasures like the imposing fortress of Radicofani and scenic Lake Bolsena. With delicious local cuisine, cozy accommodations, and stunning views at every turn, this walk immerses you in the beauty, history, and spirit of central Italy.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour takes you through Tuscany on Italy’s famous pilgrimage route, from coastline to rolling hills and all the beautiful scenery in between. You’ll be able to taste the renowned food and wine of the region and explore unique towns and villages as you ride.
Via Francigena
The Appian Way: Via Francigena Rome to Formia
The Appian Way: Via Francigena Rome to Formia is a 12-day pilgrimage along a section of the renowned Via Francigena. This first part of the Via Appia is perhaps the most impressive section of the whole route, and certainly the part with the highest density of historical interest. This road for centuries has been the backbone of the Roman road system in southern Italy and the gateway to its colonies in the southern and eastern Mediterranean. While born as a transport road for soldiers, merchants, and everybody else, in medieval times the road was used intensively by pilgrims travelling from Rome, the Holy City, to the Holy Land.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome
The Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome Tour is an incredible opportunity to ride Italy’s ancient pilgrimage road to Rome, enjoying the villages, landscapes, and historical monuments along the way.
Via Francigena
Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome
Embark on an extraordinary journey along the legendary Via Francigena pilgrimage route, on the 22-Day Self-Guided Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome tour. Trace centuries of history from the elegant walled city of Lucca to the timeless grandeur of Rome. Your adventure begins amidst Lucca’s Renaissance charm before leading you into the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills, vineyard-clad landscapes, and medieval villages set the stage for an unforgettable walking experience. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, you’ll traverse the iconic Val d’Elsa, discover the skyline of San Gimignano, and pass through beautifully preserved hamlets such as Monteriggioni. Each day reveals a rich tapestry of culture, from Romanesque churches and ancient pilgrim hospices to the artistic and architectural treasures of Siena.
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The route
The full Via Francigena runs around 2,000 km from Canterbury, through France and over the Swiss Alps at the Great Saint Bernard Pass, down to Rome, with a southern continuation along the old Appian Way toward the ports for the Holy Land. The sections on offer here cover the Italian length, roughly 1,000 km from the Great Saint Bernard Pass to Rome: the descent through the Aosta Valley, the rice fields and rivers of the Po Valley, the Apennine crossing at the Cisa Pass, the long roll through Tuscany, and the final approach across Lazio into Rome.
Choosing a section
Walked end to end through Italy, from the Alps to Rome, the route is about 1,000 km, so most people take a section at a time. The best known is the final run through Tuscany into Rome, the most walked and most scenic part, past San Gimignano, Siena and the Val d’Orcia. The northern sections are quieter and more demanding, from the Alpine descent through the Aosta Valley to the Po Valley plains and the Apennine passes. Sections link end to end, so they can be combined into longer journeys, up to a single continuous walk from Tuscany to Rome.
Walking or cycling
Most travel the Via Francigena on foot, the way pilgrims always have, following waymarked paths, farm tracks and quiet lanes, part of 10Adventures’ walking tours. The Emilian and Tuscan stretches also ride well, on an e-bike or a touring bike along the cycling variants, within the bike tours. Either way it is one of Europe’s great pilgrimage tours, and every stage is self-guided, so you go at your own pace.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best times to be on the route, when the days are mild and the Tuscan and Lazio countryside is at its greenest or turning gold. Summer is walkable but can be hot through central Italy, and the high crossing of the Great Saint Bernard Pass only clears for the warmer months, roughly June to September. Most sections run from spring through autumn.
Walking the Via Francigena, stage by stage
Walking sections run the length of the route:
- Self-Guided Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea 9 days down from the Great Saint Bernard Pass through the Aosta Valley.
- Self-Guided Via Francigena: Fidenza to Pontremoli 7 days over the Apennines at the Cisa Pass.
- Self-Guided Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca 8 days from the Lunigiana down to Lucca.
- Self-Guided The Heart of Via Francigena 9 days from San Miniato to Buonconvento, via San Gimignano and Siena.
- Self-Guided Via Francigena: Siena to Montefiascone 10 days through the Val d’Orcia into Lazio.
- Self-Guided Via Francigena from Montefiascone to Rome 8 days across the Lazio countryside to Rome.
FAQ for Via Francigena Tours
What are the route options on the Via Francigena?
We have broken the Via Francigena into stages that last 1-2 weeks. Many pilgrims combine stages, with the most popular route being the final three stages from Lucca (near Florence) to Rome. Walkers and cyclists can select routes through Tuscany, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and other scenic regions.
What is the history of the Via Francigena?
The Via Francigena route dates back over a millennium as a major pilgrimage road connecting northern Europe to Rome. It follows the stages recorded by Archbishop Sigeric in the 10th century.
Can I hike the Via Francigena?
Yes, hiking is one of the most popular ways to travel the Via Francigena, with well-marked trails and varied scenery. Distances can be tailored to both casual walkers and long-distance pilgrims.
Can I bike the Via Francigena?
Yes, cycling is widely supported along the Via Francigena route, with quiet rural roads and bike-friendly paths available on most stages. E-bikes and touring bikes are commonly used for added comfort.
Are luggage transfers typically included on the Via Francigena?
Daily luggage transfers are commonly included on Via Francigena tours, allowing travelers to move between accommodations with only a small daypack. This service helps keep each stage comfortable and stress-free.
What type of food is available on the Via Francigena?
Traditional regional cuisine is available along the Via Francigena route, featuring handmade pastas, local meats, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and breads. Each area highlights seasonal and local specialties.
Are meals typically included on Via Francigena tours?
Breakfast is generally included on the Via Francigena, while dinners may be added at some stages with a supplemental fee. Lunch is typically enjoyed in local cafés or picked up at village markets.
Can I do a self-guided tour on the Via Francigena?
Yes, self-guided Via Francigena options are widely offered, with navigation materials, maps, and digital tools provided for independent travel. This format offers flexibility in pacing and daily planning.
Can I do a guided tour on the Via Francigena?
Yes, guided tours are available on the Via Francigena and led by experienced local leaders who share cultural insights and route support.
What is the typical trip length on the Via Francigena?
Typical trips range from 5–8 days for single-region sections on the Via Francigena to 10–15 days for extended journeys. Longer itineraries can be arranged for travelers completing multiple regions.
What are the accommodation types on Via Francigena tours?
Accommodation options on the Via Francigena include small hotels, agriturismos, guesthouses, and historic inns. Stays emphasize comfort, hospitality, and regional character.
What is the terrain like on the Via Francigena?
Terrain varies on the Via Francigena from rolling hills and vineyard-lined paths to forest tracks and medieval villages. Most stages are moderately challenging, with occasional steep climbs in hilly areas.
What is the best time of year to experience the Via Francigena?
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions on the Via Francigena, with mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer is also possible but can be warm, especially in central Italy.
Are there family friendly walks on the Via Francigena?
Yes, several shorter and flatter sections are suitable for families interested in the Via Francigena. These areas provide manageable distances, scenic countryside, and frequent rest points.
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