length
8 Days
difficulty
Moderate - Challenging
trip cost
from $1890 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Overview
Buonconvento to Montefiascone
Since the 4th century, Christians, clergymen, plebians, emperors and sovereigns have undertaken epic, life-changing adventures on foot to Rome, the Holy Land and Santiago de Compostela. Those seeking out the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul were destined for the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. The Via Francigena connected Canterbury Cathedral in England to the Vatican and St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, Italy, via a 1900km pilgrimage route.
Traditionally the journey was taken as an act of devotion and pilgrims would stop along the way at places deemed holy by the church. Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, documented his return journey from Rome (AD990) and it is this route that has had the most significant influence on successive pilgrimages.
So grab your hiking boots and large appetite and become a ‘pellegrino’ on the Via Francigena – the Italian Camino, following in the footsteps of Sigeric. This itinerary travels from Buonconvento in Tuscany, to Montefiascone in the province of Lazio, and is a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. Beautiful trails through the countryside, vineyards and forests lead you to ancient churches, historical monuments and medieval villages (often on hilltops). At the end of each day reward yourself with a tasting of Italy’s gastronomic delights! Buon Viaggio!
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Highlights
get ready for
- Tuscan countryside and the distinctive Val d’Orcia landscape
- Traditional Italian dishes and locally-produced, world-class wines
- Vineyards and olive groves. Watch farmers harvesting their crops
- Explore charming, medieval UNESCO listed villages
- Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Accommodation chosen for warm hospitality, unique character or location
Itinerary
DAILY DETAILS
Today you will need to make your way to Buonconvento, appropriately named “the good convent” as it was an important haven for pilgrims and travellers. You will notice the relaxed pace here where life slows to the rhythm of a provincial village. Art lovers will appreciate a visit to the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia which features artworks by some of the most famous Sienese painters Duccio, Sano di Pietro and Matteo di Giovanni, who also left a Madonna and Child in the 14th-century Santi Piero e Paolo church.
Tonight you may like to kick off your journey with an Italian feast of homemade Tuscan specialties and locally produced wine at one of the charming local eateries.
Overnight: Buonconvento
Today your journey will take you towards San Quirico, on dirt and bitumen roads accented with cypress trees and vineyards. There are splendid views across the vast landscape of the Val d’Orcia. San Quiroco d’Orcia is a lovely example of medieval architecture and city planning. At the centre of the historic town sits the stunning Collegiata. Built in the 11th-century on the site of an old baptistery, it has three main main doorways. one of which overlooks the Via Francigena. Before dinner, enjoy a relaxing amble among the green hedges of Horti Leonini, a 15th-century garden.
641m ascent, 376m descent
Overnight: San Quiroco d’Orcia
Meals: B
Only a short walk today to allow you time to amble and enjoy the striking scenery of the Val d’Orcia and some special highlights along the way. Not long after leaving San Quirico you will enter the timeless world of Vignoni Alto. Discover the remains of an 11th-century castle and stop for a peaceful meditation at the Roman church of San Biagio. Continuing on you will come to the delightful town of Bagno Vignoni, popular for its hot spring pools since the Etruscan era. Famous popes, saints and pilgrims frequented the hot springs, due to their proximity to the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. The focal point of the town is the large rectangle pool of thermal waters. While this ancient pool is no longer open to public bathing, visitors can enjoy spa treatments and bathing sessions at nearby wellness centres or the free access pools further down the hill. Spend some time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and relaxing in the therapeutic waters.
After an indulgent afternoon you make your way through one of the most beautiful panoramic sections of the whole Via Francigena to arrive in Castiglione d’Orcia. Affording excellent hill views, this village is also UNESCO listed as a World Heritage Site. Locate the walled old town and stroll the cobblestone streets, passed medieval houses, Roman churches and the town hall to Piazza il Vecchietta. The square is dedicated to Lorenzo di Pietro, a sculptor, architect and painter.
400m ascent, 300m descent
Overnight: Castiglione d’Orcia
Meals: B
Today you will embark on a longer, tougher hike as you make your way through valleys, olive groves and agricultural fields. You will have great views across the rolling hills to the dormant volcano, Monte Amiata.
Approaching Radicofani, you will see that the imposing citadel dominates the town and can be seen over 10kms away! You will spend your evening in a lovely Tuscan country house just outside of Radicofani, where you will receive a warm welcome and cozy accommodation. Take a swim in the pool or wander the beautiful gardens before enjoying a home cooked meal.
1000m ascent, 757m descent
Overnight: Radicofani
Meals: B, D
This morning you will be driven a short way to the town of Radicofani. Spend some time exploring this fortress that dates back to 973AD and admire spectacular views of Monte Amiata, the Apennines, Bolsena Lake and the Val d’Orcia from its tower. The village also has some special features including the Romanesque church of San Pietro. Built in the 13th-century, the church suffered damage during WWII but was later restored in 1946. Within its gothic arches is a collection of terracottas by Della Robbia, a famous sculptor from Florence.
Depart the town and travel along the old Via Cassia, an ancient route used by travellers in the Middle Ages between northern Italy and Rome. Surrounded by a landscape of infinite hills, you continue on to Centeno where you will take another short transfer to avoid busy and noisy road sections. Your last stretch of walking will lead you on an ascent to Acqupendente, the northernmost municipality of Lazio. Charles Dickens travelled to Acquapendente on the Via Cassia in 1845 and details it in his writings. If you have time, experience a silent walk through the Romanesque crypt located beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro. It is rumoured that stones bathed in the blood of Christ have been kept here.
400m ascent, 900m descent
Overnight: Acqupendente
Meals: B
Today the trail is fairly easy going and offers enchanting views of the slopes of Monti Volsini. You will eventually catch your first glimpse of Lake Bolsena with its tranquil, clear waters. From here you will descend into a volcanic crater along cart and dirt tracks and through dense woodland and open meadows dotted with olive trees. Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe, formed over 370,000 years ago with the eruption of the Vulsini volcano. After the eruption, the surrounding land collapsed, creating a caldera and forming what is now, the bed of Lake Bolsena. Not only an important stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, Bolsena is famous for a miracle recorded in 1263 at the church of St Christina. This church is well worth a visit for its frescoes, architecture and underground catacombs. For dinner you may wish to try one of the local seafood specialties, fresh from the lake: Sbroscia is a soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.
424m ascent, 452m descent
Overnight: Bolsena
Meals: B
After breakfast today, you will set off on a route that offers continual views of the lake. You will pass through fields and forests and an area famous for its olive oil production, and we recommend experiencing a tasting with a piece of warm, fragrant bread. Your walk ends in the papel town of Montefiascone. Located on top of a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, this town is surrounded by vineyards that produce the EST! EST!! EST!!! wine the region is famous for. There are many sites worth visiting such as the Fortress of the Popes and the Santa Margherita Cathedral, both of which dominate the town’s landscape. Reflect on your Via Francigena pilgrimage with a glass of local wine and some home-made specialities.
607m ascent, 374m descent
Overnight: Montefiascone
Meals: B
After breakfast, you are free to leave for your onward journey
Meals: B
Map
Explore
Buonconvento
Buonconvento is a delightful village in the Crete Senesi. The heart of the historical centre is Via Soccini, where most restaurants, cafes and the church are located, along with the old town hall, which is covered with 25 crests of the Podestas (mayors) who ruled Buonconvento until 1270.
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San Quiroco d’Orcia
The beautiful hilltop town of San Quiroco d’Orcia is a lovely example of medieval architecture and city planning. At the centre of the historic town sits the stunning Collegiata. Built in the 11th-century on the site of an old baptistery, it has three main main doorways. one of which overlooks the Via Francigena.
Castiglione d’Orcia
On your way to the World Heritage village of Castiglione d’Orcia, you’ll walk through one of the most beautiful panoramic sections of the whole Via Francigena. In the walled old town you’ll find cobblestone streets, medieval houses, Roman churches and the Piazza il Vecchietta, a square that is dedicated to Lorenzo di Pietro, a sculptor, architect and painter.
Radicofani
The village of Radicofani is situated on a hill in the Val d’Orcia and is dominated by a spectacular Tuscan fortresses. Its historic centre has splendid buildings and the remarkable Romanesque church of San Pietro The village is also known as the city of fountains.
Acquapendente
The lovely town of Acquapendente is located right at the border of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbri. It owes its name to the nearby waterfalls that flow into the river Paglia. Charles Dickens travelled to Acquapendente on the Via Cassia in 1845 and details it in his writings. If you have time, experience a silent walk through the Romanesque crypt located beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro.
Bolsena
As well as being an important stop for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena, Bolsena is famous for a miracle recorded in 1263 at the church of St Christina. This church is well worth a visit for its frescoes, architecture and underground catacombs. You can also take a walk along the lake promenade, book a boast cruise or simply wander the shops and enjoy a coffee while taking in the cafe culture.
Montefiascone
Located on top of a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, Montefiascone is surrounded by vineyards. There are many sites worth visiting such as the Fortress of the Popes and the Santa Margherita Cathedral, both of which dominate the town’s landscape.
Inclusions
What's included?
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels, family run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
- Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers on walking days
- Pilgrims passport
- GPS Map navigation app and comprehensive electronic walk notes and maps
- Pre-trip planning and advice
- 24-hour emergency support in Italy
- Transfers on Day 5 from accommodation to Radicofani and Centeno to Ponte Gregoriano
- Single supplement $400
- Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable
- Lunch and dinner (1 dinner included on night 4)
- City taxes (to be paid locally)
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Train tickets
Accommodation
Where you stay
In the picturesque Tuscany and Lazio regions of the Via Francigena, our carefully selected accommodations promise a delightful blend of comfort and charm. In the cities and larger towns, you’ll enjoy stays in well-located 3 to 3+ star hotels, while in smaller villages, you’ll be welcomed into charming B&Bs and authentic agriturismos – traditional farm stays offering a true taste of local life. Every property features private bathrooms, and wherever possible we’ll ensure you stay conveniently close to the trail. In more remote areas, you may find yourself nestled in the peaceful countryside, adding to the serene and immersive experience of this rural journey.
Exclusive Guide Title
Via Francigena
The Italian Camino – the Via Francigena – is a classic pilgrim journey to the Eternal City, Rome. We focus on the Tuscan section with itineraries that take you through the heart of the Via Francigena, on a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. Get ready for glorious walking, gastronomic delights and much more.
Find out all you need to know about the Via Francigena in our free destination guide – it’s bursting with inspiration, travel essentials and practical tips.
Via Francigena
Lucca to Buonconvento – Via Francigena
- Walk through spectacular Tuscan landscapes
- Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
- Treat yourself to exceptional Italian food and wine
- Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi
$2,850.00
Via Francigena
Lucca to Rome – Via Francigena
- Explore medieval Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena and Rome
- Relax in the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni
- Enjoy views of the Chianti region from Monteriggioni
- Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia
$5,990.00
Via Francigena
Lucca to Siena – Via Francigena
- Walk the stunning Tuscan countryside
- Enjoy Italian wine tasting and regional specialities
- Explore the medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
- View the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
$2,395.00
Via Francigena
Lucca to Siena Group Trip – Via Francigena
- Walk self-guided with the support of likeminded travellers
- Hike through stunning Tuscan landscapes
- Indulge in the traditional Italian food and wine
- Explore themedieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
$2,795.00
Via Francigena
Montefiascone to Rome – Via Francigena
- Explore Etruscan villages and historical sites
- Indulge in local cheeses, olive oil and famous wine
- Walk the ancient streets of Viterbo
- Explore the Roman Amphitheatre of Sutri
$1,995.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed