length

24 Days

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

trip cost

From $5595 pp

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length

24 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $5595 pp

Self-Guided Trip

our walk expert

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Overview

Lucca to Rome

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 trip from Lucca to Rome, is a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. Beautiful trails through the countryside, vineyards and forests lead you to ancient churches, monasteries and medieval villages (often on hilltops). At the end of each day reward yourself with a tasting of Italy’s gastronomic delights and world-class wine! Buon Viaggio!

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Plaza of a Tuscan hilltop town at night with clear blue sky

Highlights

get ready for

  • Tuscan countryside in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury
  • Indulge in traditional, home-made Italian dishes
  • Vineyards and olive groves. Watch farmers harvesting their crops
  • Medieval UNESCO towns of Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena and Rome
  • Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, an UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
  • Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia
  • Accommodation chosen for warm hospitality, unique character or location

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Itinerary

Daily Details

Week 1: Lucca to Siena
Day 1: Arrive Lucca

Your journey begins in the captivating city of Lucca. We recommend you arrive early to allow enough time to explore its Romanesque churches, Renaissance sculptures and splendid gardens. Take a walk or bike ride around the tree-lined, red-brick walls that contain this elegant city for views over the Apuan Alps. Lucca’s duomo, Cattedrale di San Martino, is well worth a visit, as is the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. Dinner is on your own – there are many dining options to choose from.

Overnight: Lucca

Day 2: Train from Lucca to San Miniato

This morning you have some more time to enjoy Lucca before making your way by train to San Miniato (approx, 1 hour 15 minutes. Take some time this afternoon to discover why this town is considered one of the pearls of the Via Francigena. The seminary, from which the main square takes its name, has a unique facade; take a stroll past it in the evening when it is illuminated. This evening you may like to enjoy the local speciality of risotto with white truffle.

Overnight: San Miniato

Meals: B

Day 3: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (25km, 7 hours)

Today’s walk is gently undulating and takes you on a paved road from San Miniato through to olive groves, past vineyards and farmland crossing typical countryside of the Val d’Elsa. Along the way you will pass Pieve di Coiano, a parish church thought to have been built before 1000AD. The church is particularly significant due to a visit by Archbishop Sigeric on his journey from Canterbury to Rome.

The last half of the walk ventures along the top of rolling Tuscan hills with fantastic views of rustic farmhouses, fields of wheat, sunflowers and vineyards. As you near the town of Gambassi Terme you will pass Pieve a Chianni (the church of Santa Maria), a lovely Romanesque church that has been restored and is now a ostello (hostel). You will stop for the night in Gambassi Terme, a town known for its thermal baths and the thermal springs found in the area.

781m ascent, 654m descent

Overnight: Gambassi Terme

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (18km, 6 hours)

Leaving behind the quaint village of Gambassi Terme, the trail today will take you along country roads, passing more vineyards and olive trees into sections of lush green forest. Keep your eye out for remnants of ancient Roman roads. Cypress lined paths with beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills either side of you lead to the town of Pancole, dominated by the Santuario di Pancole (Sanctuary of Pancole). Continuing on you will come across the working monastery of Pieve di Cellole. It is set amongst lovely grounds with panoramic views over the countryside. If a mass is not being held, you can visit the church and purchase some of the local farm produce or pottery. Even though you will be walking alongside the road as you approach San Gimignano, the views remain captivating as you look toward this evocative hilltop town where you will stay for the night.

595m ascent, 540m descent

Overnight: San Gimignano

Meals: B

Day 5: San Gimignano to Gracciano (21km, 6 hours)

Leaving the fairy tale village of San Gimignano this morning, the Via Francigena takes you along quiet, local roads, through farmland and a number of forested sections. The terrain can be uneven at times with tree roots and rocky sections, particularly on the forest trails. The trail meets and follows a stream with the clearest water, offering a place to swim during the warmer months. A detour worth taking today is to see the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Conèo; a Romanesque church built around the year 1,000 and located in the lovely surrounds of the Colle di Val d’Elsa. Some of the areas you are walking through today and tomorrow were once underwater. If you look carefully, some sections of road have shell fossils embedded in them.

209m ascent, 204m descent

Overnight: Gracciano

Meals: B

Day 6: Gracciano to Monteriggioni (13km, 4 hours)

From Gracciano you will walk along one of the more beautiful sections of the Via Francigena. Today’s highlights include Pieve a Elsa and the ancient Etruscan thermae (thermal pools) of Caldane. Continuing on you will be able to admire the facade of the Pieve di Strove and Abbadia a Isola, a resting place for Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury on his pilgrimage. There is no mistaking Monteriggioni as you approach. The small village is perched on a hilltop and is enclosed by medieval walls and 14 striking towers that make quite an impact on the landscape. Explore the narrow streets with its ring of vegetable gardens, houses and the Piazza Roma at the centre. Make sure you climb up on one of the walls to take in the view.

132m ascent, 57m descent

Overnight: Monteriggioni

Meals: B

Day 7: Monteriggioni to Siena (20km, 6 hours)

After breakfast, depart Monteriggioni on dirt roads through the Montagnola Sense, a hilly area of the region passing through the now deserted medieval village of Cerbaia. The trail today is gently undulating along wide gravel country roads lined with the iconic cypress pine. The landscape consists of large expanses of open, rolling hills dotted with castles, farms and forests; land that has seen many legendary battles between Siena and Florence.

After a meditative walk through the Renai forest, you will pass through the Porta Camollia, the traditional pilgrims’ entrance to the epic town of Siena. Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The town explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo. The striking Duomo is jam-packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. This evening take the opportunity to walk the cobblestone streets of this vibrant town before soaking up the atmosphere of Piazza del Campo over a glass of prosecco and antipasto.

224m ascent, 245m descent

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B, L

Week 2: Siena to Acqupendente
Day 8: Siena at leisure

Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The town explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo. The striking Duomo is jam packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. Today is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelatarias – the choice is endless!

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B

Day 9: Siena to Lucignano (21km, 7 hours)

Today your journey takes you along the crests of the Val d’Arbia offering unforgettable views. The typical dirt country roads continue to lead you along the Via Francigena to the fortified village of Lucignano. Monteroni d’Arbia sits on the Via Francigena and was an agricultural centre for the Republic of Siena. At its borders is Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm. Evidence of a ‘spedale’ existing here in the 12th-century would have given assistance to merchants and pilgrims on the Via Francigena which passed through the nearby town of Arbia. Lucignano is known for its unique town planning where its streets spiral inwards to the heart of the village, the square of Tribunal where the 16th-century Collegiata church and town hall sit. Spend some time exploring the narrow streets and the treasures this village has hidden away.

307m ascent, 467m descent

Overnight: Lucignano

Meals: B

Day 10: Lucignano to Buonconvento (14km, 5 hours)

Your walk along the Via Francigena today takes you through the Valle dell’Ombrone – a valley of woods, Mediterranean scrub and farmland. The Ombrone river weaves its way amongst the landscape, isolated monuments and historic towns. The trail is predominantly along wide, gravel or grassy country roads.

Arriving in Buonconvento, you will enter this small, historic town via a walled gateway. 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.

307m ascent, 467m descent

Overnight: Buonconvento

Meals: B

DAY 11: Buonconvento to San Quiroco d’Orcia (21km, 7 hours)

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

Day 12: San Quiroco d’Orcia to Castiglione d’Orcia (9km, 3 hours)

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

Day 13: Castiglione d’Orcia to Radicofani (25km, 7 hours)

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 10km away! You will spend your evening in a lovely Tuscan country house just outside of Radicofani, where you will receive a warm welcome and cosy 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

Day 14: Radicofani to Acqupendente (18km, 6 hours)

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

Week 3: Acqupendente to Campagnano di Roma
Day 15: Acqupendente to Bolsena (23km, 7 hours)

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

Day 16: Bolsena at leisure

Today is yours to relax or further explore the lovely town of Bolsena. 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.

Overnight: Bolsena

Meals: B

Day 17: Bolsena to Montefiascone (17km, 6 hours)

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.

607m ascent, 374m descent

Overnight: Montefiascone

Meals: B

Day 18: Montefiascone to Viterbo (18km, 7 hours)

This morning after breakfast, you make your way from Montefiascone and along a plain that segregates Lake Bolsena from the Cimini Mountains. You may chose to spend some time soaking up the hot spring waters at Bagnaccio thermal pools as the Romans once did, before continuing on to Viterbo, a well-preserved historic town founded by the Etruscans. Amble through the narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval quarter to the well photographed Piazza Pellegrino then on to Piazza San Lorenzo where you will find the gothic cathedral and Palazzo dei Papi – the location for papal elections in the 12th-century. Viterbo is the ideal setting for medieval movies and film crews are a frequent sight here. This evening find a cosy restaurant to enjoy some pizza and local wine – your host will know a good one!

607m ascent, 374m descent

Overnight: Viterbo

Meals: B

Day 19: Viterbo to Vetralla (17km, 6 hours)

You depart Viterbo via Piazza San Lorenzo and the city walls. To make your way to the outskirts of town, you will follow a section of road built by the Etruscans known as “hollow roads”. This road is recognisable as it is carved into the surrounding rock/hill creating a natural, walled road. The Etruscans used these roads to transport produce from the farms into the city. The trail merges from paved country lanes to dirt roads, through olive groves and agricultural fields. You will pass through an area called “Masse dio San Sisto”, an area well known for its thermal springs. It was here that aristocrats built their villas to benefit from the healing properties of the mineral waters underground. Arriving at your accommodation you have time to relax in the lovely gardens before dinner.

326m ascent, 387m descent

Overnight: Vetralla

Meals: B, D

Day 20: Vetralla to Sutri via Capranica (24-27km, 8 hours)

A long hike is ahead of you today but the route is interesting and scenic. After walking through the outskirts of town, you will spend much of your time on tranquil stretches of forest and country trails that pass through meadows and hazelnut groves. Etruscan ruins are dotted throughout the landscape. En route you will come across the delightful village of Capranica. You will enter through the main gateway and amble along a cobblestone street, past churches, a bell tower and locals going about their business in the alleyways off the main street. There is a short, steep descent down the village stone walls and you continue to travel on a a beautiful forest trail beside a creek until the trail meanders out of the forest and arrives at the pretty town of Sutri. Holding a strategic location in the region, Sutri was occupied by both the Etruscans and the Romans. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, thought to have been carved from volcanic ‘tuff’ rock in the 1st century, and the nearby Etruscan Necropolis that has tombs cut into the rock.

424m ascent, 435m descent

Overnight: Sutri

Meals: B, L

Day 21: Sutri to Campagnano di Roma (24.5km, 7 hours)

More hazelnut and olive groves await you today as you travel along the Via Francigena towards Campagnano di Roma. You initially encounter vast farmland and cornfields with the occasional flock of grazing sheep overseen by a shepherd or loyal dog. The trail takes you to the quaint town of Monterosi which is a good place to stop for lunch. Leaving the town behind, the road leads you to a forested regional park where you will come across the Monte Gelato waterfalls and a 19th-century watermill and villa. This is a good place to stop for a rest and a swim in warm weather. Your walking day ends as the town of Campagnano looms up ahead of you. A short, steep ascent leads you to the hilltop town and your accommodation for the night.

It is possible to shorten today’s walk to 15km (5 hours) with a transfer.

359m ascent, 375m descent

Overnight: Campagnano di Roma

Meals: B

Week 4: Campagnano di Roma to Rome
Day 22: Campagnano di Roma to Isola Farnese (20km, 6 hours)

There are steep hills to navigate on your way out of Campagnano today. The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorba occupies one of the hill-tops overlooking the Sorba valley that you will pass on your way and makes for a good photo stop. The trail does flatten out in sections but it is predominantly hilly and undulating. The route takes you through quiet country roads, typical Roman countryside and the ‘Parco Naturale di Veio’ to the charming village of Formello. A highlight of the day is the Etruscan ruins of Veii, once one of the most important and richest Etruscan cities outside of Rome. Many archaeological excavations in this area have unearthed tombs, aqua tunnels, graves, pottery and weaponry.

451m ascent, 636m descent

Overnight: Isola Farnese

Meals: B

Day 23: Transfer from Isola Farnese to the Via Appia Antica. Hike into Rome (14km, 4 hours)

Today you will be transferred to the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way) to enjoy a beautiful walk on the historic cobblestone road leading to Rome. Despite the Via Francigena route into Rome travelling through two parks, it is mainly along busy and noisy roads in the outer suburbs of Rome and thus we believe that the Via Appia Antica option is a much more pleasant experience for our guests.

The Via Appia Antica (312 BC) was the vision of Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman politician, and extended over 600km from Rome to the port town of Brindisi. The ancient highway helped trade thrive and also served as an important way for the Roman army to move supplies within the empire. The Via Appia Antica is also where Spartacus and 6,000 rebel slaves met their demise when they were crucified here in 71 BC.

Today the cobblestone road is smooth, having been worn down over the centuries by merchants, pilgrims, emperors and great Roman armies. Take your time as you stroll this ancient road, shaded by pines and surrounded by remnants of a different time. Impressive, ornamental gates give suggestion to the grand villas hidden behind them and are a reminder that the Via Appia Antica predominantly ran through the wealthy suburbs of Rome. The section that you will walk along today is through the Parco dell’Appia Antica, a park that protects and conserves the ruins and monuments within.

There are many sites that you can explore (some entry fees may apply), and highlights include the 300km of underground catacombs where early Christians buried their dead, ruins of villas, aqueducts, a circus maximus where chariot races were held, and a Roman bath complex.

Upon reaching the tourist information office, you can chose to take a bus or taxi into the city and your hotel for the night.

Overnight: Rome

Meals: B

Day 24: Depart Rome

Your trip ends today but we highly recommend spending some time in the Eternal City to visit iconic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. A testimonium can be obtained from the Vatican and it is a wonderful place to end your pilgrimage.

Meals: B

 

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Explore

Lucca

The captivating city of Lucca is a jewel in Tuscany’s crown. It mesmerises with its intact Renaissance walls embracing a labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Its historic piazzas boast architectural splendour while hidden trattorias tease with sumptuous Tuscan flavours.

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San Miniato

The hilltop town of San Miniato is ridiculously gorgeous and offers an enticing blend of cultural heritage, stunning vistas and gastronomic delights. The medieval town is perched atop three small hills, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, vineyards and olive groves. It’s famous for its white truffle festival held every November.

Gambassi Terme

The lovely hill town of Gambassi Terme is famous for its thermal baths, archeological ruins and medieval churches. As well as classic traditional Tuscan products like Chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil, Gambassi also offers a delicious bounty of cheeses to taste.

San Gimignano

The fairytale hilltop town of San Gimignano is encircled by 13th-century walls and an eye-catching skyline of 14 medieval towers that soar above the cobbled streets. The towers have earned the village the nickname ‘Medieval Manhattan’.

Gracciano

From the village of Gracciano you walk along one of the more beautiful sections of the Via Francigena. Highlights include Pieve a Elsa and the ancient Etruscan thermae (thermal pools) of Caldane. Continuing on you will be able to admire the facade of the Pieve di Strove and Abbadia a Isola, a resting place for Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury on his pilgrimage.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is one of the oldest, most memorable and recognisable villages in all of Italy. This splendid medieval walled village has 14 striking towers that make quite an impact on the landscape. In the early 1300s, Dante compared its towers to infernal giants. A full circuit of the walls runs to just 570m and you can walk much of it, admiring the view out to the Chianti and Val d’Elsa, over olive groves and vines.

Siena

The vibrant town of Siena is situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills. It is bursting with art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques and gelatarias. Walk the cobblestone streets before soaking up the atmosphere of Piazza del Campo with a glass of Prosecco and a delicious antipasto.

Lucignano

The small fortified village of Lucignano is one of the most extraordinary examples of medieval town planning. Its streets spiral inwards to reach the heart of the village: the square of Tribunal, which is overlooked by the Town Hall, and the the 16th-century Collegiata church.

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.

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.

Viterbo

Film crews are a frequent sight in the pretty medieval Viterbo. The town dates all the way back to the time of the Etruscans and had its golden age during the Middle Ages. Viterbo was chosen as the papal residence in the 13th century. Today, its old town is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in Italy.

Vetralla

Vetralla sits on the slope of Mount Fogliano at the crossroads of three important Roman roads – via Cassia, via Clodio, and via Aurelia. Local legend says that Vetralla dates back to the Biblical figure of Noah, who ran the Ark aground here.

Sutri

The pretty town of Sutri was occupied by both the Etruscans and the Romans. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, thought to have been carved from volcanic ‘tuff’ rock in the 1st-century, and the nearby Etruscan Necropolis that has tombs cut into the rock.

Campagnano di Roma

The pretty hilltop town of Campagnano di Roma retains its atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A strategic point on the route to and from Rome, Campagnano is crossed by the Via Amerina and the Via Francigena, which sees its last stop here before reaching Rome.

Rome

Rome is one of the world’s great cities and it’s truly magical, even with the crowds! The Eternal City blends ancient wonders and modern vibrancy. Immerse yourself in unparalleled history amid iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City and indulge in the capital’s fascinating and eclectic food scene.

Inclusions

What's included

Included
  • 23 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels, family-run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
  • Breakfast daily, 2 packed lunches, 3 dinners
  • Luggage transfers on walking days
  • Pilgrims passport
  • Exclusive RAW Travel navigation app
  • 24-hour emergency support in Italy
  • Arrival transfer from San Miniato–Fucecchio train station to your hotel on day 2
  • Wine tasting in San Gimignano
  • Transfers on Day 14 from accommodation to Radicofani and Centeno to Ponte Gregoriano
  • Transfer to Via Appia Antica on day 23
  • Pre-trip planning and advice, including training
Excluded
  • Single supplement $1800
  • Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable
  • Lunches and dinners not included above
  • City taxes (to be paid locally)
  • Flights
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Exclusive Guide

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.

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Lucca to Buonconvento - Via Francigena
Marie van Gend, Via Francigena
Wildflowers on the Via Francigena Trail
Via Francigena village
Grant Mills, Via Francigena
Via Francigena Viterbo to Rome0009
Via Francigena Rome
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Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Trip of a lifetime! Enjoyed walking in the Tuscan countryside. Very happy with the quality of the accommodation. The mapping App was an excellent tool – we found it easy to set up and use.

Carol Hogan Baker Margate (QLD) – October 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Trip of a lifetime with myriad experiences. Enjoyed the slow travel – walking each day to a new destination.

Marie van Gend, Port Macquarie (NSW) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Excellent experience! We have travelled on self-guided trips with you to Spain (Camino), Japan (Nakasendo Way) and now Italy (Via Francigena). We have been very happy with what you have offered and have recommended RAW to others. We appreciated the flexibility RAW offered in extra days to rest and explore.

Kate Rayment, Glebe (NSW) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Fantastic experience! Enjoyed the ease of planning which stages to walk, followed by actually walking the stages. Accommodation from start to finish was excellent!

Nicole Young, Kedron (QLD) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Challenging and deeply rewarding. Enjoyed the sense of endlessness and freedom.

Grant Mills, Port Macquarie (NSW) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Enjoyed the countryside, landscapes and historical towns. A challenging and rewarding experience.

Michael Rayment, Glebe (NSW) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Challenging experience – great people, beautiful scenery and lovely food.

Susan Sinclair, Canberra (ACT) - May 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Absolutely delighted with this experience, including the many varied walking trails and landscapes.

Linda Graham, Newcastle (NSW) - May 2023

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Via Francigena and Italy

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Buonconvento to Montefiascone – Via Francigena

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  • Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
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TRIP date selection

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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

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