length
8 Days
difficulty
Moderate - Challenging
trip cost
from $1780 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
get ready for
- Explore Etruscan villages and historical sites
- Indulge in locally produced cheese, olive oil and famous wine
- Olive and hazelnut groves. Watch farmers harvesting their crops*
- Ancient streets of Viterbo, once a favourite residence of medieval popes
- The stone Roman amphitheatre and tombs carved into volcanic rock in Sutri
- Take a walk through history as you traverse the Via Appia Antica into Rome
Itinerary
Daily Details
Your journey begins in the papel town of Montefiascone. Located on top of a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, this town is also 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. Dinner is on your own tonight and there are many restaurants to choose from.
Overnight: Montefiascone
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. Take some time to 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
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
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, Surtri 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
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. Reward yourself with a home made pasta dish and glass of wine.
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
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
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 B.C.) 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 B.C.
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, a restored monastery.
Overnight: Rome
Meals: B
Your tour 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
Recommended additional nights: Rome
Map
Explore
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.
CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
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?
- 7 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels, family run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
- Breakfast daily, 1 picnic lunch, 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers on walking days
- Pilgrims passport
- Electronic Destination Guide and Trek Training guide
- GPS Map navigation app and comprehensive electronic walk notes and maps
- 24-hour emergency support in Italy
- Transfer to Via Appia Antica Day 7
- Single supplement $630
- Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable
- Lunch and dinners not outlined in the itinerary
- City taxes (to be paid locally)
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Train tickets
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.
Italy
Buonconvento to Montefiascone – Via Francigena
- Tuscan countryside and the distinctive Val d’Orcia landscape
- Traditional Italian dishes and locally-produced, world-class wines
- Explore charming, medieval UNESCO listed villages
- Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, an UNESCO World Heritage site
$1,730.00
Italy
Lucca to Buonconvento – Via Francigena
- Indulge in the traditional dishes of Tuscany and enjoy a wine tasting
- Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
- Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
- Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi, identifiable by its ochre-tinged soil
$2,730.00
Italy
Lucca to Rome – Via Francigena
- Explore Medieval UNESCO towns of Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena and Rome
- Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni
- Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
- Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia
$5,870.00
Italy
Lucca to Siena – Via Francigena
- Walk the Tuscan countryside in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury
- Enjoy wine tasting and traditional dishes of Tuscany
- Explore the medieval UNESCO towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
- Views of Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
$2,250.00
Italy
Lucca to Siena Group Trip – Via Francigena
- Traverse spectacular Tuscan countryside through vineyards and olive groves
- Indulge in the traditional dishes of Tuscany and enjoy a wine tasting
- Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
- Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
$2,495.00
Italy
Dolomites Circular Trek
- Best of the central and eastern Dolomites
- Spectacular Cinque Torri and WWI trenches
- Italian hospitality and local specialities
- Walk with an experienced International Mountain Leader
$4,090.00
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