Italy — 1,000 km — 40–45 days
Via Francigena
From the Alpine passes to the eternal city. Walk through Tuscany’s rolling hills, medieval towns, and arrive at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The Via Francigena is the pilgrimage that built Europe. First documented by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury in 990 AD, it connected the courts and cathedrals of northern Europe to the seat of Christendom in Rome. Today, it offers an intimate journey through some of Italy’s most beautiful and least touristed landscapes.
Beginning at the Great St Bernard Pass on the Swiss-Italian border, the route descends through the Aosta Valley and crosses the Po Plain before climbing into the Apennines. The Tuscan stretch is the jewel — rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns like San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena. The final days take you through Lazio’s quieter countryside before the dome of St Peter’s appears on the horizon. Unlike the Camino, you will often have the path to yourself.
The Route
Stage by Stage
Great St Bernard Pass to Vercelli
A dramatic descent from the Alps into the fertile Aosta Valley. Walk through chestnut forests, past Roman ruins, and across the misty rice paddies of the Po Plain.
Vercelli to Fidenza
Cross the wide, flat Po Valley. The walking is gentle and the stops are rewarding — Pavia’s Carthusian monastery and the Romanesque cathedral at Fidenza are highlights.
Fidenza to Siena
Over the Cisa Pass and into Tuscany. The landscape transforms into the iconic rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. Arrive in Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo.
Siena to Bolsena
Through the Val d’Orcia — perhaps the most photographed landscape in Italy. Past thermal springs at Bagno Vignoni and into the volcanic lake country of northern Lazio.
Bolsena to Rome
The final approach to the Eternal City. Through Viterbo’s medieval quarter, across the Roman campagna, and at last — St Peter’s Square.
Your Package
What's Included
Included
- All accommodation pre-booked (agriturismos, family hotels, and historic guesthouses)
- Daily luggage transfers between stops
- Detailed route notes with GPS waypoints
- Testimonium (official Via Francigena certificate)
- Welcome pack with regional food and wine guide
- 24/7 local support phone line
- Transfer from Geneva or Milan airport to start point
Not Included
- Flights to/from Italy or Switzerland
- Daily meals (breakfast typically included)
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending money
Walk through the heart of Italy.
Tell us your dates, your pace, and any special requirements. We will build a personalised itinerary just for you.
Plan My Via Francigena