100k road to Rome, hiking along the Via Francigena
Experience Nature, Culture, History and Spirituality along the final section of the Pilgrims Path
The way to Rome, Via Francigena (or Via Romea) led the pathway from Canterbury (UK) to Rome (Italy) and was one of the most important routes in European history for 7 centuries. A thousand years later the interest and devotion was reawakened, alongside a desire for unity in Europe.
From volcanic ridges, lakes and gorges to hazelnut forests and white wine, witness a multitude of churches and villages, an amphitheatre, necropolis and fortress. Feast on local culinary delights and stay in welcoming, family run accommodation.
We offer this as an 8 day self guided walking tour
or a shorter trip to take in the city of Rome.
March to October
Self Guided
Duration: 8 days
Grading: Moderate/Challenging
Nearest Airport: Perugia, Rome or Florence
Starting point: Orvieto
Dog friendly
Days 1 - 2
Arrival in Montefiascone (Lazio, central Italy), a stunning hill top location overlooking the Bolsena lake. Wander around the medieval monuments and churches in this Papel town.
Descend into Viterbo, stopping at old drinking fountains along the way before dining in one of the many restaurants.
Days 3 - 4
Explore the hollow roads and immerse yourself in the typical Etruscan countryside along the way to Vetralla, where dinner is included at the accommodation.
A longer day walking along the side of a volcano, (the crater used to be occupied by Lake Vico).Continue through the countryside to reach the tiny village of Capranica. From here you walk down to a tuff gorge by following the stream – a very striking track. Upon arrival at your accommodation in Sutri you can enjoy a nice dinner.
Days 5 - 6
The first section of the route moves across fields and open countryside until Monterosi, where you reach the Monte Gelato waterfalls – a park where you can rest and have a bath! Then you walk along a panoramic excavated street leading to the Campagnano doors.
n.b. To shorten the day’s walk it is possible to pre-arrange a morning transfer to the picturesque village of Monterosi, from where you walk to Campagnano di Roma.
The day’s excursion is along the Roman countryside. The itinerary is quite flat with dirt roads or country trails, with some hills during the final section. The stream crossing could be difficult in adverse conditions.
Days 7 - 8
After breakfast, you set off for the last leg of your modern day ‘pilgrimage’ along the Via Francigena to Rome. Walk the final 22k to Rome or take public transport if you prefer to maximise your time there. Part of the walk to the city is through the Insugherata park, a beautiful natural reserve on the outskirts of the bustling city.
As you approach the ‘Eternal City’ you can stop for a triumphant photograph at the Monte Mario Belvedere. From here you can see a glimpse of the famous dome of Saint Peter’s, before descending to Piazza San Pietro, your end point and that of many pilgrims throughout the centuries. Discover the city’s magnificent history, monuments and archaeology, treat yourself to amazing restaurants and traditional cuisine.
Arrivederci Rome! The trip ends after breakfast, unless you want to pre-book an extra in night in Rome or other Italian destination.
Read about the northern section of the Via Francigena here.
Need To Know
Accommodation
All accommodation is carefully selected based on the location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 3* hotels, farmhouses (agriturismo) and B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathrooms. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the change.
Extra stays: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodation along the way.
What’s included
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Packed lunches
- Optional half board on request
- Luggage transfers
- 1:50 000 map, GPS coordinates and information guide
Throughout the trip there are plenty opportunities to taste both the great local food and a wide array of prestigious wines of the region.
Guides
This is a SELF GUIDED trip, however should you prefer to have the expertise of an International Mountain Leader then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We adopt an excellent guiding ratio meaning we can cater for differing levels within the group:
One Guide: 1 – 7 clients
Two Guides: 8 – 14 clients
Booking and Price
1/3/2024 – 22/3/2024. 1/7/2024 – 25/8/2024
Single Room €1183
Double / Twin Room €755 pp
Triple Room €669 pp
23/3/2024 – 30/6/2024 26/8/2024 – 31/10/2024
Single Room €1215
Double / Twin Room €777 pp
Triple Room €684 pp
We manage every booking independently to ensure attention to detail and provide a personalised service.Triple Room €662 pp
Dog friendly €11 per day