eBiking from Siena to Rome 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. The ride follows mostly well asphalted country roads and secondary roads.
We offer this as an 9 day self guided eBike tour
April to October
Self Guided
Duration: 9 days
Grading: Moderate/Challenging
Nearest Airport, start: Bologna (BLQ), Pisa (PSA) or Florence (FLR)
Nearest Airport, finish: train to above or Rome (FCO/CIA)
Starting point: Siena
Days 1 - 2
Start in Siena, one of the most beautiful towns along the Francigena. Famous for its palio, spend the day walking through its paved streets, looking for coats-of-arms on the walls of the contradas, or climbing the Torre del Mangia to enjoy a unique view over the roofs of the town. Visit the duomo or witness a contrada festival before sitting down at a table in Piazza del Campo. Enjoy a plate of pici all’aglione whilst admiring the illuminated Palazzo Pubblico.
The Crests of the Val d’Arbia offer unforgettable views, resting on the hills on the horizon. Travel along the typical dirt roads of Siena as far as the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine Church. At the gates of Monteroni d’Arbia, admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna – a fortified farm which stored reserves of wheat, destined for Siena.
From Lucignano continue your journey through the Valle dell’Ombrone to Buonconvento. Crossing the gate of the walls and entering the old town centre of the village, discover why its name means “happy fortunate place”. Jump on your bicycle towards San Quirico over dirt and asphalt roads, alongside beautiful views of Val D’Orcia, scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. Arriving at the gates of the Collegiata in San Quirico, stand enchanted and try to recognise the various architectural styles, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the Horti Leonini, a fifteenth century garden.
650m ascent, 490m descent
Days 3 - 4
Continue across the fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia: just beyond San Quirico and enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto enjoying a reinvigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni.
Test your strength with a short but demanding leg taking you as far as Radicofani: stick it out, because admiring the view from the Radicofani fortress will be worth your efforts. Visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a jewel dating back to the thirteenth century, and take an evening walk in the old town centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress.
650/650m ascent, 455/650m descent
From Radicofani travel towards one of the most exciting sections of the Via Francigena. Leave the fortress behind you, journeying along the old Via Cassia, surrounded by scenery of infinite hills dominated by Monte Amiata. Walk in silence in the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, to where stones bathed in the blood of Christ are supposed to have been kept.
A gentle approach to the first views of Lake Bolsena, from here descend into a volcanic crater and continue along dirt tracks, alternating thick woods with meadows scattered with olive trees, to Bolsena. If you are curious to see proof of the miracle of the Corpus Domini, some marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a Host in the thirteen century are stored in the Cappella del Miracolo. Or taste the products offered by the lake, such as the Sbroscia – a typical soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.
620/840m ascent, 610/610m descent
Days 5 - 6
Continue through woods and olive groves, with constant views of the lake. Cross an area famous for extra virgin olive oil, tasting it on a piece of fragrant local bread before arriving in Montefiascone. Climb up to the Rocca for boundless views. Go to a typical wine bar to taste a glass of Est!Est!!Est!!! – even better here because it is km zero.
Spoil yourself at Bagnaccio, recharging your batteries in its thermal water spas before arriving in Viterbo, the end point. In honour of the trip, visit the picturesque pilgrim’s quarter, before admiring the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and enjoying the silence of the Longobard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. End on a sweet note, celebrating with delicious local frittellacce!
545m ascent, 420m descent
Continue towards Vetralla, a town in the heart of the ancient Etrurian territory, and through green countryside to Sutri – a small town rich in attractions. From the Roman amphitheatre to the church of Santa Maria del Parto, the tufo walls are decorated in well preserved frescoes. Look for the group of pilgrims among the images, depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand.
420m ascent, 510m descent
Days 7 - 9
Onwards to Campagnano and the Formello. Flank the Mount Gelato Waterfalls and stop for a reinvigorating dip. A panoramic road of the Veio Nature Park brings you to the gates of Campagnano to rest in Venturi Park. This is the home of a three-hundred year old Yew tree, named the “Tree of Death” – but don’t worry, you can relax in its shade without issue! Enter the enchanting Valle del Sorbo, admiring the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo and later at Formello, admiring its medieval buildings.
534m ascent, 590m descent
Back on the saddle for the last leg to the Eternal City, along the countryside of Lazio, crossing a brief section of the metropolis to reach the cycle path of River Tevere. This enchanting path leads you to the gates of the Vatican City, where you will end your journey in St.Peter’s Square.
Don’t forget to take triumphant photographs in front of the Basilica, before celebrating with spring lamb, pecorino romano cheese, and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream… you earned it!
155m ascent, 280m descent
The trip ends after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights or other optional services with us.
eBike Information
A bike to allow everybody to enjoy a day pedaling. Kalkhoff’s frames join forces with Bosch’s engines to give you a bike with top level reliability, amazing performances and incredible comfort. The electric engines powered by rechargeable batteries allow you to travel up to 120 km, so that you’ll never be let down.
- Engine: Neodrives Z20 Pedelec, 36 V / 250 W
- Display: LCD with Bluetooth
- Battery: Neodrives Integrated Li-Ion 36V, 13,8 Ah (500 Wh)
- Anti-puncture tires with reflectant bands and front and rear lights
- Rear rack (carrying up to 25 kg)
Race, Hybrid and Trekking bikes also available
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
- 8 Nights in selected B&Bs, hotels and agriturismo
- 8 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Bike delivery to Siena + bike fitting service, theft insurance and collection from Rome
- Luggage transfer DAY 2 to DAY 8 (one piece per person, supplements apply)
- Detailed information pack, route notes, pls tracks, phone holder
- 24/7 telephone support
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
1/8/2023 – 23/8/2023 & 1/10/2023 – 31/10/2023
Single Room solo traveller €1,975
Single Room with group €1608
Double / Twin Room €1286 pp
Triple Room €1180 pp
1/4/2023 – 31/7/2023 & 24/8/2023 – 24/8/2023 – 30/9/2023
Single Room solo traveller €2018
Single Room with group €1650
Double / Twin Room €1,303 pp
Triple Room €1186 pp
eBike hire + 1 x rear bag + odometer + repair kit +lock + phone holder €245pp
Hybrid bike + extras €135pp
Helmets available free of charge on request.
We manage every booking independently to ensure attention to detail and provide a personalised service.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions (updated November 2020) – All trips are sold subject to these Terms and Conditions (hereinafter T&Cs).
1. Insurance
All clients need to be adequately insured for all activities they are taking part in. Insurance must include repatriation and details should be provided at the beginning of each trip.
All European clients should obtain a European Health insurance card (EHIC), however, this is not a substitute for travel insurance.
2. Health and fitness
Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. In order to assist with this, all trips are graded and we welcome the opportunity to discuss trip details/answer questions in advance of your reservation. Trip members must be in sufficiently good health to undertake the trip, and if unsure seek medical advice in advance. For your own safety, you need to inform us of any medical conditions in advance or at the start of the trip. Trip members are also required to bring adequate clothing/equipment as advised in the pre-departure information.
3. Dietary Requirements
We endeavor to work with clients and accommodate their dietary requirements. However such is the nature of adventure travel we may be limited to specific menus e.g remote Mountain Huts, Tea Houses in the Himalaya’s etc. We fully encourage you to contact us in advance to discuss your requirements then we have every opportunity to explore options thereafter.
4. Cancellations and Fee Schedule Per Person
91 days or more prior to departure – €250 cancellation fee
61 – 90 days before departure – 25% of the trip cost
46 – 60 days before departure – 50% of the trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Fees are calculated from the date we receive written cancellation notice which can be via email. If clients are unable to access email and cancel over the phone we will confirm in writing the cancellation.
If you cancel 91 days or more prior to departure, it may be possible to transfer to another trip without occurring any fees. Please discuss this with us in the first instance.
With specific departures, there may be an increase in cancellation fee if the accommodation provider T & Cs mean we are liable for payment.
4.1 Cancellation due to COVID travel restrictions.
If your chosen destination country or the country where you reside have restrictions in place due to COVID, meaning you are unable to travel, you have three options:
4.11 Postpone your trip until a later date.
4.12 Take a credit note and use against a future trip with LBH.
4.13 Request a full refund.
If any other reasons prevent you from travelling, including quarantine measures then our normal (4) T&Cs will apply. We recommend that you check with your travel insurance provider to fully understand your level of cover.
5. Complaints
If you have a complaint, please contact us as soon as possible, in the first instance your leader is often your obvious point of contact. This ensures we have every opportunity to explores solutions to the problem(s) arising and we will do all we reasonably can to resolve the complaint. You must tell us within 4 weeks after your holiday of any complaints that you feel have not been dealt with properly.
6. Alterations By Us
We will tell you as soon as reasonably possible if we must make any alteration to your holiday. Most alterations are minor, but very occasionally we might have to make a major alteration. A major alteration is a change of location or to a lower standard of accommodation for a substantial part of your holiday, a change in start/finish dates or necessary price rise in your holiday caused by rises in costs (e.g. exchange rates, internal transport etc). You may then choose as follows:
- To accept these alterations
- To withdraw from the holiday, in which case we will repay all monies paid to us including your deposit and this is the sum of our liability to you
- To accept an alternative holiday that we may propose to you, in which case if the proposed holiday is a lower price we will pay you the difference and if it is a higher price we may ask for the difference.
You must inform us of your choice as soon as possible after we contact you.
7. Group Leadership
On a guided holiday your leader is responsible for the safety and enjoyment of the whole group and has sole discretion, on behalf of Live Breathe Hike, to exclude temporarily a participant from the group. They may also choose to terminate the participants holiday without the possibility of a refund if the leader thinks the participant is likely to endanger the group safety or spoil its enjoyment.
8. Your Responsibility
Mountain holidays by their very nature are adventurous, with a certain level of risk is undertaken. Individuals need to conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner at all times; responding to advice, guidance, and instruction that may be given by the group leader / experienced professional and take all reasonable actions to eliminate accidents or injury.
9. Our Responsibilities
We will take all reasonable care to ensure that the information we give to you is accurate, including on our website, in your schedule and information pack. We will do all that we can to provide the service as described in the information we give to you. We are not liable if any failure is:
- Attributable to anyone other than us
- Attributable to a third party unconnected to us, and unforeseeable or unavoidable
- Due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and could not have been avoided even if all due care had been taken
- Due to an event which even with all due care we could not foresee or forestall
10. Cancellation By Us
Live Breathe Hike reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient signup or logistics problems that may impede trip operations. The refund of all land payments received shall relate Live Breathe Hike from any further liability.
Live Breathe Hike must normally make substantial payments to its suppliers far in advance of the scheduled trip departure date. If a trip is canceled due to force majeure; (acts of God, war, strikes, earthquake, flooding etc), Live Breathe Hike will promptly refund the portion of the trip cost not already advanced to suppliers and use its best efforts to recover and refund the balance as promptly as possible. However, Live Breathe Hike does not guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made.
11. Additional Costs
Live Breathe Hike shall not be liable for (a) expenses such as additional nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itineraries, but which may required to get to from a trip start or end; expenses due to the delay of a trip for any reason (e.g. bad weather, trails conditions, land slides, flooding, sickness etc); (c) expenses occurred in recovering lost luggage by airlines, belongings left behind on a trip or in shipping purchases or other goods home from abroad; (d) visa and other incidental costs.
Live Breathe Hike reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any trips, and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes without payment.