Italian Pilgrimage Options
May 25, 2023 chrisna
1. VIA FRANCIGENA
Via Francigena – is a popular walking route that runs in the heart of Tuscany. The medieval pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome has become one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. It is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover Italy's natural, artistic and historical beauty. You will find the two most popular sections of this journey begin in Lucca, Tuscany and end in Viterbo.
This ancient pilgrim trail offers an irresistible combination of quintessential Italian landscapes, medieval hilltop villages, the region’s artistic heritage, and, of course the chance to soak in the atmosphere of a historic piazza over a glass of Prosecco and a plate of antipasto.
The entire route covers 2040km from Canterbury to Rome, through England, France, Switzerland and Italy. The 400km section through the Tuscany and Lazio, from Lucca to Rome, is perfect for self-guided walking. Once, making the pilgrimage to Rome to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul was just as popular as going to Santiago de Compostela! Today, many people view it as an alternative or a complement to Spain’s well-known Camino Francés.
2024 was a significant year for the Via Francigena, as it marks the 30th anniversary of its certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 1994. Meanwhile, Rome is already preparing for the 2025 Jubilee Celebration, when an estimated 35 million people are expected to flock to the city for this special holy year!
Start at Lucca - Siena
- Total Nights: 7 l Total Walking Days: 6 l Total Distance: 129 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Arrival and overnight stay in Lucca (possible to add extra nights in Lucca to visit the city). | - |
| 2 | Lucca – Altopascio | 18 |
| 3 | Altopascio – San Miniato (This stage can be spit) | 23 |
| 4 | San Miniato - Gambassi Terme | 24 |
| 5 | Gambassi Terme – San Gimignano | 14 |
| 6 | San Gimignano - Monteriggione | 29 |
| 7 | Monteriggione - Siena | 21 |
| 8 | Arrival and overnight stay in Lucca (possible to add extra nights in Lucca to visit the city). | - |
Start at Siena - Viterbo
- Total Nights: 10 l Total Walking Days: 9 l Total Distance: 177 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Arrival and overnight in Siena | |
| 2 | Siena - More Di Cuna/ Monteroni D’arbia | 18 |
| 3 | Monteroni D’arbia – Buonconvento | 14 |
| 4 | Buonconvento - San Quirico d’Orcia | 22 |
| 5 | San Quirico d’Orcia – Gallina | 18 |
| 6 | Gallina - Radicofani | 18 |
| 7 | Radicofani - Acquapendente (option to split after 16 km) | 32 |
| 8 | Acquapendente – Bolsena | 22 |
| 9 | Bolsena – Montefiascone | 14 |
| 10 | Montefiascone - Viterbo | 19 |
2. THE SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSIS WAY
The Saint Francis Trail is a unique way to discover the beauty of Central Italy. In following to the story of St Francis, the Way is both plausible and charming: the landscapes you will encounter are the same ones that brought joy to the simple heart of St Francis. The stop-off locations preserve the memory of his words and his actions; the people you meet along the way are related to him. This route is known for its spirituality, which speaks of love for the small things, respect and gratitude for creation and generous hospitality towards others, whoever he may be.
Following the story of the “poor man of Assisi” we will slowly walk along his footsteps from Tuscany to Rome, passing through La Verna, Gubbio, Assisi, Rieti and many other wonderful and beautiful places that he crossed during his life. This is a wonderful walking journey through Italian history, unspoiled nature and stunning landscapes.
The first leg of this itinerary will take you from the heart of Renaissance, Florence, to the Casentino wood, through La Verna, one of the most mystical places in the life of Saint Francis.
Florence to Sansepolcro
- Total Nights: 7 l Total Walking Days: 6 l Total Distance: 141 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Arrive In Florence | |
| 2 | Florence - Pontassieve | 22 |
| 3 | Pontassieve – Consuma | 21 |
| 4 | Consuma - Stia | 16 |
| 5 | Stia - Badia Prataglia | 21 |
| 6 | Badia Prataglia – La Verna | 17 |
| 7 | La Verna - Caprese Michelangelo Or Pieve Santo Stefano | 20 |
| 8 | Caprese/Pieve Santo Stefano - Sansepolcro | 24 |
Sansepolcro to Assisi
- Total Nights: 6 l Total Walking Days: 7 l Total Distance: 139 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Arrive in Sansepolcro | |
| 2 | Sansepolcro - Citerna | 12 |
| 3 | Citerna - Città di Castello | 20 |
| 4 | Città di Castello –Pietralunga | 29,5 |
| 5 | Pietralunga - Gubbio | 26 |
| 6 | Gubbio - Biscina | 22 |
| 7 | Biscina - Assisi | 29 |
Assisi to Rieti
- Total Nights: 7 l Total Walking Days: 6 l Total Distance: 129 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Assisi | |
| 2 | Assisi - Foligno | 22 |
| 3 | Foligno - Castello di Campello | 22 |
| 4 | Castello di Campello - Spoleto | 19 |
| 5 | Spoleto - Ceselli | 16 |
| 6 | Ceselli - Arrone | 16 |
| 7 | Arrone - Piediluco | 13 |
| 8 | Piediluco - Poggio Bustone | 22 |
| 9 | Poggio Bustone - Rieti | 17 |
Rieti to Rome
- Total Nights: 5 l Total Walking Days: 6 l Total Distance: 112 km
| Day | Route | Km |
| 1 | Rieti | |
| 2 | Rieti - Poggio San Lorenzo | 22 |
| 3 | Poggio San Lorenzo - Ponticelli | 20 |
| 4 | Ponticelli - Monterotondo | 28 |
| 5 | Monterotondo – Montesacro | 24 |
| 6 | Montesacro - Rome | 18 |
General Information
Included in the package:
- Pre-booked accommodation with breakfast included. Dinner can be included on request. All our accommodations are in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Lodging is 1 & 2* star but up-grades to 3 - 4 * are possible
- Daily luggage transfers. 1 bag/ suitcase per pilgrim: 18 kg maximum
- Pilgrim Registrations: We provide credentials and visa letters for your Schengen Visa application
- Camino preparation material: 12-week training program and "what to pack" suggestions
- Google Maps pins for easy navigation to your hotel each day
- 24-hour assistance during your Camino
- Assistance with booking transfers (trains/ busses/Taxi) to your starting point
Excluded in the package:
- International flights
- Transfers to your starting point and on the day of departure (we will assist with the bookings)
- Meals other than breakfasts
- Travel Insurance: This is compulsory and comprehensive insurance is advisable
Itinerary & Prices
Please fill out the form to request the full itinerary and prices.