Italian Pilgrimage Options

1. VIA FRANCIGENA

Via Francigena – is a popular walking itinerary 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 certainly one of the best ways to discover the naturalistic, artistic and historical beauties of Italy. You will find the two most popular sections of this journey starting from Lucca in Tuscany to Viterbo.

This ancient pilgrim trail offers an irresistible combination of quintessential Italian landscapes, medieval hilltop villages, the region’s artistic legacy, and of course soaking up the atmosphere in 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 regions from Lucca to Rome is perfect for self-guided walking. At one time, making the pilgrimage to Rome to seek out the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul was just as popular as going to Santiago de Compostela! Today, many people see it as an alternative or a follow-up to Spain’s well-known Camino Frances.

2024 is a big year for the Via Francigena, as it celebrates 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 will flock to the city for the special holy year!

Start at Lucca - Siena

• Total Nights: 7   l   Total Walking Days: 6   l  Total Distance: 129 km

Start at Siena - Viterbo

• Total Nights: 10   l  Total Walking Days: 9   l  Total Distance: 177 km

2. THE SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSIS WAY

The Saint Francis Trail is a unique way to discover the beauty of Central Italy.  In its adherence to the story of St Francis, the Way is plausible and charming: the landscapes that the pilgrim will see are the same that brought joy to the simple heart of St Francis; stop-off locations preserve the memory of his words and his gestures; the people you meet along the route are related to him. This route is noted for a spirituality that speaks of love for the small things, of respect and gratitude for creation, of generous hospitality to the next man, whoever he may be.

Following the story of the “poor man of Assisi” we will slowly walk along his steps from Tuscany to Rome through La Verna, Gubbio, Assisi, Rieti and many other wonderful places that he crossed during his life. This is a wonderful walking journey in Italian history, unspoiled nature and wonderful landscape.

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 mystic places in the life of Saint Francis.

Florence to Sansepolcro

• Total Nights: 7   l   Total Walking Days: 6   l  Total Distance: 141 km

Sansepolcro to Assisi

• Total Nights: 6   l  Total Walking Days: 7   l  Total Distance: 139 km

Assisi to Rieti

• Total Nights: 7   l   Total Walking Days: 6   l  Total Distance: 129 km

Rieti to Rome

• Total Nights: 5   l  Total Walking Days: 6   l  Total Distance: 112 km

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-grade to 3 - 4 * is possible.
• Luggage transfers daily. 1 bag/ suitcase per pilgrim: 18 kg maximum.
• Pilgrim Registrations: We supply 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 the beginning and day of departure (we will assist with the bookings).
• Meals other than breakfasts
• Travel Insurance. This is compulsory and comprehensive insurance is advisable.