Discover the millennia-old charm of the Via Francigena: from Siena to Viterbo.
Follow in the ancient footsteps of pilgrims along the exciting stretch of the Via Francigena from Siena to Viterbo. This captivating route will lead you through picturesque Tuscan landscapes, passing quaint medieval villages and lush vineyards, while immersing yourself in the history and culture of Italy.
The Via Francigena is one of Europe's most important pilgrimage routes from the medieval era and remains an unforgettable experience for modern-day travelers. Walking along this itinerary, you will feel part of a journey undertaken by thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries, providing a sense of historical continuity and spirituality.
During your journey, admire the magnificence of medieval architecture and artworks, such as the Gothic cathedrals of Siena and Viterbo, silent witnesses of a glorious past. Taste the authentic flavors of Tuscan cuisine and be captivated by the region's exquisite wines.
Through the breathtaking landscapes of Val d'Orcia and Tuscia, you will immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature, with gentle hills, green fields, and ancient woods. The Via Francigena offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing the peace and serenity of the countryside to embrace you.
This route is also a chance to meet travelers from all around the world, exchange experiences and stories, and forge lasting bonds with people from diverse cultures. The shared memories and emotions experienced along the journey will be precious treasures of your trip.
Day 1 \" Arrival in Siena
Your journey will begin in Siena, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena, famous for its Palio: you can spend the day strolling along its cobbled streets, looking for the Contrade crests on the walls or climbing the Torre del Mangia to enjoy a unique view over the city's rooftops. Don't miss a visit to the cathedral, which will impress you with its extraordinary black-and-white columns. If you're lucky, you might witness a celebration in one of the Contrade and see the skilled flag-throwers in action, before sitting at a table in Piazza del Campo to enjoy a plate of pici all'aglione for dinner while admiring the illuminated Palazzo Pubblico.
Day 2 \" From Siena to Lucignano
We hope the sun will shine on the first day of your journey, because the Crete of the Val d'Arbia offer unforgettable views: after bidding farewell to Siena, lying on the hills on the horizon, you will walk along typical Sienese dirt roads until you reach the fortified village of Lucignano, with its beautiful church. Just before Monteroni d'Arbia you can admire the imposing Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm that once stored the grain reserves destined for the Republic of Siena.
Day 3 \" From Lucignano to Buonconvento
From Lucignano, you will continue your journey through the Ombrone Valley to Buonconvento. You will pass through the gate in the town walls and enter the beautiful historic centre, discovering why its name means "happy and fortunate place": you will walk among picturesque streets where life flows peacefully, following the slow rhythms of a country village, and if you love art you will have the chance to admire works by some of the most famous Sienese painters in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d'Arbia.
Day 4 \" From Buonconvento to San Quirico d'Orcia
Today your journey will take you towards San Quirico, along dirt roads and some paved stretches: these, however, will be rewarded by the magnificent views of the Val d'Orcia, with enchanting-toned hills dotted with vineyards and cypress trees. In San Quirico you'll be captivated by the portal of the Collegiata, trying to identify the various architectural styles blended in its decorations, before enjoying some rest among the green hedges of the Horti Leonini, a fifteenth-century garden.
Day 5 \" From San Quirico d'Orcia to Castiglione d'Orcia
Your journey continues through the fabulous landscapes of the Val d'Orcia: shortly after San Quirico you'll step into a timeless world as you visit Vignoni Alto, and you can enjoy a regenerating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, with its unmistakable pool in the centre of the main square. The other gem of the day is Castiglione, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, which you'll skirt while walking along one of the most scenic stretches of the entire Via Francigena.
Day 6 \" From Castiglione d'Orcia to Radicofani
Today you will put your strength to the test with a short but demanding stage that will take you to Radicofani: but it will be worth it, because admiring the view from the fortress of Radicofani, tired but satisfied, will repay all your efforts. You can also visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a small jewel dating back to the 13th century, and take an evening walk through the historic centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress.
Day 7 \" From Radicofani to Acquapendente
From Radicofani you will walk along one of the most exciting stretches of the Via Francigena, leaving the fortress behind you and following the old Via Cassia, surrounded by rolling hills dominated by Mount Amiata. Crossing the Val di Paglia valley floor and following the route of the new Cassia road, you will tackle the last climb before reaching Acquapendente, the northernmost town in Lazio. You will pass through Porta della Ripa before entering its historic centre. You can walk in silence through the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, among decorated capitals and arches. According to tradition, some stones stained with the blood of Christ are kept here.
Day 8 \" From Acquapendente to Bolsena
Your walk will gently continue until you catch your first glimpses of Lake Bolsena: from here you will descend into a volcanic crater and continue along dirt roads, alternating dense woods with fields dotted with olive trees, before reaching Bolsena. If you are curious to see the evidence of the Corpus Domini miracle for which Bolsena is famous, some marble slabs stained by the blood that flowed from a Host in the 13th century are preserved in the Chapel of the Miracle. If instead you are more interested in local cuisine, you can taste the products offered by the lake, such as Sbroscia, a local soup made with lake fish and tomatoes.
Day 9 \" From Bolsena to Montefiascone
You will continue through woods and olive groves, along a route offering constant views of the lake: you will cross an area famous for its extra virgin olive oil production, which we recommend tasting on a piece of fragrant local bread, before arriving in Montefiascone. Don't miss the climb to the Rocca, where you will be enchanted by the endless view. After descending from the Rocca, you can enter a traditional wine shop and enjoy a glass of the famous Est! Est!! Est!!!, which tastes even better here since it is produced locally.
Day 10 \" From Montefiascone to Viterbo
You will once again walk along the ancient paved road of the Via Cassia, on a stage that crosses hills dotted with charming views of Montefiascone and Viterbo. You can enjoy a pleasant break at the Bagnaccio thermal baths, recharging your energy in its hot waters before continuing towards Viterbo, the final destination of your journey. To honour the pilgrimage, don't miss a visit to the picturesque pilgrims' quarter, then admire the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and enjoy the silence of the Lombard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. And to end on a sweet note, celebrate the end of your journey with the delicious local frittellacce.
Day 11 \" Departure from Viterbo
Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked additional services with us.
Details
The rate includes
- 10 nights stay in Farmhouse/Hotel/B&B
- Accommodation in double room, breakfast included, in the following locations and facilities (or similar)
Siena: Hotel "Chiusarelli" Monteroni d'Arbia: Hotel "Borgo Antico" Buonconvento: Hotel "Il Ghibellino" San Quirico d'Orcia: B&B "Locanda del Sorriso" Castiglione d'Orcia: B&B "Il Vecchietta" Radicofani: Farmhouse "La Selvella" Acquapendente: Hotel "Tuscany" Bolsena: Farmhouse "Le Vigne" Montefiascone: Hotel "Urbano V" Viterbo: Hotel "Palazzo Riario"
- Accommodation in double room, breakfast included
- Transport of luggage from one place to another
- Route descriptions, maps, GPS tracks and Apps
- Credential of the Pilgrim
- Medical baggage insurance
The rate does not include
- Transfers, meals not mentioned, tips, extras of a personal nature and anything not expressly indicated in "The price includes" - Optional cancellation insurance, quotation on request