Via Francigena: From Acquapendente to Rome
Via Francigena: From Acquapendente to Rome
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This medieval and historical pilgrimage route starts in the town of Canterbury in England, crosses France, Switzerland and has as its final destination Italy, more precisely in the emblematic St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City.
Get ready to enjoy the last stretch of one of the three major pilgrimages along with Santiago and Jerusalem and receive the "Testimonium", the document that certifies that you have walked along this route.
- Journey along one of the routes certified as a European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe.
- Discover the charming historic centre of Viterbo, the best-conserved medieval town in Lazio.
- Relax with beautiful views of Lake Bolsena and the Cimini Mountains in Montefiascone.
- Enjoy incredible views of the Vatican from the Mount of Joy.
- In Rome, don't forget to visit important historical monuments such as the Roman Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum, among others.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Acquapendente
Acquapendente is a small town in the province of Viterbo, a few kilometres from the Tuscany region. There you can visit the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre which houses a stone from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Overnight in Acquapendente
Albergo Toscana
This small and cosy hotel has 9 rooms with a private bathroom, TV and air conditioning. You can also enjoy the on-site restaurant, bar and meeting room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Acquapendente to Bolsena 14 miles | 22 km
Leave the town through the Porta Romana to reach the Via Cassia, which will then take you to the town of San Lorenzo Nuovo. There, you can visit its historic quarter and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo Martyr in Piazza Europa.
As you leave the village you will have beautiful views of the Volsini Mountains and Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe.
Follow the route through woods and olive groves to Bolsena, a charming village steeped in Roman history and from where you can take a boat on the lake to the iconic islands of Martana and Bisentina.
Ascent: 389m (1,276ft) / Descent: 454m (1,489ft)
As you leave the village you will have beautiful views of the Volsini Mountains and Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe.
Follow the route through woods and olive groves to Bolsena, a charming village steeped in Roman history and from where you can take a boat on the lake to the iconic islands of Martana and Bisentina.
Ascent: 389m (1,276ft) / Descent: 454m (1,489ft)
Overnight in Bolsena
Loriana Park Hotel Sul Lago
Relax at this beautiful 3 star hotel, located in front of Lake Bolsena, which has a bar, terrace, swimming pool, garden, restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Bolsena to Montefiascone 11 miles | 17 km
Along rural and wooded paths, you will surround Lake Bolsena. Along the way you will also come across rivers, waterfalls and streams that gives this stretch a real natural charm.
Further on the road climb, you will go uphill through beautiful cultivated fields until you reach Montefiascone. Here you will have enchanting views over Lake Bolsena and the Cimini Mountains. Get to know the frescoes in San Flaviano, many of them attributed to unknown painters and representing the lives of the first martyrs.
Also visit the Pope's fortress, an imposing construction that dominates the landscape of Montefiascone. In the afternoon, enjoy an ice-cold glass of Est! Est!!, Est!!!, the wine for which this region is recognized.
Ascent: 566m (1,857ft) / Descent: 282m (925ft)
Further on the road climb, you will go uphill through beautiful cultivated fields until you reach Montefiascone. Here you will have enchanting views over Lake Bolsena and the Cimini Mountains. Get to know the frescoes in San Flaviano, many of them attributed to unknown painters and representing the lives of the first martyrs.
Also visit the Pope's fortress, an imposing construction that dominates the landscape of Montefiascone. In the afternoon, enjoy an ice-cold glass of Est! Est!!, Est!!!, the wine for which this region is recognized.
Ascent: 566m (1,857ft) / Descent: 282m (925ft)
Overnight in Montefiascone
Hotel Urbano V
The hotel is in a quiet location, in perfect balance with the architecture of the historic centre, land of the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine.
Completely renovated in June 2002, this is one of the oldest places in the town, where noble families and popes have lived since the 16th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Completely renovated in June 2002, this is one of the oldest places in the town, where noble families and popes have lived since the 16th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Montefiascone to Viterbo 11 miles | 18 km
This route takes you along a plain that divides Lake Bolsena from the Cimini Mountains. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, as you will reach the thermal pools at Bagnaccio.
These pools are the result of a natural volcanic fountain. The Romans used to bathe there, and as you can see, very little has changed in this place in the last 2,000 years.
You will arrive in Viterbo, a medieval village heavily bombed during World War II, but is the best preserved in Lazio and residence for the popes in the 13th century.
Ascent: 142m (466ft) / Descent: 408m (1,339ft)
These pools are the result of a natural volcanic fountain. The Romans used to bathe there, and as you can see, very little has changed in this place in the last 2,000 years.
You will arrive in Viterbo, a medieval village heavily bombed during World War II, but is the best preserved in Lazio and residence for the popes in the 13th century.
Ascent: 142m (466ft) / Descent: 408m (1,339ft)
Overnight in Viterbo
Hotel Mini Palace
Elegant and very well-preserved, the Hotel Mini Palace welcomes you with classic and contemporary rooms, modern facilities and services that will make your stay very pleasant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Viterbo to Caprarola 11 miles | 18 km
In this part of the Via Francigena, you will follow the route that takes you to Lake Vico which is located in the Cimini Mountains, a beautiful and unspoilt area, surrounded by oak forests. In medieval villages, pilgrims took this route to avoid a marshy plain where the risk of malaria was very high.
Once you cross Lake Vico, spend the night in Caprarola, whose countryside is dominated by the Renaissance mansion, Villa Farnese, originally a fortress.
Ascent: 851m (2,792ft) / Descent: 681m (2,234ft)
Once you cross Lake Vico, spend the night in Caprarola, whose countryside is dominated by the Renaissance mansion, Villa Farnese, originally a fortress.
Ascent: 851m (2,792ft) / Descent: 681m (2,234ft)
Overnight in Caprarola
B&B La Rocca
It is located in the old centre of Caprarola, at the foot of the majestic palace built by the Farnese family in the 16th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Caprarola to Sutri 10 miles | 16 km
Depart from Caprarola and follow a path that crosses the summits of the Cimini Hills. These volcanic mountains are densely surrounded by forests and are part of the Apennine Mountains.
Sutri is located on a hill in Toba. During Roman times, it occupied a commanding position in Etruria, where you can discover the incredible Roman ruins, specifically the Roman amphitheatre that was dug into the hill.
You will also get to know the Etruscan necropolis, which was also formed on a rock, and the Mithraeum, an ancient place of worship that became the Madonna del Parto Church with beautiful frescoes.
Sutri is also located on the Via Cassia, a road connecting Rome with northern Italy. You will walk along certain sections of this ancient route.
Ascent: 302m (991ft) / Descent: 496m (1,627ft)
Sutri is located on a hill in Toba. During Roman times, it occupied a commanding position in Etruria, where you can discover the incredible Roman ruins, specifically the Roman amphitheatre that was dug into the hill.
You will also get to know the Etruscan necropolis, which was also formed on a rock, and the Mithraeum, an ancient place of worship that became the Madonna del Parto Church with beautiful frescoes.
Sutri is also located on the Via Cassia, a road connecting Rome with northern Italy. You will walk along certain sections of this ancient route.
Ascent: 302m (991ft) / Descent: 496m (1,627ft)
Overnight in Sutri
B&B Le Terrecotte
This cosy and comfortable hotel is located in the historic centre of the old town of Sutri, where you can observe the beautiful views of the countryside.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Sutri to Campagnano di Roma 15 miles | 24 km
Today's tour includes walking through fields, rivers and stunning waterfalls, such as Monte Gelato, which has a great place to relax, swim and take a break.
Follow the route that becomes a Roman road that eventually takes you to Campagnano di Roma, named in 1076. Every time you get close, you can see it appearing through the landscape.
Ascent: 371m (1,217ft) / Descent: 414m (1,358ft)
Follow the route that becomes a Roman road that eventually takes you to Campagnano di Roma, named in 1076. Every time you get close, you can see it appearing through the landscape.
Ascent: 371m (1,217ft) / Descent: 414m (1,358ft)
Overnight in Campagnano di Roma
Hotel Benigni
It is located in Campagnano di Roma, near the Bracciano and Martignano lakes. It is almost completely surrounded by Veii Park and the Monti Sabatini volcanic complex.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Campagnano di Roma to Isola Farnese 13 miles | 21 km
On your route today, you'll pass by the Madonna del Sorbo Shrine which is dramatically located on a rocky spur over the Sorbo Valley. Get to know the Etruscan ruins of Veii, which in the 6th century were a centre of manufacture of terracotta sculptures in Etruria.
In its heyday, Veii was as large as Athens and had a population of about 100,000. Spend time here exploring the ruins before continuing to Isola Farnese, where you'll spend the night.
Ascent: 350m (1,148ft) / Descent: 504m (1,654ft)
In its heyday, Veii was as large as Athens and had a population of about 100,000. Spend time here exploring the ruins before continuing to Isola Farnese, where you'll spend the night.
Ascent: 350m (1,148ft) / Descent: 504m (1,654ft)
Overnight in Isola Farnese
Hotel Tempio di Apollo
The hotel is located on Via Cassia, between the residential areas of La Storta, Olgiata and La Giustiniana, and framed by the charming Medieval Castle of Isola Farnese, a well-known historical settlement from the 18th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Isola Farnese to Roma 16 miles | 25 km
From Isola Farnese, you will follow the authentic route on the Via Francigena along the Via Trionfale. Although this is the official route, keep in mind that you will walk through the suburbs of Rome, making it a noisy place with plenty of traffic.
If you do not want to take this route you have two other options: the first is to take a train to Rome and the second is to request a transfer (with an extra cost) at the beginning of the Via Appia Antica, which takes you to Rome.
If you choose to follow the Via Trionfale, you will walk through two immense parks: Insugherata and Mount Mario. You will be able to see the centre of Rome with its emblematic buildings, particularly St. Peter's Basilica, from the 139-metre top of Mount Mario, in the northwest of the city.
This is an amazing place to sit down and enjoy a picnic, before walking along the Viale Angelico to complete your day.
Ascent: 402m (1,319ft) / Descent: 469m (1,539ft)
If you do not want to take this route you have two other options: the first is to take a train to Rome and the second is to request a transfer (with an extra cost) at the beginning of the Via Appia Antica, which takes you to Rome.
If you choose to follow the Via Trionfale, you will walk through two immense parks: Insugherata and Mount Mario. You will be able to see the centre of Rome with its emblematic buildings, particularly St. Peter's Basilica, from the 139-metre top of Mount Mario, in the northwest of the city.
This is an amazing place to sit down and enjoy a picnic, before walking along the Viale Angelico to complete your day.
Ascent: 402m (1,319ft) / Descent: 469m (1,539ft)
Overnight in Roma
Roma Central Guest House
Built in a 19th-century building (1880), this hotel features comfortable beds and lattice pillows that will provide you with a healthy sleep. The large double windows allow warm and pleasant sunlight and offer soundproof rooms. The wide range of satellite channels in different languages and the ADSL Wi-Fi connection will ensure you have a stay immersed in a fully air-conditioned environment.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Roma
After breakfast, your trip will come to an end. You can head to Rome Fiumicino Airport to catch your flight or continue touring Italy.
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End of our services.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
The easiest way to get to the starting point is to rent a car from Rome, which takes about two hours. However, there is also the option of taking the train from Rome to Chiusi-chianciano Terme, where you will have to take several buses to Acquapendente.
To return, take the Leonardo express train to Rome Termini in 30 minutes. From there you can go to Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport, another of Rome's air terminals.
To return, take the Leonardo express train to Rome Termini in 30 minutes. From there you can go to Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport, another of Rome's air terminals.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Maximum dimensions 65x50x40 cm.
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How far in advance should I book?
Some sections of the Via Francigena, such as the start and end of the route, are very popular. For this reason, it is best to book in advance to ensure bookings in the accommodation.
What is the best time to do this route?
This trip is available from mid-June to September. The first section crosses with the Alps so you can find snowy terrain until July.
Summer is an amazing time to do this route, but it can become very hot in August. Autumn is lovely because the colours start to change and the summer heat has subsided.
What should my physical preparation be?
The distances on each stage can vary, plus there is high terrain and constant descents, so you should be able to walk several kilometres. You must be in good physical condition to complete the most complicated stretches.
Recently, the route has gained popularity, so there are some sections that are not signposted, therefore you should feel confident using maps and walking through open terrain.
What personal equipment do I need?
In our information dossier, we detail some tips and the kit you should bring. This includes waterproof equipment, walking boots or shoes, hats, sunscreen and other implements that may be useful to you.
What if I can't complete a stage?
You can take public transport or taxis to your next property. Please check with the accommodation providers or our local partner, as they are the ones most qualified to give you advice.
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