VIA FRANCIGENA – LUCCA -ROME

The Via Francigena is a 1000-year-old pilgrimage route that extends in its entirety around 2000km from Canterbury in England all the way to Rome. Our walk with focus on the Tuscan section that takes you through the heart of the Via Francigena, on a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical.

You’ll walk through UNESCO listed towns and villages immersed in the most beautiful Tuscan landscapes. The routes through Tuscany are divided into manageable sections of between 13km and 25km a day.

The Via Francigena is a lot quieter than the Spanish Camino, so prepare for a more adventurous, but equally rewarding journey as we follow the path to the Eternal City- all roads lead to Rome!

From $5195 per head including:

• 13 nights’ twin share accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, family-run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
• Self-guided walk led by Wildlime Events
• Breakfast and dinner daily & selected packed lunches
• Luggage transfers
• Private transfers between stages
• Pilgrims passport
• Destination and trek training guide
• Italian phrasebook
• Full training manual and walking schedule
• Wildlime buff + blister kit
• Wildlime guide with you every step of the way!

PRICE + INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in 3-4-star hotels, family run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
• Daily breakfast + selected lunches and dinners
• San Miniato welcome dinner
• Rome farewell celebration dinner including wine
• Luggage transfers on days when walking (1 bag per person, maximum size is 60 x 50 x 40 cm and maximum weight 20kgs)
• Pilgrims’ passport
• Via Francigena electronic destination guide and trek training guide
• GPS map app and electronic comprehensive walk notes and maps
• 24-hour emergency contact support while in Italy
• Wildlime tour leader
• Wildlime walking kit

Group transfers:

• 9th – Lucca – San Miniato
• 12th – San Gimignano – Gracciano
• 15th – Caparazo winery rest area
• 17th – Bolsena – Montefiascone
• 21st – Campagnano di Roma – Isola Farnesse
• 22nd – Via Appia Way – Vatican City

Program notes

The program is designed to mix good days walking with the opportunity to stop in and take in this amazing country. One thing I learnt from doing Camino is sometimes you were just too tired to take in the villages and scenery around you. I have included a day rest in Siena and another in Montefiascone.

Most days have been designed to ideally start around 6.30am whilst the mornings are cooler and finish around mid-afternoon (depending on the day).

Why walk

When you walk the slow pilgrim way, it is not just getting there, it’s actually getting to see and experience every single place you go through. If you are the type of person who’s just curious about the world, about how different people live, then walking is perfect! It takes you through busy streets, quiet areas, remote paths and high breathtaking peaks – it can show you things you did not know you wanted to see, and the whole scope of the world and its citizens unfolds before you. Smells, views, tastes and sounds – all your senses are heightened the more you move.

A pilgrim walk is an ancient walk, and you will come across such roads and paths that can feel more important than their destinations – the beauty, history and sense of calm just overwhelms.

It gives you time to think and to breathe – it’s not just for your physical health, but mental too. Your body and mind get into a rhythm – it’s like your brain slows down to mirror the steady beat of your feet. Join a pilgrim walk and you might just be able get away, and get your mind, body and soul together.

With walking – it is not the distance that the achievement, where you start or finish doesn’t matter – the sense of achievement comes from just doing it! The key is just starting – once you move forward you won’t ever look back!

Accommodation

On the Via Francigena we use a variety of accommodations from well-located 3-star hotels in the cities to family-run B&Bs and agriturismos (farms) in the country and smaller towns. All accommodation has private bathrooms but in true European style, some may have a showerhead over a bath rather than a traditional shower. All the accommodations we use are situated on or near the Via Francigena.

Accommodation is twin share but there are limited spots for single for an extra $1200

Meals

Daily breakfasts are included and consist of a basic continental offering to a more substantial buffet breakfast depending on the property. You can expect items like eggs, cold meats and cheeses and some fruit.

When doing a pilgrims walk, although we depart at the same time each morning people like to set their own pace, therefore lunch is at your own cost and at a place you select along your daily route.

A daily dinner allowance is included on walk days, so we all eat together

Luggage transfers

Luggage transfers are included on all walking days (strictly 1 bag per person, maximum size is 60 x 50 x 40 cm and maximum weight 20kgs), meaning you will only need to take a daypack with you each day while you are hiking. If you require an extra bag luggage transfer, please let me know in advance (preferably at the time of booking, but at least 8 weeks prior to your trip start date)

Ability and agility

We have graded our walks on this route as moderate to challenging. We use several criteria to assess the difficulty of our walks, including the number of hours walking required each day, terrain and conditions underfoot, weather, gradient, altitude, signage and facilities along the trail.

These gradings are intended as a guide and will depend on your individual experience, fitness level and mental attitude.

The fitter you are the more likely you are to enjoy your experience. To prepare for this walk, we recommend completing 2 to 3 walks per week (15km+), increasing distances while carrying an 8kg pack; some hill/stair walking is also recommended.

We will provide a training guide as well as regular group hiking opportunities leading up to departure.

Weather

We have decided to walk in Spring to avoid the European holiday season when the main cities and towns can get very crowded with tourists.

It is an exceptional time to walk through Tuscany. The mild climate makes for ideal walking weather and wildflowers in spring (think red poppies) and the rolling hills will be bathed in glorious sunshine.

Booking T&Cs

A non-refundable deposit of AUD$950 per person is due at the time of booking and balance of payment is required 8 weeks prior to travel. A registration form needs to be completed for each travelling client. By submitting your form, you are accepting Wildlime’s booking terms and conditions and our COVID information including FAQs.

To book, email: kellie@wildlimemarketing.com.au