Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Free £150 National Trust gift card when you book by 17 September. Find out more.
The Francigena Way is an historical pilgrimage; a road which once led from Canterbury to Rome and which has been walked by tens of thousands of pilgrims. This self-guided walking trip begins in the beautiful city of Orvieto which boasts arguably the most beautiful cathedral in Italy. From here walk through Tuscia Laziale, an agricultural region of fields and olive groves dotted with volcanic lakes. Following the ancient Via Cassia, pass through beautiful villages such as Montefiascone, the fortified city of Viterbo, the Etruscan necropolis and the Roman amphitheatre of Sutri and the small medieval churches of Vetrallla and Campagnano. The path continues, through thick forests of oaks and past ruined abbeys and control towers, and ends in Rome; the 'Eternal City'.
The walking routes on this programme follow official paths, with some sections along quiet roads. On these routes there are places where the path crosses a stream (or dry streambed). You will often NOT find bridges, since these are streams which you can walk across with your boots on or by using stepping stones.
Arrive in the hilltop town of Orvieto in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. Explore its impressive 14th century cathedral and fascinating labyrinth of caves and underground tunnels that were created almost 3000 years ago.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels, Umbria and Lazio
7 nights in hotels and 2 nights in B&Bs, all rooms en suite. We use variety of different styles of good hotels with many of them family-run properties.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Additional Accommodation
We can book additional accommodation in Orvieto or Rome (subject to availability). Please notify us at the time of booking and we will provide up-to-date prices.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After a short transfer, leave the valley surrounding Orvieto and head through oak woods and open fields towards Bolsena and its spectacular volcanic lake and Monaldeschi castle.
With views over Lake Bolsena, follow the ancient Roman road, Via Cassia, towards medieval Montefiascone. Discover the town's intricate archways, cobbled alleyways and artisan shops and try some of the Est! Est! Est! wine that is produced here.
It's scenic walking through fertile vineyards and hazelnut orchards, with cypress and olive trees dotting the landscape, to Bagnaccio. The hot thermal springs of the ancient baths here have always been a stop off point for weary pilgrims. You overnight in the medieval walled town of Viterbo, renowned for its Gothic papal palace.
Pass through shady woods and past 8th-9th century Etruscan remains on your way to Vetralla, a small medieval town with superb panoramic views. Dinner tonight is included.
Head through lush fields to the Towers of Orlando, the remains of an ancient monastery. Continue to Capranica, with its picturesque old town perched on tufa rock high over the valley. From here, walk through the verdant valley to Sutri, famous for its Roman amphitheatre and Etruscan Necropolis.
Walk through the Treja Valley, past small waterfalls including the evocative Cascate di Monte Gelato, to Campagnano di Roma in the Veio Natural Park.
Start out across a patchwork of meadows - if you're lucky, you will spot wild horses! - to the pretty town of Formello. Then it's on to La Giustiana, the last stop before Rome!
Follow the Via Francigena through the Natural Reserve of Insugherata. At Monte Mario, begin the unforgettable descent towards Rome and finally, St Peter's Square.
Your trip ends in Rome after breakfast. If you would like to add extra nights in this fantastic city, please speak to your sales consultant at the time of booking.
Show prices including flights and onward rail?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights and onward rail
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino, and train Rome Airport to Orvieto, then taxi to hotel payable locally.
Return: Taxi to airport payable locally approx 40minutes then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
