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This section of the historic Via Francigena journeys through the Apennines and the Parma hills before entering Tuscany. Starting in Fidenza, where you can admire the Cathedral and its portals that narrate the life of Saint Domninus, the walk soon enters the Parma hills, which are a foretaste of the Tuscan mountains to come. The climb to the top of Mount Valoria and over the Cisa Pass will sometimes be long and demanding, but the priceless views over the Lombardy and Lunigiana plains will reward your efforts. Descending towards your final destination, you'll continue along the ancient walking path, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape. Walking over the medieval Groppodalosio bridge will feel as though you're stepping back in time. You'll finally arrive in the charming town of Pontremoli where you can relax among the alleyways of the old town centre. En route stay in atmospheric farm houses and small family run hotels, soaking up the fine hospitality that has characterised the route for centuries.
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18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(111kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Fidenza
Make your own way to Fidenza and your hotel. Fidenza is a town rich in art and culture. Here you can admire the Cathedral and its portals that narrate the life of Saint Domninus. In the evening you can walk along the paved streets in the old town, and celebrate the start of your trip with an aperitivo in the Piazza del Municipio.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Hilly walk, passing historic monuments en route to Medesano, transfer to hotel (6hrs)
Begin your walk with a section that takes you up and over the Parma Hills and will show you many monuments of historical importance, including the Pieve di Cabriolo. The Pieve is dedicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and has a mysterious history that links it to the knights of the Templar. The walk continues leading you alongside the ruins of Costamezzana Castle, dominated by its circular tower which still climbs among the trees. In the afternoon you'll arrive at Medesano, then meet your transfer to your hotel in Sant'Andrea Bagni. Walking: 22km/13.5mi, +440m/1443ft, -385m/1263ft Surf./Unsurf. 64/36%
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer Sant’Andrea Bagni to Fornovo, walk to Cassio, transfer to Berceto (7 hrs)
The day starts with a short transfer to Fornovo; from here, continuing among the Parma hills, you will cross the river Taro, where we recommend a visit of the cathedral, to admire the bas-reliefs of its facade. Along your way you will come to the villages of Terenzo, where you will be able to admire ancient churches. Continue onto Bardone and Cassio, from where a private transfer will take you to Berceto. Two nights will be spent in Berceto. Walking: 21km/13mi, +1080m/3543ft, -440m/1443ft Surf./Unsurf. 67/33%
Day 4
Transfer to Cassio and return to Berceto (4hrs)
Today a short transfer will take you back to Cassio, where you will follow the stone path already travelled along by generations of pilgrims. A 10km walk along asphalted, will then bring you to Berceto, a “little stone jewel”, where you can restore yourselves with local mushrooms and pattona, a typical cake made from chestnut flour. Walking: 10km/6.21mi, +470m/1542ft, -450m/1476ft Surf./Unsurf. 41/59%
Day 5
Cross the Cisa Pass to Previde, transfer to Pontremoli, (5hrs)
Another climb awaits you this morning as you head towards the Cisa Pass. At first you'll walk along mule tracks, then country roads and finally along asphalted roads. The last part of today's walk has stunning panoramic views over the Lunigiana to Mount Valdoria. Finally you'll climb up again towards the Pass before descending to Previde, a beautiful hamlet surrounded by natural beauty. In the afternoon there is a transfer to Pontremoli and your accommodation, your base for 2 nights. In Pontremoli you can enjoy a relaxing evening stroll among the alleyways of the old town centre. Walking: 18km/11mi, +540m/1772ft, -895m/2936ft Surf./Unsurf. 26/74%
Day 6
Walk through villages and past stone houses to Pontremoli (3hrs)
This morning there is a transfer back to Previde to continue your walk. Today's walk is short with some surprises in store. Leaving Previde you will walk along long sections of path surrounded by nature, through characteristic villages such as Groppadalosio with its medieval bridge, and Casalina which is a charming town full of small, stone houses. The walk ends with a descent to Pontremoli, a town known for its bridges and stele statues. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +330m/1083ft, -540m/1772ft Surf./Unsurf. 42/58%
Day 7
Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Pontremoli after breakfast. If you want to stay an extra night, please ask for our rates, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Lucca.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked and sometimes paved. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous at times. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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