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From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1900km "Francigena Way" dates back to the 11th century when pilgrims travelled across Europe on foot to visit the site of Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. With the modernisation of Europe and the shifting of borders the route became obsolete, until a recent revival of the pilgrimage making it one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe today. This section travels through the plains of Piedmont. From March to May the rice fields are flooded and treat you to a wonderful view of the "chequered sea". At other times of the year you will spot herons and egrets. The trail continues into the Lombardy region before ending in Pavia. Here you can enjoy the artistic wealth of Pavia's old town, while reveling in the vivacity of the student quarters.
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24kg of CO2-e PP per day
(168kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Ivrea
On arrival in Ivrea, make your way to your first hotel. Ivrea is located in Piedmont and straddles the Dora Baltea river. The old town centre will delight you with its castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Be sure to take a walk through the open-air museum of modern architecture. We also recommend trying the local Novecento cake, a chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the town's pastrymakers.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Pass tiny villages to Viverone (6hrs)
Today's walk follows the Dora Baltea River and along the way you'll discover some of the hidden jewels of the Via Francigena. At Piverone you'll walk through the arch of the clock tower to enter its old centre, then soon after you'll pass the ruins of a small, roofless church at Gesiun. Finally you'll arrive in Viverone where you can end the day admiring the sunset along the banks of the lake. Distance: 20km/12.5mi Ascent: 150m/492ft. Descent: 125m/410ft. Surf./Unsurf. 76/24%
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk along quiet country roads to Santhia (6hrs)
Today you will walk along quiet, country roads as you head towards Santhia. A highlight today will be Roppolo Castle which offers splendid views over Lake Viverone. Along the way you will pass many cellars where you can stop and sample some regional wines. The hills gradually become flatter as you continue towards Santhia, today's destination. Check into your hotel and step out to enjoy the tasty local cuisine, ending your meal on a high note with a glass of white herbal liqueur. Distance: 17km/10.5mi Ascent: 40m/131ft. Descent: 145m/475ft. Surf./Unsurf. 57/43%
Day 4
Across the plains to Vercelli (7hrs)
You will start today by crossing the Vercelli plain, walking alongside the characteristic rice fields. If you travel before the end of May you'll be lucky enough to see these fields flooded, and you'll be enchanted by the shades of colour reflected in the water. The flooded rice fields are a unique landscape, but at any time of year the fields are buzzing with bird life. On arrival in Vercelli be sure to sample the local rice which is used in so many excellent dishes, from risotto to savoury pies and even desserts. Distance: 27km/16.7mi Ascent: 10m/33ft. Descent: 60m/197ft. Surf./Unsurf. 36/64%
Day 5
Train to Robbio, walk in the countryside to Mortara (4hrs)
This morning you will need to take a short train from Vercelli to Robbio (takes approx 15 minutes, ticket not included). You can enjoy the scenery of the Sesia River from the train window. From Robbio, the countryside of the Lomellina will lead you towards Mortara over grassy sheep-tracks and along wide dirt trails. Along the way you can admire the facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the small Romanesque church of San Pietro, which once offered hospitality and comfort to pilgrims. If you appreciate local delicacies, be sure to sample the IGP goose salami in Mortara. Overnight in Mortara. Distance: 14km/8.5mi, Ascent: 5m/16ft. Descent: 15m/49ft. Surf./Unsurf. 56/44%
Day 6
Through woods, fields and small towns to Garlasco (7hrs)
Today you will journey through woods, fields of growing crops and charming small towns. We recommend stopping to visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, which you will find just outside Mortara. The abbey was frequented by ancient pilgrims, and you too can stand in prayer and meditation in front of its mosaic-decorated altar. Continue walking to Garlasco where you will stay overnight. Distance: 23km/14.3mi Ascent: 5m/16ft. Descent: 20m/65ft. Surf./Unsurf. 37/63%
Day 7
A charming walk to the Ticino Valley Natural Park and Pavia (7hrs)
Today's walk is a particularly scenic one, as you continue through countryside scattered with woods and farmhouses en route to the Ticino Valley Natural Park. You can stop for a rest in the shade of the thick woods or sunbathe on the beaches and meadows on the river bank. Don't stay too long as a jewel of the Via Francigena, Pavia, awaits your arrival. Pavia has a splendid old town centre full of artistic treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Why not celebrate your arrival with a slice of the local Torta Paradiso cake or an aperitivo at Piazza Vittoria. Distance: 25km/15.5mi Ascent: 25m/82ft. Descent: 55m/180ft. Surf./Unsurf. 35/65%
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Pavia after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Francigena Way to Fidenza.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - The route follows well-defined and mostly level paths, with very few steep sections and no mountainous terrain. Most of the walking is on dusty and stony tracks, gravel roads (strade bianche), and occasional short stretches of asphalt. While the walking is technically straightforward due to minimal elevation gain, some days can be long and exposed, requiring a good level of fitness and the ability to walk for up to 7 hours in hot, sunny conditions. In some cases, walks may be shortened using local transport, depending on the itinerary. This trip is best suited to experienced walkers comfortable with sustained days on trail in warm climates. 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. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena. Note: the walking time and distance are calculated from city centre to city centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked, to a maximum of 2km.
Per Person, Twin Share
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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