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Duration
11 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotels / inns
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 10 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: FWA

Trip highlights


  • Walking through the alpine landscapes of the Valais valleys
  • Soaking up the history on the Great Saint Bernard Pass
  • Passing through the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva and the vineyards of Lavaux
  • Experiencing the last section of the route on the Via Francigena in Switzerland and through to Aosta in Italy
  • Staying in warm, comfortable family-run hotels and delighting in their friendly hospitality

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. The last stage in Switzerland begins on Lake Geneva, takes in the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux, the Rhone Valley and finally crosses the magnificent Swiss Alps leading to the historical Great Saint Bernard Pass. This section of the Francigena pilgrimage route will wow you with its spectacular views, delicious local cuisine and fascinating history. Descending to the Aosta Valley offers another perspective on this classic alpine terrain and the chance to experience delicious Italian cuisine.

Note: Due to the weather and altitude this walk is only possible during the summer months.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Today you make your own way to Lausanne and check in at the first hotel. Lausanne is the second largest city on Lake Geneva and there is much to explore. You can visit the charming old town, with its many small alleyways lined with cafes and boutiques. You can also take a cruise on Lake Geneva or visit one of the local museums.

Meals:  Nil

From the quay in Ouchy, your walk on the Via Francigena begins along the shores of the lake to Vilette. The trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, which date from the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. Enjoy fantastic views over the lake on your way to St- Légier Chiésaz. Distance 21km/13mi, ascent 455m/1492ft, descent 455m/1492ft

Meals:  B

You continue walking today along the lake shore. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Schloss Chillon are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region. From Villeneuve you'll continue on to the Rhone plain and follow an idyllic path along the Rhone. Arriving in Aigle you'll marvel at it's impressive castle surrounded by vineyards. Overnight Aigle, Yvorne. Distance 27km/17mi, Ascent 300m/984ft, descent 280m/920ft.

Meals:  B

The walk for today is generally quite flat, as you walk along the banks of the Rhone river. As you enter Saint Maurice you'll be able to see the town's famous cliffside Abbey. For pilgrims travelling the whole route from Canterbury to Rome, this is the half way point. Overnight Saint Maurice. Distance 19km/12mi, Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 480m/1575ft

Meals:  B

situated on the Rhone, has a history which stretches back over 2000 years. The town is home to a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters which you can visit. Here you can also visit the St Bernard Dog Museum and learn of the role they played on the Francigena Way. Overnight Martigny. Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent 300m/985ft, descent 260m/853ft

Meals:  B

Today's walk is along narrow tracks, which are often in the surrounding forest. There are some steep climbs today. When you arrive in Orsieres you can visit its church and bell tower. Overnight Orsieres. Distance 18km/11.25mi, Ascent 745m/2444ft, descent 335m/1099ft

Meals:  B

Most of today's walk follows a steady climb but there are a few short, steeper sections. As you climb you're sure to be rewarded with the stunning alpine views. Bourg St Pierre is a small, alpine village with ties to Napoleon's Italian campaign. Overnight Bourg St Pierre. Distance 15km/9.5mi, Ascent 970m/3180ft, descent 335m/1099ft.

Meals:  B

Today you will walk along a route which has been in constant use for over 2000 years, the Saint Bernard Pass. The pass is famous for its hospice and St Bernard dogs that were used to rescue weary pilgrims. Overnight on the Saint Bernard Pass Distance 13km/8mi, ascent 1045m/3428ft, descent 305m/1000ft

Meals:  B,D

Leaving the Pass and Switzerland behind, the smooth paved path leads you into Italy and the Aosta Valley. Enjoy the alpine setting, with high rock faces and pinnacles leading towards woods of larch and spruce. The village of Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses, visible from above, is famous for delicious 'prosciutto crudo' and its carnival (held in February). The timber wedges that you will come across in the forests are designed to protect the villages from winter avalanches. Walking amongst the dry stone walls and cultivated land you will reach Etroubles, an 'open air museum', housing paintings and sculptures by many renowned international artists. The tiny historical centre is incredibly intact and offers a look at typical Valdostana architecture, with its use of local stone and wood. Dinner and overnight in Etroubles. Distance 13km/8mi, ascent 175m/574ft, descent 1372m/4501ft If you're walking in the Aosta valley in summer, there's a chance to experience a 'Veillà' where old customs and agricultural traditions are brought to life, restaurants offer local specialities, there's traditional live music, etc. Etroubles' is in August.

Meals:  B

Today you continue through fertile valleys of the region towards the ancient 'Augusta Praetoria', another legendary outpost of the Alps. Arrive in Aosta, the valley's largest town, full of Roman monuments, shops and restaurants, and framed by the Alps. Overnight in hotel in Aosta. Distance 15.6km/9.7mi, ascent 457m/1499ft, descent 1140m/3740ft

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast in Aosta.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 1 dinner: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will be 3 courses with soup, salad or pasta to start, main and dessert. Drinks are not included at dinner.
  • 10 nights in 3 star hotels and inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked (plus GPS data in Switzerland and APP available in Italy)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline
  • Pilgrims passport

  • Travel to Lausanne and from Aosta
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • Hotel taxes - allow EUR20 pp (subject to change)
  • Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.

Grading

moderate to challenging  

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 This is a moderate to challenging grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 11 hours a day (although most days are between 6 to 7 hours) in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous in some parts. A good 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, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. The walking times are calculated from town centre to town centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked.


Departure dates

Daily from 15 Jun to 13 Sep

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$USD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

Walking Italy's Via Francigena | Italian Camino | UTracks

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