La Via Francigena - the Roads to Rome
23-day accompanied walk from Lucca to Rome
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23-day accompanied walk from Lucca to Rome. (± 400 km) €1490 in shared rooms - €385 single supplement (approx. - based on 2016 prices) We have chosen to start this walk at Lucca because there are 18 stages between here and Rome. Two of the stages are over 30km and we will spilt them into two, making 20 stages altogether. 
9 September - 30 September 2017
One day in Lucca, 20 days walking and 2 days in Rome [Luggage transfers optional - about €6 per item per stage] 9 September: Meet in Lucca 10 - 29 September: Walk to Rome 29/30 September: In Rome Getting there: Lucca is connected by bus to Florence, Pisa and the Pisa airport. The bus companies operating in the area are called Lazzi and Clap. There is a bus that travels directly from Pisa Airport to Pazzale Verdi in Lucca (€4 +) In the Middle Ages multitudes of pilgrims, soldiers, merchants and travellers used a system of roads known as the “Via Francigena” – or roads of the Franks - to travel from England and other northern countries to Rome. The archbishops of Canterbury used the road to travel to Rome to receive their pallium or stole of office from the Pope. In 994 AD Archbishop Sigeric’s clerks kept a diary of his return journey entitled 'From Rome to the Channel'. In the 1990s the diary was rediscovered by Italian researchers and is now in the British Museum. The Archbishop's descriptions of places along the route proved to be very accurate and the discovery generated academic research, tourism promotion and restoration of the actual route for modern walkers. In 1994 the Council of Europe designated the Via Francigena as a 'European Cultural Itinerary.' As religious and cultural tourism grows in popularity, modern day pilgrims once again walk the old pilgrim roads to Santiago in Spain, Jerusalem and to Rome.” Quote from ‘La Via Francigena, Five Pilgrims to Rome’ NB: PLEASE READ THIS INFO BEFORE JOINING The difficulty ratings for the stages are taken from the latest Italian Guide book published by the AEVF. There are only 5 'Easy' days, the rest being 'Medium' to 'Challenging and a couple are Very Challenging'. In our experience, 'medium' is also challenging and challenging or very challenging is usually a long, tough day's hiking. We have tried to reduce the distance of these stages to lower the difficulty to medium. Although there is no technical hiking involved, you will need to be reasonably fit and able to walk at least 3km - 4 km per hour on some difficult terrain to cover the average of 20km per day in 5 - 7 hours. Sunrise is around 6h45 - 7h00 which means you should arrive at your destination between 2pm and 3pm each day. The trail is on often on mountain tracks, stones, gravel, riverine trails and asphalt paths, which although not technically difficult require a moderate to high level of fitness. With this in mind, we have had many people between the ages of 60 and 75 walking to Rome in our groups. Its not an age thing! Its up to you to do the training. Do not compare this walk with the Camino de Santiago! The Via Francigena today is probably like the Camino was 20 years ago. There are often no villages between start and destination, not many places to get water or stop for a coffee or food, very few pilgrims and churches are rarely open. Buses are few and far between and many places don't have taxis so there is no escape if you want to stop walking. This is a beautiful but challenging walk through stunning countryside on a 1000 year-old trail to Rome and the fitter and more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy it. The Group Leaders have walked this route. 2006 VF Five Pilgrims to Rome - Kindle 9 places available - complete the Registration Form to secure your place in the Group. The price does not include flights to Italy, transport to the start, meals or drinks. Luggage transfers are optional
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Provisional walking schedule - to be confirmed First day - Meet Lucca Day 2: Altopascio 18.5 km [easy] Day 3: San Miniato Basso 24 km [challenging] Day 4: Gambassi Terme 24 km [medium] Day 5: San Gimignano 13.4 km [easy] Day 6: Colle Val d'Elsa 15km [challenging] Day 7: Monteriggioni - 14 km [challenging] Day 8: Siena 20.7 km [medium] Day 9: Lucignano d’Arbia 18 km [medium] Day 10: Buonconvento 13 km [medium challenge] Day 11 San Quirico 21 km [challenging] Day 12: Abbadia San Salvatore 18 km [challenging] Day 13: Acquapendente 24 km [challenging] Day 14: Bolsena 22 km [medium] Day 15: Montefiascone 18 km [medium] Day 16: Viterbo 18.3 km [easy] Day 17: Vetralla 18.5 km [easy] Day 18: Sutri 23.7 km [medium] Day 19: Campagnano di Roma 24.5 km [medium] Day 20: La Storta 22.8 km [medium] Day 21: Rome 19.1 km [easy] Day 22: Free day in Rome Best Guidebooks English Lightfoot Guide Vol.3 Vercelli to St Peter's Square: http://pilgrimagepublications.com/pp_2014/via-francigena/ Via Francigena Pilgrim Trail - The Great St Bernard Pass to Rome, Alison Raju, Cicerone 2014 https://www.amazon.com/Via-Francigena-Canterbury-Rome-Cicerone/dp/1852846070 Italian: La Via Francigena 1000km a Piedi dal Gran San Bernardo a Roma : 2016 http://libri.terre.it/libri/collana/21/libro/543/La-Via-Francigena.-1000-km-a-piedi-dal-Gran-San-Bernardo-a-Roma. Websites: www.pilgrimstorome.org.uk/ http://www.viefrancigene.org/en Complete and return the Registration Form below or send us an email for more information
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