Self-Guided Walking on the Francigena Way

Self-Guided Walking on the Francigena Way

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Self-Guided Walking on the Francigena Way

11 Days Starting in Orvieto and ending in Rome

Visiting: Orvieto, Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo, Vetralla, Capranica, Lazio, Monterosi, Campagnano di Roma, Isola Farnese, Rome

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

W10VF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

12 to

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Trekking, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

The Francigena Way is a historial journey; a road which once led from Canterbury to Rome and which has been walked by thousands of pilgrims. This 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'.

Highlights

  • Pilgrimage route to Rome

  • Picturesque villages, historic abbeys and volcanic lakes

  • Orvieto and its Cathedral

  • Stunning landscapes

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Start Orvieto
Location: Orvieto
Meals Included: No Meals

The beautiful town of Orvieto rises on a volcanic hill in the middle of the
Umbrian countryside. It boasts an impressive cathedral; a work of
architecture and religious harmony among the most important in Italy, a
well-preserved medieval town center and a series of caves and tunnels under
the town that were created almost 3000 years ago.

Day 2 : Orvieto To Bolsena
Location: Orvieto, Bolsena
Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the valley surrounding Orvieto, you head towards Bolsena and the
crater lake. Through woods of oak and wild boars, hills and fields you reach
the old town of Bolsena and Monaldeschi castle. Known for the miracle of
Corpus Domini, the town developed on the banks of the beautiful lake of
volcanic origin. We recommend a swim in the lake afte the day of walking.


Day 3 : Bolsena To Montefiascone
Location: Bolsena, Montefiascone
Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk towards Montefiascone, city of Popes and excellent wine. With a route
overlooking the lake, we follow the stretch of the ancient Roman Via Cassia,
crossing some roads paved in the original path. The town is a real gem among
arches, alleys and artisans, keeps the flavour of yesteryear.  Here you
begin your journey in the beautiful Tuscia of Lazio region. Tonight you can
taste the legendary Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine which is the perfect accompaniment
for light appetizers.

Day 4 : Montefiascone To Viterbo
Location: Montefiascone, Viterbo
Meals Included: Breakfast

Through vineyards and orchards, cypresses and olive trees, you walk towards
Viterbo. This hike will take you to Bagnaccio, home of the ancient baths
where pilgrims used to stop for a rest in hot waters before reaching Viterbo,
laying at the foot of the Cimini Hills. Enjoy an evening in the city centre
to explore this medieval city.

Day 5 : Viterbo To Vetralla
Location: Viterbo, Vetralla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, you leave the beautiful Viterbo to continue your journey to
Rome. The day is spent between countryside and woods. You are in the Tuscia
area and will find along the way remains of the Etruscan civilization that
between the 8th and 4th Century BC, populated the area. The day ends in
Vetralla, a small medieval town.

Day 6 : Vetralla To Capranica
Location: Vetralla, Capranica, Lazio
Meals Included: Breakfast

Vetralla raises above the countryside and the hills around. Leave the
medieval centre and walk through fields and chestnut trees. You reach the
Towers of Orlando, the remains of an old monastery. Your destination
Capranica is waiting for you to stroll through its elegant alleys.

Day 7 : Capranica To Monterosi
Location: Capranica, Lazio, Monterosi
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you embark on the second half of the path to Rome. The walk will take
you to Sutri, famous for the Roman amphitheatre and the Etruscan Necropolis
you’ll get a chance to visit on your path. A gentle trail will then take
you to Monterosi.

Day 8 : Monterosi To Campagnano Di Roma
Location: Monterosi, Campagnano di Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you walk through fields, woods and rivers towards Campagnano di Roma.
You pass by some small waterfalls, the Cascate di Monte Gelato, that have
been used as a set in many Italian movies. A little further, you reach
Campagnano di Roma in the Natural Park of Veio.

Day 9 : Campagnano To Isola Farnese
Location: Campagnano di Roma, Isola Farnese
Meals Included: Breakfast

This is the longest day of the trip and it starts with a lovely stroll in the
National Park of Veio where you may meet with some wild horses! You then
reach Formello and its beautiful city centre. You then follow the Way to
Isola Farnese, a secluded and elegant village perched atop a volcanic crag
and the last stop before Rome.

Day 10 : Isola Farnese To Rome
Location: Isola Farnese, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you walk the last stretch to Rome. Leave Isola Farnese and follow the
Way through the Natural Reserve of Insugherata. You reach Monte Mario and the
unforgettable descent towards Rome and finally, St Peter’s square. We
recommend starting your walk early in order to arrive into Rome with good
time to visit some of the most important monuments of the city; the Pantheon,
Colosseum and Trevi fountain are just 3 of many!

Day 11 : End Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • All luggage transfers

  • Routes app

  • Briefing

  • Arrival and departure transfer (if booking a flight inclusive package)

  • All accommodation (see below)

    5 nights in hotels, 4 nights in B&Bs and 1 night in a farmhouse

  • All breakfasts and one dinner

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (available on request) 

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Arrival & departure transfer (if booking a land only package)

Accommodation

Food

'La Cucina Romana' (Roman food) is based on an ancient past and you will find on many menus inexpensive cuts of veal and lamb, fresh vegetables and plenty of the local sheeps' cheese; Pecorino Romano. Recommended dishes to try (amongst many!) are bruschetta (a good bread, rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and often tomatoes), porchetta (pork carved from a young, herb stuffed pig), carciofi alla guidia (fried artichokes), fave al guanciale (broad beans, often served with pork), baccala (codfish), pasta e ceci (pasta with chickpeas, a simple, old and delicious recipe!), cacio e pepe (pasta served with pecorino and black pepper; simple but surprisingly delicious), saltimbocca alla romana (veal wrapped in proscuitto and fried). Rabbit and wild boar are also very popular. Finish with a classic Roman dessert; crostata di ricotta (cheesecake). To drink, try Frascati, referred to by Romans as the Golden Wine both for its colour and value, or Cesanese del Piglio which is a full bodied red served with game.

Check out our Q&As

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Euros

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes, please contact us for details

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, but only when booking the flight-inclusive package

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    12 years & over

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, but only when booking a flight-inclusive package

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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