The first part of this cycling trip from Siena to Rome takes you along the legendary Sienese white roads, winding through the picturesque valleys of Val d’Arbia and Val d’Orcia—icons of the Tuscan landscape. You will visit charming villages such as Bagno Vignoni, known for its large thermal pool located in the center of the square, and Radicofani, a hilltop fortress that dominates the skyline of southern Tuscany.
As you enter the Lazio province, the route leads you to the stunning sapphire blue of Lake Bolsena, where you’ll spend a night by its shores. From there, you’ll cycle along parts of the ancient Via Cassia, which has remained intact for over 2,000 years.
In Viterbo, the medieval university town, you’ll find an entire district dedicated to pilgrims. Your journey then continues along an ancient Etruscan road to the Roman amphitheater in Sutri. The final stretch brings you along a beautiful bike path into the heart of Rome, following the River Tiber before finishing at St. Peter’s Square.
If you love food and wine, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll be cycling through the vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest wines, as well as the production area of Pienza cheese. Between Bolsena and Montefiascone, you will also pass through one of the most important regions for extra virgin olive oil. In Montefiascone, the vineyards are known for producing the refreshing crisp white wine Est! Est!! Est!!!
To qualify for the TESTIMONIUM certificate, you must prove that you have cycled a minimum of 400 km from Lucca to Rome. We provide your pilgrim document as part of your Camino Travel Pack, which will be sent to your home before you travel.
Rome – The Eternal City and UNESCO World Heritage Site
We Can Request Your Tickets to Attend a Papal Audience in Rome
(Still deciding where to go on your next adventure? Explore our full selection of Camino Walking Tours and Pilgrimage Experiences.)
Price Excludes
Single Supplement
£620
The rides follow mostly country dirt tracks, well-asphalted country roads and secondary roads. Near larger towns, the roads have more traffic. Route notes, maps and GPS tracks provided.
Siena is one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Via Francigena, known for its famous Palio horserace. You’ll have time to walk through its cobbled streets or climb the Tower del Mangia to enjoy views over the rooftops of the city. Do not miss a visit to the Cathedral with its impressive black-white columns.Take a table in Piazza del Campo and enjoying a plate of pici all’aglione for dinner and watch the world go by.
From Siena, with views across to the hills on the horizon, you cycle quiet secondary roads to Monteroni d’Arbia. The curvaceous ridges of the Val d’Arbia are luminous in the sunshine and provide breathtaking views. Continue to Buonconvento and pass through the entrance gate in its fortified walls into the beautiful historical centre. On to San Quirico on white tracks and some asphalted sections with fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia, dotted with vineyards and cypress trees. San Quirico is a charming walled town with great restaurants and wonderful architecture.
Continue your journey through Val D’Orcia’s dreamy landscapes and enter a timeless world by visiting Vignoni Alto, and you make time to enjoy a refreshing break in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. A challenging climb up to Radicofani to be rewarded with the view from the fortress of Radicofani, a lovely peaceful place for an evening stroll. You can also visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a small church dating back to 1200
This is one of the most exciting sections of the Via Francigena, travelling on the old Via Cassia, surrounded by a landscape of endless hills surmounted by Mount Amiata. Pass through Acquapendente, until your first glimpses of Lake Bolsena. Descend into the ancient volcanic crater and continue along dirt roads and thick woods with meadows dotted with olive trees all the way to Bolsena.
Continue through woods and olive groves, with continuous views of the enormous brilliant blue lake. In Montefiascone don’t miss the climb to the Rocca, for boundless panoramic views. Make sure to have lunch and enjoy a glass of local speciality Est! Est !! Est !!!. In Viterbo try to visit the picturesque district of the Pellegrino and see the Papal Palace.
From Viterbo the journey continues towards Vetralla, in the heart of the ancient Etruscan territory, then on to Sutri through the green landscape. The Roman amphitheatre here is a must-see, with tufa walls decorated with well-preserved frescoes including a group of pilgrims in prayer.
From Sutri towards Campagnano you cycle past the Monte Gelato waterfalls, a good stop for a rest. From here through the Veio Nature Park with its wooded hills of the enchanting Valle del Sorbo, you pass the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo and into the historic centre of Formello, with its beautiful medieval buildings.
Continue through the Lazio countryside, the way is so peaceful you forget your proximity to the metropolis. You will have to negotiate a short stretch of busy road before you reach the bike path of the River Tiber, a wonderful slow path that will lead you to the gates of the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Square.
Our Mountain Bikes
Customized ELIOS, Aluminium bike
Shimano Deore gears
Shimano V-brake
Suspension: RST, lock out
Bianchi Sempre Pro
Race bike
22 gears: Campagnolo Athena
Suspension: carbon fork
Our Electric Bikes
E-BIKE Customized Peugeot
Shimano Deore gears
Shimano V-brake
Suspension: RST, lock out
Accommodation in double rooms in 2 & 3-star hotels and rural farmhouses on a bed and breakfast basis.
We included:-
B & B Accommodation
Bike Hire
Hotel-to-hotel baggage transport
Camino Travel Pack with detailed route descriptions, maps, GPS tracks
Pellegrino’s credentials
24/7 local telephone support
