Cycle Italy’s Via Francigena – Siena to Rome

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  • Start Siena, Tuscany
  • End Rome, Lazio
  • DateApril to October
  • Duration 8 nights
  • Distance280 km / 175 m
  • GradeEasy, Moderate & Challenging Sections

In the first part of this cycling trip from Siena to Rome takes you along the legendary Sienese white roads, across the delightful valleys of Val d’Arbia and the Val d’Orcia – icons of the Tuscan landscape. You will visit wonderful villages such as Bagno Vignoni, with its huge thermal pool in the centre of the square and the hilltop fortress of Radicofani, which dominates southern Tuscany skyline.

Once you enter Lazio province, the Via leads you to sapphire blue Lake Bolsena, where you spend a night on its shores. From here you’ll cycle parts of the ancient Via Cassia, still intact after 2000 years.

In the medieval centre of the university town of Viterbo, an entire district is dedicated to the pilgrim. Then you’re on an ancient Etruscan road to the Roman amphitheatre of Sutri. The final stretch is along a beautiful bike path into the heart of Rome, along the River Tiber to finish at the St Peter’s Square.

If you love your food and wine you’ll be pleased to know you will be crossing the vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the best Italian wines and the production areas of the Pienza cheese. Between Bolsena and Montefiascone you are in one of the most important production areas of extra virgin olive oil. Montefiascone’s vineyards produce the refreshing crisp white wine Est! Est!! Est!!!

You are only eligible to claim the TESTIMONIUM certificate if you can prove you cycled 400km minimum from Lucca to Rome. We provide your pilgrim document as part of your Camino Travel Pack which is 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

Price Includes

  • 9 Nights B&B
  • 2 Dinners
  • MTB Hybrid/ Electric Bike
  • Baggage transfers

Price Excludes

  • Driver Service Fee
  • Guide Service Fee
  • Room Service Fees

Single Supplement

£320

Highlights

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

Food & Drink

  • Typical flavours of the Region
  • The panforte of Siena
  • Brunello di Montalcino wines in Tuscany
  • The Cacio di Pienza Cheese
  • The Est Est Est wine of Montefiascone
  • DOP extra virgin olive oil from Tuscia Viterbese
  • Sbroscia , a typical soup with lake fish and tomato from Bolsena

Itinerary

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.

  • Arrive in Siena
  • Ride from Siena to San Quirico d’Orcia – 54 km
  • Ride from San Quirico d’Orica to Radicofani – 38 km
  • Ride from Radicofani to Bolsena – 55 km
  • Ride from Bolsena to Viterbo – 32 km
  • Ride from Viterbo to Sutri – 38 km
  • Ride from Sutri to Formello – 34.5 km
  • Ride from Formello to Rome – 34 km
  • Arrivederci Rome!

Day 1 Siena

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.

Day 2 Siena to San Quirico d'Orcia, 54 km

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.

Day 3 San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani, 36 km

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

Day 4 Radicofani to Bolsena, 51 km

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.

Day 5 Bolsena to Viterbo, 33 km

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.

Day 6 Viterbo to Sutri, 38 km

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.

Day 7 Sutri to Formello, 34 km

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.

Day 8 Formello to Rome, 34 km

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.

Map

Accommodation

Accommodations

Accommodation in double rooms in 2 & 3-star hotels and rural farmhouses on a bed and breakfast basis.

We included:-
8 nights Accommodation, B&B with 2 dinners
Bike Hire
Hotel to hotel baggage transport
Camino Travel Pack with detailed route descriptions, maps, GPS tracks
Pellegrino’s credentials
24/7 telephone support

Reviews

Cycle Italy’s Via Francigena
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