The Via Francigena walk is an amazing journey covering the final 100 km from the hilltop town of Montefiascone. You will walk on the ancient pavements of the Via Cassia, some of which have remained intact for over 2,000 years.
On the final section of the Via Francigena, which leads to Rome, you will experience the green and hilly landscape of Lazio as you travel from one ancient village to the next.
Please note that the Testimonium is only given to pilgrims who can provide a credential showing stamps for at least the last 100 km for walkers or the last 200 km for cyclists. Your credential will be waiting for you at your first hotel. We recommend that you get your credential stamped each day and present it at the following places when you arrive at St. Peter’s in Rome.
Additionally, we can help you request tickets for a Papal Audience if your dates align with the Papal calendar. If this is of interest to you, please feel free to ask us about it.
Still undecided on the right Camino for you? Explore our other Camino Walking Tours in France.
Price Excludes
Single Supplement
£320
The start point of the final 100km of the Via Francigena is the fortress hill town of Montefiascone, famous for the local white wine “Est Est Est”. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Bolsena and the town retains some of the ancient pavements of the 2000 year old Via Cassia. If you wish a free day before setting out, a trip to Bolsena on the lake is highly recommended.
Walk along the ancient Via Cassia, over hilly ground, with lovely views back to Montefiascone and ahead to Viterbo. This fertile area produces wonderful olive oil, excellent Brunello di Montalcino wines and the cheeses of Pienza . On route to medieval Viterbo, stop off to enjoy the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. Viterbo is home to a Papal Palace. The medieval centre is a wonderfully atmospheric place to explore with many restaurants around the pilgrim district where you can try the acquacotta, the traditional dish of the Tuscia.
The next leg of the journey will take you to Vetralla, a village in the heart of ancient Etruscan territory. Upon your arrival take a stroll through the alleys of the old town.
Continuing through the green countryside of Lazio, you reach Sutri, with its Roman amphitheatre, completely dug out from the tufo. Sit on the terraces, get up onto the stage, and sign the visitors’ register. Visit the church of Santa Maria del Parto to see the well preserved frescoes, including a group of pilgrims depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand.
During the journey from Sutri you flank the Mount Gelato Waterfalls, where you can stop for a reinvigorating bathe in hot weather. A panoramic road takes youthrough the Veio Nature Park to the gates of Campagnano. Here you can rest in the Venturi Park, the home of a three-hundred-year-old Yew tree the locals call the “Tree of Death”!
From Campagnano you continue through the Veio nature park with its woody hills, entering the enchanting Valle del Sorbo. Along the way you pass the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo and the old town centre of Formello, with its fine medieval buildings. Isola Farnese clings to a cliff surrounded by woods dominated by the Castello Farnese – with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.
The last leg of your journey to the Eternal City is across a beautiful natural reserve, the Parco dell ‘Insugherata, a green oasis on the outskirts of Rome. The Belvedere di Monte Mario, gives the first glimpse of the dome of Saint Peter’s. It is a world apart from the heavy traffic that you may experience walking into the centre of the Rome. Descend towards Piazza San Pietro, the arrival point of the whole Northern Via Francigena. Do not forget to take a triumphant photograph in front of the Basilica, before celebrating the end of the journey feasting on spring lamb, pecorino romano cheese and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream – you’ve deserved it!
A whole day ahead of you to immerse yourself in the many delights of the eternal city. And collect your Testimonium if you haven’t done so already. You might take a tour of the Vatican City or perhaps book tickets for a theatrical or musical event.
(If you are still exploring your Camino options, be sure to check out our other Camino Walking Experiences.)
Rome – Hotel Domus Sessoriana is a historic hotel set in a restored monastery dating from the C10th. The simple rooms have tiled floors and en suite bathrooms, and come with TVs, minifridges and desks, and upgraded rooms feature vaulted ceilings. Complimentary WiFi is available in some rooms. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served in a rooftop garden. Other amenities include a restaurant, cafeteria and a bar. Wi-Fi is free in common areas, and there’s parking (fee) as well as an airport shuttle (at extra cost) and meeting space.
