Via Francigena
Why visit Via Francigena the first time?
Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe
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The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrim route that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy. It passes through various regions of Italy, offering a rich cultural and culinary experience. Designing an itinerary for the Via Francigena depends on your preferences, available time, and the sections you wish to explore. Here's a general outline to help you plan your tour:
1. Planning and Preparation:
- Research the different sections of the Via Francigena in Italy and select the ones you want to explore.
- Determine the total duration of your trip, including travel to and from Italy.
- Consider the time of year you plan to visit, as weather conditions may affect your journey.
2. Itinerary:
- Start by choosing a section of the Via Francigena in Italy. Popular sections include the Aosta Valley, Tuscany, and Lazio.
- Research the attractions along your chosen route. The Via Francigena passes through picturesque towns, historical landmarks, and beautiful landscapes. Some notable attractions include the Cathedral of Aosta, Siena Cathedral, and the Vatican in Rome.
- Plan your daily walking distances based on your fitness level and the available accommodations along the route. It's recommended to average around 15-20 kilometers (9-12 miles) per day, allowing time to explore the attractions and enjoy the local culture.
3. Local Food and Wine:
- One of the highlights of the Via Francigena is experiencing the local culinary specialties and wines.
- Each region along the route has its own traditional dishes and food products. For example, in Tuscany, you can taste renowned wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, along with local dishes like ribollita (a vegetable and bread soup) and bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak).
- Explore local trattorias, osterias, and wineries along the route to savor the regional delicacies.
4. Getting There:
- Depending on your starting point, you can reach different sections of the Via Francigena by various means of transportation.
- If you're coming from abroad, you can fly into major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, or Florence and then use trains or buses to reach the starting point of your chosen section.
- Public transportation, such as trains and buses, is generally well-connected in Italy and can be used to reach different sections of the Via Francigena.
5. Accommodation:
- Along the Via Francigena, you'll find a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
- Pilgrim hostels, known as "ostelli" or "albergues," offer affordable lodging for walkers and pilgrims.
- Other options include bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hotels, and agriturismi (farm stays). Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
6. Duration:
- The duration of your itinerary will depend on the section(s) of the Via Francigena you choose to explore and the pace at which you wish to travel.
- A popular option is to complete the entire Italian section from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome, which takes approximately 1-2 months.
- If you have limited time, you can select specific sections and complete them within a week or two.
Remember to consult guidebooks, online resources, and local tourism offices for detailed information on specific sections of the Via Francigena and to stay updated on any route changes or closures.
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Tour of Via Francigena and itinerary to discover the attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste, how to get there, where to stay in Italy, How many days should the itinerary be?
