Via Francigena: The Road to Rome

Highlights
  • Hike the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route from the Swiss Alps to the Eternal City of Rome.
  • Discover iconic trails through Italy’s stunning landscapes, including Tuscany’s rolling hills and the Apennine Mountains.
  • Savor Italian delicacies—like wine, pasta, and cured meats—as you pass through authentic rural villages.
  • Complete your journey in Rome, home to ancient ruins, vibrant piazzas, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Via Francigena, also known as the "Road to Rome," is a historic pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome, Italy. While traditionally a religious pilgrimage, today it’s celebrated as a cultural journey, offering beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and local culinary delights. Whether you’re walking the entire Via Francigena route or just a section, the experience will immerse you in Italy’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Macs Adventure has been sending customers on memorable adventures along the Francigena Way since 2013. Set off each day knowing your luggage will be transferred with ease and a good night’s rest awaits. With our trusted local partners and knowledge of the trail, we can assure you that you are in good hands. They say all roads lead to Rome, make sure you choose this one!

Contact Macs Adventure today to plan your self-guided Via Francigena walking tour or bike tour. With expert guidance, pre-arranged logistics, and our award-winning support, your journey will be seamless and unforgettable. Whether you’re walking a stage or the full Italian Via Francigena to Rome, Macs Adventure is here to make your dream long distance hiking tour a reality.

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Stories from Experts & Adventurers

Discover Via Francigena: The Road to Rome

  • Camino to Rome vs Camino to Santiago

    Popularity

    In comparison to the Camino to Santiago, which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, walking the Via Francigena is a different experience with uncrowded paths that are off the beaten track. The Via Francigena will have you walking through interesting landscapes and historic villages, ideal for those looking for a peaceful walking experience. The Camino to Santiago has more of a social aspect as you are more likely to meet fellow walkers on a daily basis.

    Waymarkingy

    Where the Camino de Santiago has yellow arrows and scallop shells as the marking along the route, the Via Francigena uses red and white stripes as well as the Francigena pilgrim, or a combination of both. The Via Francigena is reasonably well waymarked, although it can at times be more difficult to find. The waymarking is still a work in progress and it has improved since the resurgence in popularity. With our route notes and GPX tracks, we can ensure that you will not have any problems finding your way. 

    Road walking

    Some of the original paths of the Via Francigena are now roads, varying from quiet country roads to fairly busy ones. Where possible we have improved the experience so you may either only follow these roads for a short time or divert from the traditional route to enjoy a more relaxed walk. The Camino de Santiago is much the same and also includes road walking, although to a smaller degree in comparison.

    Camino to Rome vs Camino to Santiago
  • Which stage is for me?

    Not all of us are lucky enough to have 50 consecutive days to hike one of Europe’s finest pilgrimages to the Italian capital of Rome. The good news is that even with limited time, you can enjoy parts of this ancient trail. You could choose to walk an individual stage or perhaps combine multiple stages. Although it is a hard choice to make, here are some of our favorite sections!

    Starting off in Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the first stage crosses the Great St Bernard Pass into Italy, finishing in St Martin in the Aosta Valley. As you traverse a high mountain pass, this section is best enjoyed from mid-June onwards.

    The final stage of the Via Francigena takes you from the hilltop town of Montefiascone to Rome, the eternal city. Follow trails through the classic Italian landscapes of Lazio, rural and pristine areas of Italy that many tourists do not visit!

    Stage 4 from Fidenza to Aulla takes you to the foothills of the scenic Apennine Mountains, also known as "the backbone of Italy". Cross the Cisa Pass and walk from Emilia Romagna towards the northern Tuscan border. Another highlight of this section is the famous food of the Parma region, a foodie paradise!

    Known to have better waymarking than other regions of the Via Francigena, Stage 6 gives you a real flavor of quintessential Tuscany. Visit medieval villages, such as San Miniato, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena, and San Quirico d'Orcia. This trip includes many highlights of central Tuscany, with its wealth of history, culture, and art.

    Easily combined with the previous stage in central Tuscany, Stage 7 continues through the heart of Tuscany on the northern edge of Val d’Orcia. From the ochre-colored landscapes of the Crete Senesi (UNESCO) to Montefiascone, where you can enjoy views of Lake Bolsena.

    Which stage is for me?
  • When in Rome

    Italy’s capital is one of the most romantic cities, it is vibrant, filled with ruins and European art, and has many welcoming restaurants. We would recommend spending some extra time getting to know this world-class city and here are some reasons why!

    Visit its ancient icons such as the Colosseum – the symbol of Rome and the biggest amphitheater that was ever built, the Pantheon which now serves as a church but used to be a temple and the Roman Forum.

    Admire its artistic heritage which is certainly not hard to find when strolling through the city. Masterpieces include sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael, and fountains like the Trevi Fountain with its sparkling waters filled with coins! If you only have time to visit one art gallery, make it Galleria Borghese as it has one of the most impressive private art collections.

    Discover the Vatican, the world’s smallest city-state and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square can not be missed. The pope holds Papal Audiences most Wednesdays and recites the Angelus prayer on Sundays at noon.

    Watch the world go by on one of Rome’s lively piazzas while enjoying a refreshing aperitivo. The cobblestoned streets of Travestere are filled with trattorias, bars, and terraces where you can listen to local musicians. Piazza Navona with a fountain by Benini is a popular square among the locals. Soak up la dolce vita in one of the romantic outdoor settings of refined restaurants or head for a truly authentic meal to a local pizzeria.

    When in Rome
  • FAQs about the Via Francigena

    What is the Via Francigena?
    The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route spanning over 1,000 miles from Canterbury to Rome.

    How long is the Via Francigena?
    The full trail is approximately 1,200 miles. The Italian section from the Swiss Alps to Rome is about 620 miles.

    How long does it take to walk the Via Francigena?
    Walking the full Italian route takes about 50 days. Shorter stages, like the final stage to Rome, can be completed in 5–7 days.

    What’s the best time to walk the Via Francigena?
    Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal, offering mild weather and fewer crowds.

    How many people hike the Via Francigena?
    While it’s less crowded than the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena is growing in popularity, especially in Jubilee years like 2025.

    How do you pronounce Via Francigena?
    It’s pronounced "Vee-ah Fran-CHEE-jay-nah."

    FAQs about the Via Francigena
  • Explore Rome after Your Journey

    After completing your pilgrimage to Rome, take time to explore the Eternal City:

    Ancient Icons: Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon to experience Rome’s rich history.

    Art and Architecture: Don’t miss the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

    Culinary Delights: Enjoy authentic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe or sip a refreshing aperitivo on a lively piazza.

    Jubilee Year 2025: Make the most of this significant year by attending Jubilee celebrations, exploring Rome's Holy Doors, and experiencing the city's spiritual vibrancy. As this historic occasion unfolds, Rome is set to welcome an influx of visitors eager to join pilgrims in a transformative journey of renewal, reflection, and faith. 
     
    Extend your adventure and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rome! 
     
    Ready to Walk the Via Francigena? 

    Explore Rome after Your Journey
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