3000 EURO PER PERSON
All roads lead to Rome, but only one of them is La Via Francigena. This legendary path follows a route traced by Julius Cesar in 58 BC called “The way of the Sun”, connecting his northern provinces with the capital, Rome. One thousand years later the Archbishop Sigericus of Canterbury travelled this route, leaving a detailed description called the Iter Francorum, or the way of the Franks.
During the following centuries, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travelled to Rome by way of the Via Francigena. There were those seeking indulgencies granted as early as the year 1300, merchants with goods to trade, soldiers defending their territories, emperors, bankers, diplomats and adventurers: all walked to Rome on this road. The Via Francigena, together with the Camino de Santiago in Spain, became the backbone of the ancient road system of Western Europe throughout the Middle Ages.
In 1994, this route was declared “European Cultural Itinerary” and was awarded the title of “Major Cultural Route” in 2004 by the European Council. It’s being considered by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites.
What’s Included
- Meet your tour leader in Siena (Tuscany).
- Van support during the trip for you & your luggage
- 7 nights of hotels with private bathrooms
- Bi-lingual guide
- Daily maps & historical information
- Pilgrims credential (passport)
- Healthy snacks
- All breakfasts
- Five dinners, wine included
- Wine tasting and brunch in Montalcino
- Orvieto Cathedral and Orvieto Underground
- Spontaneous side trips!
PRIVATE tailor-made trips are available upon request. Please ask us for details.
Location
Itinerary
DAY 1: SIENA – COLLE MALAMERENDA
We will meet in front of the Hotel NH Siena (formerly the Hotel Excelsior) at 11 AM in Siena. This hotel is located in Piazza Lizza in the town center. Siena is known for being one of the first places in Europe to offer official assistance to pilgrims. The Ospitale di Santa Maria della Scala was founded in the 9th century and has been in use for over a thousand years. From the Porta Romana gate, we will leave Siena to begin our epic journey into the hills of Tuscany. We will spend the night in a charming agriturismo.
The distance covered will be 12 km (7.5 miles), and dinner is included.
DAY 2: COLLE MALAMERENDA – PONTE D’ARBIA
Across open meadows and along the Strade Bianche (white roads) today’s walk will allow us spectacular views of the hilltop town of Lucignano, declared a National Monument. Once we reach Ponte d’Arbia, our destination, we will have a short shuttle back to our hotel, where we spend a second night.
19 km/11.8 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included.
DAY 3: PONTE D’ARBIA – TORRENIERI
An easy walk leads us to Buonconvento at the confluence of the Arbia and Ombrone rivers. This is an important agricultural center which flourished in ancient times due to its location on the pilgrimage road. We’ll follow a trail that goes along the crest of the Southern hills of Siena and through the famous vineyards of Montalcino, where we enjoy the taste of some of Italy’s best wines. We then reach the small town of Torrenieri and take a short shuttle to our hotel in San Quirico d’Orcia.
18 km/11.2m – Breakfast and lunch with wine tasting included.
DAY 4: SAN QUIRICO – CASTIGLIONE D’ORCIA
Well-marked footpaths will take us into magical land of the Val d’Orcia and the perfectly preserved village of San Quirico d’Orcia where the ancient Etruscans once resided. Bagno Vignoni is the next village on the route, a favourite resting place where Romans would luxuriate in the hot waters of the thermal baths. Next, we continue our way to Castiglione, located on a hill at the foot of Mount Amiata. Overlooking Castiglione is the watch tower of Rocca di Tentennano. A beautiful walk down into the valley leads us to the Ospitale delle Briccole, where there once stood an ancient pilgrim’s hospital. We end our day’s journey in a lovely Agriturismo.
23 km/14.3 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included.
DAY 5: CASTIGLIONE D’ORCIA – PROCENO
The path now begins to climb, but our goal of the hilltop village of Radicofani is always in sight. Set on top of a 780-meter hill stands the mighty Rocca of Radicofani, a Carolingian castle built over 1000 years ago. This has always been one of the biggest challenges for pilgrims on the Road to Rome. Worth visiting are the Romanesque church of San Pietro and the one of S. Agata, in the town center, which house some works by sculptor Andrea della Robbia. After a short shuttle we continue onwards crossing the border between Tuscany and Latium and reach Proceno, our destination of the day.
19 km/11.8 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included.
DAY 6: ACQUAPENDENTE – BOLSENA
We continue our route to reach the lovely town of Acquapendente, where we visit the Romanesque cathedral of the Santo Sepolcro, who’s unusual 10th century crypt contains a blood-stained stone from the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Today we enjoy great views of the former volcanic crater, now Lake Bolsena, the largest natural volcanic lake in Europe. A pleasant walk-through olive groves, open meadows, and small forests, passing by tiny houses built into giant lava cliffs, leads us to the shores of the lake and the attractive town of Bolsena, with its medieval quarter and black-sand beach.
19 km/11.8 miles – Breakfast included.
DAY 7: BOLSENA – ORVIETO
Following the steps of the ancient population of Bolsena who in 1263 walked to Orvieto to hand the relic of the Eucharistic miracle to the Pope we walk a beautiful trail that connected the two towns since the Etruscan times. The easy and short walk gives us time to enjoy one of the most beautiful towns in central Italy, rich in art, history, cuisine, and wines.
7 km/4.3 miles, breakfast and dinner.
DAY 8: ORVIETO
After breakfast we say farewell to our guides and end our journey visiting the amazing cathedral of Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian gothic architecture built the XIII century to keep the relics of the miracle of Bolsena.
(Breakfast included)
* This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
** You will see the number of kilometers and elevation mentioned with the daily description. We are flexible in the amount you personally walk. We have the van to assist in whatever amount you would like to walk on this pilgrimage.
*** This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
**** There may be several occasions where we sleep for two nights in one hotel or B&B due to lack of accommodations where we end our daily stage of the walk. Most people find this to be an advantage as you can unpack or take a rest day if you chose not to walk one day.
Gallery
FAQs
What does Part II mean?
This tour is the section section of a 21 day’s journey from Lucca to Rome. There may be members of the group that will not end in Orvieto but walk all the way to Rome. If you wish to walk the whole way to Rome, please check the dates on our web page and request the itinerary. We also offer Part I & III as a separate journey, so you can decide to walk it in the future.
How many miles do we hike per day?
We average between 15-23 kilometers per day. We encourage people to ride in the van if feeling fatigued. Most pilgrims walking the trail independently walk 25 kilometers a day with a heavy pack. With Spanish Steps, we have the luxury of a fully supported van which carries our baggage and carries us the extra mile when needed.
What kind of hotels do we use?
We use 3 and 4-star hotels and family run farmhouses (Agrituismo). They are located along the route in small villages, away from the large cities. All rooms have private baths. The smaller inns have no phone or TV in the room. Some nights we must shuttle to our hotel located a bit off the route. We often sleep two nights in the same hotel.
Is there WIFI at our hotels?
Our hotels nearly always have free WIFI available although it is often just in the lobby/public areas. We generally stay at historical properties, which often have thick walls, so WIFI rarely works in the rooms.
How many meals are included?
All continental breakfasts, 2 lunches with Montalcino wine tasting and cheese tasting and 5 dinners (wine and water included). At times, we may need to eat in a café on route. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let us know what they are before the start of this trip. All other meals are at your own expense. Expect to pay around 16 Euro for lunch, 25 Euro for dinner in a restaurant.
How does one get to SIENA?
- There are about 12 daily trains from Rome at regular intervals. The trip takes 3-4 hours. There are 15 daily trains from Florence to Siena, and the trip takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Check the Italian train schedule: www.trenitalia.com, where you can buy the ticket online in advance (recommended).
- Please sleep at a hotel near the Piazza Lizza. This is where we will meet on Day 1 of the tour. We will meet in front of the Hotel NH SIENA at 11 am to collect your luggage and to start our walk.
How does one get from ORVIETO at the end of the tour to the airport or to Rome?
- There are regular trains from Orvieto train station to Rome Termini. The trip takes 1 – 1.5 hours and the prices range from 8-18 Euro per person.
- To reach Fiumicino (FCO Leonarda da Vinci) airport from Orvieto, it is necessary to change at Termini station. The whole ride, including changes may take up to 2.5 hours and prices range from 15-32 Euro per person.
- A taxi to the airport from Rome center costs 50 Euro (3-4 people) and can be booked at the desk of your hotel.
- For connections with other towns check the train company’s website at www.trenitalia.com.
What kind of equipment should I pack?
The hikes are not fancy. I will supply you with an equipment list of basic items to pack. You are limited to one bag weighing 30-lbs and a one-day pack to hold items such as your camera, rain gear and water bottle. Hiking boots will be your most important piece of equipment. Please be sure they are well broken in and that you have proper socks before arriving in Italy. Please bring hiking poles with you if you wish to use them.
How do I access spending money/how much should I bring?
Most expenses are already built into Spanish Steps trips, lunches are a separate expense. Most people travel with an ATM card. Money machines are everywhere in Italy but be sure you know your PIN number before departing the US. Do not bring traveler’s check. Most banks will turn you away.
Should I leave a gratuity for our guides?
Our guests often ask for guidelines on tipping tour guides. For a 8-day tour, a tip of 80-100 Euros per guest for each guide is appropriate if you are pleased with their service; or about 7-10 Euros per day, per guide.
What is the average age of the group?
The average age of the hiker on a Spanish Steps tour is 50 years old during the spring and fall months but younger during the summer months. Most trips are a mix of a 40/60 ratio of men to women. I have taken school groups where the age range is 13-20 years old. With an eager heart and a mind full of curiosities, any age is able to walk the Camino.
What is the terrain like?
This area of Italy has its ups and downs. There are some long, slow climbs through farming areas, but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. In general, the paths are well worn and are not difficult. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, through vineyards, beech and chestnut forests and old country roads. The route is well marked with the red and white stripe and with white or red arrows. You will be provided with full detailed maps and cultural information.
Is there a single supplement?
Some people would like to be matched with a roommate. I can’t guarantee a match but will try to place you with someone if there are any requests. The price of the single supplement is 500 EUROS per person.
Can you provide references?
We would be delighted to share with you some references of former clients who have walked with us. If you would like to contact any former Spanish Steps participants, let us know by calling us. Check out our Customer Comments on our website at www.spanishsteps.com. Buon Viaggio!