The most challenging and beautiful section of the Via Francigena is its transit of the Alps at the Great St Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. This unforgettable Alpine walk features snow-capped mountain peaks, towering waterfalls and majestic forests, interspersed with castles, Roman ruins and spectacular mountain scenery. This group walk from Lausanne to Aosta is timed to allow a snow-free transit of the Alps, and offers overnights in modest, pilgrim-class accommodations, with dinners and breakfasts included, except as specified. Pricing will be set in December. In the meantime, a €500 reservation fee will hold your place.

Itinerary for the Great St Bernard Pass:

Friday, August 16, 2024 – Gather in Lausanne, Switzerland

– Home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne sits on the north shore of beautiful Lake Geneva. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and prepare for your first day of walking.

Saturday, August 17, 2024 – Lausanne to Vevey (21.0km/13.0miles)

– Leave Lausanne on charming lakeside walks and trails, then head up onto vineyard-covered mountainsides on the way to lakeside Vevey.

Sunday, August 18, 2024 – Vevey to Aigle (25.8km/16.0miles)

– July’s annual Jazz Festival put Montreux on the map. Enjoy its lakeside promenade and then beautiful Chillon Castle before saying goodbye to the lake and heading up the Rhône Valley to Aigle.

Monday, August 19, 2024 – Aigle to St Maurice (16.6km/10.3miles)

– As the valley narrows and the track slowly climbs, mountain towns like Ollons exude Swiss charm. Set along tall cliffs, the town of St Maurice holds one of Europe’s oldest monasteries.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – St Maurice to Martigny (16.7km/10.4miles)

– The valley continues to narrow while the boulder-strewn route traverses mountainsides in quiet forests to the accompaniment of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – Martigny to Orsieres (18.4km/11.4miles)

– The route continues to ascend on narrow mountain paths under tall forests. The valleys are just wide enough for a two-lane road, a train track, and your pathway. The section of the path between Martigny Croix and Sembrancher is known as one of the trickiest for footing. If you’re concerned, the van will spirit you ahead to Sembrancher.

Thursday, August 22, 2024 – Orsieres to Bourg St Pierre (14.0km/8.7miles)

– The last night in Switzerland is spent above the tree line in the sparse settlement of Bourg St Pierre after the truly first steep climb of the walk.

Friday, August 23, 2024 – Bourg St Pierre to Col St Bernard (12.6km/7.8miles)

– The climb concludes in an enchanting land of heather, cool streams and tall, snowy peaks. Summit at the historic St Bernard Hospice at the Swiss/Italian border where dogs are still trained to rescue stranded hikers.

Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Col St Bernard to Gignod (22.0km/13.7miles)

– The first steps follow cattle trails down the green peaks and then a path alongside a delightful wayside canal that feeds vast, irrigated fields far below. The hardiest of the group will continue the downhill walk all the way to Aosta, but most will opt for the van to carry them through Aosta’s suburbs into the center city.

Sunday, August 25, 2024 – Depart Aosta.

After a fabulous Alps crossing you can remain in Aosta to tour its Roman and modern sights or continue your self-guided walk in the remainder of the Aosta Valley and beyond.

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The two capitals of pilgrimage in Italy are Assisi, home to St. Francis and St. Clare, and Rome, home to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and a panoply of others. This itinerary on the Via di Francesco links Assisi to Rome in a green and beautiful walk of sixteen days through Umbria and Lazio and enters busy Rome along a scenic and quiet bicycle trail.

“What you are looking for is where you are looking from.” – St Francis of Assisi

“A pilgrimage is a significant journey, often to a sacred place, undertaken to find new perspective. This magnificent walk through medieval towns and ancient forests in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi offers a chance to reflect and learn from a man who nearly 800 years after his death is still inspiring us with his words and life. It is an opportunity to enjoy not only the nature, art and culture of this place but to step out of our conditioned lives and experience the world and ourselves anew. Through days filled with walking, fresh air, fellowship, good food, contemplative exercises and sharing, we rediscover how to live from our most authentic selves. Communing with yourself and a small group of pilgrims allows you space to rediscover your sense of joy, confidence, and clarity. – Laura Harris

Itinerary for Assisi to Rome:

Monday, May 6, 2024 – Gather, overnight in Assisi (optional tour).

The warm, pink stone of Assisi becomes orange as the sun sets across the Spoleto Valley. The preparations are complete. Have you planned to come early to enjoy this unforgettable town, beloved by St. Francis and his friend, St. Clare? We take our final rest before setting out in the morning.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – Assisi to Spello (17.6km/10.9miles, rated Average).

We take the high road to Monte Subasio, enjoying fantastic views over the Spoleto Valley before descending to charming Spello. Delightful Spello and its 37 medieval churches await us.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – Spello to Trevi (19.1km, 11.9miles, rated Easy).

Our first stop is Foligno, where Francis sold his father’s cloth to raise money for God’s purposes. We continue through Foligno to beautiful Trevi that sits high on a hilltop, its steeples pointing toward the heavens and its quiet streets welcoming our explorations.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Trevi to Spoleto (25-30km, rated Moderate).

Walk from the lovely town of Trevi along the mountainsides filled with convents and castles. Enjoy identifying herbs and watching ripening progress on the olives growing on these scenic hillsides above the vineyard covered Spoleto Valley. Transfer in the van or continue on foot to cosmopolitan Spoleto, home to the Due Mondi International Music Festival. We peek into the historic Duomo which houses an authentic, handwritten letter of St. Francis.

Friday, May 10, 2024 – Spoleto to Macenano (20.3km, 12.6miles, rated Challenging).

On our way up the hill we stop at the Franciscan Convent of Monteluco and soon afterward we gaze across the lofty gorge that begins our entry to the Nera River Valley. Our overnight is in a renovated 10-century monastery on the hillside above the Valnerina scenic area.

Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Macenano to Arrone (10.5km, 6.5miles, rated Easy).

We’re in no rush today either, and our short walk culminates in the charming village of Arrone, at the foot of some of the highest peaks of the Central Apennine range.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Arrone to Piediluco (14.5km, 9miles, rated Easy).

The only climb of the day is alongside the might Marmore Waterfalls. Built by the Romans, who diverted the course of the Velino River, Marmore’s waters now flow through hydroelectric turbines by night and over the falls by day. The shores of Lake Piediluco, where St. Francis preached, await us for an afternoon and overnight.

Monday, May 13, 2024 – Piediluco to Poggio Bustone (21.8km, 13.5miles, rated Challenging).

St Francis loved the mountains, and legend tells us that a beech tree sheltered him atop a mountain in a terrible storm. We visit that beech tree 800 years later before making our way down to rustic Poggio Bustone. In a cave above the town, Francis had two visions that would change the course of his life and the course of history.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Poggio Bustone to Rieti (17.7km, 11miles, rated Average).

Midway through today’s forested walk is beautiful Cantalice, which, once it is discovered, will be widely recognized as one of the most lovely towns in Italy.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Rieti Rest Day (Optional tour to Greccio and Fontecolombo).

Either rest for the day or visit St. Francis’ sanctuaries in the nearby towns (price depending on number). Rieti is worth a visit in its own right, with its fascinating underground Salt Road tour. Dinner is not included this evening, so you are free to explore the restaurants of this regional capital.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo (21.8km, 13.5miles, rated Average).

Cross a 1600 year old Roman bridge before coming to Poggio San Lorenzo, itself built on foundations laid by the Romans. This is Sabina, Italy’s most famous olive-growing region, and these small mountains separated by quiet creeks each shelter their own charming village and people.

Friday, May 17, 2024 – Poggio San Lorenzo to Ponticelli (23.2km, 14.4miles, rated Average).

Here shepherds guard their flocks, which feed among the olive groves on these steep hillsides. Ancient churches stand in testimony to centuries of faith by families whose names are long forgotten.

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Ponticelli to Monterotondo (29km, 21miles, rated Moderately difficult due to length).

The mountains spread out as the terrain begins its transition to the flat plains of the Tiber Valley. Hints of urban life are kept away from us as we make our way through nature preserves and quiet farms. Walk the entire route or take the van from Montelibretti to shorten your day

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Monterotondo to Monte Sacro (19.3km, 12miles, rated Average).

The Gattececa Nature Preserve is our morning, and by the afternoon we are on the streets of Rome’s suburbs. While we miss the quiet, the excitement of arriving as pilgrims in one of the world’s great cities is palpable.

Monday, May 20, 2024 – Monte Sacro to the Vatican (15.4km, 9.6miles, rated Average).

Even urban Rome has quiet bicycle paths, and we use them to take us deep into the heart of the city. Once there, we follow the pilgrims’ path, ending in our triumphal entry at the gates of the Vatican City. We’ve done it. We’ve walked the pilgrim path to Rome. It’s time to receive our testimonium that confirms our pilgrimage, and it’s time for a final toast with new best friends who’ve shared this journey of discovery, accomplishment and joy.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Depart Rome. 

Bella Roma. Bella Italia. With hearts full of joy we say goodbye and begin thinking about what great adventure awaits. Option: Tour of Rome and extra night in the Eternal City.)

Return Home

The Via Francigena dips briefly into the Val d’Orcia from Siena to Viterbo, but it misses some of its greatest sights! We make up for this by adding to the Francigena’s itinerary with some wise and wonderful wine and hot springs location. Along the way we see beautiful Siena, charming Pienza, world-renown Montepulciano, and the home of the Brunello wines, Montalcino. We continue into Lazio to see the towns of Acquapendente, Montefiascone, and Viterbo. Sprinkle in several amazing hot spring locations and you have a fabulous walking tour of some of the best sights of Central Italy.

Itinerary for Siena to Viterbo:

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – Orientation session, tour Siena, overnight in Siena

Few places in the world ring so clearly with the echoes of the Middle Ages. Siena is an unspoiled medieval hub, and its vibrant streets are home to countless shops and eateries. Best of all is its cathedral, widely seen as one of the great medieval buildings of Italy.

Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Monte Oliveto Maggiore to Buonconvento (12km)

Transfer by van to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore to view the amazing 15th c frescoes by Signorelli, then walk to Buonconvento to enjoy this quiet, walled village. Continue on the Via Francigena to Brunello vineyards for a wine tasting. Transfer to Montalcino, home of Brunello wines, known around the world for their full-bodied flavors, developed from years of aging. Overnight Montalcino.

Friday, October 18, 2024 – Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni

Walk to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. Tour the abbey and then walk to the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, whose central square is a thermal bath and whose warm waters were beloved by Lorenzo the Magnificent, St Catherine of Siena, and Pope Pius II. Bring your swimsuit! Overnight Bagno Vignoni.

Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Bagno Vignoni to Pienza

Walk first to quaint village of San Quirico d’Orcia, then onward to unspoiled Pienza, a town transformed into the “ideal city of the Renaisssance” by its benefactor and native son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini (who later became Pope Pius II). The central square, designed by the architect Il Rossellino, features a harmonious ensemble of buildings including the Cathedral, Papal Palace, and Town Hall. Overnight Pienza.

Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Pienza to Montepulciano

Walk among vineyards to the beloved hill town of Montepulciano, a name synonymous with the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG red wine. The town’s hilltop location allows the perfect setting for underground wine cellars. A walk through Montepulciano is a step back in time. Overnight Montepulciano.

Monday, October 21, 2024 – Montepulciano to Acquapendente

Today we transfer back to the Via Francigena, beginning the walk in the quiet hilltop town of Radicofani, originally a fortress of nearby Siena. A downhill walk leads through fields of grain and then we cross the ancient Via Cassia to end the day at the walled town of Proceno, now in Lazio. Transfer to Acquapendente, home of San Sepolcro Cathedral with its relics and beautiful, ancient crypt. Overnight in Acquapendente.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – Acquapendente to Montefiascone

Today we walk in woods and among fields to experience for ourselves one of the most celebrated wine stories of Italy – the “Est, Est, Est!” wines of Montefiascone. We’ll overlook volcanic Lago di Bolsena for much of the day, but at the end will see this circular lake from the heights of the Rocca dei Papi. Overnight Montefiascone.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – Montefiascone to Viterbo

As we leave Viterbo we will walk on the original surface of the Roman road “Via Cassia,” heading across the valley to the Tuscia region, steeped in Etruscan – and Papal – history. Popes found their 12-13th c palace to be a refuge from the hostile crowds of Rome, and their architectural treasures can be seen today. Viterbo is also a thermal bath headquarters, and an optional dip in one of the areas many terme will be offered. A celebratory dinner finishes your day. Overnight Viterbo.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

After breakfast at our hotel we depart Viterbo for our next adventures.