Siena to Rome – 15-day escorted walk on the ‘Via Francigena’

2025 Dates: 10 June – 24 June 2025 (Fully booked) 10 September – 24 September 2025 (Fully Booked)

2026 Dates: 10 June – 24 June 2026 (BOOKINGS NOW OPEN); 10 September – 24 September 2026 (BOOKINGS NOW OPEN) 

Join our small group walking tour on the ancient Pilgrim’s Trail, the Via Francigena, where you will Walk Local, Eat Local and Sleep Local – the perfect slow travel option.  

Our Italian Accredited tour guides all love the outdoors and have a wonderful zest for life, which is contagious.  Immerse yourself in real Italy enjoying great food, incredible history and friendly, regional hospitality.

The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrims’ trail that starts in England winding down through France and Switzerland into Italy. Carolyn has chosen the most picturesque section from Tuscany to Rome. In medieval times pilgrims on their way to the Holy City of Rome used the Via Francigena. This ancient road was the main artery for trading and military activity through the ages and is now the fabulous pilgrim’s trail that leads walkers on a journey through the heart of Italy to St Peter’s in Rome.

Walking on original roman stone roads, tracks through oak and chestnut forests; gravel paths through olive groves; winding past vineyards with beautiful stone villas and classic avenues of cypress pines.  Staying in World Heritage-listed cities and rustic hill-towns with glorious views in every direction.  Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy this active, walking holiday.

On the Via Francigena walkers will be sleeping in pilgrim’s accommodation in Monasteries;   B & Bs and small hotels.   There will always be warm showers, comfortable beds and wonderful hospitality before settling in for a solid sleep.

Food is a highlight in Italy. Three meals a day are provided.   Like the Italians,  start the day with a fresh pastry and a cappuccino in the local bar; rustic picnic lunches made up of local produce such as pecorino cheese, wild boar salami, prosciutto, the freshest tomatoes, local wood-fired bread and locally grown olives are eaten on the trail; and at the end of the day, we join the locals in fabulous trattorias where they serve seasonal, fresh, regional favourites, washed down with the local wine from the area.

There is plenty of time to explore each town’s rich history, enjoy aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) and to sitting back and reflect on your day walking. There will be winery visits, olive oil tastings, a cooking class, music concerts, and local guides to give us first-hand local knowledge.  

On the Via Francigena walkers carry a Pilgrims Passport that is stamped along the journey culminating in a signed Certificate from the Vatican on reaching Rome.

Join Walk Local and you will have an amazing Italian experience. Immerse yourself in real Italy, walk local, eat local and sleep locally. You will arrive in Rome feeling fit, healthy and invigorated in the process.  

What’s Included:

• Fully Escorted
• Accredited Italian Tour Guides
• 14 nights accommodation – twin share -Monasteries, B & B’s, small hotels  and Agriturismo
• 3 meals a day – continental breakfast, rustic Tuscan picnic lunches or Italian workmen’s lunches; dinner in local trattoria, Osteria, or pizzerias – 2-3 courses plus local wine (14 breakfast; 14 lunches; 12 dinners
• Fully escorted walking tour
• Maps and detailed itinerary
• Pilgrim’s Passport; Certificate from the Vatican on arrival in Rome
• Trip Notes including a training programme, what to pack, reading guide
• All events as per itinerary

Additional Information Pack:

Luggage:

Most of our walkers carry their backpacks and we have a packing plan that is ideal, but if you do not want to carry your pack, I use a wonderful company that do pick up and drop-offs, which can be pre-arranged before departure and you will be directly to them each day.

What’s included:

Three meals a day, all accommodation in a small hotel, B&B, agriturismo, Convent/Monastery/Hostel – twin share (if you do not want to share, please advise and there is a supplement for a single room),  maps and detailed description of the itinerary, Pilgrims Passport, 24-hour assistance, wine tastings, garden tours, concerts, entry fees to sites and local guides as outlined in the itinerary are all included.

Special Events (all pre-booked):

Throughout the tour, there will be a few special events which are totally optional.  These are not included and can be booked at an additional cost.  Events such as the Italian Opera in Siena, 1 hr Ballooning experience over Tuscany, September Paleo tickets in Siena, private bus tour to Montalcino – home of the famous Brunello wine and the Garden “La Foce”; and when in Rome “Audience with the Pope” tickets – if he is in residence; are a few exciting extras that can be booked.  You will receive a list of additional events when you are booking.

Not included:

Transfer to the starting location, airport taxes and departure fees, visas, or any items of a personal nature, laundry, phone, luggage transportation, travel insurance, medical supplies, bar, tips and everything that is not mentioned in “What’s included”.  All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages other than local wine with dinner.

Optional Services:

Luggage transfers; Single room supplement; Transfers to reach the starting location or onward travel after the tour is finished.  Quoted on request.  

Travel Insurance:

All persons need to have their own travel insurance for this trip.  Also, a doctor’s certificate states they are fit and healthy to walk.