Via Francigena - week 3

Via Francigena – week 3

€ 1000 (from) / Per person

Via Francigena – Week 3

This week begins in the town of Garlasco, easily reached by train from Milan (2h30) and delves into the Pò river valley, past the alluvial plains where expansive rice fields cover the land. Through these fields you will find the city of Pavia, known for its spectacular Visconti castle from 1360. Pavia is also home to the Basilica di San Pietro in ciel d’Oro, whose shimmering gold ceilings have inspired artists & pilgrims for centuries. From there you’ll continue onwards to the XV century castle of Belgioioso and to the healing natural springs of Miradolo terme. Beyond the thermal springs, past the vineyards of the San Colombano hills, you will reach the banks of the River Po.

After taking the ferry across the river, the next big stop is Piacenza. Take some time to enjoy the spectacular Renaissance palaces, as well as the 12th century Duomo, a massive cathedral displaying the classic traits of Romanesque architecture. A few miles later you’ll reach the luxurious palaces of Fiorenzuola, a small but elegant town, just beyond which lies the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, which welcomes pilgrims from all around the world.

Your journey will end in Fidenza, a small town in the province of Parma. Be sure to visit Fidenza’s 13th century Cathedral, an exemplar of the Lombardy Romanesque style, as well as to enjoy the delicious local delicacies & wines. We recommend you celebrate your weeklong journey with some savory prosciutto & 30-month-aged parmesan, with a rich balsamic vinegar.

Waiting for you at your hotel will be the material you need for your trip: hotel vouchers and your credential for the pilgrim stamp

7 Days
Age 15+
Via Francigena

Highlights

Pavia bridge
Po river crossing
Castell’Arquato village
Fidenza Duomo

How does it work

We book your accommodations

We will book double/single rooms with private bathrooms in 2* or 3* hotels, b&b or country Inns. and you will find the corresponding vouchers in your package

We transfer your luggage

Just leave it at the reception desk with your name tag and you will find it at your next accommodation.

We supply GPS files.

In order to be more eco-friendly, we will provide a GPX reader application with a user-friendly interface, allowing for easy and real-time navigation

Departure:	Garlasco
Destination:	Fidenza
Included:	7 nights (in 2/3 stars accommodation) All breakfast (dinners on demand) Emergency number 24/7 Gps files Luggage transfer Pilgrim’s “Credenziale”
Excluded:	Dinners Tips Wine tasting

Map

Via Francigena week 3 from Garlasco to Fidenza

Tour Plan

Altitude at departure point: 93 mt

Day 1: Arrival in Garlasco

Garlasco is renowned for the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Bozzola, visited every year by many pilgrims and believers. The Sanctuary of Garlasco was built after the apparition of the Virgin to a 13 years old girl in 1465

Distance 25 km

Day 2: Garlasco - Pavia

The first part of the day you will walk across the plain and the second part along the banks of the river Ticino which is in the area of the natural park of Ticino, the river that connects the Lake Maggiore with the river Po. The park was the first regional park in Italy created in 1974. The stage ends in Pavia, one of the pearls of the Francigena Way. Do not forget the Visconteo castle and the San Pietro in Ciel d’oro church.

Height at arrival 77 mt

Distance 28,3 km

Day 3: Pavia - Santa Cristina (San Colombano al Lambro)

Today we leave Pavia following the river Ticino, then on across the wide flats of the Val Padana; to avoid traffic, you will walk across the nice countryside in the surroundings of Pavia among fields and woods. Stop in Belgioioso to visit the Castle of Belgioioso, ancient neoclassical residence raised in XIV century by Gian Galeazzo Visconti as a place of relax, hunting and amusement. Arrive in Santa Cristina where there’s no hotel; you should therefore call the driver to come and pick you up.

Height at the arrival 71 mt

Distance 28,8 km

Day 4: San Colombano al Lambro - Calendasco - Piacenza

From the hotel reach Lambrina, little village that takes its name from the near river Lambro, in few kilometers. Once on the river, you will follow the road built on the riverbanks to Corte Sant’Andrea, from where you will cross the river Po on a ferry. The docks are still in the same place where Bishop Sigerico crossed the river 1000 years ago. On the opposite side you will walk to Piacenza, meandering on both sides of the traffic ridden Via Emilia. The itinerary reaches the bridge of Piacenza. Do not miss the visit to the Romanesque Church of San Savino consecrate in 1107 and with two wonderful mosaics representing all the months of the year and the zodiac. Impressive is also the equestrian statue on Piacenza main square.

Height at the arrival 61 mt

Distance 24,7 km

Day 5: Piacenza - Carpaneto

The official road runs along the busy Via Emilia. We will therefore walk parallel to it to avoid the traffic and will take you across the relaxing landscape of the plain. This is a country of rivers, and we will cross and even wade a few of them along the way. Towards the end of the day, we will head towards the hills, which are the forerunners of the Appennino mountains to come. Spend the night in a charming country inn at the foot of the hills.

Height at the arrival 80 mt

Distance 14 km

Day 6: Carpaneto - Castell'Arquato

Start the day with a first stop at the Romanesque church of Vigolo Marchese then climb to Castell’Arquato, a beautiful Medieval town with a superb square lined with the cathedral and the communal palace buildings.

Distance 24,4 km

Day 7: Castell'Arquato - Fidenza

After days and days of flat land it is nice, though a bit more tiring to climb vineyards covered hills The walking itinerary ends shortly before Fidenza, in a parmesan producing farm inside the Stirone river park. You will be able to taste the real Emilia (Bologna) cuisine.

height at the arrival 57 mt

Day 8: End our service

See you next year to walk together the next stage