Via Francigena WEEK 3

From 660Euro per person

This week 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, whose shimmering gold ceilings have inspired artists & pilgrims for centuries. From there you’ll continue onwards to the XV castle of Belgioioso, 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 you take 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 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.

This week begins in the town of Garlasco, easily reached by train from Milan (2h30). Waiting for you at your hotel will be all the material you need for your trip: hotel vouchers, a detailed description of the route & stops along the way, & the GPS maps. You will also find information on churches where you can receive a benediction, should you desire one.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Pavia bridge
Po river crossing
Castllarquato village
Fidenza Duomo

HOW DOES IT WORK:

We book your accommodations

We will book double 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 detailed route notes and maps

The route notes can be in English, Italian, French or German. All maps have GPS tracing.

7 Nights

Via Francigena

Destination
Via Francigena
Departure
From Garlasco to Fidenza
Included

7 NIGHTS ( in 3 Star Accommodation )

All breakfast ( dinners on demand )

Emergency number 24/7

Gps Files Available

Luggage Transfer

Pilgrim's "Credenziale" ( Stamp book )

Road Book & Maps
Not Included

5 Dinner package ( On Request )

From our gallery

Pics from our friends walking along the Francigena!

Day 1 – Arrival in Garlasco – Height at departure: 93m

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 apperance of the Virgin to a 13 years old girlt in 1465

Day 2 – Garlasco – Pavia – Height at arrival: 77 m Length: 25,7km Walking time: 6h.30

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 casle and the San Pietro in Ciel d’oro church.

Day 3 – Pavia – Santa Cristina ( Miradolo ) – Height at arrival: 71 m Length: 27,7km Walking time: 6h.30

Today we leave Pavia following the river Ticino, then on across the wide flats of Padania; 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 place of relax, hunting and amusement. St Cristina has no hotel; you should therefore call the hotel in Miradolo to come and pick you up; they know!

Day 4 – Miradolo – Calendasco – Height at arrival:60 m Length: 17.5 km Walking time: 4h.0

The hotel driver will bring you back to Miradolo main square to start walking towards the Castle of Chignolo Po, place of rest for pilgrims on the Francigena since the medieval time. In few kilometres and you reach Lambrina, little village that takes its name from the near river Lambro. Once you reach the rver you will follow the road built on the river banks to Corte Sant’Andrea, from where leaves the ferry on the river Po.The docks are still in the same place where Sigerico crossed the river 1000 years ago. Spend the night in a coutry Inn just beyond the landing point<

Day 5 – Calendasco – Piacenza – Height at arrival: 61 m Length: 15,5 km Walking time: 4h.00

A short stage will take you 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, at the interior, two wonderful mosaics representing all the months of the year and the zodiac. Impressive is also the equestrian statue on Piacenza main square. Spend the night in a nice b&b just on the square.

Day 6 – Piacenza – Carpaneto – Height at arrival:80 m Length:26.5km Walking time: 5h.30

The official road runs along the busy Via Emilia. We will therefore walk parallel to it to avoid the traffic and will takes 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 that are the forerunners of the Appennino mountains to come. Spend the night in a charming country inn at the foot of the hills.

Day 7 – Carpaneto – Fidenza – Height at arrival:57 m Length: 25km Walking time: 6h.30

Start the day with a first stop at the romanesque church of Vigolo Marchese then climb to Castel Arquato a beautiful Medieval town with a superb square lined with the cathedral and the communal palace buildings.After days and days of flat land it is nice, though a bit more tiring to climb vineyards covered hills The walking itinerary endsshortly before Fidenza,in a parmesan producing farm inside the Stirone river park. You will be able to taste the real Emilia (Bologna) cuisine.

Day 8 – End our service

See you next year to walk together the Next Stage >>

Via Francigena WEEK 3