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 (walking time 6.30 h)

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 (walking time 6.30 h)

Day 3: Pavia - Santa Cristina (Terme di Miradolo)

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 34 km (walking time 7.30 h)

Day 4: Terme di Miradolo - Calendasco - Piacenza

From the hotel reach Miradolo main square to start walking towards the Castle of Chignolo Po, place of rest for pilgrims on the Francigena since the medieval time and 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 (walking time 5.30 h)

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 (walking time 3.5 h)

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 (walking time 5 h)

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