24-day all-inclusive, fully escorted walk on the ancient Pilgrim trail ‘The Via Francigena’ through the heart of Tuscany from Lucca to Rome

2024 Tour Dates:  1 September – 24 September 2024 (Fully Booked) 

2025 Tour Dates: 1 June – 24 June 2024 (Limited spaces please contact: carolyn@walklocalitaly.com) 

Join Walk Local on this amazing active holiday discovering the joys of Italy on foot.  For centuries pilgrims, traders and armies have travelled this unique road to Rome.  Now you can follow the same path, immersed in fabulous scenery, UNESCO World Heritage cities, eat delicious regional Italian food and meet the locals.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Italy, the ultimate slow travel.  Feel fit and full of life on The Via Francigena.

The Via Francigena is a 1,000-year-old pilgrim trail that starts in England winding south through France and Switzerland into Italy. Walk Local has chosen the most picturesque section through 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 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.  Surround yourself in nature, and feel great enjoying this active, walking holiday.

On the Via Francigena walkers will be staying in Monasteries;  Convents,  B & Bs, agriturismo and small hotels. There will always be hot showers, comfortable beds and wonderful hospitality to greet you at the end of the day.

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; or join the locals for a “workman’s lunch” on the road; and then 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 an Aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) and sit back and reflect on your day’s adventure. There will be museums, historical sites, art galleries, winery visits, olive oil tastings, a cooking class, music concerts, and local experts 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.

Walk with Walk Local and you will have an amazing Italian experience. Immerse yourself in the real Italy – walk local, eat local and sleep local. You will arrive in Rome feeling fit, healthy and full of life.