Crossing the Po river as Sigeric did during his travel to Rome? Yes, it's still possible on the Via Francigena. From the same dock, the "transitum padii" you'll be led by a modern "Caronte" to the opposite shore of the Po river, in the direction of Piacenza. The amazing town rises at the end of the Plain and at the bottom of the Apennine, the oldest Italian mountain range. The landscape in this part of the Via is very various! Rivers, valleys, countryside, old villages rising on the shore of the rivers. Passing Fidenza and its amazing cathedral until the beginning of the hilly area of Fornovo.
Highlights:
- The historical centre of Pavia and Fidenza and the cathedrals.
- The navigation of the Po river, the biggest Italian river
- The excellent local food and wine
Highlights:
- The historical centre of Pavia and Fidenza and the cathedrals.
- The navigation of the Po river, the biggest Italian river
- The excellent local food and wine
Day 1: Arrival in Pavia
Individual arrival in Pavia and overnight in Hotel/B&B in the centre of Pavia. Dinner is not included.
Day 2: Belgioioso – Lambrinia (6h hiking, +120mt -130mt, 24,7 km)
Private transfer to Belgioioso. From the red brick built town of Pavia and its amazing medieval bridge on the Ticino river, the trail starts to enter the countryside, becoming more and more hilly until the small hamlet of Belgioioso, where you can enjoy the great "Castle". Another heritage SITE of the powerful family of Visconti. Short private transfer to Miradolo. Dinner and overnight in B&B in Miradolo Terme. Once you get to the villagge of Lambrinia, on the shore of Lambro river, private transfer to the village of San Colombano al Lambro. Time to discover the lovely countryside village and the magnificent castle (open on Sunday only). Overnight stay in San Colombano al Lambro.
Individual arrival in Pavia and overnight in Hotel/B&B in the centre of Pavia. Dinner is not included.
Day 2: Belgioioso – Lambrinia (6h hiking, +120mt -130mt, 24,7 km)
Private transfer to Belgioioso. From the red brick built town of Pavia and its amazing medieval bridge on the Ticino river, the trail starts to enter the countryside, becoming more and more hilly until the small hamlet of Belgioioso, where you can enjoy the great "Castle". Another heritage SITE of the powerful family of Visconti. Short private transfer to Miradolo. Dinner and overnight in B&B in Miradolo Terme. Once you get to the villagge of Lambrinia, on the shore of Lambro river, private transfer to the village of San Colombano al Lambro. Time to discover the lovely countryside village and the magnificent castle (open on Sunday only). Overnight stay in San Colombano al Lambro.
Day 3: Lambrinia – Piacenza (5h hiking, +50mt - 50mt, 20/25 km)
Crossing the Po with the ferry river is one of the highlight of the entire Via Francigena, as Sigeric did 1000 years before! The path in the countryside takes you to another gem of the architecture of North Italy: Piacenza. The charming town was founded in the 218 B.C. by the Romans as first settlement of North Italy, to defence the invasion of Hannibal. Visit the impressive "Duomo" and the S. Savino church, as the elegant square of the municipality. Overnight in B&B in Piacenza.
Crossing the Po with the ferry river is one of the highlight of the entire Via Francigena, as Sigeric did 1000 years before! The path in the countryside takes you to another gem of the architecture of North Italy: Piacenza. The charming town was founded in the 218 B.C. by the Romans as first settlement of North Italy, to defence the invasion of Hannibal. Visit the impressive "Duomo" and the S. Savino church, as the elegant square of the municipality. Overnight in B&B in Piacenza.
Day 4: Piacenza – Fiorenzuola d'Arda (5h hiking, +40mt - 20mt, 21 km)
Transfer from Piacenza to Pontenure. Today you will walk through the Emilia-Romagna countryside. The nice town of Fiorenzuola is located in the valley of the river Arda. During your hike, you will discover some of the oldest human settlements in Italy. Dinner and Overnight stay in Fiorenzuola d'Arda.
Day 5: Fiorenzuola d'Arda – Fidenza ( 5h30 hiking, + 90mt – 95 mt, 22 km)
This walking day is really easy and flat. The last section on the plain provides the opportunity to admire two religious buildings of great interest: the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba including an interesting cloister and the Cathedral of Fidenza, a valuable example of Lombardy Romanesque style dedicated to San Donnino. Dinner and overnight stay in Fidenza
Day 6: Fidenza - Medesano (5h30 hours hiking, +380mt / -320mt, 22 km)
Today is the most cultural part of the Via Francigena. Thanks to a fantastic trail in the first hilly landscape of you journey, you meet the incredible town of Fidenza. Elected by Carlo Magno as the most strategic point between the Padana plain and the Mediterranean to conserve the Romanesque Cathedral and the medieval walls. Dinner and overnight in Medesano
Day 7: Medesano – Fornovo ( 3h:30 hours hiking, +170 m / -160 m, 12 km)
A short walk along the bank of the Taro river will lead you to Fornovo. This little town has always been an important crossroads as this is where the Via Francigena and a bridge over the Taro meet each other. End of the tour.
In Fornovo you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Transfer from Piacenza to Pontenure. Today you will walk through the Emilia-Romagna countryside. The nice town of Fiorenzuola is located in the valley of the river Arda. During your hike, you will discover some of the oldest human settlements in Italy. Dinner and Overnight stay in Fiorenzuola d'Arda.
Day 5: Fiorenzuola d'Arda – Fidenza ( 5h30 hiking, + 90mt – 95 mt, 22 km)
This walking day is really easy and flat. The last section on the plain provides the opportunity to admire two religious buildings of great interest: the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba including an interesting cloister and the Cathedral of Fidenza, a valuable example of Lombardy Romanesque style dedicated to San Donnino. Dinner and overnight stay in Fidenza
Day 6: Fidenza - Medesano (5h30 hours hiking, +380mt / -320mt, 22 km)
Today is the most cultural part of the Via Francigena. Thanks to a fantastic trail in the first hilly landscape of you journey, you meet the incredible town of Fidenza. Elected by Carlo Magno as the most strategic point between the Padana plain and the Mediterranean to conserve the Romanesque Cathedral and the medieval walls. Dinner and overnight in Medesano
Day 7: Medesano – Fornovo ( 3h:30 hours hiking, +170 m / -160 m, 12 km)
A short walk along the bank of the Taro river will lead you to Fornovo. This little town has always been an important crossroads as this is where the Via Francigena and a bridge over the Taro meet each other. End of the tour.
In Fornovo you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Skill level: medium, 5 to 6 hours walking each day, well marked large and paved paths and wooden trails. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 6 nights in hotel *** and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 6 nights' accommodation with B&B treatment
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 7
- Private transfer on day 2 and day 4
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items
- All lunches (about 5€ for each pick nick lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Pavia on day 1
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Accommodation: 6 nights in hotel *** and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 6 nights' accommodation with B&B treatment
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 7
- Private transfer on day 2 and day 4
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items
- All lunches (about 5€ for each pick nick lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Pavia on day 1
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Trips Note
Destination: Lombardy and Emilia Romagna
Travel Style: Self-guided walking holiday
Interest: Pilgrim route and local gastronomy
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Departures: Apr May Jun Jul Aou Sep Oct
Group size: from 1 person
Airport: Milan
