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: Pavia – St. Cristina (6 h30 hiking, +160mt -170mt, 27 km)
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 Mirandolo. Dinner and overnight in B&B in Miradolo Terme. ( B-D )

Day 3: St. Cristina – Orio Litta ( 3 h30 hiking, + 27 mt/ -40 mt , 11 km)
Following the trail along the wheat fields and old fortified farmhouse, you'll discover another important Italian river, the "Lambro river", that has its springs in the Alps. Overnight stay in Orio Litta. ( B)

Day 4: Orio litta – Piacenza (6 hours hiking, +44mt -43mt, 22 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. ( B)

Day 5: Piacenza – Fiorenzuola d'Arda ( 7h30 hiking, +141 mt-123mt, 34 km)
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. Overnight stay in Fiorenzuola d'Arda. ( B)

Day 6: Fiorenzuola d'Arda – Fidenza ( 6h hiking, + 1480mt – 1480 mt, 24 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 ( B-D )

Day 7: Fidenza - Medesano (5h30 hours hiking, +150mt / -150mt, 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 (B-D )

Day 8: Medesano – Fornovo ( 4 hours hiking, +239 m / -236 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 ( B )
In Fornovo you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)


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: 7 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.