Italian Pilgrimages: all you need to know

Q: What is a Pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage (in Italian – pellegrinaggio) is a devotional practice consisting of a prolonged journey, often undertaken on foot or on horseback, toward a destination of significant meaning. The most well-known Catholic pilgrimage in Europe (and possibly the world) is the Camino de Santiago, which means "the road to Santiago", leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, housing the remains of Saint James. In Italy, Rome and the Vatican are the ultimate places of significance, with Saint Peter's Square traditionally marking the route's end. Many pilgrimage routes end in Rome – including the Via Francigena (also known as the Camino to Rome), St. Francis Walk, Via Romea Germanica, and more. After visiting Rome, pilgrims could continue towards Brindisi, in the southern region of Puglia, from where they would embark toward the Holy Land. Some pilgrimages, like the Camino di Oropa in the northern Piedmont region, lead to the Oropa Sanctuary, one of the largest Marian Sanctuaries in Europe, significant for devotees of the Holy Mary.

Q: What’s Different from a Regular Walking Tour?

Pilgrimages have unique characteristics, notably the credential: a type of passport that pilgrims carry, collecting stamps from accommodations and villages along their journey. Beyond being a cherished reminder of their journey, a credential is crucial for obtaining the completion certificate – in Santiago called the Compostela, and for the Via Francigena, the Testimonium – which is awarded after walking a specific distance before reaching Rome. For the Via Francigena, this distance is 100 kilometers on foot or 200 by bike. Pilgrimage Routes have fixed itineraries with defined stages, often determined by ancient pilgrims' travelogues. For example, the Via Francigena's itinerary was based on the travelogue of Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who returned to England from Rome in 999 and noted all his journey's stops. Another characteristic is the type of accommodation available to pilgrims. Ancient pilgrims would sleep in "hospitales" (the modern hostels), religious buildings, parishes, and what is known as "pilgrim accommodation" – which still exists for modern pilgrims. However, those who wish to walk a pilgrimage route can also choose to stay in hotels and B&Bs. Pilgrim accommodation is generally focused on the official stops of the itinerary.

Q: What’s the Difference Between Cammino and Pilgrimage?

The short answer is: all pilgrimages are cammini, but not all cammini are pilgrimages. We call "Cammini" long-distance trails with a defined itinerary that can be walked in different stages, but refer to "pilgrimage" for cammini originally walked by pilgrims on their way to a place of devotion. For example, we consider both the Via Francigena and St. Francis Way as both a Cammino and a Pilgrimage, but the Via del Viandante (the Wayfarer’s Path) and Cammino della Costa Salentina (Salento Coastal Walk) as Cammini but not Pilgrimages. At SloWays, we offer both Cammini and Pilgrimages, so the choice is yours – if you are not looking to walk a pilgrimage for religious reasons, we suggest choosing your itinerary based on the places you would love to visit and, of course, your level of training. We would be delighted to help you choose the perfect trip.

Q: How Do I Choose the Perfect Pilgrimage or Stage to Walk?

Some pilgrimages are quite short – for example, the Cammino di Oropa is 4 days long and well suited for beginners, making it the perfect choice for a first camino. With longer itineraries such as Via Francigena or St. Francis Way, several factors can help you decide which stage to choose – the areas you would like to visit, the sceneries you would like to walk through, your level of training, and more. For Via Francigena, there is a dedicated blog post to assist in your decision-making. For other pilgrimages, we always suggest that travelers read the trip pages dedicated to each stage of the pilgrimage, which include a description of each day of the stage as well as details on the difficulty and a section called "Is This for Me?" with further details on why you should (or shouldn’t) choose that specific section. We are always here to assist – you can send us an email or give us a call.

Q: Which Italian Pilgrimage Do You Suggest?

Some of our favourite Italian pilgrimages include: Via Francigena – the Cammino to Rome – connecting the Great Saint Bernard Pass in Aosta Valley to Rome and then continuing down to Brindisi. It is a stunning walk through the whole country, offering ever-changing scenarios and a true immersion in Italian culture and beauty. St. Francis Walk – this pilgrimage follows the steps of Saint Francis, the Patron Saint of Italy, through the central, greenest regions of the country. It includes beautiful, energetic places such as Assisi and Spoleto, offering stunning scenery – a meditative, beautiful walk. Cammino di Oropa – located in the untamed, beautifully lush region of Biella, one hour from Milan, this surprising pilgrimage is perfect for both beginners and experienced walkers alike and leads to the stunning Oropa Sanctuary. Via Romea Germanica – named after the 'Germanic' countries of Northern Europe, the Via Romea Germanica was once a preferred path to reach Rome, an alternative to the well-known Via Francigena, sharing the last section into Rome. From the enchanted forests of Casentino to an ancient city suspended on a rocky cliff; from the rugged beauty of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines to the serene beauty of Cortona, ending with the well-preserved Roman roads of Latium. Way of Saint Benedict – the Way of St. Benedict is a fascinating route of over 300 kilometres through some of Italy’s greenest and most unspoiled landscapes. It connects the most significant places in the life of the Saint: from Norcia, where he was born, nestled among the Sibillini Mountains; to Subiaco, where he founded several monasteries; and finally to Montecassino, where he wrote his Rule – a text that shaped Western monasticism for centuries.

27 Feb 2026

If you're planning a hiking tour to Italy, you might consider the experience of walking one of the many pilgrimages the bel paese has to offer.

But what exactly is a pilgrimage, and how does it differ from a "regular" walking tour? How many are there in Italy, and which one should you choose? What can you expect, and what kind of accommodation will you find along the way?

A pilgrimage is first and foremost a meaningful way — not necessarily religious or even spiritual — to explore a destination or region more deeply. By walking its roads and landscapes, immersing yourself in its spirit and identity, you gradually rediscover your own rhythm. The discovery of the territory unfolds alongside a quiet discovery of yourself.

It can also be a personal challenge — a way to test your limits and your level of fitness, without pushing too far. Above all, it is a journey of exploration and perhaps small adventure, but it should never feel overwhelming or overly stressful. A pilgrimage is not about proving something; it is about experiencing something fully.

It is also a beautiful way to find a sense of community — along the path and sometimes even beyond it. Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk these routes, and there is something special about knowing you may meet someone along the way with whom to share part of the journey. If this aspect is particularly important to you, you might consider one of the more frequented pilgrimage routes: even if you choose not to stay in hostels, you will still cross paths with stories similar to your own.

If, on the other hand, you are seeking a more meditative and solitary experience, let us know — we will gladly help you choose the route that best reflects that intention.

If you would like to read the story of someone who chose to walk a pilgrimage with our support, you can discover Joan’s experience — she walked the entire Via Francigena with us. Hers is a story of passion, perseverance and steady steps forward. Or Brenda’s journey, also along the Via Francigena, beautifully captured in her diary.

You can also explore our blog to read about the experiences of our travelers, through the reviews and reflections they have shared with us.

In this article, we shed some light on these questions, preparing you to choose your first (or next) pilgrimage – now may be the best time to do it!

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next Camino, or want help choosing the itinerary that best matches your needs, take our quiz at the link below!

What is a Pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage (in Italian – pellegrinaggio) is, according to the National Trust, a devotional practice consisting of a prolonged journey, often undertaken on foot or on horseaback, toward a destination of significant meaning. The most well-known Catholic pilgrimage in Europe (and possibly the world) is the Camino de Santiago, which means "the road to Santiago," leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, housing the remains of Saint James.

In Italy, Rome and the Vatican are the ultimate places of significance, with Saint Peter's Square traditionally marking the route's end. Many pilgrimage routes end in Rome – including the Via Francigena (also known as the Camino to Rome), St. Francis Walk, Via Romea Germanica, and more. After visiting Rome, pilgrims could continue towards Brindisi, in the southern region of Puglia, from where they would embark toward the Holy Land.

Some pilgrimages, like the Camino di Oropa in the northern Piedmont region, lead to the Oropa Sanctuary, one of the largest Marian Sanctuaries in Europe, significant for devotees of the Holy Mary.

What’s Different from a Regular Walking Tour?

Pilgrimages have unique characteristics, notably the credential: a type of passport that pilgrims carry, collecting stamps from accommodations and villages along their journey. Beyond being a cherished reminder of their journey, a credential is crucial for obtaining the completion certificate – in Santiago called the Compostela, and for the Via Francigena, the Testimonium – which is awarded after walking a specific distance before reaching Rome. For the Via Francigena, this distance is 100 kilometers on foot or 200 by bike.

Pilgrimage Routes have fixed itineraries with defined "stages" - often determined by ancient pilgrims' travelogues. For example, the Via Francigena's itinerary was based on the travelogue of Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who returned to England from Rome in 999 and noted all his journey's stops.

Another characteristic is the type of accommodation available to pilgrims. Ancient pilgrims would sleep in "hospitales" (the modern hostels), religious buildings, parishes, and what is known as "pilgrim accommodation" - which still exists for modern pilgrims. However, those who wish to walk a pilgrimage route can also choose to stay in hotels and B&Bs.

Pilgrim accommodation is generally focused on the official stops of the itinerary.

Do I Have to Walk the Complete Pilgrimage?

Definitely not. While the ancient idea was for pilgrims to walk the entire itinerary as a sign of devotion, modern pilgrims can choose the number of stages that best fit their training and time availability.

At SloWays, we have pre-created trips of approximately one week to 10 days, representing "slices of the itinerary" that one can choose to walk. Someone could decide to start from the beginning and walk the entire route year after year, or maybe start from an area they are most attracted to (for example, Tuscany) or even from the end – similar to the Camino de Santiago, where the last section is the most popular as it grants access to the Compostela. The section of the Via Francigena connecting Viterbo to Rome is very popular as it allows obtaining the Testimonium.

Do I Need to Be Religious to Walk a Pilgrimage?

No. According to research by the European Association of Vie Francigene, only a minor percentage of people who walked a camino in 2023 did so for religious reasons.

Many decide to walk a pilgrimage to pursue their own idea of spirituality, for the pleasure of walking, or just because they want to immerse in the beauty of the places in a way only a walking tour can offer.

What’s the Difference Between Cammino and Pilgrimage?

The short answer is: all pilgrimages are cammini, but not all cammini are pilgrimages. We call "Cammini" long-distance trails with a defined itinerary that can be walked in different stages, but refer to "pilgrimage" for cammini originally walked by pilgrims on their way to a place of devotion.

For example, we consider both the Via Francigena and St. Francis Way as both a Cammino and a Pilgrimage, but the Via del Viandante (the Wayfarer’s Path) and Cammino della Costa Salentina (Salento Coastal Walk) as Cammini but not Pilgrimages.

At SloWays, we offer both Cammini and Pilgrimages, so the choice is yours – if you are not looking to walk a pilgrimage for religious reasons, we suggest choosing your itinerary based on the places you’d love to visit and, of course, your level of training. We would be delighted to help you choose the perfect trip.

How Do I Choose the Perfect Pilgrimage or Stage to Walk?

Some Pilgrimages are quite short – for example, the Cammino di Oropa is 4 days long and well suited for beginners, making it the perfect choice for a first camino.

With longer itineraries such as Via Francigena or St. Francis Way, several factors can help you decide which stage to choose – the areas you’d like to visit, the sceneries you’d like to walk through, your level of training, and more.

For Via Francigena, we have created a blog post to assist in your decision-making:

For other pilgrimages, we always suggest our travelers read the trip pages dedicated to each stage of the pilgrimage, which include a description of each day of the stage as well as details on the difficulty and a section called “Is This for Me?” with further details on why you should (or shouldn’t) choose that specific section.

We are always here to assist. Send us an email or give us a call!

Do I Have to Stay in Hostels When Walking a Pilgrimage?

Not at all. In fact, almost all of our journeys include accommodation in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, so you can rest properly at the end of each walking day.

If you wish, there is also the possibility to make your journey even more comfortable by requesting higher-category hotels where available — adding an extra touch of comfort to your pilgrimage experience.

Can I Organize It Myself or Do I Need a Tour Operator? What’s the Difference?

We have written a full blog article explaining the differences between walking independently and travelling with the support of a tour operator, helping you understand which option might suit you best.

In general, walking a pilgrimage with us allows you to fully dedicate yourself to the experience without worrying about logistics. You will have continuous support before and during your journey, accommodation booked in advance, luggage transfers arranged (where available), and assistance in case of unexpected situations or any need that may arise along the way.

It is a choice that allows you to enjoy the walk — and the encounters along it — with greater peace of mind. And that support begins even before departure, helping you choose the itinerary that truly fits you best.

Which Italian Pilgrimage Do You Suggest?

Some of our favorites:

Our top pilgrimage is surely Via Francigena – the Cammino to Rome – connecting the Great Saint Bernard Pass in Aosta Valley to Rome and then continuing down to Brindisi. It’s a stunning walk through the whole country, offering ever-changing scenarios and a true immersion in our culture and beauty.

St. Francis Walk – this pilgrimage follows the steps of Saint Francis, the Patron Saint of Italy, through the central, greenest regions of the country. It includes beautiful, energetic places such as Assisi and Spoleto, offering stunning scenery – a meditative, beautiful walk.

Cammino di Oropa: located in the untamed, beautifully lush region of Biella, one hour from Milan, this surprising pilgrimage is perfect for both beginners and experienced walkers alike and leads to the stunning Oropa Sanctuary.

Via Romea Germanica: Named after the 'Germanic' countries of Northern Europe, the Via Romea Germanica was once a preferred path to reach Rome - an alternative to the well-known Via Francigena, sharing the last section into Rome. From the enchanted forests of Casentino to an ancient city suspended on a rocky cliff; from the rugged beauty of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines to the serene beauty of Cortona, ending with the well-preserved Roman roads of Latium.

Way of Saint Benedict The Way of St. Benedict is a fascinating route of over 300 kilometres through some of Italy’s greenest and most unspoiled landscapes. It connects the most significant places in the life of the Saint: from Norcia, where he was born, nestled among the Sibillini Mountains; to Subiaco, where he founded several monasteries; and finally to Montecassino, where he wrote his Rule — a text that shaped Western monasticism for centuries.