SloWays • Rome-Terracina, Via Francigena South |

All roads lead to Rome - but they then continue, and so it does Via Francigena. It runs towards the Terracina sea and then South to Brindisi, where ancient pilgrims used to embark to reach the Holy Land.

This is the first section of Southern Via Francigena, among Roman paving stones and ancient sheep tracks, pagan temples, imposing cathedrals and Christian sanctuaries, gentle hilly panoramas and mountain passages.

Following the traces of the Via Appia, one of the oldest roads in Europe, you walk from mysterious villages to discover the treasures of southern Lazio, which preserves a vast historical and cultural heritage, until you reach the sea at Terracina.

Route

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Day 2: From Rome to Castel Gandolfo, 26 km

Day 3: From Castel Gandolfo to Cori, 21 km

Day 4: From Cori to Sermoneta, 19 km

Day 5: From Sermoneta to Sezze, 11 km

Day 6: From Sezze to Terracina via Fossanova, 20 km

Day 7: Arrivederci Via Francigena!

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Here you are in the Eternal City. We recommend a visit to St Peter's Square, the starting point of your journey and the arrival point of the entire northern Via Francigena. Don't forget to take a triumphant photo in front of the Basilica, before celebrating the start of your journey by feasting on abbacchio, pecorino romano and maybe a nice maritozzo alla con la panna... buon cammino!

Day 2: From Rome to Castel Gandolfo, 26 km

Leaving the ancient Roman walls at Porta San Sebastiano, we find ourselves on the ancient paving stones of the Appia Antica, which will accompany us for the next few kilometres as we leave Rome.

For the next 10 km or so we proceed through ancient vestiges of Rome's glorious past: Geta's Tomb, Priscilla's Tomb, Cecilia Metella's Mausoleum, etc. until we reach Frattocchie, where the route leaves the ancient consular road and proceeds in the direction of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Popes and today's stage of arrival.

Distance: 26 km

Elevation gain: +520/-70 m

Day 3: From Castel Gandolfo to Cori, 21 km

Leaving Castel Gandolfo we follow a cycle path to Albano Laziale, where we enter a dense wooded area bordering Lake Albano. Taking another path through the woods, we continue in the direction of Nemi, a town on the lake of the same name. We continue south along the provincial road on an easy pavement, turn left at Clivo Formello and ride through the woods for 5 km until we reach Velletri. From here a short transfer will take you to Cori, a village rich in history and culture.

Distance: 21 km

Elevation gain: +550/-615 m

Day 4: From Cori to Sermoneta, 19 km

Today's stage begins with a steep dirt track and then a long tarmac section that leads into one of the most interesting areas of Lazio, on the edge of the Monti Lepini and the plains of Lazio. After a brief visit to the ancient city of Norba, we leave Norma following an ancient path that first descends and then climbs the hill to the beautiful medieval village of Sermoneta.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation gain: +560/-715 m

Day 5: From Sermoneta to Sezze, 11 km

From the pretty historic centre of Sermoneta, we follow a dirt road through the hills of Latium with beautiful landscapes covered in sunflowers and herds of grazing cattle. From the route towards the centre of Sezze, there is a wonderful view over the Latium plains as far as the mythical promontory of Circeo.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +350/-280 m

Day 6: From Sezze to Terracina via Fossanova, 20 km

Leaving the town of Sezze, we take a dirt road that runs along the slopes of the mountain. All around us we can contemplate the landscape of the plains of the province of Latina, as far as the Tyrrhenian coast. We cross the villages of Colle Rotondo and Ceriara, following a path that runs alongside a canal until we reach the town of Priverno. From here a path runs along the canal for the next 6 km to the abbey of Fossanova, its majestic presence visible in the distance to the approaching traveller. A splendid example of Gothic architecture, the Cistercian abbey of Fossanova has its roots in the 12th century.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +240/-510 m

Day 7: Arrivederci Via Francigena!

Last day included. Services end after breakfast.

accommodation

Domus Sessoriana - Rome

The rooms of Domus Sessoriana are obtained from the cells of the monastery attached to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. These are spacious, basic and clean. They have these comfort: air conditioning, satellite TV and free WiFi in common areas. Staff is courteous and helpful. Italian breakfast is served on the terrace.

www.domussessoriana.it

Hotel Castel Gandolfo - Castel Gandolfo

This property is a 14-minute walk from the beach. Set above Rome in the hills of the Castelli Romani, the charming 4-star Hotel Castel Gandolfo offers frontal views of Lake Albano, a private terrace with beautiful lake views, and rooms overlooking the town or the lake.

Located in the historic center, near the Pope's summer residence, Hotel Castel Gandolfo offers sweeping views of the lake and hills.

www.hotelcastelgandolfo.com

Hotel Ristorante del Colle - Cori

For those who are thinking of a relaxing vacation in a quiet place, without having to regret the intimacy and quiet of their home, the Hotel Del Colle in Cori is definitely the ideal setting.

Open all year round, right in the center and not far from the Circeo Park, the suggestive Sermoneta Castle and the unforgettable Ninfa Garden, it is in an ideal position to plan a varied and pleasant vacation.
Hotel del Colle has twenty rooms, furnished with care, each with a different theme, all equipped with services.

www.hoteldelcolle.com

B&B Lelive - Sermoneta

Lelive is in the historical city center of Sermoneta, in a XV century building, completely renewed in 2016.

www.lelive.eu

Albergo da Santuccio - Sezze

The sign recalls Sante (Santuccio) Perciballe who created this complex in 1969, when he was mayor of Sezze. The restaurant, very crowded on weekends, is family-run. On the bridge of command there is still mother Lina, full of energy even if close to ninety. Her three children each have their own specialization: Giannino barbecues, Sisto cooks in a pan and supplies the cellar, and Quinta, known as Dinda, makes desserts. Cousin Sandra is in the dining room. And on the walls many photos. Nino Manfredi, who went to the kitchen to hug his mother Lina. If you are looking for a place to eat well and to dprmire in Sezze, come and visit us!

www.albergosantuccio.com

Grand Hotel L'Approdo - Terracina

The sprawling complex, consisting of 56 rooms all equipped with a beautiful balcony, overlooks the sea (except single rooms) and, thanks to its convenient location, allowing guests to enjoy their stay relaxing and at the same time to reach the center on foot of the city.

http://www.approdograndhotel.it/

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

6 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This trip covers the first section of the Southern Via Francigena, continuing South of Rome and towards the Southern regions of Italy. If you choose this trip, know that it's going to be a bit wilder and way less touristic than the Northern itinerary. It's not a suitable trip for your first Camino, as some days are quite long and include steep sections on gravel.

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