via francigena south people visiting norba archeological site AEVF CREDITS
via francigena south people visiting norba archeological site AEVF CREDITS

Via Francigena South, Rome to the Sea

Level
2
Distance
97 km
Duration
7 days | 6 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 926
CO2 footprint
103 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW540

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.

Highlights

  • Gasp when you glimpse the dome of Saint Peter
  • Follow the Appia Way, one of the oldest roads in Europe;
  • Walk through misterious towns in southern Lazio
  • Spot the sea on the horizon when you arrive in Terracina

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Rome

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

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

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

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 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

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!

Arrivederci Via Francigena!

Last day included. Services end after breakfast.

Details

Is this 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. 

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 in digital form, app
  • 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.
  • official camino guidebook, shipped to the first hotel
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Domus Sessoriana - Rome
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
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
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/

 

When to travel


The climate in Central Italy is generally very mild  with  differences  depending  on  the geography  of the  region,  from  coasts  and valleys to the continental areas. The warmest months are generally July and August, with temperatures ranging from 23°C up to 30°C; the valleys can often see higher  temperatures and 38°C to 40°C is not uncommon. While June and September offer both nice warm weather. Of course, there are always exceptions or dry spells that cause a few days to get really hot.Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are dry, with sunny days but the chances of rain are high.The weather can change very quickly and you must be prepared forrain, mist, wind, fog (and even hail or snow at higher elevations) –especially in spring and autumn. 

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


On arrival, you can take a train to Rome.

On departure, take a train from Terracina.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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