SloWays • Castiglion del Lago-Montefiascone, Via Romea Germanica |

Along one of Italy's oldest roads, in its most enchanting part: this section of the Via Romea Germanica starts from Castiglion del Lago, on Lake Trasimeno, and leads you to Montefiascone, a papal city and the beginning of the final leg of the Via Francigena. But what really matters is the journey - and in this, there's plenty to fill your eyes and heart with beauty.

From the peaceful village of Città della Pieve to Orvieto and its charming cathedral; from Civita di Bagnoregio, which seems to be suspended on its rocky spur, to Bolsena and its lake. From here, the Via Romea Germanica intersects with the Francigena: here, another story begins.

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Castiglion del Lago

Day 2: From Castiglion del Lago to Paciano, 25 km

Day 3: From Paciano to Città della Pieve, 17 km

Day 4: From Città della Pieve to Fabro Scalo and train to Orvieto,15 km

Day 5: From Orvieto to Bagnoregio, 17 km

Day 6: From Bagnoregio to Bolsena, 16 km

Day 7: From Bolsena to Montefiascone, 17 km

Day 8: Arrivederci Montefiascone

Day 1: Arrive in Castiglion del Lago

Arrive in Castiglion del Lago and check in at the hotel. If you arrive early we suggest a stroll of the village and relax at the lake enjoying some white wine. The town owes its name to the symbol of the family that once ruled over it; in fact, Castiglione derives from Castellum Leonis (Castle of the Lion), later vulgarised into Castellioni. Castiglione del Lago is located along what was once an important communication route, squeezed between Orvieto to the south, Chiusi to the west and Arezzo to the north. Its position in such a disputed area between the Etruscans and the Romans caused the destruction of the original fortifications on numerous occasions, which were rebuilt several times.

Day 2: From Castiglion del Lago to Paciano, 25 km

It's a long walk through the plains and hills between Lake Trasimeno and Lake Chiusi. After stopping in Pozzuolo, continue walking along the ridge, bearing in mind that the historic route has been almost completely replaced by the current paved road – which you deliberately leave at times to rest your feet. The route dates back to the time of the Etruscans who used it to avoid the marshy and therefore unhealthy areas of the current reclaimed plains. A landscape to admire, very lively with excellent views of the lakes and the agglomerations of houses on small hills.

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: +440/-440 m

Day 3: From Paciano to Città della Pieve, 17 km

The route runs mostly on dirt roads through the typical hills of Umbria. It passes farms and small villages. Leaving Paciano the route follows a road full of hairpin bends halfway up Mount Petrarvella, in the middle of woods and olive trees, with remarkable villas and farmhouses. You reach San Donato and the Church. A beautiful cart track, leads to the first houses of Città della Pieve and then to its beautiful centre.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +580/-470 m

Day 4: From Città della Pieve to Fabro Scalo and train to Orvieto,15 km

You leave Città della Pieve at Porta Orvieto. A gravel road going downhill leads to the valley of the Chiani stream. Underpassed the SP 308 go down for about 4 km. Halfway there, the Madonna degli Angeli church is worth a visit. Walking along quiet country roads you reach the small village of Santa Maria, a hamlet of Monteleone d’Orvieto and later on Fabro Scalo. From here a short train ride will take you to Orvieto. Orvieto rises on a tufa cliff between 280-325 m above sea level, dominating the valley of the Paglia river, a right-hand tributary of the Tiber, and which just below the town receives the Chiani, the Roman Chiana coming from the Val di Chiana, from the left.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +110/-370 m

Day 5: From Orvieto to Bagnoregio, 17 km

The route passes through the typical rural landscape of central Italy and runs along dirt and country roads. Along the route we suggest the visit of a Cappuccini Convent and the village of Porano. Coming from the calanchi and Lubriano, the ancient inhabitants entered through the Bucaione, the access tunnel dug directly into the sedimentary rock of the mountain. Situated in an isolated position, Civita di Bagnoregio today it is usually only accessible via the concrete footbridge built in 1965. A visit to the city is exciting because of the structure, but even more so because of the lack of inhabitants, replaced by the hundreds of visitors. The cause of its isolation is the progressive erosion of the hill and surrounding valley, which gave rise to the unique landscape of the calanchi (gullies); a phenomenon that continues to this day, risking the disappearance of the hamlet; therefore Civita is also called 'the dying town'.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +635/-608 m

Day 6: From Bagnoregio to Bolsena, 16 km

The route passes through the typical rural landscape of central Italy and runs along dirt and country roads. From here you will descend into a volcanic crater and you will continue along dirt tracks, alternating thick woods with meadows scattered with olive trees, before reaching Bolsena. If you are curious to see proof of the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, in the Cappella del Miracolo some marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a Host in the thirteen century are kept. If, instead, you are more interested in the typical cuisine. you can taste the products offered by the lake, such as the Sbroscia, a local soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation gain: +350/-445 m

Day 7: From Bolsena to Montefiascone, 17 km

Today you walk from Bolsena along the crest of the hills surrounding the east part of the lake. Arrive in Montefiascone, a nice village situated on a prominent position from where you have a great panoramic view of the lake , of the surrounding plain and of the Cimini Mountains. The Fortress of the Popes in Montefiascone is worthwhile a visit. Dinner on your own in one of the restaurants in town.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +607/-374 m

Day 8: Arrivederci Montefiascone

Last day is included. Service ends after breakfast.

accommodation

Castiglion del Lago - Albergo le Macerine

Albergo Le Macerine is located a short walk from the shores of Lake Trasimeno and 800 meters from the historic center of Castiglione del Lago, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.Surrounded by greenery and a few kilometers from the border with Tuscany, Albergo Le Macerine is the ideal hotel for those seeking a vacation to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature and the lake, but also for those who love to discover new places and traditions. The strategic location of the hotel allows you to reach in a short time the medieval villages of the terrtiorio and the most beautiful cities of central Italy, or to make magical excursions to the shores of the lake and the Islands, Maggiore and Polvese, the pearls of Trasimeno.

www.albergo-lemacerine.com

Paciano - Boutique Hotel Antico Sipario

Antico Sipario is the new Boutique Hotel born from the restoration of an ancient medieval palace in the historic center of the thousand-year-old village of Paciano, a few kilometers from Lake Trasimeno, on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. The structure, a cultural center and village theater throughout the last century, is returning to life and culture in a new guise after a period of neglect. Antico Sipario is above all a space where art and in particular theater play a leading role.

www.anticosipario.com

Città della Pieve - Hotel Vannucci

The historic Hotel Vannucci, was established in 1903 in Città della Pieve, the birthplace of one of the most important painters of the Italian Renaissance, Pietro Vannucci known as "Il Perugino," Raphael's master. The hotel is located in the center of Città della Pieve, a stone's throw from churches, museums, small typical stores and the weekly market. Città della Pieve is easily reached from Perugia, Rome and Florence (A1 highway by exiting at Chiusi for those arriving from the north, or at Fabro for those arriving from the south). The hotel is therefore in a strategic position, ideal for visiting Umbria and Tuscany: from Lake Trasimeno to Assisi, from Val D'Orcia to Siena and Florence.

Città della Pieve - Hotel Vannucci

Orvieto - Hotel Corso

If you are looking for a hotel in Orvieto, you are in the right place. Located in the heart of Orvieto's historic center, just a few steps from the city's most important monuments and most charming streets, Hotel Corso opens its doors.
Located on the central street of Corso Cavour, the hotel is placed in a perfect and strategic position for visiting the city of Orvieto.

www.hotelcorso.net

Bagnoregio - Hotel Romantica Pucc

The hotel is located in the heart of upper Lazio just minutes from the most attractive areas of our territory. It is an elegant palace from 1200, located in the historic center of the town just a few meters from the enchanting Civita di Bagnoregio. Recently renovated, it consists of a restaurant where you can taste our characteristic local dishes and very bright and cozy rooms.

www.hotelromanticapucci.it

Bolsena - Hotel Royal

The sober and elegant atmosphere of the oldest Hotel in Bolsena, blends perfectly with the most modern comforts, creating the best atmosphere to enjoy an unforgettable stay on the shores of Lake Bolsena.

hotelroyalbolsena.it

Montefiascone - Hotel Urbano V

Hotel Urbano V, located in Montefiascone, a small town in ancient Tuscia, overlooking Lake Bolsena. Inserted in a territory that is the cradle of Etruscan civilization and dotted with fortresses, castles and historic centers of the thirteenth century, can offer archaeological, historical and artistic itineraries as well as beautiful days to spend relaxing on the beaches and clear waters of Lake Bolsena.

www.hotelurbano-v.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.

On 'arrival the nearest train station is Castiglion del Lago. Online timetables at www.trenitaila.com

On departure from Montefiascone reach the station at Zepponami by local bus and take the train to the stazoini of Florence,Pisa or Rome. Online timetables at www.trenitaila.com

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

7 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?

A journey on the Via Romea Germanica, an ancient route followed by pilgrims from Northern Europe: this section is particularly enchanting as it passes through charming towns such as Città della Pieve and Civita, the "dying city," also touching Orvieto and concluding in Montefiascone, from where you can reconnect to continue on the Via Francigena towards Rome.

It's an alternative route to the Via Francigena, not particularly strenuous - however, good fitness and the habit of covering several kilometers on consecutive days are still required.

Distances are always under 15 km, except for day 2 when you exceed 20 km.