People hiking in flowery path on Via Francigena between Viterbo and Rome
People hiking in flowery path on Via Francigena between Viterbo and Rome

Via Francigena: Stage 8, Viterbo to Rome

Level
2
Distance
110 km
Duration
7 days | 6 nights
period
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 580
CO2 footprint
95 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSM380

This last section of of Northern Via Francigena will amaze you: would you ever expect to find an ancient Etruscan road right out Viterbo? And a Roman amphitheatre built in tufa stone? The remains of ancient towers rising through the chestnut trees? Enchanting forests, waterfalls and Roman remains in the depht of the forest? 

This part of Lazio, called Tuscia (the land of Tusci, the Etruscans) has all of this and much more in store, surprising you with every step as you get closer and closer to Rome.

On the last day of the walk, there it is - the St.Peter's Dome, well visible from the Monte Mario park, and then it's the last steps through the crowded Vatican streets and through the columns of St.Peter's Square - and there you are, the place everyone wanted to reach, in the heart of the Eternal City and Italy itself.  

Highlights

  • Lose yourself at night wandering through the streets of Viterbo's Pellegrino neighbourhood;
  • Watch the sunrise as you walk along the Via del Signorino, the Etruscan “tagliata”;
  • Recite your favourite poem in the centre of the amphitheatre of Sutri;
  • Admire the frescoes in the church of Santa Maria del Parto in Sutri, completely dug out from the "tufo" or volcanic tuff, which is rock formed by volcanic ash ;
  • Gasp when you finally glimpse the dome of Saint Peter’s from the belvedere of Mount Mario.

Itinerary

Day 1

Viterbo

Viterbo

In Viterbo, the ancient seat of the Pontiff, you will be able to admire the loggia of the Popes, and meditate in the silence of the enchanting cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova, one of the oldest churches in the town. Have fun looking for the symbol of the Lion, the town emblem, on the buildings and drink a toast to the walk that is about to begin in the pilgrim’s quarter, enjoying the tasty local cuisine. Can’t you make up your mind? Try the acquacotta, the traditional dish of the Tuscia.

Day 2

From Viterbo to Vetralla, 16 km

From Viterbo to Vetralla, 16 km

The first leg of the journey will take you towards Vetralla, a village in the heart of the ancient Etruscan area. On your arrival, treat yourself to a snack of rustic bread and the local extra-virgin olive oil, before enjoying a walk through the alleyways of the old town centre.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation gain: +280/-300 m

Day 3

From Vetralla to Sutri, 24 km

From Vetralla to Sutri, 24 km

Continuing through the green countryside of Lazio you come to Sutri, a small town rich in attractions. The Roman amphitheatre, completely dug out from the tufo, is something not to be missed.  Decide whether to sit on the terraces or to get up onto the stage, but as you leave remember to sign the visitors’ register: it is very important for the custodian, and if he is there he will invite you to do so. After this, proceed to the church of Santa Maria del Parto, the tufo walls of which are decorated in well preserved frescoes. Look for the group of pilgrims among the images, depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand.

Distance: 24 km

Elevation gain: +400/-400 m

Day 4

From Sutri to Campagnano, 25 km

From Sutri to Campagnano, 25 km

From Sutri we go on towards Campagnano: during the journey you will flank the Mount Gelato Waterfalls, where you can stop for a reinvigorating bathe. A panoramic road of the Veio Nature Park will bring you to the gates of Campagnano. Here you can rest in the Venturi Park, the home of a three-hundred year old Yew tree the locals call the “Tree of Death”: but don’t worry, you can sit in its shade without any danger!

If you feel like this stage may be too long, don't worry: you can make it shorter with brief stretches by public transport. 

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

Day 5

From Campagnano to Giustiniana, 25 km

From Campagnano to Giustiniana, 25 km

From Campagnano you will continue through the Veio nature park with its woody hills, before entering the enchanting Valle del Sorbo. Along the way you will be able to admire the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo, but also the old town centre of Formello, with its fine medieval buildings. You will then encounter the little village of Isola Farnese, clinging to a cliff surrounded by woods and dominated by the Castello Farnese: visits can be booked by internet and they offer a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. The last stretch through the Roman countryside leads you to the small hamlet of Giustiniana, where you will overnight.

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: +580/-690 m

Day 6

From Giustiniana to Rome, 16 km

From Giustiniana to Rome, 16 km

So, you have reached the last leg of your journey which separates you from the Eternal City. Since this is a metropolis, there is, unfortunately, heavy traffic along the last section of the route: the belvedere di Monte Mario, from which you will finally be able to glimpse the dome of Saint Peter’s, however, makes the whole journey worthwhile and will soon make you forget the confusion of the big city. From here you will descend towards  Piazza San Pietro, the arrival point of your journey and of the whole Northern Via Francigena. Do not forget to take a triumphant photograph in front of the Basilica, before celebrating the end of the journey, fortifying yourselves with spring lamb, pecorino romano cheese, and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream...you have deserved it!

Distance: 16 km

Elevation gain: +310/-450 m

Day 7

Rome

Rome

Last day included. Service ends after breakfast.

Details

Is this for me?


This is the last section of Northern Via Francigena and grants you the Testimonium, the certificate proving the completion of your pilgrimage. There are no challenging climbs, but some days are quite long. Accommodation is very simple, but a private bathroom is always included. The last section runs across the natural reserve of Insugherata, but you are walking into a metropolis - expect a lot of traffic and some asphalt; it can be reduced or skipped through public transportation. 

Included


What is included

  • 6 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • official guide of the route, 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.

Accommodation


Hotel Riario Viterbo
Hotel Riario - Viterbo

Hotel Riario is located in the center of Medieval Viterbo, in a builiding of the 16th century. Rooms are furnish in elegant way, comfortable and well-finished. These offer TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning. Breakfast is good and rich.

www.palazzoriario.it

Albergo Da Benedetta Vetralla
Albergo Da Benedetta - Vetralla

This hotel is a family business in the small town of Vetralla, 12 km south of Viterbo and it's suggests to those who have no many demands. Rooms are basic and simple with private bathroom, TV, free Wifi, air conditioning, but not well soundproofed. Staff is not very much present and breakfast is normal. 

www.albergodabenedetta.it

B&B Notti d'Oriente Sutri
B&B Notti d'Oriente - Sutri

The B&B is located in the center of Sutri: the structure overlooks an ancient and picturesque street, while the interior of the B&B is in a rather modern style. Kind and friendly welcome of the owners, great breakfast.

Hotel Benigni - Campagnano
Hotel Benigni - Campagnano

Hotel Ristorante Benigni is located in central Campagnano Di Roma surrounded by Veio's Park and by volcanic complex of Monti Sabatini. Rooms are simple and basic with private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, telephone and free Wifi. Restaurant is very esteemed. Average breakfast. 

www.hotelbenigni.it

Resort La Rocchetta - Giustiniana
Resort La Rocchetta - Giustiniana

This Hotel is set in the little village of Giustiniana, and enjoys a quiet position despite being really close to the Capital. Rooms are furnished in a simple way, but they are spacious and comfortable. Staff is welcoming and helpful. Good italian breakfast.

www.resortlarocchetta.com

Hotel Domus Sessoriana - Roma
Hotel Domus Sessoriana - Roma

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

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


From any of the airports indicated (PEG, FLR, CIA, FCO), you can reach the central train station by public transport, and then take a train to Viterbo. Trains are direct from Rome, whereas you need to change either once or twice if you are travelling from Perugia or Florence.

From Rome, you can reach the main airports by either bus or train.

Check train timetables on www.trenitalia.com.

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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