Via Romea Germanica: Stage 4, Montefiascone to Rome

Your trip starts in Montefiascone: not to be missed, a climp up to the Rocca, where you will be enchanted before a boundless views. After descending from the Rocca, you can go into a typical wine bar and taste a glass of the famous Est!Est!!Est!!!, which here tastes even better because it is produced locally.

We return to travelling along the ancient paved road of the Via Cassia, in a leg of our journey that takes us over hills dotted with charming views over Montefiascone and Viterbo; you will be able to enjoy a pleasant stop at the spa of Bagnaccio, recharging your batteries in its thermal waters before proceeding towards Viterbo, the end of your journey. To honour of our trip, do not miss visiting the pictoresque pilgrim’s quarter, before admiring the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and enjoying the silence of the Longobard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. And to end on a sweet note, celebrate the end of the journey with the delicious local frittellacce!

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: +150/-465 m

The second 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: 22 km

Elevation gain: +525/-538 m

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

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

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

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!

Last day included. Service ends after breakfast.

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. 

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.