Tour Cycle The Via Francigena - Siena To Rome

Accommodation

8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3 star hotels (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €10)

Transport

Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 8 (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess

Others

Digital information pack including route notes and maps per room booked, plus app to download and navigate the route Hybrid 21 speed rental bike with smartphone holder, panniers, helmet, lock and repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies) Pilgrim passport Emergency hotline During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, bike computer, phone holder, lock and repair kit. Alternatively, if you have chosen an e-bike, for this trip we use Univega Trekking Bosch E-Bikes with an aluminum hydroformed frame, Continental Sport Contact II tyres, 28 inch double wall wheels, Shimano Deore, 10 speed and hydraulic disk brakes. The battery motor is Bosch Performance CX with Bosch 500wh battery. The bike weighs around 21 kgs. Fittings as per the hybrid bikes. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 dinners (1 dinner in 2025)

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Travel to Siena and from Rome Meals not listed as included, drinks Travel insurance Entrance fees Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers) Hotel taxes (allow €14) Extra days of bike hire if adding additional nights to the tour Excess luggage Items of a personal nature Bike helmet* (included - must request), mobile phone holder, wet weather gear, daypack, water bottle and sun protection. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.

Guide

This is a self-guided tour.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Siena
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Siena

Make your own way to the first hotel in Siena. Siena is one of the most beautiful towns along the Francigena. You can spend time walking through its paved streets, looking for coats-of-arms on the walls of the contradas, or climbing the Torre del Mangia to enjoy a unique view over the town. A visit to the Duomo is not to be missed and you will marvel at its black and white columns. If you are lucky you will be able to witness a festival in one of the contradas, and see the work of the skilled flag-throwers, before sitting down at a table in Piazza del Campo to enjoy a plate of pici all’aglione for dinner, admiring the illuminated Palazzo Pubblico square.
Day 2 Day 2: Cycle To San Quirico D’Orcia Past Vineyards And Fortified Towns (54Km/33.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cycle To San Quirico D’Orcia Past Vineyards And Fortified Towns (54Km/33.5Mi)

There is a bike fitting this morning at the hotel, then the cycle today over the crests of the Val d’Arbia offers unforgettable views. You will start the day along the typical dirt roads of Siena, pedaling as far as the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine Church. At the gates of Monteroni d’Arbia you can admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which held the reserves of wheat for the republic of Siena. From Lucignano continue through the Valle dell’Ombrone to the well preserved 14th century village of Buonconvento, the most important centre in the Val d’Arbia. You will cross the gate of the walls and enter the fine town centre, discovering why its name translates to “happy fortunate place”, before getting back on your bike and cycling to San Quirico over a mix of dirt and asphalted roads. The final section includes beautiful views of the Val D’Orcia, and the route is scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. Arriving in San Quirico you will be enchanted by the gate of the Collegiata. This evening you can enjoy a rest among the hedges of the Horti Leonini, a 16th century classic Italian garden. Ascent 650m/2132ft, descent 490m/1608ft
Day 3 Day 3: Enjoy Fabulous Views Of The Val D’Orcia Enroute To Radicofani (37 Or 42Km/23 Or 26Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Enjoy Fabulous Views Of The Val D’Orcia Enroute To Radicofani (37 Or 42Km/23 Or 26Mi)

Today your journey continues with fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter a timeless world, visiting Vignoni Alto. You can also enjoy a reinvigorating dip in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. You will test your strength with a short but demanding section which will take you to Radicofani. Stick it out, because when you admire the view from the Radicofani Fortress, tired but satisfied, you will be thankful for your efforts. You can also visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a little jewel dating from the 13th century, and take an evening walk in the old town centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress. *dependent on availability tonight is either at an agriturismo out of town or in an apartment in town. Ascent 650m/2132ft both routes, descent 455m/1493ft or 650m/2132ft
Day 4 Day 4: Cycle Along The Old Via Cassia To Lake Bolsena (55 Or 60Km/34 Or 37Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cycle Along The Old Via Cassia To Lake Bolsena (55 Or 60Km/34 Or 37Mi)

From Radicofani you will head towards one of the most exciting sections of the Via Francigena, leaving the Fortress behind you and travelling along the old Via Cassia, surrounded by scenery of infinite hills dominated by Monte Amiata. You can explore on foot the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, among decorated capitals and arches where, according to tradition, some stones bathed in the blood of Christ have been kept. Your journey continues gently as Lake Bolsena comes into view. From here you descend into a volcanic crater and continue along dirt tracks. The landscape alternates between thick woods and meadows scattered with olive trees as you head towards Bolsena. If you are curious to know more about the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, visit the Cappella del Miracolo, where marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a Host in the 13th century are kept. Or if you are more interested in the typical cuisine, try some local delicacies including Sbroscia, a typical soup made from lake fish and tomatoes. Ascent 620m/2034ft or 840m/2756ft, descent 610m/2000ft both routes
Day 5 Day 5: Continue Through Woods And Olive Groves To Viterbo (33Km/20.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Continue Through Woods And Olive Groves To Viterbo (33Km/20.5Mi)

Today you will cycle through woods and olive groves, on a route that will offer constant views of the lake. You will cross an area famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil, which we recommend you sample on a piece of fragrant local bread. Arrive in Montefiascone, where the climb up to the Rocca is not to be missed for panoramic views. On descent from the Rocca, you can go into a typical wine bar and taste a glass of wine from the famous Est!Est!!Est!!! region of Montefiascone. If you want to spoil yourself a little more, you can enjoy a pleasant break at the spas of Bagnaccio and recharge your batteries in its thermal waters, before cycling towards Viterbo, your destination for today. In honour of the history of the Via Francigena, do not miss visiting the picturesque pilgrims’ quarter, before admiring the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and enjoying the silence of the Longobard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. End the day on a sweet note by celebrating your journey with the delicious local frittellacce! Ascent 545m/1788ft, descent 420m/1378ft
Day 6 Day 6: Cycle To Sutri And Its Roman Amphitheatre (38Km/23.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cycle To Sutri And Its Roman Amphitheatre (38Km/23.5Mi)

From Viterbo the journey continues towards Vetralla. This is Etrurian territory, stomping ground of the ancient Etruscans, who left their mark in tomb cities throughout the region. Just outside Vetralla there are some fascinating necropoli. Continue pedaling through the Lazio countryside before arriving in Sutri, a small town rich in attractions. The Roman amphitheatre, dug from the tufa, is not to be missed. Here you can sit on the terraces or even walk onto the stage. As you leave the amphitheatre remember to sign the visitors’ register as it is very important to the custodian, and if he is there he will invite you to do so. Afterwards you can proceed to the church of Santa Maria del Partro, where the tufa walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes. Be sure to look for the group of pilgrims among the images, who are depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand. Ascent 420m/788ft, descent 510m/1673ft
Day 7 Day 7: Continue To Formello Past The Mount Gelato Waterfalls And Veio Nature Park (34Km/21Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Continue To Formello Past The Mount Gelato Waterfalls And Veio Nature Park (34Km/21Mi)

From Sutri you will cycle towards Campagnano and on to Formello. During today’s ride you will pass the Mount Gelato waterfalls, where you can stop for an invigorating dip (weather permitting). Continuing along the panoramic road of the Veio Nature Park will bring you to the gates of Campagnano. Here you can rest in the Venturi Park, home to a 300 year old Yew tree which the locals call the “Tree of Death”. But don’t worry, you can sit in its shade without any danger! Continue through the Veio Nature Park, with its woody hills, before entering the enchanting Valle del Sorbo. You can admire the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo before later arriving in Formello, with its medieval buildings. Ascent 534m/1759ft, descent 590m/1936ft
Day 8 Day 8: Final Stage Across The Countryside Of Lazio To Rome (34Km/21Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Final Stage Across The Countryside Of Lazio To Rome (34Km/21Mi)

Today marks the last cycle of the trip, with just 34km between you and the Eternal City. This morning you will continue across the countryside of Lazio, which you would never guess lies so close to a metropolis. You will need to cross a brief section of trafficked roads to reach the cycle path of River Tevere, an enchanting slow path which will lead you to the gates of Vatican City. Your cycling journey ends in St Peter’s Square. Don’t forget to take a triumphant photo in front of the Basilica to celebrate the end of your journey! Tonight you can sample some delicious local food - we recommend the spring lamb (in season), pecorino romano cheese, and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream. Ascent 155m/509ft, descent 280m/919ft
Day 9 Day 9: Trip Concludes In Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Trip Concludes In Rome

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged in Rome.

9 days tour

Cycle The Via Francigena - Siena To Rome

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle The Via Francigena - Siena To Rome

Day 1: Arrive Siena

Day 2: Cycle To San Quirico D’Orcia Past Vineyards And Fortified Towns (54Km/33.5Mi)

Day 3: Enjoy Fabulous Views Of The Val D’Orcia Enroute To Radicofani (37 Or 42Km/23 Or 26Mi)

Day 4: Cycle Along The Old Via Cassia To Lake Bolsena (55 Or 60Km/34 Or 37Mi)

Day 5: Continue Through Woods And Olive Groves To Viterbo (33Km/20.5Mi)

Day 6: Cycle To Sutri And Its Roman Amphitheatre (38Km/23.5Mi)

Day 7: Continue To Formello Past The Mount Gelato Waterfalls And Veio Nature Park (34Km/21Mi)

Day 8: Final Stage Across The Countryside Of Lazio To Rome (34Km/21Mi)

Day 9: Trip Concludes In Rome

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