02/12/2016
THE SUGGESTIVE VIA FRANCIGENA - FROM TUSCANY TO LAZIO!
Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of February 2017
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The Via Francigena is the common name of one of the most famous and ancient pilgrim route running from France to Rome, though it is usually considered to have its starting point much further away, in the English cathedral city of Canterbury! As such, the route passes through England, France, Switzerland and Italy. Since the Middle Ages, Rome is, for Christianity, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations, together with Santiago and the Holy Land (the so called “peregrinationes maiores”).
Even nowadays, thousands are walking the Francigena way towards Rome, motivated by their faith but also simply in search of a slow travel experience throughout ancient villages and breathtaking landscapes.
HISTORY
The Via Francigena was first documented by Sigeric, Archibishop of Canterbury, in 990, in his diary describing the places through which he travelled as he returned to Canterbury. Sigeric’s diary begins in Rome and proceeds northwards to Canterbury, but the idea is a pilgrimage from north to south since the main objective is to reach Rome.
The road was built and maintained by the local nobles. Because it was not constructed with the idea of connecting places of great importance and distance like the Roman roads, it was a series of local paths and trails of various widths and various materials, which linked mountain passes, bridges, ferry boats and villages.
The person had to pay his debts, prepare a will, receive from his local priest his pilgrim costume, ask forgiveness of anyone whom he might have offended and finally to say goodbye to everyone before leaving.
The chances of returning were not all that good at the time...but now there's no dangerous at all!!!
If you have decided to "devote" some days to following the via Francigena through Tuscany and Lazio regions, Radicofani is the starting point for our slow and fantastic journey through nature and history!
PROGRAM
DAY 1 - SATURDAY the 25th of February
07.30: departure from Metro Lina A stop - Battistini with private minibus (20 pax)
10.00: arrival in Radicofani and starting of the walking
12.30: stop for lunch brought by the participants (packed lunch)
18.00: arrival at Hotel in the center of the village of Proceno
20.00: Dinner
And then...good night to all!
DAY 2 - SUNDAY the 26th of February
08.00: wake Up!!!
08.30: breakfast and lunch box delivery
09.15: visit of the village of Proceno
10.00: departure for the second stage of Via Francigena - San lorenzo direction
12.30: stop for packed lunch
16.30: arrival at San Lorenzo Nuovo
17.30: departure for Rome from San Lorenzo Nuovo with private minibus (20 pax)
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The walk is medium/high level of difficulty, due to the lenght of the route.
Stage 1 - From Radicofani to Proceno (25 km)
This trail is the section of the via Francigena leading from Radicofani, in Tuscany, to the village of Proceno.
The slope along the old Via Cassia is one of the most beautiful and exciting tracks along the Via Francigena.
From Radicofani begins a long and changelling leg of 25 km, which takes about 7 hours worth of hiking. The walk begins with a descent of 8 km along the ridge, with a view over the valleys that stretch towards Lazio.
Having reached Ponte a Rigo, continue along for a few kilometers before entering Lazio, and then follow along the unpaved road with its panorama over the Paglia river valley, until getting to Proceno.
Stage 2 - From Proceno to San lorenzo Nuovo (16 km)
From Proceno, we go down to Ponte Gregoriano, before tackling a steep ascent toward the church of Santo Sepolcro, stopping point for Acquapendente.
In Acquapendente we visit the Church of Santo Sepolcro, with its bright crypt built in accordance with the church of the same name in the Holy Land.
Then the route continues without problems till San Lorenzo Nuovo, where you can admire views of Lake Bolsena.
San Lorenzo Nuovo is a small town in neoclassical style which sits on a hill near the ancient Bolsena volcano. It is at the cross road of the ancient Via Cassia, which links Rome to Tuscany and Strada Maremmana, which connects Orbetello and Pitigliano to Orvieto.
HOW TO GET THERE
To Go
Meeting point: Outside Battistini (line A) subway by the traffic light
We go all together by ROME EXPLORERS PRIVATE MINIBUS to Radicofani (Siena)
The journey takes about 2 hours
To Come Back
From San Lorenzo Nuovo we go all together by ROME EXPLORERS PRIVATE MINIBUS to Rome - Battistini line A subway
MEETING POINT
25th of February, 7.30 a.m.
We wait for you outside Outside Battistini (line A) subway by the traffic light
COSTS:
The share of the two days is €135 per person and includes EVERYTHING:
- Transfer by private bus from Rome to Radicofani (Siena)
- Transfer by private bus from San Lorenzo Nuovo (Viterbo) to Rome
- Overnight in Hotel in the centre of Proceno
- Saturday night dinner
- Breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday
- Complete assistance of a hiking and natural guide for the two days
Not included:
Packed Lunch on Saturday.
EQUIPMENT AND IMPORTANT NOTICE:
- trekking shoes, clothing suitable for a long walk and differente temperature
- bring your own sandwiches for the lunch of the first day
- bring water and snacks (dried fruit, chocolate, nuts etc) for short breaks during the walk.
- take your camera (if you have it!!!)
This will be an extraordinary experience!
We will spend two fantastic days together in one of the most beautiful scenario of Italy the Via Francigena, between Tuscany and Lazio.
SAVE THE DATE, EXPLORERS!
The spots are limited!!!
