Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome

Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome | VF3
tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome | VF3 tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome | VF3

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48 Views
9 Days From

$2190

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey as you cycle the historic Via Francigena from Siena to Rome. This self-guided tour takes you through the heart of Italy, exploring the renowned cities of Siena and Rome, and offering breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia and Lake Bolsena. Pedal along ancient Etruscan roads and the old Via Cassia, discovering hidden gems like the thermal pool in Bagno Vignoni and the Roman amphitheatre in Sutri. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes, from vineyards and fortified towns to the serene countryside of Lazio. Along the way, savor delicious Italian delicacies and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this iconic pilgrimage route. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Exploring the renowned cities of Siena and Rome

  • Admiring the sunset over Lake Bolsena

  • Cycling on the old Via Cassia and to ancient Etruscan roads

  • Discovering the thermal pool in Bagno Vignoni, the amphitheatre of Sutri, and the pilgrim district in Viterbo

  • Enjoying delicious Italian delicacies along the way

  • Visiting the Roman amphitheatre in Sutri

  • Passing the Mount Gelato waterfalls and Veio Nature Park

  • Cycling to the gates of Vatican City and ending in St Peter's Square

Places You'll See

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy

St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome | VF3 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Siena

The medieval town of Siena at sunset, Italy
Siena, Italy

Location: Siena

Accommodation Name: Hotel

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. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Cycle to San Quirico d'Orcia past vineyards and fortified towns (54km/33.5mi)

Location: San Quirico d'Orcia

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 : Enjoy fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia enroute to Radicofani (37 or 42km/23 or 26mi)

Location: Radicofani

Accommodation Name: Agriturismo or Apartment

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 : Cycle along the old Via Cassia to Lake Bolsena (55 or 60km/34 or 37mi)

Location: Bolsena

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 : Continue through woods and olive groves to Viterbo (33km/20.5mi)

Location: Viterbo

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 : Cycle to Sutri and its Roman amphitheatre (38km/23.5mi)

Location: Sutri

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 : Continue to Formello past the Mount Gelato waterfalls and Veio Nature Park (34km/21mi)

Location: Formello

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 : Final stage across the countryside of Lazio to Rome (34km/21mi)

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 : Trip concludes in Rome

The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy
Sunset view over Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
The famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica over the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    8 NIGHTS IN 3 STAR HOTELS AND B&BS

  • 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner

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

  • Digital information pack including route notes and maps per room booked, plus app to download and navigate the route

  • 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

  • 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

  • Travel to Siena and from Rome

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to Siena and from Rome

    Travel to the starting point in Siena and from the endpoint in Rome is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Entrance fees to museums, parks and archaeological sites

    Entrance fees to museums, parks, and archaeological sites are not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday; a tour guide is not included.

  • Single cabin supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin, as single travelers are not matched.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes are not included and are payable locally, allowing €14.

  • Extra days of bike hire

    Extra days of bike hire if adding additional nights to the tour are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included allowance.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included in the tour package.

  • Lunches and dinner daily (except dinner on day 3 and 6) and all beverages

    Lunches and daily dinners (except dinner on day 3 and 6) and all beverages are not included.

  • Tour guide

    This is a self-guided trip; a tour guide is not included.

Grading

This trip involves 7 days cycling with daily distances between 33 to 55km/20.5 to 34mi. The cycle route is mainly along well-asphalted country and secondary roads. As you approach larger towns you will cycle on roads with more traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. *For safety reasons we insist that helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a hybrid 21-speed rental bike with smartphone holder, panniers, helmet, lock, and repair kit. E-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels, offering a comfortable and authentic Italian experience. Hotel taxes are extra and payable locally.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels. Please note that hotel taxes are extra and payable locally, with an allowance of €10.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunches and other dinners are not included, except for dinner on day 3 and day 6.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided from day 2 to day 8. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What kind of bike is provided for the tour?

    A hybrid 21-speed rental bike is provided, which includes a smartphone holder, panniers, helmet, lock, and repair kit. An e-bike is available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. A digital information pack including route notes and maps, as well as an app to download and navigate the route, is provided.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What level of fitness is required for this tour?

    You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The cycle route involves daily distances between 33 to 55km and includes both well-asphalted country and secondary roads, as well as roads with more traffic as you approach larger towns.

  • Are helmets required for the tour?

    Yes, for safety reasons, helmets are a compulsory item on your equipment list.

  • What happens if I have excess luggage?

    A supplement will apply for excess luggage beyond the allowed one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm.

  • What is the emergency support available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

L & I Kirkwood(South Australia)  

Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome

05 Oct 2018

This is not a trip for the feint hearted. You need to be extremely fit and confident travelling on roads with high speed traffic and off-road on steep hills with all sorts of surfaces. On the positive side, it is a fantastic way to see this part if Italy. There is plenty of variety in the countryside and beautiful towns along the route. We enjoyed the different accommodation which was all comfortable. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome

9 Days Starting in Siena, Italy and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Siena, San Quirico d'Orcia, Radicofani, Bolsena, Viterbo, Sutri, Formello, Rome

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

VF3

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $2190 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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