Via Francigena: from the Great St Bernard Pass
Via Francigena: from the Great St Bernard Pass
$1390
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Via Francigena, starting from the historic Great St Bernard Pass and traversing the stunning alpine landscapes of Italy's Aosta Valley. This self-guided walking tour takes you through charming stone villages, past ancient castles, and along serene mountain trails. Experience the rich history of the St Bernard Pass, where Augustinian monks once offered legendary hospitality to pilgrims. Enjoy the warm, family-run accommodations and savor local cuisine with included breakfasts and select dinners. With luggage transfers and a digital information pack, your adventure is both comfortable and well-supported. Conclude your trek in the picturesque town of Ivrea, having soaked in the natural beauty and historical richness of this iconic pilgrimage route. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive St Bernard Pass
Location: St Bernard Pass
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to the first hotel on the St Bernard Pass on the border with Switzerland. Located high in the Swiss Alps, the area is rich in history. The hospice here was a shelter founded by Augustinian monks in the Middle Ages, and their hospitality towards pilgrims is legendary. The St Bernard dog was bred by the monks, initially to carry loads and later as an avalanche search dog. Overnight in a hotel on the Italian side of the pass. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cross Into Italy And Walk To Etroubles (4Hrs)
Location: Etroubles
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before setting out this morning, make time to visit the Hospice Museum. From the San Bernardo Pass you commence your walk towards Etroubles along the official Via Francigena route. You'll pass through mountain villages and enjoy evocative views. Some sections today are a bit steep, but alternative options are available. Overnight in Etroubles, a lovely village which was once the winter quarters of Roman soldiers.
Walking: 13.5km/8.5mi
Day 3 : Walk Along Mountain And Pinewood Trails To Aosta (4-5Hrs)
Location: Aosta
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk promises a deep experience along the mountains, crossing meadows and pinewoods, where pilgrim's worshipped relics of St Ursus and St Gratus (now the patron saints of the Aosta valley). You'll pass ruins and ancient chapels and follow the stream "Ru Neuf". It's possible to skip the last descent of the day by taking a bus through the village of Gignod. Overnight in Aosta, the largest town in the valley and full of Roman monuments and modern services.
Walking: 15.5km/9.5mi
Day 4 : Pass Castles And Vineyards En Route To Nus (5Hrs)
Location: Nus
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Via Francigena winds through castles and vineyards today. You'll pass the ancient castle of Quart, with its chapel dedicated to the local saint, Emerico. Along the way you will see semi-spherical engravings made in the rock by prehistoric people whose purpose today is unknown. This afternoon you'll arrive in Nus, your destination for the day, where you can relax and sample the local wine.
Walking: 16km/9.9mi
Day 5 : Continue To Saint Vincent (5Hrs)
Location: Saint Vincent
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will follow the Rus, ancient aqueducts which are still used to water the crops on the mountainsides of the Valle d'Aosta. As you walk between vineyards we recommend stopping at the Crotta de Vegneron at Chambave. This wine collective celebrates and produces the greatest wines of the region. The walk continues to Saint Vincent, where you will stay overnight.
Walking: 17km/10.5mi
Day 6 : Valley Walk To Verres (4-5Hrs)
Location: Verres
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From St Vincent you will continue along the left side of the valley and pass the ruins of the castle Saint Germain with its Mezzogiorno tower, once a formidable defence tower built between the 11th-12th century by the De Mongioveto family. From here you will walk on a short section of the ancient Strada Delle Gallie, before the route winds up the side of the mountain to Verres. If you enjoy castles we recommend taking a detour and visiting Issogne. Overnight in Verres.
Walking: 16.5km/10.2mi
Day 7 : Walk To Pont Saint Martin (4Hrs)
Location: Pont Saint Martin
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
During today's walk you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time. In Arnad feel just like a medieval pilgrim as you walk through the nave of San Martino Church, before crossing the ancient Enchallod bridge. You'll even walk on a perfectly preserved Roman road where you can look for the tracks of Roman carriages. If you prefer more recent history you can visit the fort at Bard. This afternoon you'll arrive at Pont Saint Martin, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views from town.
Walking: 13km/8mi
Day 8 : Through The Piedmont Hills To Ivrea (5-6Hrs)
Location: Ivrea
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The alpine scenery of previous days gives way to the gentle hills of Piedmont. Today's walk to Ivrea will lead you through charming villages and beautiful natural sections. Arriving in Ivrea you will be delighted by the old town centre with its impressive castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Be sure to take a walk through the open-air museum of modern architecture. We also recommend trying the local Novecento cake, a delicious chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the local pastry makers.
Walking: 21km/13mi
Day 9 : Trip Concludes
Location: Ivrea
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Francigena Way to Pavia.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's -
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetab
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8 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and a guidebook (1 per booking)
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Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
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Emergency hotline and SMS alert
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Credenziale - the pilgrim passport
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Travel to St Bernard Pass and from Ivrea
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Entrance fees not listed as included
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not shown as included (lunch daily, 6 dinners). Allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Tourist Tax
Allow EUR1-2 per day, payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 8 hours a day (although most days are between 4-5 hours) in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep descents and small ascents and the terrain is mountainous. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.
The walking times are calculated from town centre to town centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked.
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Mode of Transport
Travel to the St Bernard Pass and from Ivrea is included, with luggage transfer provided (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person).
Accommodation
Stay in warm, comfortable, and family-run hotels, including 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs, all offering ensuite facilities and friendly hospitality.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. The accommodations are warm, comfortable, and family-run, offering friendly hospitality.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat, or fish dish with seasonal vegetables. ...more ...less
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. 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.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour provides an emergency hotline and SMS alert for support. Additionally, you will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a guidebook and digital maps to help you navigate the route.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are moderate grade (Grade 3). You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 8 hours a day, although most days are between 4-5 hours. The terrain is mountainous with some steep descents and small ascents, requiring a good level of fitness.
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What historical sites will I visit during the tour?
You will visit several historical sites, including the Hospice Museum at St Bernard Pass, ruins and ancient chapels along the route, the ancient castle of Quart, and the fort at Bard. You will also walk on a perfectly preserved Roman road and pass through medieval villages.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include meals not listed as included (lunch daily, 6 dinners), drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees, and a tourist tax of EUR1-2 per day payable directly to the hotel. A supplement will also apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Via Francigena: from the Great St Bernard Pass
9 Days Starting in St Bernard Pass, Italy and ending in Ivrea, Italy
Visiting: St Bernard Pass, Etroubles, Aosta, Nus, Saint Vincent, Verres, Pont Saint Martin, Ivrea
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FR1
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided