Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

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8 Days From

$1070

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Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey along the Via Francigena from Ivrea to Pavia, exploring the heart of Italy's Piedmont and Lombardy regions. This self-guided walking tour takes you through charming medieval villages, scenic countryside, and historical towns. Begin in Ivrea, known for its castle and modern architecture, and traverse through picturesque landscapes, including the serene Lake Viverone and the rice fields of Vercelli. Discover the rich history of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, sample exquisite local wines, and savor regional delicacies like IGP goose salami. Conclude your adventure in Pavia, with its red-brick historical center and artistic treasures. Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-star hotels and agriturismos, with daily luggage transfers and a digital information pack to guide your way. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Stage 2 of the Via Francigena in Italy

  • Discovering the charming Piedmont town of Ivrea

  • Arriving in Pavia with its red brick historical centre

  • Visiting the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Vercelli

  • Exploring perfectly preserved medieval villages

  • Sampling the excellent local food and wine

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Ivrea

Location: Ivrea

Accommodation Name: Hotel

On arrival in Ivrea, make your way to your first hotel. Ivrea is located in Piedmont and straddles the Dora Baltea river. The old town centre will delight you with its 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 chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the town's pastrymakers. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Pass tiny villages to Viverone (6hrs)

Location: Viverone

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's walk follows the Dora Baltea River and along the way you'll discover some of the hidden jewels of the Via Francigena. At Piverone you'll walk through the arch of the clock tower to enter its old centre, then soon after you'll pass the ruins of a small, roofless church at Gesiun. Finally you'll arrive in Viverone where you can end the day admiring the sunset along the banks of the lake.
Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Day 3 : Walk along quiet country roads to Santhia (6hrs)

Location: Santhia

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will walk along quiet, country roads as you head towards Santhia. A highlight today will be Roppolo Castle which offers splendid views over Lake Viverone. Along the way you will pass many cellars where you can stop and sample some regional wines. The hills gradually become flatter as you continue towards Santhia, today's destination. Check into your hotel and step out to enjoy the tasty local cuisine, ending your meal on a high note with a glass of white herbal liqueur.
Distance: 17km/10.5mi

Day 4 : Across the plains to Vercelli (7hrs)

Location: Vercelli

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will start today by crossing the Vercelli plain, walking alongside the characteristic rice fields. If you travel before the end of May you'll be lucky enough to see these fields flooded, and you'll be enchanted by the shades of colour reflected in the water. The flooded rice fields are a unique landscape, but at any time of year the fields are buzzing with bird life. On arrival in Vercelli be sure to sample the local rice which is used in so many excellent dishes, from risotto to savoury pies and even desserts.
Distance: 27km/16.7mi

Day 5 : Train to Robbio, walk in the countryside to Mortara (4hrs)

Location: Mortara

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you will need to take a short train from Vercelli to Robbio (takes approx 15 minutes, ticket not included). You can enjoy the scenery of the Sesia River from the train window. From Robbio, the countryside of the Lomellina will lead you towards Mortara over grassy sheep-tracks and along wide dirt trails. Along the way you can admire the facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the small Romanesque church of San Pietro, which once offered hospitality and comfort to pilgrims. If you appreciate local delicacies, be sure to sample the IGP goose salami in Mortara. Overnight in Mortara.
Distance: 14km/8.5mi

Day 6 : Through woods, fields and small towns to Garlasco (7hrs)

Location: Garlasco

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will journey through woods, fields of growing crops and charming small towns. We recommend stopping to visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, which you will find just outside Mortara. The abbey was frequented by ancient pilgrims, and you too can stand in prayer and meditation in front of its mosaic-decorated altar. Continue walking to Garlasco where you will stay overnight.
Distance: 23km/14.3mi

Day 7 : A charming walk to the Ticino Valley Natural Park and Pavia (7hrs)

Location: Pavia

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's walk is a particularly scenic one, as you continue through countryside scattered with woods and farmhouses en route to the Ticino Valley Natural Park. You can stop for a rest in the shade of the thick woods or sunbathe on the beaches and meadows on the river bank. Don't stay too long as a jewel of the Via Francigena, Pavia, awaits your arrival. Pavia has a splendid old town centre full of artistic treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Why not celebrate your arrival with a slice of the local Torta Paradiso cake or an aperitivo at Piazza Vittoria.
Distance: 25km/15.5mi

Day 8 : Trip concludes

Location: Pavia

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes in Pavia after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Francigena Way to Fidenza.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's

  • 7 breakfasts. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.

  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Information pack including smartphone app with maps and Via Francigena guidebook (per room booked)

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

  • Emergency hotline and SMS alert

  • Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport

  • Travel to Ivrea and from Pavia

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to Ivrea and from Pavia

    Travel arrangements to the starting point and from the endpoint are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included. Allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday; no guide is provided.

  • Solo traveler or single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Tourist tax

    Allow approximately EUR2 per day, payable directly to the hotel.

  • Train from Vercelli to Robbio on day 5

    Payable locally, approximately EUR4.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry.

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 7 hours a day in hot sun (at times) on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, but nowhere could the terrain be described as mountainous. A reasonable 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, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena.
Note: the walking time and distance are calculated from city centre to city centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked, to a maximum of 2km.
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Mode of Transport

Travel to Ivrea and from Pavia is included, with a short train ride from Vercelli to Robbio on day 5, allowing you to experience the scenic beauty of the region.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and authentic stay throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and authentic stay throughout your journey.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental and inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided. One piece of luggage per person is allowed, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there any emergency support available during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline and SMS alert service during the tour.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). It involves walking along well-defined and clearly marked paths, with some steep hills but no mountainous terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

  • 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.

  • Is the tour self-guided or guided?

    This is a self-guided walking holiday; no guide is provided.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are travel to Ivrea and from Pavia, meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees to museums and galleries, solo traveler or single room supplement, excess luggage, tourist tax (approximately EUR2 per day), train from Vercelli to Robbio on day 5 (approximately EUR4), and items of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry.

  • What kind of digital support is provided during the tour?

    A digital information pack is provided, which includes a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook (one per booking).

  • What is the best time to see the flooded rice fields in Vercelli?

    If you travel before the end of May, you will be lucky enough to see the rice fields in Vercelli flooded, which creates a unique and enchanting landscape.

  • 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

P. Manley(Cobham, United Kingdom)  

Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

28 Jun 2022

This was the second leg of our walk. We thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. The organisation was great.

C. Troup(Kew, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

20 Oct 2023

Interesting to see little towns in Italy and their country surrounds. Fantastic to have our luggage transferred without a hitch. The people you meet along the way are another positive aspect of travel.

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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.

Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

8 Days Starting in Ivrea, Italy and ending in Pavia, Italy

Visiting: Ivrea, Viverone, Santhia, Vercelli, Mortara, Garlasco, Pavia

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

FR2

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1070 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 19-Mar-2025 but subject to change.