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Via Francigena - Section 11
From Vercelli to Piacenza - ""
Walking: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - Guided: 16 - Cycling: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
Starting in Vercelli and finishing in the city of Piacenza, along part of the River Po, in a very rich region of northern Italy. You will cross pass many historic monuments, and buildings, such as abbeys, monasteries, churches as you make your way from Lombardy into Emilia-Romagna. The walking on this section is on relatively flat trails and along river valleys. The towns you will pass through are full of fabulous artistic, historical and cultural sights. In Piacenza, your arrival, you will find a great number of historical palaces, often surrounded by fantastic gardens, as the Palazzo Comunale (Il Gotico) or the Palazzo Farnese.
Following the footsteps of centuries of pilgrim, you will stay in 1,2,3 star hotel, and farmstay accommodation all en-suite. We transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel so you can travel comfortably with just a small backpack.
How to get there? Click here
Day by Day & Hotels
Hotels & country cottages have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, character, food, and friendliness of the staff. They are subject to availability and if the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price. Please click on hotel information below.
There are 8 days
Day 1: Vercelli
You will be booked in a hotel in the centre of the town, in an ensuite room. There are man ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: Yes
You will be booked in a hotel in the centre of the town, in an ensuite room. There are many wonderful sights in Vercelli, including the piazza in the centre, the cathedral and the Basilica di Sant'Andrea which is one of the best preserved Romanesque buildings in Italy.
Day 2: Vercelli to Robbio
19km, +69 m / -76 m: On leaving Vercelli you will cross the river Sesia. The trail today i ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
19km, +69 m / -76 m: On leaving Vercelli you will cross the river Sesia. The trail today is once again on flat land and you will make your way through agricultural land. After about 7kms you will come to the edge of the Sesia valley. The trail continues for another couple of kilometres sandwiched between the river and farmland before it enters woodland. You will cross a stream and some more farmland before reaching the village of Palestro where there is a large memorial to the victims of the Battle of Palestro which took place during the second Italian War of Independance in 1859. You will pass through more farmland on your way into Robbio. The town has always been an important trading post on the road from Rome to Gaul (France).
Day 3: Robbio to Mortara
14km, +49 m / -57 m: Through farmlands and woodlands, your route today follows a very flat ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
14km, +49 m / -57 m: Through farmlands and woodlands, your route today follows a very flat itinerary until the small town of Mortara, where you can have lunch and sample the local speciality of Salame d'Oca, which is goose salami.
Day 4: Mortara to Garlasco
23km, +89 m / -104 m: Today is a perfectly flat walking day, passing through farmlands as ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
23km, +89 m / -104 m: Today is a perfectly flat walking day, passing through farmlands as well as woodlands, betweem Mortara and Garlasco.
Day 5: Garlasco to Pavia
25km, +89 m / -104 m: From Garlasco you will make your way into the agricultural lands of ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
25km, +89 m / -104 m: From Garlasco you will make your way into the agricultural lands of the Padana Plains before reaching the town of Zerbolo. After this your walk will take you along the course of the river Ticino. This area is the Ticino Valley Natural Park. The park was the first riverside park of its kind in Europe and is a conservation area for many species of birds. You will then cross the river and walk up the hill to the town of Pavia. Pavia is a beautiful university town, which holds a huge amount of artistic, cultural and historical treasures.
Day 6: Pavia to Santa Cristina
27km, +162 m / -170 m: Today's walk is a flat trek through the farmlands on the edge of th ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
27km, +162 m / -170 m: Today's walk is a flat trek through the farmlands on the edge of the River Ticino. From here you will make your way away from the river to the town of Belgioioso. Due to the agricultural nature of the area you should take the opportunity to sample the local cheese and pork. The Castle of Belgioioso is also well worth a look. Your day finishes in the town of Santa Cristina.
Day 7: Santa Cristina to Piacenza
27km, +158 m / -169 m: From Santa Cristina you will cross the river Lambro and follow it u ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
27km, +158 m / -169 m: From Santa Cristina you will cross the river Lambro and follow it until you reach the Po which is the longest river in Italy. We normally use the alternative route which is shorter and quieter than the usual one. You can also choose the normal route which is 9km longer and uses a ferry to cross the Po. Piacenza has always been an important stronghold for control of power in northern Italy but it is now a cultural gem. There are many sights to see here so its worth while taking some time to stroll around. PS: This long walking day can be split in two walking days of 16 and 11km instead of 27km, staying in the village of Orio Litta.
Day 8: Piacenza
This is the end of your holiday, after your breakfast. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
This is the end of your holiday, after your breakfast.
Prices & Booking
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There is no intermediaries when booking with us, so feel free to contact us for advice, customisation or if you wish to combine several sections together. If you just wish to make a quick payment, submit your credit card and reference on our booking page. |
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Classic |
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Note:
Options: We can upgrade your holiday in 4, 5* and Paradors. We can also offer extra nights and airport transfers. Ask us!
Families: We are now offering 40% off prices for children aged between 3-9 years old, and 20% off prices for children aged between 10-17 years old. Children under 3 come free.
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Price € pps |
Single Room |
Extra Nights |
Split Walking |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
789 |
973 |
Single: 95 |
Single: 1096 |
Ask us |
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Mid Season |
769 |
929 |
Single: 90
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Single: 1049 |
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Low Season |
689 |
826 |
Single: 90 |
Single: 953 |
Note: Split Walking: We call it "split walking" when we divide a long days walk into 2 shorter days if you wish to take your time. Let us know!
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 140km
Duration: 7 Nights
Activity: 
Walking
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Half Board
Available: All year round
Price: From €689
10 reasons to book with us
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(1,2) Leisurely (3,4) Stimulating (5) A Challenge
Our holidays are graded by 3 categories of difficulty: Leisurely, Stimulating and A Challenge. This grading system will allow you to select the ideal holiday for yourself or your group. We aim to offer you the best experiences and unforgettable memories on a holiday where your desire for a challenge, comfort and safety are our priority. As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you decide on a holiday which best suits your own needs and capabilities. You should take some time to look over our grading system so you can decide which holiday is best for you!
How do we grade?
When grading our holidays we take 3 main factors into consideration: Distance, Gradient and Trail Type (i.e. mountain track, forest road, surfaced road, etc.)
Our Easy walking and cycling holidays are best for families with young children. With older children, experience and fitness level should be considered when deciding on a holiday.
Leisurely(1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.
Stimulating(3,4)
• Time: 5 to 7 hours / less than 20km per day on average
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation.
A Challenge (5)
• Time: Days can be over 7 hours / 20km
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to your holiday. These should include some mountain walks.
Vercelli
Other option (a): Milan Malpensa airport (60km)
Malpensa is the international airport in Milan. Destinations in the UK and Ireland are London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton), Edinburgh and Dublin. It is possible to travel from/ to all major airports in Europe and intercontinental flights (e.g. from/ to the USA, Dubai, Brazil or Thailand) are available as well. See www.skyscanner.com.
A shuttle bus serves the route from/ to the central station ("Milano Central", taking 40-50min with a high frequency (every 20min)). See www.malpensashuttle.it.
From the central station, Vercelli is reachable by an hourly departing regional train. See www.trenitalia.com .
Other option (a): Turin airport (70km)
The Caselle airport in Turin has a good connection from/ to the most important airports in Europe. For Flights from/ to the UK and Ireland, Dublin and London (Stansted) are destinations served by Ryanair, while London (Gatwick) can be reached with easyJet. Other useful destinations are Lisbon, Madrid and Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (am Main) and Munich. See www.skyscanner.com.
There are several public transport possibilities from/ to the airport: The most convenient one is the use of the SADEM shuttle bus, because it directly serves the station "Porto Nuova" (every 15min, travel time approx. 45min). See www.aeroportoditorino.it.
More than hourly direct trains between Torino "Porto Nuova" and Vercelli are available. The travel time is approx. 1h. See www.trenitalia.com.
Other option (b): Milan Bergamo airport (120km)
Mainly served by Ryanair, many flights are available from/ to the UK and Ireland, e.g. from/ to London (Stansted), Manchester, Glasgow (Prestwick), East Midlands, Dublin or Cork. Other useful destinations for indirect flights are Madrid and Barcelona. See www.skyscanner.com.
The most comfortable way to travel might be the use of the offered shuttle bus, which brings you directly to the central station in Milan (every 30min, 50min travel time). See www.orioshuttle.com.
From the central station, Vercelli is reachable by an hourly departing regional train with a travel time of approx. 1h. See www.trenitalia.com.
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite in nice hotel with character
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Emergency number 24/7. On the ground support
Not Included:
Flights
Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
