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Via Francigena - Section 12
From Piacenza to Aulla - ""
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 Piacenza and finishing in the city of Aulla, 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 in 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. It is also an area of great gastronomy, Parma, close to your way, being world famous for its cured ham and parmesan cheese. On the second part of the section, you will cross the Apennine Mountains from Emilia-Romagna into Tuscany and on towards the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You will pass through beautiful woodlands and along pristine streams, with many wonderful old abbeys, churches and bridges along the way, until you final stage in Aulla.
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 9 days
Day 1: Piacenza
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town.
Day 2: Piacenza to Fiorenzuola d'Arda
32km, +141 m / -123 m: The walk to Fiorenzuola follows a flat trail through the Emilia-Rom ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
32km, +141 m / -123 m: The walk to Fiorenzuola follows a flat trail through the Emilia-Romagna countryside. Fiorenzuola sits in the valley of the river Arda. This particular area has some of the oldest human settlements in Italy. The town has long been a feature of the Via Francigena, which is evident from the fact that there is a number of pilgrims hospitals in the area. PS: Even if this is a very flat and easy walk, this day may seem to be long. So if you wish so, you can stop your walking day halfway, and then we organise your transfer for an extra night in Piacenza. You would be dropped off at the same point on the next morning.
Day 3: Fiorenzuola d'Arda to Fidenza
22km, +1480 m / -1484 m: This walking day is really easy and flat , the route usually uses ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
22km, +1480 m / -1484 m: This walking day is really easy and flat , the route usually uses country roads, between Fiorenzuola d'Arda and Fidenza. In Fidenza, you are only 25km from the city of Parma. Why don't you consider having a break there? Ask us for extra night in this fantastic city.
Day 4: Fidenza to Medesano
22km, +563 m / -502 m: After leaving Fidenza, the well marked route starts to climb into ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
22km, +563 m / -502 m: After leaving Fidenza, the well marked route starts to climb into the rolling hills of the Appenines, mainly on farmtracks. In Fidenza, you are only 25km from the city of Parma. Why don't you consider having a break there? Ask us for extra night in this fantastic city.
Day 5: Medesano to Fornovo di Taro
12km, +239 m / -236 m: This short day leads you along the bank of the Taro river to Fornov ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
12km, +239 m / -236 m: This short day leads you along the bank of the Taro river to Fornovo. The town has always been an important crossroads as this is where the Via Francigena and a bridge over the Taro meet each other.
Day 6: Fornovo di Taro to Berceto
30km, +1474 m / -757 m: From Fornovo the Via Francigena moves away from the Taro river and ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
30km, +1474 m / -757 m: From Fornovo the Via Francigena moves away from the Taro river and begins to climb gradually into the Apennine Mountains. The trail passes through woodlands and agricultural fields. Along the way you will see the unusual rock formations of the area known as "I Salti del Diavolo". From the village of Bardone the trail begins to climb more steeply up to the second highest point of the day at about 930m. Then, after a a downward slope through woodlands and open ground, there is another climb up to 960m. You will continue on a twisting trail which goes up and down until you reach the village of Berceto. PS: This long walking day can be split in two walking days of 17 and 13km instead of 30km, staying in Cassio.
Day 7: Berceto to Pontremoli
28km, +1148 m / -1763 m: Today will see you travel deeper into the Apennines with the trai ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
28km, +1148 m / -1763 m: Today will see you travel deeper into the Apennines with the trail becoming more enclosed in woodlands. Before you reach Montelungo you will cross the Cisa Pass which sits at just over 1,000 metres. The pass marks the transition from the region of Emilia-Romagna into Tuscany. Then, you will gradually descend all day to the town of Pontremoli. Most of today is spent walking through woodlands and there are many signs of the Via Francigena along the way with crosses and chapels dotted along the route. Pontremoli sits on the river Magra and you will enter the town by way of a bridge, which dates from the 4th century. PS: This long walking day can be split in two walking days of 10 and 18km instead of 28km, staying in Montelungo.
Day 8: Pontremoli to Aulla
29km, +519 m / -689 m: Thisl day of walking will see you follow a gentle downward sloping ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
29km, +519 m / -689 m: Thisl day of walking will see you follow a gentle downward sloping trail which traces the valley of the river Magra. You will pass through the villages of Villafranca in Lunigiana and Terrarossa, where you will see one of the many castles of the Malaspina family of nobles. Before reaching Aulla you will pass the abbey of St. Caprasio which dates from the 9th century.
Day 9: Aulla
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town.
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 |
889 |
1096 |
Single: 95 |
Single: 1219 |
Ask us |
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Mid Season |
869 |
1049 |
Single: 90
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Single: 1149 |
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Low Season |
799 |
953 |
Single: 90 |
Single: 1059 |
Note: 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: 170km
Duration: 8 nights
Activity: 
Walking
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Half Board
Available: All year round
Price: From €799
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.
Piacenza
Best option: Milan Malpensa airport (120km)
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 ("Milano Centrale"), Piacenza is reachable by several trains, departing 2-3 times/ hour (with a travel time of 45min-1h. See www.trenitalia.com.
Other option (a): Turin airport (180km)
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.
Some direct trains between Torino "Porto Nuova" and Piacenza are available. Otherwise, it is possible to travel via Milano ("Centrale"). The travel time is approx. 2h30-3h. See www.trenitalia.com.
Other option (b): Milan Bergamo airport (80km)
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 ("Milano Centrale"), Piacenza is reachable by several trains, departing 2-3 times/ hour (with a travel time of 45min-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
