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Via Francigena - Section 5 Cycling
From Aosta 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
From Aosta to Piacenza, the fifth section of the cycling Via Francigena enters Italy through one of the most beautiful way: through Lombardy and Piedmont, by the lake of Viverone, the Padana Plains or the Po river. In a very rich region of northern Italy, you will cross pass many historic monuments, woods of pine, chestnut and oak, vineyards, olive groves and rice fields. The cycling is mainly flat, except right in the beginning.. Stunning sceneries of valleys will then be surrounding you, and as Pavia or Vercelli, 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.
Your way on the Via Francigena is made easy by sign posting. Also, in our holiday pack is included detailed walking notes and maps making navigation even easier.
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: Aosta
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. Aosta’s position ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. Aosta’s position as a gateway to the Alps saw it change hands many times over the centuries: Romans, Burgundians, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and the Frankish before it finally became part of the Kingdom of Italy. As a result of this history there is an abundance of ancient remains around the town including the Augusta Praetoria Roman ruins.
Day 2: Aosta to Issogne
56km, +2219 m / -2220 m: From Aosta you will travel along the northern side of the Aosta V ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
56km, +2219 m / -2220 m: From Aosta you will travel along the northern side of the Aosta Valley, which has the river Dora Baltea at its centre. For this reason there isn't much in the way of climbing but the scenery and views are fantastic.You will pass through the town of Chambave which is famous for the Rosso and Moscato wines, produced in the surrounding area. You will pass through St Vincent where the surrounding landscape has created a micro-climate, which sees the area having mild winters and cool summers. The town is also famous for the therapeutic mineral water of the Fons Salutis. The town of Verres, close to Issogne, is dominated by an impressive cubic castle and is a great spot to see roman and gothic architecture. In Pont St Martin, you will appreciate the beautiful old roman bridges.
Day 3: Issogne to Viverone
57km, +1752 m / -2154 m: Your journey sets out from the village of Issogne and travels sou ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
57km, +1752 m / -2154 m: Your journey sets out from the village of Issogne and travels south along the valley of the Dora Baltea river and then through farmlands. You will pass the beautiful town of Pont St Martin, the Montalto Dora castle or again the peaceful rural villages of Bolengo or Palazzo Cavanese until your arrival in Viverone, which sits on the shore of the lovely Lago di Viverone.
Day 4: Viverone to Vercelli
44km, +214 m / -389 m: Today, the trail makes its way through some woodland and passes ove ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
44km, +214 m / -389 m: Today, the trail makes its way through some woodland and passes over the last hill before the flat Padana Plain opens out in front of you. After passing through the village of Cavaglia you will again move in farmlands until Vercelli. Vercelli is quite a large, bustling, university town. 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 5: Vercelli to Garlasco
56km, +223 m / -258 m: Today is a flat cycling day through farmlands. Many of the surroun ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
56km, +223 m / -258 m: Today is a flat cycling day through farmlands. Many of the surrounding fields are frequently full of water as they are used for growing rice. You will cross the river Sesia and 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. Today is quite a long walk however it is perfectly flat and it can be split into 2 days if you wish to do so. You will pass through farmlands and some small woods until you reach Garlasco.
Day 6: Garlasco to Santa Cristina
53km, +208 m / -234 m: From Garlasco you will make your way into the agricultural lands of ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
53km, +208 m / -234 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 cycle will take you along the course of the river Ticino, in the Ticino Valley Natural Park. You will then cross the river and cycle 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. The route is still flat after Pavia, through 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. Your arrival is the peaceful village of Santa Cristina.
Day 7: San Cristina to Piacenza
27km, +146 m / -164 m: Few kilometres after Santa Crisitna, you will reach the Po which is ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
27km, +146 m / -164 m: Few kilometres after Santa Crisitna, you will reach the Po which is the longest river in Italy. You will cross the Po and head east to reach Piacenza through farmlands on flat minor roads. Piacenza has always been an important stronghold for control of power in northern Italy but it is now a cultural gem.
Day 8: Piacenza
This is the end of your holiday, after your breakfast. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 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 |
Solo departure |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
895 |
1079 |
Single: 95 |
600 |
ask us |
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Mid Season |
869 |
1029 |
Single: 90 |
600 | |
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Low Season |
746 |
883 |
Single: 90 |
600 |
PPS: Per person sharing
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 259km
Duration: 7 nights
Activity: 
Cycling
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Half Board
Available: All year round
Price: From €779
10 reasons to book with us
Smartphones & Tablets
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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.
Please find below information on how to get to your destination and back. You can also look at our "Camino flight Finder" page, and our airport guide.
To go to Aosta
Fly to: Turin, or Milan
1 - Turin: Ryanair, Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Iberia and Lufthansa are among the airlines flying from Turin. Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson Airways also operate seasonal flights to destinations in Ireland and the UK. Airport info www.turin-airport.com
2 - Milan (Malpensa): Malpensa is the main international airport for Milan and virtually all airlines operate there. It is situated about 30km north-west of Milan. Airport info www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/malpensa/index.phtml
Milan (Orio al Serio): Most destinations in Europe are served from Orio al Serio Airport with Ryanair being the main operator. It is situated about 30km north-east of Milan. Airport info www.sacbo.it/Airpor/portalProcess.jsp
Milan (Linate): Linate is the closest airport to Milan city centre. Most destinations in Europe are served from Orio al Serio Airport with Alitalia being the main operator. It is situated about 5km to the east of the city centre. Airport info www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/linate/
Take the train to Aosta
From those airports, you must take the train to the Aosta train station. You can check on this website for more information: http://www.trenitalia.com/
From Piacenza
The train between Piacenza and Milan is short (less than than 1 hour) and cheap (http://www.trenitalia.com/). In Milan, you can find shuttles for the three airports of the town : Malpensa http://www.autostradale.it/sito2_grande/english.html, Linate http://www.milanolinate.eu/en/accessibility-and-parking/how-to-get-here and Orio al Serio http://www.sacbo.it/Editorial/newsCategoryViewProcess.jsp?editorialID=2658¤tMenu=2175.
Fly from Milan, there are 3 airports :
Milan (Malpensa): Malpensa is the main international airport for Milan and virtually all airlines operate there. It is situated about 30km north-west of Milan. Airport info www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/malpensa/index.phtml
Milan (Orio al Serio): Most destinations in Europe are served from Orio al Serio Airport with Ryanair being the main operator. It is situated about 30km north-east of Milan. Airport info www.sacbo.it/Airpor/portalProcess.jsp
Milan (Linate): Linate is the closest airport to Milan city centre. Most destinations in Europe are served from Orio al Serio Airport with Alitalia being the main operator. It is situated about 5km to the east of the city centre. Airport info www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/linate/
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Not Included:
Flights
Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
Bike rental (extra)
