Via Francigena - Section 7 Cycling

(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.

Aulla

Best option: Pisa airport (80km)
Pisa airport is well-connected to the UK and Ireland. Ryanair offers many flights, e.g. from/ to Dublin, Cork, London (Stansted), Edinburgh, East Midlands or Liverpool. Jet2 also operates in Pisa, serving the routes from/ to Belfast (International), Manchester and Bristol. With other airlines, it is possible to reach the busiest airports in Europe for indirect flights, e.g. Paris (Orly and CDG), Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam or London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton). See www.skyscanner.com.
Between Pisa (station "Centrale") and Aulla ("Aulla Lunigiana"), a direct train is offered every 2h (travel time is 1h10-1h25).
The way from/ to the airport (station "aeroporto") can be taken by train as well (2 times every hour, 5min travel time). See www.trenitalia.com.

Other option: Milan Malpensa airport (160km)
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, Aulla is reachable in 3-4h, depending on the connection: There are two direct trains each day. Indirect connections (via Parma or La Spezia) are available almost hourly. See www.trenitalia.com.

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)