Walk the Via Francigena

The best time is April to October. June to September is ideal for the full route including the Alpine crossing over the Great St Bernard Pass. Spring and autumn are perfect for the Italian sections through Tuscany and Lazio. The English and French stages can be walked from April onwards.

It varies greatly by section. The English and French stages are mostly gentle, the Alpine crossing over the Great St Bernard Pass (2,469m) is the most challenging, and the Tuscan and Lazio stages are moderate with rolling hills. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Our Tuscany section tours are suitable for most active people; the full route requires good endurance.

Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a refillable water bottle, a lightweight rain jacket, and a basic first-aid kit. For guided tours, we provide a detailed packing list upon booking. Luggage transfers mean you only carry a daypack.

Depending on your chosen package, accommodation ranges from pilgrim ostelli (hostels) and agriturismos to boutique hotels and B&Bs. On the Full Trail, some nights are spent in mountain refuges or simple pilgrim hostels. All accommodation is clean, comfortable, and authentically Italian.

Our standard guided groups have a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a personal experience on the trail. Private tours can be arranged for any group size — from solo travellers to corporate teams of 30+.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers hiking activities is mandatory for all our guided tours. We recommend policies that include emergency evacuation cover. We can suggest suitable providers upon request.

We require a 15% deposit to secure your booking, payable by card via our secure Stripe checkout. This deposit is deducted from your total trip cost when you arrive. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your departure date. Please note that deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred to an alternative date with at least 60 days' notice.