Follow the Camino is launching a strategy to bring more travellers to the Via Francigena, a notable pilgrimage route which attracts 15,000+ hikers every year (European Association of the Via Francigena Ways). As one of the only companies in the travel industry to operate the entire Via Francigena route, Follow the Camino is uniquely placed to organise spectacular walking holidays along this traditional pilgrimage network. Starting in the British city of Canterbury, travellers can walk the full Via Francigena distance of 2,069km through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Along the way, hikers pass well-known cities including Arras, Reims, Lausanne, Vercelli, and Siena.
Clients can go hiking on the Via Francigena one stage at a time, for between 5-12 days, or complete the full route across nearly 4 months. Follow the Camino will arrange baggage transfer each day and book local accommodation every night. Clients can also customise their holiday itinerary by upgrading accommodation, adding additional nights of stay, or arranging airport transfers.
A path connecting the north of Italy through the peninsula had existed since Roman times. However, during the Middle Ages the Via Francigena (“the road that comes from France”) became a popular pilgrimage route after it was formalised in the 10th Century by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious. The cleric travelled from Canterbury to Rome after being ordained a cardinal by Pope John XV.
Follow the Camino CEO & Founder, Umberto di Venosa, said “It was not easy building a tour network spanning 4 countries and 2,000km+ of walking trails. However, I believe we are well-suited as a company to offer this epic journey where others can’t because the suppliers we work with are the best around and our team are hiking experts. Plus, the beauty of the Via Francigena will speak for itself once people get out onto the trail.”
Want to learn more about the historic Via Francigena? Contact our expert planners for a free 10-minute chat to see how Follow the Camino can design your dream European walking holiday!
