The Via Francigena is one of Europe’s most ancient and inspiring pilgrimage routes. Spanning over 2,000 km from Canterbury in England to the heart of Rome, it weaves through four countries — England, France, Switzerland, and Italy — offering pilgrims a journey through medieval towns, dramatic mountain passes, peaceful countryside, and historic cities.
Whether you’re planning to walk a section or dream of completing the entire route, preparation is key.
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you plan your Via Francigena walk — with expert tips from Follow the Camino, the pioneers of organised pilgrimage travel.
Step 1: Decide How Much Time You Have
The full Via Francigena trail takes around 90 to 100 days to walk, depending on your pace. For most people, taking 3 months off isn’t possible, which is why many pilgrims choose to walk smaller sections each year, eventually completing the full route over time.
Some of the most popular sections to walk include:
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Lucca to Siena (7 days): Experience Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval cities.
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Siena to Acquapendente (8 days): A quiet, beautiful stretch perfect for history lovers.
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Viterbo to Rome (7 days): The final approach to Rome, filled with emotional and scenic highlights.
At Follow the Camino, we help you select the best section based on your time frame, experience, and travel preferences, ensuring you get the most rewarding journey possible.
Step 2: Choose Your Season Wisely
The best time to walk the Via Francigena is in spring (May, June and September). These months offer mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful natural colours — from blooming flowers in spring to golden vineyards in autumn.
Walking in July and August is also a good time to walk but comes with hotter temperatures, particularly in Tuscany and Lazio, and can be physically demanding. Winter walking is rare and typically recommended only for shorter stretches in southern Italy.
Follow the Camino Tip: We advise you based on historic weather patterns, and we help you plan around local festivals or events that could enrich your experience. You can also refer to our weather map for detailed weather information!
Step 3: Plan Your Daily Distances
Most pilgrims cover around 18–25 km per day on the Via Francigena, but distances can be adapted to your fitness level and goals.
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Beginner walkers: Aim for 15–18 km per day.
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Experienced hikers: 20–25 km or more per day is manageable.
Follow the Camino’s Value:
We design personalised itineraries, balancing walking distances with meaningful rest stops, so you experience both the physical journey and the cultural treasures along the way. Whether you want a relaxed pace or a challenging hike, we tailor it to you.
Step 4: Arrange Accommodation
Accommodation on the Via Francigena varies dramatically based on where you walk:
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Northern Italy and Switzerland: Charming hotels, agriturismos (farm stays), and guesthouses.
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Tuscany and Lazio: Boutique hotels, historic inns, and cozy rural lodgings.
✅ When you book with Follow the Camino:
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Handpicked accommodations offering comfort, authenticity, and local character.
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Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms — perfect for relaxing after a long day’s walk.
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Meals included, often featuring local and seasonal specialties, giving you a real taste of Italy.
We remove the stress of last-minute bookings — you walk, we handle the rest.
Step 5: Organise Luggage Transfers
The Via Francigena is long and sometimes rugged. Carrying a heavy backpack day after day can lead to fatigue, blisters, and even injuries.
✅ Follow the Camino provides hassle-free luggage transfers:
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Your main bags are transported daily from hotel to hotel.
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You walk with only a light daypack carrying essentials like water, snacks, and your camera.
This small service makes a huge difference — keeping you refreshed, motivated, and able to focus fully on the experience.
Step 6: Prepare Your Documentation and Navigation
Staying oriented on the Via Francigena is crucial, especially since waymarking can be inconsistent compared to routes like the Camino de Santiago.
You’ll need:
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A Pilgrim Passport to collect stamps at churches, hostels, and historic sites — a treasured memento of your journey.
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Good quality maps and GPS tracks to ensure you stay on the right path.
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Emergency contact numbers and essential travel information.
✅ With Follow the Camino:
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We provide a complete Pilgrim Pack with everything you need: daily maps, GPS files, local tips, and our 24/7 support line if you ever need assistance.
- Our FTC Travel App provides real time GPS tracking
You can walk with confidence, knowing you’re fully prepared.
Step 7: Travel Light, Pack Smart
Packing smartly is crucial for a comfortable experience on the Via Francigena.
Key essentials include:
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Lightweight, well-broken-in hiking shoes or trail runners
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Comfortable daypack
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Quick-dry clothing and rain gear
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Reusable water bottle and snacks
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Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
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Basic first aid kit
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Power bank for your phone and devices
Pro Tip from Follow the Camino:
We send you a complete, detailed packing checklist tailored to your route, time of year, and walking style — so you bring exactly what you need (and nothing you don’t).
Walk Sustainably: Our Commitment to the Future
Travel leaves a footprint, and at Follow the Camino, we are passionate about making that footprint as light as possible.
🌍 Carbon Offsetting:
We offset the carbon emissions associated with your trip, including transportation and accommodation, by investing in certified reforestation and renewable energy projects.
🌍 Supporting Local Communities:
By working directly with local hotels, restaurants, and transfer services, we ensure your journey supports the livelihoods of the people and places you visit — keeping the spirit of the Via Francigena alive.
🌍 Eco-Friendly Travel:
We promote low-impact walking practices, provide reusable travel kits on request, and educate our travelers about respecting the natural and cultural environment of the route.
When you walk the Via Francigena with Follow the Camino, you’re not just exploring Europe’s heritage — you’re helping preserve it for generations to come.
Ready to Start Your Via Francigena Journey?
Planning your walk on the Via Francigena is one of the most exciting projects you’ll ever undertake — and it’s even better with experienced guides by your side.
✨ At Follow the Camino, we take care of the planning, logistics, and sustainability — so you can focus on what matters most: the joy of the journey.
From historic towns and rolling landscapes to emotional milestones, let’s create your dream Via Francigena experience.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable walk to Rome!
