The final section of the Via Francigena takes you from the charming city of Viterbo through the Italian countryside to the urban outskirts of Rome and then into the very heart of Christianity. Standing in the Vatican City is truly the pinnacle of this adventure and an experience many pilgrims take with them through their whole lives.
Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome
Roman History and Culture
You have arrived in the Italian capital, the most historical city in Italy. Rome is the starting point of all Latin culture. That’s why, once you arrive into town, you need to go see the most important symbols of this culture in the city, such as the Coliseum or the Roman Forum, or the Arco di Costantino. Then walk to the Pantheon, passing by the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, and the Monte Palatino, the ultimate starting point of the history of Rome’s built heritage. To have a complete view of the culture here, go take a look at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. Take in all of these memorable sights interspersed with stops in quiet palazzos or shaded parks to truly take in the marvel of the ‘Eternal City’.
The Home of Italian Food
If you love Italian food, you’re in the right place. Obviously you have to taste the rigatoni carbonara, the most famous meal in Rome and likely the first time you will try it in its true, authentic form. After this gorgeous meal, have a dessert with a strong Italian coffee. The truly Roman dessert is called maritozzi, a yeasted bun filled with whipped cream and falvoured with orange zest and vanilla, or some mini cannoli with pistachio or hazelnut.
Events in Rome
There’s plenty of events in Rome all throughout the year. Let’s start with the Ides of March, the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s death, a true show tracing the history of the ancient city. Then, on 21 April each year, Rome celebrates its foundation by hosting a series of festivities and public events. If you go to Rome in May, see the most beautiful villas in the city which open their doors to the public for the month. In June, you can’t miss the Vino Forum, which features 2,500 wines and pop-up restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs.
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VITERBO
ROME
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
1
km
VITERBO
You will stay in a traditional hotel in the heart of the town. Viterbo is a city of ancient origin and historical traditions, lying close to the Cimini Mountains between the Lakes of Bolsena and Vico. The city offers many exciting experiences, from art to traditional cuisine, and from mediaeval and renaissance architecture to thermal spas nearby.
Day
2
18.1 km
VITERBO VETRALLA
Leaving Viterbo you take country lanes that pass through vineyards and olive groves. Along the route and not far from the city, it may be possible to visit an ancient Etruscan tomb. The rest of the road proceeds smoothly through fields and woods to Vetralla, a fortified town in the heart of the ancient Etruscan territories that existed before the rise of the Roman Empire.
Day
3
22.8 km
VETRALLA SUTRI
From Vetralla, you pass through a forest to the Church of the Virgin of Loreto. Then you walk through extensive hazel groves, passing monumental oak trees, to arrive at the Orlando towers. These are the ruins of an ancient, long-abandoned monastery. You continue to the charming town of Capranica, and you finally reach the walled town of Sutri, known for its Etruscan amphitheatre and archaeological park.
Day
4
27.7 km
SUTRI CAMPAGNANO DI ROMA
You start by walking along country lanes and tracks to the village of Monterosi, near a beautiful lake with an endless expanse of water lilies. You continue your journey through fields to Monte Gelato Waterfall in a park area where you can rest and have a refreshing paddle. Then you enter Veio Park, a protected area, and follow a riverside track through woodland to the hilltop town of Campagnano, where you will rest for the night.
Day
5
21.9 km
CAMPAGNANO DI ROMA ISOLA FARNESE
Leaving Campagnano you have panoramic views over the beautiful countryside of Lazio before entering Veio Park, where you can visit the Sanctuary of ‘Madonna Del Sorbo’. You then pass through the walled old town of Formello and take tracks through fields down to the river Valchetta, on to charming town of Isola Farnese and onwards to La Storta.
Day
6
19.7 km
ISOLA FARNESE ROME
This last stage of your trip crosses the suburbs to arrive at the centre of Rome. You also pass through Monte Mario Park where you have amazing views of the entire city of Rome and can admire, for the first time, the dome of St Peter’s Church. Then you descend from the park and make your way through the city streets to St Peter’s Square – your final goal!
Day
7
km
ROME
Today, we bid you arrivederci! Before you go, take this opportunity to explore the ancient city and its many churches. As you will have walked the Way of St Francis, visit the Basilica of St John Lateran where, in the fourth Chapel, there is a painting of St Francis receiving the stigmata and also in the park outside there is a large statue of St Francis that, if you stand behind at a certain distance, it looks as if he is holding up the church. You can extend your stay here with our many accommodation options for a few days to give you time to see some of the magnificent art and architecture of the city.
How to Get There
Getting to Viterbo, Italy
To begin your Camino, it is easiest to fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport
Getting home from Rome, Italy
It is best to return from one of the city of Rome’s two main airports, Fiumicino or Ciampino.
Fly home from Rome Fiumicino Airport
Fly home from Rome Ciampino Airport
Planning to Travel Elsewhere?
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