Via Francigena from Siena to Rome

Let’s hope that the sun will be shining because the Crests of the Val d’Arbia offer unforgettable views: after saying goodbye to Siena, resting on the hills on the horizon, you will travel along the typical dirt roads of Siena as far as the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine Church. At the gates of Monteroni d’Arbia, you will be able to admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which held the reserves of wheat destined for Republic of Siena.

From Lucignano you will continue your journey through the Valle dell’Ombrone to Buonconvento. Crossing the gate of the walls and enter the fine old town centre of the village, discovering why its name means “happy fortunate place”, before riding on and continuing towards San Quirico over the dirt roads and some asphalted ones: these, however, will be compensated by the beautiful views of the Val D’Orcia, among hills tinted with charming shades and scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. At San Quirico you will stand enchanted before the gate of the Collegiata, trying to recognise the various architectural styles that blend into its decorations, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the Horti Leonini, a fifteenth-century garden.

You will continue your journey across the fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia. just beyond San Quirico, you will enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto, and you will be able to enjoy a reinvigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni.

Today you will test your strength with a short but demanding days riding which will take you as far as Radicofani: stick it out, because admiring the view from the Radicofani fortress, tired but satisfied, will repay all your efforts. You will also be able to visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a little jewel dating back to the thirteenth century, and take an evening walk in its old town centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress.

From Radicofani, leaving the fortress behind you and travelling along the old Via Cassia, surrounded by scenery of infinite hills dominated by Monte Amiata. Were you will be able to walk in silence in the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, among decorated capitals and arches: where, according to tradition, some stones bathed in the blood of Christ are supposed to have been kept. Your journey will continue gently as far as the first views of Lake Bolsena: from here you will descend into a volcanic crater and you will continue along dirt tracks, alternating thick woods with meadows scattered with olive trees, as far as Bolsena.

If you are curious to see proof of the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, in the Cappella del Miracolo some marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a Host in the thirteen century are kept. If, instead, you are more interested in the typical cuisine, you can taste the products offered by the lake, such as the Sbroscia, a typical soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.

Continuing on through woods and olive groves, on a route that will offer constant views of the lake: you will cross an area famous for the production of Extra virgin olive oil, which we recommend you taste on a piece of fragrant local bread before arriving in Montefiascone: not to be missed, a climb up to the Rocca, where you will be enchanted before a panoramic view. After descending from the Rocca, you can go into a typical wine bar and taste a glass of Est!Est!!Est!!!, which is even better here because it is made here! If you want to spoil yourself a little more, you will be able to enjoy a pleasant halt at the spas of Bagnaccio, recharging your batteries in its thermal waters before proceeding towards Viterbo, the end of today’s journey.

From Viterbo, the journey continues towards Vetralla, a town in the heart of the ancient Etrurian territory. We then continue through the green countryside of Lazio you come to Sutri, a small town, rich in attractions. The Roman amphitheatre, completely dug out from the Tufo, is something not to be missed. Decide whether to sit on the terraces or to get up onto the stage, but as you leave remember to sign the visitors’ register: it is very important for the custodian, and if he is there he will invite you to do so. After this, proceed to the church of Santa Maria del Parto, the Tufo walls of which are decorated in well-preserved frescoe murals. Look for the group of pilgrims among the images, depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand.

From Sutri we go on towards Campagnano and then Formello: during the journey, you will flank the Mount Gelato Waterfalls, where you can stop for a reinvigorating swim. A panoramic road of the Veio Nature Park will bring you to the gates of Campagnano. Here you can rest in the Venturi Park, the home of a three-hundred-year-old Yew tree the locals call the “Tree of Death”: but don’t worry, you can sit in its shade without any danger! You will continue through the Veio nature park with its woody hills, before entering the enchanting Valle del Sorbo. Along the way, you will be able to admire the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo and later arrive at Formello, with its medieval buildings.

Get back in the saddle and face the last leg of your journey which separates you from the Eternal City. The leg continues across the countryside of Lazio, you could never guess to be so close to a metropolis. You will have to cross a brief section of busier roads to reach the cycle path of the River Tevere, an enchanting slow path which will lead you to the gates of Vatican City, where you will be able to end your journey in St. Peters Square. Do not forget to take a triumphant photograph in front of the Basilica, before celebrating the end of the journey fortifying yourselves with spring lamb, pecorino romano cheese, and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream…you deserved it!

Depart after breakfast.