Welcome to our newest bike tour, Cycling the Via Francigena (pron. fron-chee-gin-naa). Our tour begins in southern Switzerland, crosses the Alps at the spectacular Great St. Bernard Pass and ends with an unforgettable ride on the Via Appia in Rome. The stunning geography of high alpine valleys, the Mediterranean coast and the Crete hills of Tuscany combined with visiting Siena, Lucca, Montalcino, Sorano and San Gimignano make this new bike tour our most extensive and most memorable!

During the Middle Ages, merchants, soldiers and pilgrims traveled in Europe to the important holy destinations of Rome, Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain and Jerusalem. Along with them they brought money, produce, trade goods and new ideas. As the number of travelers increased, monasteries, hospitals and towns sprang up and a vast network of routes throughout Europe became established.

The Via Francigena is one of these ancient pilgrim routes. It connects Canterbury, England, to Rome, and was first documented in 990 by Archbishop Sigeric on his return to England after being consecrated by the Pope. In 1985 an Italian archaeologist, Giovanni Caselli, retraced Archbishop Sigeric’s journey and in 1994 the Via Francigena was designated a European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe. Our 14 day cycling tour will follow the original route as much as possible, and we will take alternate roads and two transfers to avoid congested areas.

The accommodations we have selected for the tour are a fun mix of quaint 2 & 3 star hotels and country inns that provide a real sense of living history and reflect the spirit of this pilgrim’s journey. The meals included on the tour are made with fresh local ingredients and seasoned with tasty olive oil and herbs. You will also have a chance to sample some of the best cheeses and wines from the region.

We hope you will join us on another memorable Nichols Expeditions first – Cycling the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena dates are September 20 – October 3, 14 days, and we have an incredible first time price of €2,550 Euros/pp. Andiamo!

Day 1: Arrive at the Hotel Italia on the spectacular Great St. Bernard Pass where we spend the night. To get to the Hotel Italia, transfer by train from Geneva, Switzerland, or Milan, Italy to Martigny, Switzerland. That evening we will have a group orientation and welcome dinner.

Day 2: St. Bernard Pass to Chatillon.
Before starting our ride, we can visit the historical building where the Augustinian friars raised the famous St. Bernard dogs. Afterward, we begin a grand downhill through a fantastic alpine landscape that takes us down to Aosta, a lovely town of Roman origin. In the afternoon we continue riding on a gorgeous route to Chatillon where we overnight. Ride: 53 km

Day 3: Chatillon to Ivrea, and transfer to Parma
Today’s undulating ride takes us to Ivera on a series of small roads that wonder among vineyards and castles and pass through small villages with stone roofed houses. In Ivera we will transfer to our lodging in Parma. Ride: 60 km

Day 4: Parma to Berceto
Our route takes us through superb scenery as we cross the Apennines. We will see the curious rock pinnacles called the Salti del Diavolo, the Devil's Jump, which medieval legend says are the footsteps of a devil who was scared off by a local hermit from this valley! We overnight in the charming little town of Berceto. Ride: km 60

Day 5: Berceto to Sarzana
This is a little longer day. It begins with a climb over the Cisa Pass, the second highest point of the tour, and then we have a spectacular downhill cruise toward the Mediterranean. Our overnight lodging is near the coast in Sarzana, an important military outpost in the Middle Ages. Ride: 75 km

Day 6: Sarzana to Lucca
Today’s ride has wonderful seaside views as we make our way southward. We finish the day by turning east, away from the sea, and climbing over a ridge to Lucca, an ancient city founded by the Etruscans. Overnight in Lucca.
Ride: 60 km 

Day 7: Rest day in Lucca
Relax and take in the sights along Lucca’s medieval wall. For the more adventurous, hop on the train and visit Pisa, or go to the Cinque Terre and walk the whole trail in a day. Lots of possibilities! Overnight again in Lucca.

Day 8: Lucca to Montaione
Take in the last views of Lucca, and then we head out on a mostly flat ride with a short climb to San Miniato, with its picturesque landscape of vineyards and olive trees. Our hotel in Montaione is a beautiful villa. Ride: 56km.

Day 9: Montaione to Siena
Now we are really in the heart of Tuscany, with cypress lined hills, vineyards and hilltop medieval towns. Our route passes by the San Vivaldo convent, known as the Jerusalem of Tuscany. Next, we visit San Gimignano, the medieval city of towers, and continue on to the splendid city of Siena where we overnight. Ride: 62 km 

Day 10: Siena to Montalcino
This is a memorable day of winding roads, vineyards and views of the famous Tuscan crete landscape. Our goal is Montalcino, a walled hilltop city with a commanding view. Your reward is Brunello, one of Italy’s finest wines from Montalcino. Overnight in Montalcino. Ride: 47 km 

Day 11: Montalcino to Radicofani
The day starts with a long descent through a vast sea of vineyards and wheat fields. We then alternate between climbs and descents through the Tuscan hills on route to our lodging in Radicofani, an intriguing medieval town with an impressive castle tower. Ride: 50 km

Day 12: Radicofani to Sorano
Today we have modified the route to show you the fortified town of Sorano. While it is off the official route, this is such a beautiful place that we decided to bend the historical truth just a bit and spend the night in the Sorano castle! Ride: 50 km

Day 13: Transfer to Rome
After a morning transfer to Rome, we will finish the Via Francigena with an awesome last ride into the center of Rome on the historic Via Appia – the Appian Way. Known as the “queen of roads,” the Via Appia is a national park without a lot of traffic. Overnight in Rome and a farewell dinner. Ride: 20+ km

Day 14: Your tour ends after breakfast. We suggest you spend additional days in Rome after the tour. Let us know if you need assistance with hotel reservations.

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

TOUR BEGINS / ENDS: Martigny, Switzerland / Rome, Italy
TOUR DATE: September 20 - October 3, 2009
TOUR PRICE: €2,550 Euros/pp double occupancy, single supplement - €250 Euros
TRIP COST INCLUDES: 13 nights lodging, all breakfasts and 8 dinners, sag vehicle, maps and route directions, bilingual guide/driver and Chuck and Judy Nichols will personally accompany this tour and be there to handle bike maintenance and logistics.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights, bike rentals (you may choose to bring your own bike or rent one for €200 Euros), lunches, 5 dinners, beverages

Complete Trip Detail Request

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information and to book a tour, click here.