Canterbury to Rome since 990 AD
Walk the Ancient
Pilgrim's Road
Follow in the footsteps of over 1,000 years of pilgrims on the Via Francigena — from the door of Canterbury Cathedral, across the Alps, through Tuscany, to the tomb of Saint Peter in Rome. Guided tours, luggage transfer, small groups.
1,900 km
Canterbury to Rome
1,000+
Years of history
4
Countries
500+
Happy pilgrims
A Route Walked Since the Year 990
The Road That Connected a Continent
In 990 AD, Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury made the long journey to Rome to receive his pallium from Pope John XV. On his return, he recorded each of his 79 stopping places — creating the first guidebook to what would become one of the most important pilgrimage routes in medieval Europe.
For centuries, pilgrims from across Northern Europe trudged the 1,900 kilometres through England, France, Switzerland and Italy to venerate the tomb of Saint Peter. They carried credenziali, sought refuge in hospices, and collected stamps at every church along the way — just as we do today.
The Via Francigena was rediscovered and restored at the end of the 20th century. Today it is a certified European Cultural Route, and thousands of pilgrims walk it every year. We are here to make that journey unforgettable.
Route established
990 AD
Archbishop Sigeric's journey
Classic Pilgrimages
Multi-Week Guided Tours
Our signature journeys covering the most iconic sections of the route.
Martigny → Aosta
Great St Bernard Pass
Cross the legendary Great St Bernard Pass at 2,473 metres — the most dramatic crossing on the entire pilgrimage. Medieval pilgrims sought refuge at the ancient hospice founded by Bernard of Mentone. You'll follow the same Roman road that Julius Caesar and Napoleon also traversed, with the famous St Bernard dogs still resident at the summit.
From
€1,199
per person
Siena → Rome
Tuscany: Siena to Rome
The most celebrated leg of the Via Francigena: two glorious weeks walking through the rolling Crete Senesi, past thermal springs, Etruscan hilltowns and medieval abbeys to the Eternal City. This is the stretch that defined the pilgrimage — arriving at St Peter's Basilica to receive the Papal blessing is a moment pilgrims have sought for over a millennium.
From
€2,499
per person
Shorter Getaways
3–5 Day Express Routes
A taste of the pilgrimage for those with limited time — perfect first steps.
Canterbury → Dover
Canterbury to Dover
Begin your Via Francigena pilgrimage where Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury set out for Rome in 990 AD. Walk the ancient lanes of the Garden of England, past rolling hop gardens and chalk downs, to the famous White Cliffs of Dover — gateway to continental Europe and the continuation of a thousand-year tradition.
From
€499
per person
Bolsena → Sutri
Lake Bolsena & Viterbo
A perfect short pilgrimage through the volcanic heart of northern Lazio. Walk the shores of Lake Bolsena — site of the Eucharistic Miracle of 1263 that inspired the feast of Corpus Christi — through the medieval 'City of Popes' Viterbo, and on to the ancient Etruscan city of Sutri. History, legend and extraordinary landscape in every step.
From
€799
per person
Simple Process
How to Book Your Pilgrimage
Choose Your Tour
Browse our routes and find the section of the Via Francigena that calls to you.
Select a Date
Pick from our scheduled departures — new dates added regularly throughout the season.
Book Securely
Complete your booking online via Stripe. A 20% deposit secures your place.
Start Walking
We'll send full pre-departure information. Then just show up and walk!
Why Walk With Us
Everything a Modern Pilgrim Needs
Small Groups
Maximum 12 pilgrims per group so you get the authentic experience of a medieval traveller — not a tourist convoy.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides are certified, deeply knowledgeable, and many have walked the entire Via Francigena themselves.
Luggage Transfer
We transport your bag from guesthouse to guesthouse each day. Walk light, carry only what you need.
Official Credential
We provide the official pilgrim credential (credenziale) and ensure you receive stamps at each stage for your Testimonium.
Pilgrim Stories
Words From the Road
“Two weeks walking through Tuscany and Lazio changed my life. The organisation was flawless — every guesthouse perfectly chosen, the guide a walking encyclopaedia of history. Arriving at St Peter's in tears of joy after 320 km is something I'll carry forever.”
Sophie Laurent
Paris, France · Tuscany: Siena to Rome
“Crossing the Alps was the most extraordinary physical challenge of our lives at 61 and 63. Staying overnight at the ancient hospice with the St Bernard dogs is simply unforgettable. Perfectly supported throughout.”
James & Patricia Holt
Edinburgh, Scotland · Great St Bernard Pass
“Sixty days, 1,900 kilometres. The team supported us at every stage. Arriving in Rome after Canterbury is a spiritual experience that no guidebook can prepare you for. I am already planning to do it again.”
Marco Ferretti
Milan, Italy · Full Via Francigena
Common Questions
Before You Set Off
Do I need to be religious to do the pilgrimage?
Not at all. While the Via Francigena has deep religious roots, thousands of people walk it each year for cultural, historical, sporting, or personal reasons. All are equally welcome on the path.
How fit do I need to be?
It depends on the tour. Our 'Easy' tours are suitable for anyone who enjoys regular walking. 'Strenuous' tours like the Alpine crossing require a base level of fitness and some experience of hill walking. Each tour page has detailed fitness guidance.
What is the best time of year?
April–June and September–October are ideal: good weather, fewer crowds, beautiful wildflowers or autumn colours. July and August can be very hot in Italy, though the Alps stages are pleasant. We don't run tours December–February.
What is included in the price?
All accommodation, daily breakfast, luggage transfer, your official pilgrim credential, maps and guidebooks, and 24/7 support. Full details are on each tour page.
Can I book for a group or family?
Yes! Contact us directly for private group bookings. We can arrange private departures for groups of 4 or more on any tour.
Ready to Begin?
The road to Rome is waiting. Choose your tour and take the first step on a journey that has changed lives for over a thousand years.