See the best of west-central Italy while walking the incredible Via Francigena route
The Via Francigena walking tour from Orvieto to Rome Tour is a unique opportunity to walk and trek across an ancient pilgrim trail through the awe-inspiring landscape and historic villages before arriving in Rome, one of Italy’s most popular destinations.
The Via Francigena walking tour begins in either Orvieto or Acquapendente. Perched atop a sheer cliff, you’re able to see the old centre of the Etruscan village and its imposing cathedral. Walking from Acquapendente leads to San Lorenzo Nuovo, where you can peer down the edge of a crater that’s home to the lake town of Bolsena, a charming stop. Coming from Orvieto, walking through the old town square gives a glimpse at an ancient Etruscan necropolis before leading you through the countryside to Bolsena Lake.
Walking to Montefiascone provides panoramic views of the lake, meadows, and the Cimini Mountains. Dinner in the old town of Viterbo prepares you to trek through the Etruscan hollow roads before skirting a volcano near Vetralla. Descending a gorge next to a waterfall is on route to Sutri is a highlight of the Via Francigena trek, and only gets better upon arrival at the Monte Gelato waterfalls.
Diving further into the Roman countryside, you’ll spend a peaceful night in Isola Farnese before transfer into the iconic city centre of Rome. Here, stop for a picture at the Monte Mario Belvedere before visiting Piazza San Pietro, the end of your journey and the journeys of countless pilgrims before.
The Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime trek, so book today!
Highlights of the Via Francigena: Orvieto to Rome
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Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Acquapendente or Orvieto
Your Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome tour either begins in Acquapendente if you’re joining from an existing trek, or Orvieto if your adventure in Italy is starting today. In Acquapendente, choose one of the several excellent restaurants for dinner. From Orvieto, take a walk through the heart of the Etruscan civilization or snap a photo of the large cathedral. Then, make sure to order a glass of delicious local wine with your dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Acquapendente or Orvieto
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Bolsena
If you’re coming from Acquapendente, you’ll visit the village of San Lorenzo Nuovo and admire the panoramic views of the crater-hidden Lake Bolsena. From Orvieto, you’ll depart from the cathedral and traverse the old town before emerging into the scenic countryside. Be among the first to visit a recently discovered Etruscan necropolis before arriving at the impressive crater holding Bolsena Lake.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bolsena
Distance: 6-7 hours, 18-23 km, 341 – 503 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Exploring Montefiascone
Circle the crest of Bolsena Lake to arrive in Montefiascone. The village has an impressive view of the Cimini Mountains in the distance. Make sure you stop by the Fortress of the Popes before choosing a restaurant for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montefiascone
Distance: 5 hours, 18 km, 603 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Hike to Viterbo
Trekking between Bolsena Lake and the Cimini Mountains, wonderful views pave the route to Viterbo. This friendly old town has authentic dining options and a wonderful ambiance.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viterbo
Distance: 6 hours, 18 km, 174m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Nature walk to Vetralla
Walk deep into the Etruscan countryside and enjoy some solitude in nature, as you won’t pass through any villages before making it to Vetralla. The peace and quiet is a perfect midway refresh on the Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vetralla
Distance: 6 hours, 17 km, 288 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Volcanoes & Gorges near Sutri
Get ready for a big day! First, you’ll trail along the side of a volcano past the old site of Lake Vico. Then, walking through the countryside brings you to Capranica. Descending into a gorge, you’ll follow a stream for one of the most scenic moments of the whole trek. Once you make it to Sutri, make sure to treat yourself to dessert after such an exciting walk.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sutri
Distance: 7 hours, 25.5 km, 469 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Walk to Campagnano
The day starts with a trip through idyllic fields until you come upon the Monte Gelato waterfalls. While you won’t find gelato here, the falls are an incredibly worthwhile stop. Jump in for a swim before taking the excavated road to Campagnano, which has excellent views.
If you’d prefer a shorter tip today, you can arrange transfer from Monterosi to Campagnano.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campagnano
Distance: 7 hours, 24.5 km, 376 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Walk to La Giustinaniana
Travelling into the Roman countryside makes for a quiet, peaceful day. Enjoy the calm country and babbling streams before arriving for dinner in La Giustinaniana. Those who are worried about the distance, can choose to travel the last 5.5km via public transfer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Giustinaniana
Distance: 7 hours, 27.5 km, 433m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Approaching Rome
The Orvieto to Rome tour concludes in style: choose to arrive in Rome via public transportation to maximize your time in the city or complete your trip by foot. Walking to the city offers a visit to the Insugherata park, a serene nature reserve just outside the city. Make sure to pause for a photo at the Monte Mario Belvedere and look out for a peek of the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance. You’ll end the walk in Piazza San Pietro just like the countless pilgrims before you have. While the walking ends here, make sure you explore the sights and sounds of Rome as fully as possible. Choose a restaurant for dinner, go shopping, or relax and sightsee.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rome
Distance: 6 hours, 16.5 km, 360 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Arrivederci, Rome!
Enjoy breakfast in Rome before officially ending the Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour. Or, book a few extra nights in the bustling city to soak it up just a bit more.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on March 22nd – October 31st, 2023:
- Solo traveller: $1,595 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,375 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,025 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Departure on March 1st – 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,625 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,375 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $950 USD
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,095 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $975 USD
Accommodation on the Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour
This tour is based in hotels and bed and breakfasts. Hotels on this trip are 2-4-star hotels along with smaller “agriturismo” farmhouse inns. They offer great location, atmosphere, excellent food, and welcoming staff. Rooms may have access to amenities including private bathrooms, swimming pools, TVs, mini bars, and breakfast. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season and the size of the group (please check Dates and Prices for more info). However, it’s sometimes possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Corso in Orvieto ★★★
This cute hotel is perched on a cobblestone street in the medieval center of town. You’re only a couple of kilometers from main attractions and the rooms are kept very clean.
Hotel Royal in Bolsena ★★★
Hotel Royal in Bolsena offers lakefront accommodations with spacious rooms and access to the scenic Lake Bolsena.
Hotel Urbano V in Montefiascone ★★★
Hotel Urbano V is situated in a very tranquil position, in perfect balance with the architecture of the historical center. Rooms are well-finished, clean and comfortable.
Hotel Palazzo Riario in Viterbo
Hotel Riario is in the center of Medieval Viterbo, in a building of the 16th century. Rooms are furnished in elegant way, comfortable and well-finished. These offer TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning.
Antica Locanda della Via Francigena in Vetralla ★★★
The Antica Locanda is immersed in the Tuscia Viterbese countryside, surrounded by expanses of olive groves. It offers well-kept, clean and rustic-style rooms.
Agriturismo Montefosco in Sutri
The Montefosco Farmhouse is immersed in the green of the Lazio countryside, surrounded by an expanse of hazels. The rooms are well kept, clean and well furnished, equipped with comfortable amenities.
Albergo Benigni in Campagnano ★★
Hotel Ristorante Benigni is in central Campagnano Di Roma surrounded by Veio's Park and by volcanic complex of Monti Sabatini. Rooms are simple and basic with private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Tempio di Apollo in Isola Farnese ★★
Hotel Tempio di Apollo is set in a wonderful location, with views that extend over the green countryside. The rooms offer free Wi-Fi and the staff is known to be very helpful.
Hotel Domus Sessoriana in Rome ★★★
The rooms of Domus Sessoriana are obtained from the cells of the monastery attached to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. These are spacious, basic and clean.
What’s included in the Via Francigena from Orvieto to Rome Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
All luggage transfers from day 2 until day 9 are included (1 piece per person, up to 20kg). However, you are responsible for your own transfers.
Also Included
- Route guides
- Pilgrim’s passports
- Maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Personal transfers
- Drinks and snacks
- Tourist taxes (€1 EUR- € 3.5 EUR per person daily)
- Personal equipment
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers to and from Orvieto and Rome
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Via Francigena: Orvieto to Rome
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
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