Cycle the Via Francigena - Siena to Rome

Make your own way to the first hotel in Siena. Siena is one of the most beautiful towns along the Francigena. You can spend time walking through its paved streets, looking for coats-of-arms on the walls of the contradas, or climbing the Torre del Mangia to enjoy a unique view over the town. A visit to the Duomo is not to be missed and you will marvel at its black and white columns. If you are lucky you will be able to witness a festival in one of the contradas, and see the work of the skilled flag-throwers, before sitting down at a table in Piazza del Campo to enjoy a plate of pici all’aglione for dinner, admiring the illuminated Palazzo Pubblico square.

Your bikes will be waiting for you this morning at the hotel, from where you will start your cycle today over the crests of the Val d’Arbia which offers unforgettable views. You will start the day along the typical dirt roads of Siena, pedaling as far as the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine Church. At the gates of Monteroni d’Arbia you can admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which held the reserves of wheat for the republic of Siena. From Lucignano continue through the Valle dell’Ombrone to the well preserved 14th century village of Buonconvento, the most important centre in the Val d’Arbia. You will cross the gate of the walls and enter the fine town centre, discovering why its name translates to “happy fortunate place”, before getting back on your bike and cycling to San Quirico over a mix of dirt and asphalted roads. The final section includes beautiful views of the Val D’Orcia, and the route is scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. Arriving in San Quirico you will be enchanted by the gate of the Collegiata. This evening you can enjoy a rest among the hedges of the Horti Leonini, a 16th century classic Italian garden. Ascent: 650m/2132ft, descent: 490m/1608ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 55/45

Today your journey continues with fabulous views of the Val D’Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter a timeless world, visiting Vignoni Alto. You can also enjoy a reinvigorating dip in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. You will test your strength with a short but demanding section which will take you to Radicofani. Stick it out, because when you admire the view from the Radicofani Fortress, tired but satisfied, you will be thankful for your efforts. You can also visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a little jewel dating from the 13th century, and take an evening walk in the old town centre, admiring the magic of the illuminated Fortress. *dependent on availability tonight is either at an agriturismo out of town or in an apartment in town. Ascent: 650m/2132ft both routes, descent: 455m/1493ft or 650m/2132ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 89/11

From Radicofani you will head towards one of the most exciting sections of the Via Francigena, leaving the Fortress behind you and travelling along the old Via Cassia, surrounded by scenery of infinite hills dominated by Monte Amiata. You can explore on foot 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 have been kept. Your journey continues gently as Lake Bolsena comes into view. From here you descend into a volcanic crater and continue along dirt tracks. The landscape alternates between thick woods and meadows scattered with olive trees as you head towards Bolsena. If you are curious to know more about the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, visit the Cappella del Miracolo, where marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a Host in the 13th century are kept. Or if you are more interested in the typical cuisine, try some local delicacies including Sbroscia, a typical soup made from lake fish and tomatoes. Ascent: 620m/2034ft or 840m/2756ft, descent: 610m/2000ft both routes Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 70/30

Today you will cycle 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 sample on a piece of fragrant local bread. Arrive in Montefiascone, where the climb up to the Rocca is not to be missed for panoramic views. On descent from the Rocca, you can go into a typical wine bar and taste a glass of wine from the famous Est!Est!!Est!!! region of Montefiascone. If you want to spoil yourself a little more, you can enjoy a pleasant break at the spas of Bagnaccio and recharge your batteries in its thermal waters, before cycling towards Viterbo, your destination for today. In honour of the history of the Via Francigena, do not miss visiting the picturesque pilgrims' quarter, before admiring the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and enjoying the silence of the Longobard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. End the day on a sweet note by celebrating your journey with the delicious local frittellacce! Ascent: 545m/1788ft, descent: 420m/1378ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 53/47

From Viterbo the journey continues towards Vetralla. This is Etrurian territory, stomping ground of the ancient Etruscans, who left their mark in tomb cities throughout the region. Just outside Vetralla there are some fascinating necropoli. Continue pedaling through the Lazio countryside before arriving in Sutri, a small town rich in attractions. The Roman amphitheatre, dug from the tufa, is not to be missed. Here you can sit on the terraces or even walk onto the stage. As you leave the amphitheatre remember to sign the visitors’ register as it is very important to the custodian, and if he is there he will invite you to do so. Afterwards you can proceed to the church of Santa Maria del Partro, where the tufa walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes. Be sure to look for the group of pilgrims among the images, who are depicted in prayer with their sticks in their hand. Continue to your overnight stay which is situated in the countryside approximately 4km south east of Sutri. Dinner is included tonight if staying at the agriturismo. Ascent: 420m/788ft, descent: 510m/1673ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 73/27

From Sutri you will cycle towards Campagnano and on to Formello. During today’s ride you will pass the Mount Gelato waterfalls, where you can stop for an invigorating dip (weather permitting). Continuing along the panoramic road of the Veio Nature Park will bring you to the gates of Campagnano. Here you can rest in the Venturi Park, home to a 300 year old Yew tree which the locals call the “Tree of Death”. But don’t worry, you can sit in its shade without any danger! Continue through the Veio Nature Park, with its woody hills, before entering the enchanting Valle del Sorbo. You can admire the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo before later arriving in Formello, with its medieval buildings. Ascent: 534m/1759ft, descent: 590m/1936ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 58/42

Today marks the last cycle of the trip, with just 34km between you and the Eternal City. This morning you will continue across the countryside of Lazio, which you would never guess lies so close to a metropolis. You will need to cross a brief section of trafficked roads to reach the cycle path of River Tevere, an enchanting slow path which will lead you to the gates of Vatican City. Your cycling journey ends in St Peter's Square. Don't forget to take a triumphant photo in front of the Basilica to celebrate the end of your journey! Tonight you can sample some delicious local food - we recommend the spring lamb (in season), pecorino romano cheese, and perhaps a delicious maritozzo with cream. Ascent: 155m/509ft, descent: 280m/919ft Trail: Surf/Unsurf% 96/4

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged in Rome.