Travelling is about observing, discovering new places, immersing oneself in landscapes, walking, but also sitting back and watching the world go by through a train window. 

With this philosophy in mind, the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) is renewing its collaboration with Trenord in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee: promoting a slow and sustainable journey to explore the wonders of Lombardy region. 

The Via Francigena has always championed sustainable tourism, inviting pilgrims to walk slowly, savouring each step, each stage, each encounter, and every piece of land they pass through. However, slow travel isn’t only about walking: it’s also about appreciating the entire landscape, slowing down, and absorbing the beauty of places and people. The train, with its ability to cover long distances in comfort, is an ideal means of experiencing this journey in a deep and authentic way. 

Through this collaboration, Trenord offers a 10% discount on regional tickets purchased at authorised ticket offices. The discount is available to those travelling with the official credential of the European Association of the Via Francigena, the “pilgrim’s passport,” which offers numerous benefits, including the chance for pilgrims to collect stamps at tourist offices, churches, accommodations, and eateries along the route. This initiative is designed to support pilgrims who wish to reach the first stage of the journey or return home after completing their itinerary, but it is also aimed at those planning to set out on the path in 2025. 

Thanks to the “train trips” initiative, those wishing to spend a weekend rediscovering Lombardy at a slow pace can reach any part of the region for a day trip, departing from Milan or one of the 460 stations across the area. By visiting the initiative’s website, it is also possible to travel by train to many stages of the Via Francigena to visit natural parks, UNESCO sites, and towns rich in history and art. 

We wish you a pleasant train journey and a rewarding pilgrimage!