If it is the first time that you are walking on the Francigena, then we suggest that you choose those sections of the route that are not particularly difficult, in terms of length and height differences. You can do this by lightening some of the most challenging stages with public transport. Go to the next section of the Via Francigena walk + train and bus, for more details. Here are our suggestions: 

• From the Great Saint Bernard Pass to Piacenza

• In the lower valley of the Dora you can walk the section between Verrès and Santhià. This section takes four days, with a stop in Pont-Saint-Martin, Settimo Vittone or Ivrea and Viverone and Roppolo. These are very pleasant stages, winding among the vineyards, with views of the Alps and all beautiful trails.

• From Santhià in Pavia the flat terrain makes walking easier, even  on the longest stages. There are five days of walking.  It’s best to avoid the summer due to the heat.

• • If you just want a taste of Via Francigena for just one day to walk on the banks of the Po, traffic-free, consider the section between Orio Litta and Piacenza. You can choose whether to stay in the left bank and walk over the bridge in Piacenza, or if to cross the Po by boat over the historic ford between Corte Sant’Andrea and Soprarivo. A bus also allows you to reach the historic center of Piacenza safely. 

• From Piacenza to Siena

• From Pontremoli to Sarzana you cross in two long stages hilly areas rich in history and memories of pilgrimage. Our advice is to divide the route in three days and shorten the route by public transport.

• One of the most exciting and easy sections along the Via Francigena is between Lucca and Siena. It consists of six days of walking on dirt roads, taking your through areas of exceptional beauty: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and the landscape of the Sienese hills. Some stages are long, but you can shorten them by public transport and by taking rest days, adding a few additional days to the journey. 

• From Siena to Viterbo

• The way between Siena and Viterbo has no particular difficulty, and offers stunning views over the Val d’Orcia, Lake Bolsena, and the agricultural landscape of the Tuscia. It requires seven days, but given the length and the height difference of some stages, you will want to split some of the longer stages into two, in particular stage 36 San Quirico – Radicofani. It could also be lighten with use of by buses or trains for stage 34 Siena – Ponte d’Arbia and 37 Radicofani – Acquapendente.

• Section between Viterbo – Rome has no major problems. Some stages can be lightened by use of public transport, especially when crossing the busy Roman suburbs.