Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Our trail brings us through San Quirico d’Orcia, one of the major stations along the Via Francigena. PHOTO: FABIO MUZZI

Italy’s Pilgrim Trail FROM SIENA TO ROME ALONG THE VIA FRANCIGENA

Lace up your hiking boots and join us on the Via Francigena, the legendary pilgrim trail to Rome. We’ve selected the most beautiful sections of this mystical route, linking historic towns including San Quirico d’Orcia and ancient Viterbo and ending with a hike right into stunning St. Peter’s Square. This pilgrimage is an experience of the senses as well as the heart. You’ll hike alongside serene Lago di Bolsena, taste wines from renowned vineyards, and explore the peaceful Etruscan ruins at Sutri. The delightful cuisines of Tuscany and Lazio, accompanied by deep Chianti and Brunello wines, will keep you well-fueled for the journey. Buon cammino!

Days 1-4 Siena / Buonconvento / San Quirico d’Orcia / Lago di Bolsena / Montefiascone From ravishing Siena, hike trails lined by fields of sunflowers and tall cypress trees to the medieval walled town of Buonconvento. Contouring golden wheat fields, we reach hilltop San Quirico d’Orcia, and walk above deep blue Lago di Bolsena to the citadel town of Montefiascone, with its papal fortress. Sampling regional dishes, from ribolitta to panzanella and carciofo romanesco , adds to our pleasures en route. Days 5-8 Viterbo / Sutri / Monterosi Hiking through vineyards where grapes for some of the best Italian wines are grown, we reach the beautifully preserved medieval city of Viterbo, then walk to Sutri, with its spectacular Roman amphitheater, a masterpiece excavated from tufa rock. You’ll also explore Monterosi, once a major stop on the pilgrim trail, and the picturesque village of Isola Farnese, perched on a rock outcrop. Days 9-10 Rome From the countryside, we hike into Rome, pausing for an incredible panorama from Monte Mario, a hill just above the city. The last steps of our pilgrimage lead us to Bernini’s masterpiece, St. Peter’s Square. Leaving our pilgrim staffs by the door, we enter the revered sanctuary of the Basilica. We can watch Sunday mass right from our hotel before departing on Day 10.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike historic routes used by wayfarers since the Middle Ages • Discover medieval villages on foot, savor Tuscany’s and Lazio’s mouth-watering culinary treats • Enjoy panoramas of stunning Lago di Bolsena from a balcony trail • Enter Rome on foot, from the hills above, and walk to the great St. Peter’s Basilica DETAILS • 10-day trip begins in Siena and ends in Rome • 9 nights hotels, including historic properties • All meals included except 2 dinners

DATES Apr 28-May 7, 2017 Sep 15-24 Oct 6-15

TRIP COST $4995 (11-15 members) $5495 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $580

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A mix of moderate walks and hikes, some steep trails, 4-7 hours a day, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders

ANNIE HAWKINS

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 31