2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

Lace up your boots and hike the Via Francigena, the legendary pilgrim trail that has connected northern Europe with Rome

to the walled town of Buonconvento, one of the piu belli borghi d’Italia (most beautiful villages of Italy), with an overnight in charming San Quirico d’Orcia. Our trail crosses a section of cobbled Roman road as we head above deep blue Lago di Bolsena to the citadel town of Montefiascone, with its papal fortress. Sampling regional dishes, from ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) to gnocchi alla Romana, adds to our pleasures en route. Days 5-8 Viterbo / Sutri / Monterosi Our hike towards medieval Viterbo passes rolling vineyards and ends at thermal springs set among green hills. In Sutri, we visit a Roman amphitheater carved out of tufa rock, and we’ll explore Monterosi, once a major pilgrim stop, with a private tour of the Etruscan museum there. The small village of Isola Farnese, perched on a rock outcrop has a rich history—a member of the Farnese family became Pope Paul III. panoramic vista of the Eternal City from Monte Mario, just above the city. The final steps of our pilgrimage lead us right to Bernini’s masterpiece, St. Peter’s Square, flanked by the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Leaving our pilgrim staffs by the door, we enter the revered sanctuary of the Basilica to conclude our pilgrimage. Depart on Day 10. Days 9-10 Rome From our countryside hotel, we hike right into Rome, pausing for a

since the Middle Ages. We follow this historic route through spectacular settings, including Siena, with its scallop-shaped piazza, and dreamy San Quirico d’Orcia. We’ll hike along serene Lago di Bolsena, taste wines from renowned vineyards, explore the peaceful Etruscan ruins at Sutri, and finish with a flourish

“Lovely. The picnics and all the extras were terrific. Thanks to our great Trip Leaders and this wonderfully thoughtful trip. I’ll be back.” Glenda C. Birmingham AL

LEON WERDINGER NIKOS KOKKAS

as we walk right into St. Peter’s Square in Rome. This route is still relatively untouristed; experience it before the crowds come. The cuisines of Tuscany and Lazio and the famed local wines keep us well-fueled as we enjoy a journey that is both an experience of the senses and of the heart. Days 1-4 Siena / Buonconvento / San Quirico d’Orcia / Lago di Bolsena / Montefiascone From Siena, we hike a classic Tuscan landscape

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 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 17-26, 2020 Sep 25-Oct 4

TRIP COST $5195 (10-14 members) $5595 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $670

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6

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

Our hikes on the Via Francigena reveal gorgeous landscape and a host of beautiful hill-perched towns between Siena and Rome. PHOTO: RICCARDO SPILA

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