2019 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 and Rome since the Middle Ages. From Siena to Rome, we follow the most beautiful sections of this historic route through spectacular settings,

d’Italia (most beautiful villages in 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 ends at the thermal springs at Terme del Bagnaccio, set among green hills (bring your swimsuit for a post-hike dip). In Sutri, we visit a Roman amphitheater carved out of tufa rock, and we’ll explore Monterosi, once a major stop on the pilgrim trail, and the small village of Isola Farnese, perched on a rock outcrop. This tiny village has a rich history—a member of the Farnese family became Pope Paul III. Days 9-10 Rome From our hotel in the countryside, we hike right into Rome, pausing for a panorama of the Eternal City 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, flanked by the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Leaving our pilgrim staffs by the door, we enter the revered sanctuary of the Basilica. Depart on Day 10.

including the Tuscan hilltop village of San Quirico d’Orcia and the handsome walled town of Viterbo, once the seat of the popes. We’ll follow trails along serene Lago di Bolsena, taste wines from renowned vineyards, explore the peaceful Etruscan ruins at Sutri, and finish with a flourish as we walk right into St. Peter’s Square. The delightful cuisines of Tuscany and Lazio and deep Chianti and Brunello wines

“So thoughtfully designed and

executed—I couldn’t have asked for more. I dreamed of walking this route for years. My expectations were high, but Wilderness Travel easily exceeded them.”

MELISSA KUHNELL BILL BACHMANN

Linda N. Newport Beach CA

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 past avenues of tall cypress to the walled town of Buonconvento, one of the piu belli borghi

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 26-May 5, 2019

May 24-Jun 2 Sep 27-Oct 6

TRIP COST $5495 (11-14 members) $5995 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $820

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

We’ve chosen the best part of the Via Francigena for this hike from Siena to Rome through classic Tuscan landscapes and Lazio’s rugged volcanic scenery.

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