Tag: walks
-
Via Francigena Interesting But Terrifying
Day 18 We’re off to Vitralia, another hilltop town just 11 miles away. But first, we were directed to the Strada Signorino where a narrow lane led us between cliff-like walls of an ancient Etruscan-era roadway.It’s thought that the Etruscan Vie Cava (or excavated roadway) was built over 2500 years ago. I thought the cliffs…
-
Via Francigena Those Bloomin’ Flowers
Day 17 Once again our day began with a hike uphill. There really wasn’t reason to complain though. Our day was another short one. Just 11 miles with only 800 feet of climbing. After a quick stop at the corner bar for sandwiches, we climbed as high as we could go in Montefiascone before plunging…
-
Via Francigena Where’s My Luggage?
Day 15 The next section ahead of us would lead to the lakeside town of Bolsena. We had no idea how much charm would ooze from every ancient wall and cobbled street. Had we been more on-the-ball, we would have traded our rest day in Aquapendente for a second night in Bolsena. We stopped for…
-
Via Francigena Decisions, Decisions
Day 13 When we left Radicofani for Aquapendente this morning, we knew we had a decision to make. Our guidebook suggested splitting the walk with a bus ride once we reached Centeno, thus avoiding a dangerous, hot 4-mile walk along a busy 2-lane highway. Our dilemma…we had no bus ticket, had no way to get…
-
Via Francigena Creates Unexpected Friendships
Day 10 Another pretty day greeted us on Day 10. We were headed to Torrenieri, 12 miles away with 1,640 feet of ascent. Our trail followed the contours of the hills as it passed by vinyards and agriturismos. Finding a picnic table or a bench when lunchtime rolls around isn’t usually easy, so we try…
-
Via Francigena-Halfway Point
Day 9 Our destination today was Ponte d’Arbia (population 472). We never know exactly what to expect from the small villages we stay in, but are rarely disappointed. A 16-mile journey with nearly 1,300 feet of elevation gain awaited. We were offered a Pilgrim Meal for dinner, the first of the trip. The three-course meal…
-
Via Francigena Offers Contrasts
Day 8 Our hotel in Monteriggioni, Rooms and Wine at Castello, has been our favorite accommodation…so far. A friendly greeting, a spotless room with a rooftop view and excellent breakfast choices set the mood for our 12-mile walk to Siena. We enjoyed a peaceful morning of walking through forests and fields. Vineyards were left behind…
-
Via Francigena Miles Add Up
Day 7 Oh my gosh, that was a long day! What did we do wrong? When we left San Gimignano we were prepared for a 14-mile day with 2,358 feet of ascent, a bigger/longer day than we like. By the time we finally dragged through the gates of Monteriggioni 8 1/2 hours later, it was…
-
Via Francigena – Time Out
Day 6 Today we slept in! Our room in San Gimignano is clean, comfy and mostly quiet. The first order of business was to pick up our laundry. Reg found Lavanderia Viola, a laundry where he dropped off our bag of trail-dusty clothing yesterday when we arrived in town. Today, after breakfast we picked up…
carryoncouple 