The road to Rome – along the Via Francigena

27 September - 12 October 2010
Led by cathy maclaurin & jolyon bromley
$4,880 per person (based on twin-share)

To download travel itinerary, please click here
Places limited to 18 participants

Journey highlights

Many Christians who went on pilgrimages to Rome from the end of the second century believed that by visiting objects and places associated with saints or martyrs, would allow them to be closer to the divine. The earliest and perhaps best-known route to Rome was the Via Francigena (the ‘Frankish Route) documented around 990 A.D. by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Beginning in Assisi, this 16-day program explores some of St Francis’ teachings and values by visiting places associated with his life. From Bolsena, participants travel to Rome and walk on alternate days along the last section of the Via Francigena. Covering an average distance of around 16 to 18km a day, there will be ample time to rest, reflect and restore in some of Central Italy’s historic and rustic towns.

There will also be daily optional time (morning focus) of yoga stretches, gentle exercise and meditation along with facilitated talks and group sharing about reflections and experiences of your own walking journey.

Some Highlights Include:

  • Experiencing sacred spaces in Assisi including the Basilica of San Francis, decorated with some of Europe’s finest frescoes.
  • Tuning into the Spirit of St. Francis in a cave in Mt. Subasio where he and his followers lived.
  • Walking along the Via Francigena and sharing fresh market produce for lunch under olive trees.
  • Reflecting on your life experiences by the tranquil waters of Lake Bolsena.
  • Roaming through the walled city of Viterbo, one of Italy's best preserved Medieval towns.
  • Soothing tired limbs in a thermal spa that once inspired the poet, Dante Alighieri.
  • Standing among ancient ruins in Sutri and sensing the essence of the Etruscans.
  • Exploring magnificent Rome, one of western civilisation’s founding cities.

To book

To book on this tour, please complete an application form and return to our travel agent (details on the form).

For further information, please click here.

To return to Open Programs page, please click here.