Destinations

4 min read

10 Tips for Walking the Via Francigena in Italy: Advice from Our 2024 Pilgrimage

Back in 2024, my wife Lynn and I laced up our boots and embarked on the journey of a lifetime: walking the Italian section of the Via Francigena to the Eternal City. It was a walk filled with beauty, challenge, laughter, and unforgettable encounters. Along the way, we learned a lot about ourselves, about each other, and about what it means to travel slowly, intentionally, and with open hearts.

 

If you’re considering this iconic pilgrimage, here are 10 tips we wish we’d known before setting off.

Via Francigena Tips

1. Start with the Right Mindset

This isn’t a race — it’s a pilgrimage. Some days will feel effortless, others will test your patience (and your knees). Embrace the ups and downs. The journey is as much inward as it is outward.

2. Less Is More When It Comes to Packing

Trust me: every gram counts. I thought I’d need three shirts; turns out, two were plenty. Go lightweight, choose quick-dry materials, and don’t forget your blister kit. Your feet will thank you.

 

If you need a more detailed packing list, then check out our blog post on What to Pack for the Via Francigena.

3. Train on Similar Terrain

We thought we were in decent shape from weekend hikes in the Rockies, but nothing quite compares to walking 20km a day, back-to-back, on mixed surfaces. Do a few multi-day practice walks with full packs before you leave.
Mindset

4. Take Time to Look Up

Yes, there are kilometers to cover. But don’t forget to pause. Gaze up at a frescoed ceiling in a village church. Linger in a vineyard. Sit quietly in a medieval piazza. These moments became the most memorable part of our journey.

5. Fuel Up Like an Italian

Italy is a dream for walkers who love good food. From truffle pasta in Tuscany to hearty soups in Lazio, we learned to trust the local trattorias. A good rule: if the locals are eating there, you should too.

6. Learn a Few Key Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few words of Italian goes a long way. A simple “Buongiorno,” “Per favore,” and “Dove si trova la fontana?” opened doors (and hearts) everywhere we went.

Fuel like an Italian

7. Stay Open to the Unexpected

One of our best nights was unplanned – a small-town celebration in Bolsena where we danced in the streets and shared wine with strangers. Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity. It’s often where the magic happens.

8. Book Ahead. But Not Everything!

We pre-booked all of our accommodations, but we purposely left the majority of our meals and any free time open, which gave us the freedom to adjust based on how we were feeling. If you need help with the logistics, consider contacting a travel advisor with My Via Francigena.

9. Journal Daily (Even Just a Few Lines)

I kept a tiny notebook in my pocket and jotted down small details each day; the name of a helpful shopkeeper, a line from a poem in a church, the smell of the wild fennel along the trail. Looking back, these fragments bring the journey back to life.

10. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time

If the Via Francigena is calling you, answer. We almost postponed our trip due to work, family obligations, and the usual logistics, but we’re so glad we didn’t. There will never be a perfect time. Go anyway.
Journal Every Day

Final Thoughts

Walking the Via Francigena was one of the most enriching experiences of our lives. It deepened our connection to Italy, to each other, and to a long tradition of pilgrims stretching back centuries. If you’re thinking of walking it, I hope our tips help you make the most of your own unforgettable adventure.