Your Itinerary
Stage 1: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
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At the beginning of the second millennium, thousands of pilgrims traveled across Europe searching for the “Celestial Land” in Rome, the Holy Land, and Santiago de Compostela. The Via Francigena, or “Way to Rome,” was among the most significant pilgrimage routes, linking Canterbury to Rome. Used for centuries by people from all walks of life, it was a symbol of unity, connecting various European cultures and beliefs. The path crosses the Swiss Alps through the Great Saint Bernard Pass, where pilgrims were aided by Augustinian monks and their iconic dogs. The route descends into Italy’s Aosta Valley, winding through vineyards, castles, and ancient towns with rich Roman and medieval heritage. Landmarks include Aosta’s Roman ruins, Chambave’s vineyards, the Bard Fortress, and the Roman bridge in Pont-Saint-Martin. The path’s final Italian stages lead through the historical town of Ivrea, which holds Roman relics and medieval fortifications. Rediscovering this route today reflects Europe’s enduring legacy of shared history and cultural connection.
This tour represents Part 1 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy’s scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
Season
Jun-Sep
Activity
Walking
Walking
Duration
9 days
9 days
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
Hard (4/5)
Type
Self-guided, Private
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
BnB’s, Hotels and Agroturismos
BnB’s, Hotels and Agroturismos
From €828
Got any questions?
Hard
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour is fairly challenging due to varied terrain, daily distances, and occasional elevation gains.
Trip highlights
Highlights for Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
Cross the historic Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, where Augustinian monks and their rescue dogs famously aided pilgrims for centuries.
Explore Aosta’s ancient Roman sites, including the Pretorian Arch and the Roman theatre, along with medieval castles like Fenis and Verrès.
Walk along the scenic “Chemins de Vignobles” trail, passing Quart and Nus Castles with views over the valley’s vineyards and orchards.
Discover the impressive Bard Fortress overlooking the valley and the ancient Roman bridge in Pont-Saint-Martin, marking the border between Val d’Aosta and Piedmont.
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Trip map
Travellers love the Via Francigena
Sylvia
Stage 1: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
“Walking the first stage of the Via Francigena on my own this summer was honestly one of the best adventures of my life!”
Andrew & Jaime
Stage 8: Montefiascone to Rome
“We absolutely fell in love with the Italian countryside, and the walk into Rome was an unforgettable experience.”
Davide
Stage 4: Fidenza to Pontremoli
“Crossing the Apennines and looking out across the terrain ahead was a surreal feeling. I can’t wait to plan my next walk along the Via Francigena.”
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Saint Bernard Pass
Reaching the Gran San Bernardo Pass, you’ll find the historic “Hotel Italia,” where pilgrims once rested on their journey.
- Distance: None
- Meals: Dinner
- Overnight Location: BnB in Saint Bernard Pass
Day 2 Walk from Saint Bernard Pass to Etroubles
From Saint Bernard Pass, cross into Italy and continue on to Etroubles along the Via Francigena route, with scenic trails and historic avalanche shelters.
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Etroubles
Day 3 Walk from Etroubles to Aosta
Walk from Etroubles to Aosta, passing through meadows, pinewoods, and historic chapels, following the ancient stream “Ru Neuf.”
- Distance: 15.5 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Aosta
Day 4 Walk from Aosta to Nus
The route winds through vineyards and castles, with highlights such as Quart Castle and prehistoric rock engravings called Coppelle.
- Distance: 16 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Nus
Day 5 Walk from Nus to Saint Vincent
Follow the ancient Rus canals through vineyards, with a stop at Crotta de Vegneron for wine tasting, and enjoy a spa upon arrival in Saint Vincent.
- Distance: 17 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Saint Vincent
Day 6 Walk from Saint Vincent to Verrès
Walk along the valley, visiting Saint Germain Castle and sections of the strada delle Gallie, with an option to visit Issogne Castle en route to Verrès.
- Distance: 16.5 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Verrès
Day 7 Walk from Verrès to Pont Saint Martin
Today’s journey includes medieval sites like San Martino Church and the Enchallod bridge in Arnad, plus the ancient road of the Gauls, with an optional stop at Bard Fortress.
- Distance: 13 km
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Overnight Location: BnB in Pont Saint Martin
Day 8 Walk from Pont Saint Martin to Ivrea
Journey through the Piedmont hills to Ivrea, where you can explore the historic castle, Santo Stefano tower, and sample the local Novecento cake.
- Distance: 21 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: BnB in Ivrea
Day 9 Departure from Ivrea
Today your tour concludes after the breakfast.
- Distance: None
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: None
Why book with My Via Francigena
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
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We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.
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Reviews
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5 (8 reviews)
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Dates and prices:
Optional Extras:
- Physical Documents (1 copy per booking) - €35 EUR
- Extra Night in Gran St Bernard pass or Ivria (Single Room) - €150 EUR
- Extra Night in Gran St Bernard pass or Ivria (Double Room) - €225 EUR
- Extra Night in Gran St Bernard pass or Ivria (Triple Room) - €350 EUR
Prices below are per person
Date
Solo guest
Single room
Double room
Triple room
Jun 20, 2025 to Jul 25, 2025
€1,565 EUR
€1,319 EUR
€999 EUR
€853 EUR
Jul 26, 2025 to Aug 31, 2025
€1,595 EUR
€1,349 EUR
€1,025 EUR
€870 EUR
Sep 1, 2025 to Sep 15, 2025
€1,536 EUR
€1,291 EUR
€976 EUR
€828 EUR
*Pay in US, Canadian, Australian Dollars, Euro, or British Pounds.
What’s included
Meals
8 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Transportation during the tour
Luggage transfer is included in your package (1 piece per person). Any other transfers are not included.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Passport
Not included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
Accommodation for Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Expect to stay in 3-star hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs with breakfasts where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotel Italia in Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses offers cozy accommodations and scenic mountain views, perfect for Via Francigena travelers.
Hotel Beau Sejour in Etroubles provides cozy rooms with stunning alpine views, perfect for discovering the Aosta Valley.
Hotel Cecchin in Aosta offers cozy accommodations with alpine-style rooms, a traditional restaurant, and proximity to historic sites like the Arch of Augustus.
Agriturismo Maison Rosset in Nus offers comfortable accommodations, a renowned restaurant serving local cuisine, and a wellness spa, all set in a historic building in the Aosta Valley.
Hotel de la Ville in Saint-Vincent offers comfortable rooms, a sophisticated bar, and lounge area, all within walking distance of the Casino de la Vallèe.
Essenza Hotel in Verrès is a 3-star establishment offering air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and an on-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy mountain views and easy access to local attractions like Verrès Castle.
Hotel Ristorante Crabun in Pont-Saint-Martin offers comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine and Aosta Valley specialties. The hotel is conveniently located near the A5 motorway and is 3 km from the Bard Fortress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging due to varied terrain, daily distances, and occasional elevation gains. Hikes range from 13 km to 21 km per day, with some steep sections, especially through mountainous areas like the Caha Pass. The trail involves a mix of well-trodden paths, country roads, and vineyard trails, with certain stretches requiring a steady pace and a good level of fitness. While challenging in sections, the tour is accessible to those with an active lifestyle or moderate hiking experience, making it suitable for intermediate hikers.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy or Switzerland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea Tour?
8 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Saint Bernard Pass to start this tour?
To reach Saint Bernard Pass, start by taking a train from Geneva to Martigny, followed by a bus that connects to the pass. The Great Saint Bernard Tunnel provides an alternative route under the mountains. The tunnel runs from Martigny in Switzerland to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses in Italy and is open year-round. Note that the tunnel is a toll road, so plan accordingly for this fee.
Is the Via Francigena: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea Tour in English?
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
Where does the Via Francigena 1: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea Tour end?
The tour ends in Ivrea.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why travellers choose this tour
It’s easy to see why your next 10Adventures experience will be the trip of a lifetime:
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Luggage transfers
Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Meals
Don’t worry about meals. 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Transfers
Check out the ‘What’s Included’ tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.
Local Support
Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.
Payments Made Easy
Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.
Route Resources
Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.
Park Entrance Fees
Included where possible! Check the ‘What’s Included’ tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.