Your Itinerary
Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome
Cycle the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route from Lucca to Siena
Lifetime deposit means if you need to cancel your booking you’ll get a credit for your full deposit to use on your next booking.
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome Tour is an incredible opportunity to ride Italy’s ancient pilgrimage road to Rome, enjoying the villages, landscapes, and historical monuments along the way.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome Tour begins in Siena, one of the most wonderful towns in Italy. Siena is full of fascinating architecture, and it all centres around a shell-shaped square in the centre of town where a biannual horse race is held.
Ride down the Val d’Arbia to Buonconvento, a town known for fabulous local wine, before descending into the stunning Val d’Orcia. The rolling hills and vineyards give way to the thermal pools of Bagno Vignoni, where you can enjoy a dip before exploring 13th-century churches.
Then, the next leg of the Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome tour takes you along the Via Cassia stuns with unbelievable landscapes all the way to Lake Bolsena. Stand at the edge of a massive volcanic crater before continuing to Viterbo where delicious local dinner awaits.
You’ll next ride alongside waterfalls and past the infamous 300-year-old “Tree of Death” towards the medieval Formello. This is your last chance to soak up the peace of the trail before arriving in Rome.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome Tour ends in St. Peter Square of Vatican City, and you’ll spend the night inspired by the buzz of one of Italy’s most awesome locales.
Season
Apr-Oct
Activity
Standard Biking
Standard Biking
Duration
9 days
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Type
Self-guided, Private
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
From €1,320
Got any questions?
Moderate
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will cycle longer distances over varied terrain, but most trails are in good condition.
Trip highlights
Highlights for Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome
Cycle the Via Francigena and explore the unique towns and villages along the way.
Enjoy the sunset over blissful Lake Bolsena and dip into the thermal pools of Bagno Vignoni.
Stand in the centre of the amphitheater of Sutri or walk through the Via Cassia in Montefiascone.
Ride into Rome and spend a night in one of Italy’s most historically rich, vibrant cities.
We’re Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.
We’re here to help
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 one Arrival in Siena
The starting point of your Via Francigena cycling tour to Rome is Siena, a city filled with medieval architecture and interesting places to explore. Spend the day climbing the Torre del Mangia for a birds-eye view of the city, or settle in at the Piazza del Campo for a dinner of pici all’aglione for dinner, where you can look over the lit-up Palazzo Pubblico while you dine.
- Distance: None
- Meals: None
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Siena
Day two Cycling to San Quirico d’Orcia
Start the day with a ride through the Val d’Arbia, which has unforgettable views all the way to Lucignano, where you can stop for a cappuccino before continuing on. Admire the imposing Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm that grew into the republic of Siena, before continuing into the Vall dell’Ombrone. Soon, you’ll arrive in Buonconvento. Pause for lunch (perhaps with a glass of local wine) before riding on through the Val d’Orcia, where the views are sublime. Rows of vineyards and cypress trees welcome you into San Quirico, where the enchanting architecture might inspire an evening walk before settling down at the 15th-century garden of Horti Leonini.
- Distance: 54 km, 650m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in San Quirico
Day three Cycling to Radicofanimbassi
The second day of your cycling trip to Rome continues through the splendid Val d’Orcia before reaching Bagno Vignoni. The thermal pools here are perfect to rest your legs in before jumping back on the bike before the more challenging ride up to Radicofani. The elevation pays off when it comes to the views! Stop by the Pieve di San Pietro, a 13th-century chapel and the most sacred building in the region.
- Distance: 40 km, 650m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Radicofani
Day four Ride to Bolsena
Start the day by riding through Via Cassia, one of the most spectacular sections of the Via Francigena. The rolling hills lead up to Monte Amiata, which is definitely worth a photo stop. Take a moment to walk along the crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, where tradition says stones bathed in the blood of Christ were kept. Hop back on the bike to cruise to Lake Bolsena, where you’ll descend down into the volcanic crater to the town. Olive trees and meadows surround you, and there are plenty of great restaurants to relax for the evening.
- Distance: 57 km, 620m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Bolsena
Day five Cycling to Viterbono
Start the next leg of your cycling trip to Rome by riding through the woods and olive groves that skirt Lake Bolsena. When you arrive in Montefiascone, make sure to taste some of the local olive oil on fresh bread before climbing up to Rocca, which has enchanting views. Then, pop into a local wine bar for a taste of the region’s best. If you’re in the mood to be spoiled, the spas of Bagnaccio are the perfect place for a little R&R before you hop back on the bike. When you get to Viterbo, where the historic Palazzo dei Papi is the perfect view for dinner and dessert.
- Distance: 33 km, 545m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Viterbo
Day six Bike to Sutri
Today, your Via Francigena cycling tour takes you through the heart of Etrurian territory to the lush countryside where Sutri lies. This little town is packed with things to see. Start with the Roman amphitheater, where the custodian will make sure you sign the guestbook before leaving. The church of Santa Maria del Parto is a great next stop, with frescoed walls that depict pilgrims in prayer.
- Distance: 34 km, 534m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Sutri
Day seven Cycling to Formello
Today, cycle past the Mount Gelato waterfalls, which are the perfect spot for a morning dip. Then, you’ll ride into Venturi Park, which is full of nature and perfect to rest a bit. If you’re feeling bold, you can even rest under the 300-year-old Yew tree that the locals call the “Tree of Death.” Find someone and ask for the story! Finally, you’ll ride through the Veio Nature Park to get to Formello. The final ride is incredibly scenic and nature lovers will be in their element.
- Distance: 34 km, 534m elevation gaination gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Formello
Day eight Cycling to Rome
The last leg of your cycling journey on the Via Francigena leads to Rome! You’ll pass through the countryside of Lazio, which feels a hundred miles from the buzz of the city. Once on the River Tevere cycling path, you’ll whiz right into Rome and then to St. Peter Square in Vatican City, where your ride ends. Take a victory photo in front of the Basilica, and then settle in for dinner. Try the spring lamb, pecorino, and some maritozzo with cream. Relax and enjoy the view!
- Distance: 34 km, 155m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Rome
Day Nine Departure from Rome
Savour a final breakfast in Rome before packing up to head home. Arrivederci!
- 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.
Packed with Inclusions
We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Reviews
5
3
5 (3 reviews)
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Dates and prices:
Optional Extras:
- Hybrid bike rental (incl. bags, 1 odometer every 2 bikes, phone holder) - €210 EUR
- E-bike rental (incl. bags, 1 odometer every 2 bikes, phone holder) - €306 EUR
- Printed trip documents - €35 EUR
Prices below are per person
Date
Solo guest
Two Single Rooms
Double room
Triple room
Apr 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025
€2439 EUR
€1888 EUR
€1530 EUR
€1320 EUR
*Pay in US, Canadian, Australian Dollars, Euro, or British Pounds.
What’s included
Meals
8 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is included.
Transportation during the tour
This tour includes rental bike delivery and pick up, as well as all luggage transfers during the biking days.
Also included
- Digital route guides, notes, maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
- Bike theft insurance
- Not included
- Bike or bike supplies rental
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not mentioned as ‘included’
- Tourist taxes (€0.7 – 4 EUR per person daily)
- Personal equipment
- Paperback tour notes
- Optional Extras
- Bike and biking equipment rental (7 days):
- Hybrid bike (incl. front bag, map holder and odometer)
- E-bike (incl. front bag, map holder and odometer)
- Helmet
- Rear bags
- Any additional nights before or after tour
- Airport transfers
Accommodation for Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome
This tour is based in 3-5-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and excellent locations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season (please inquire to find out more). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season (please inquire to find out more). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Hotel Chiusarelli*** is in the city center of Siena and finds its natural setting in a neoclassical villa built around 1870.
Hotel Palazzuolo is located in an incredible park with an outdoor pool, and the rooms feature balconies and great views of the Val d’Orcia.
Agriturismo La Selvella offers a peaceful countryside retreat with farm-to-table dining and panoramic views of the Radicofani hills.
Agriturismo Le Vigne is located right next to the heart of Bolsena. The rooms feature flatscreen TVs, Wi-Fi, private entrances, and lake views.
Hotel Riario is in the center of Medieval Viterbo, in a building of the 16th century. Rooms are furnished in elegant way, comfortable and well-finished. These offer TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning.
The Montefosco Farmhouse is immersed in the green of the Lazio countryside, surrounded by an expanse of hazels. The rooms are well kept, clean and well furnished, equipped with comfortable amenities.
This cozy B&B features a serene garden and terrace, and rooms have air conditioning and TVs. The owners are friendly and helpful.
Frequently asked question
How hard is the Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will cycle longer distances over varied terrain, but most trails are in good condition.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
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 Cycling from Siena to Rome 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 Siena to start this tour?
You can fly to Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). From FLR, take the bus to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and then take the bus or train directly to Siena. From PSA, you can take the train to Siena, which changes in Pisa Centrale and Empoli. Check train schedules at this website.
Is the Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome tour guided?
No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.
Where does the Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome tour end?
The tour ends in Rome, where you can fly directly from one of the local airports (FCO or CIA) or reach airports in Florence or Pisa by train.
Are bike rentals included?
Bike rentals are not included, but they are available as an optional extra. You can rent electric, road, or mountain bikes. Bike models available to rent for this tour:
- Centro 1
- Wilier Centro1SR
- Wilier GTR team
- Kalkhoff Endeavour 27
- Kalkhoff Endeavour 5B9G (e-bike)
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.
When is the best time to travel to Italy for this tour?
The best time to travel to Italy for the Via Francigena Cycling from Siena to Rome tour is from April-October, however, July and August tend to get hot.
Why travellers choose this tour
It’s easy to see why your next 10Adventures experience will be the trip of a lifetime:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.
Luggage transfers
Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is 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.