Your Itinerary
Stage 2: Ivrea to Pavia
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
Never lose your deposit if you have to cancel your trip.
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure.
The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route that once guided countless travelers from Canterbury to Rome, the Holy Land, and Santiago de Compostela, symbolizing a quest for spiritual fulfillment. It emerged as a vital European thoroughfare over seven centuries, traversed by sovereigns, clergymen, and commoners. Originating in the Western Alps and winding southward through the Po Valley and Apennines to Rome, the route embodies the desire for unity in medieval Europe. Today, rediscovering this path reveals not only its spiritual and cultural heritage but also scenic landscapes like flooded rice fields, the Sesia and Ticino rivers, and the artistic richness of cities like Pavia. The journey offers a taste of regional cuisine, with specialties like Panissa, local meats, and traditional desserts passed down through generations.
This tour represents Part 2 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
Apr-Oct
Activity
Walking
Walking
Duration
8 days
8 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 €585
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: Ivrea to Pavia
Follow the historic Via Francigena, a key European pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, rich in cultural heritage and landmarks.
Traverse diverse landscapes, from the Alps to the lush rice fields of the Po Valley, with spring views of the “chequered sea” and the serene rivers Sesia and Ticino.
Discover Pavia’s unique blend of ancient architecture and vibrant student culture, marking the grand finale of the journey.
Savor traditional Northern Italian cuisine, including Panissa, high-quality meats, and desserts based on local, time-honored recipes.
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 1 Arrival in Ivrea
After your arrival in Ivrea, explore the historic old town with its impressive castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Don’t miss the open-air museum of modern architecture and try the local Novecento chocolate cake, a guarded secret of the town’s pastry-makers.
- Distance: None
- Meals: None
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Ivrea
Day 2 Walk from Ivrea to Viverone/Roppolo
Today, enjoy a leisurely walk along quiet paths, discovering the hidden gems of the Via Francigena like the village of Piverone and the ruins of “Geisùn.” Arrive at Lake Viverone, where you can admire the sunset along the lake’s edge.
- Distance: 20 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Viverone/Roppolo
Day 3 Walk from Viverone to Santhià
Today’s route takes you past the splendid Roppolo Castle, offering panoramic views over Lake Viverone. Visit the cellars to sample regional wines and continue towards Santhià, where you can enjoy local rice and meat dishes.
- Distance: 17km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Santhià
Day 4 Walk from Santhià to Vercelli
Walk through the picturesque rice fields of the Vercelli plain, with reflections of colorful hues in the water. Birdwatching is abundant along the way, and upon arrival in Vercelli, indulge in local cuisine featuring rice-based dishes and savory pies.
- Distance: 27km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Vercelli
Day 5 Train to Robbio, Walk to Mortara
Start the day with a short train ride to Robbio, then walk through the serene Lomellina countryside to Mortara. Highlights include San Pietro’s Romanesque church and traditional I.G.P. goose salami, a regional specialty.
- Distance: 14km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Mortara
Day 6 Walk from Mortara to Garlasco
Today’s route follows country roads, passing fields, woods, and small towns. Visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, where ancient pilgrims once stopped, and admire the mosaic-adorned altar before reaching Garlasco.
- Distance: 23km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Garlasco
Day 7 Walk from Garlasco to Pavia
Enjoy scenic countryside views en route to Pavia, with stops in the Parco del Ticino. Relax by the river before arriving in Pavia’s historic center, known for its artistic treasures. End the day with an aperitif in Piazza Vittoria and a slice of Torta Paradiso.
- Distance: 25km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Pavia
Day 8 Departure from Pavia
After breakfast, your service ends, marking the conclusion of your journey along the Via Francigena.
- 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
4.75 (4 reviews)
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
Dates and prices:
Optional Extras:
- Physical Documents (1 copy per booking) - €35 EUR
- Extra Night in Ivria or Pavia (Single Room)) - €95 EUR
- Extra Night in Ivria or Pavia (Double Room) - €130 EUR
- Extra Night in Ivria or Pavia (Triple Room) - €165 EUR
Prices below are per person
Date
Solo guest
Two Single Rooms
Double room
Triple room
Apr 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2025
€1,151 EUR
€940 EUR
€709 EUR
€595 EUR
Jul 1, 2025 to Aug 24, 2025
€1,129 EUR
€918 EUR
€698 EUR
€585 EUR
Aug 25, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025
€1,151 EUR
€940 EUR
€709 EUR
€595 EUR
*Pay in US, Canadian, Australian Dollars, Euro, or British Pounds.
What’s included
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the tour
Luggage transfer is included in your package from Day 2 to Day 7. The train transfer on day 5 is not included (you will have to buy the ticket).
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Via Francigena Pass
Accommodation for Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia
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.
B&B Il Tuchino in Ivrea provides charming accommodations in a historic setting, close to the town center.
Hotel Royal in Viverone is a family-friendly hotel located near Lago di Viverone, offering rooms with balconies, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Hotel Vittoria in Santhià provides comfortable rooms and an on-site Italian restaurant, conveniently located near the train station.
Hotel Cinzia in Vercelli offers comfortable accommodations and is home to the Michelin-starred Christian & Manuel Restaurant, renowned for its gourmet cuisine.
Albergo Bottala in Mortara provides cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant, conveniently located near the train station.
Hotel I Diamanti in Garlasco offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and flat-screen TV, complemented by a flowery garden, patio, and ample free parking.
Frequently asked question
How hard is the Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging, involving daily walks of up to 27 km on mostly flat terrain with some gentle ascents, making it suitable for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.
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?
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: Ivrea to Pavia Tour?
7 breakfasts 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 Ivrea to start this tour?
To get to Ivrea, you can fly into Turin Airport (Turin-Caselle Airport), which is about 50 km away. From there, you can take a direct train from Turin to Ivrea, with the journey lasting around an hour. Alternatively, Ivrea is also accessible by train from major Italian cities like Milan and Rome, with regional and high-speed train connections available.
Is the Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia 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: Ivrea to Pavia Tour end?
The tour ends in Pavia.
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:
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
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Meals
Don’t worry about meals. 7 breakfasts 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.