Via Francigena: Ivrea – Pavia
Second step of the Via Francigena. Leaving the Alpine scenery and entering onto the Padana Plain, one of the largest plain areas in Europe. Discovering the rice culture of the area, the Ticino and Sesia river natural parks and the amazing countryside. This part is in the middle of the Alps and the Apennine, the 2 most important mountain range in Italy. The tradition linked to the farmland, the old hamlet on the shore of the rivers are the highlights of this part of Via Francigena.
- The Sesia and the Ticino Natural Reserves
- The local food and wine
Highlights:
- Pavia and the old bridge on the Po river- The Sesia and the Ticino Natural Reserves
- The local food and wine
Day 1: Arrival in Ivrea
Individual arrival in Ivrea. Overnight stay in Ivrea
Day 2: Ivrea – Viverone (5h30 hiking, + 195 – 175, 20 km)
Discovering the farmlands, with rivers, small lakes and beautiful tiny villages, typical of the countryside. The Viverone lake and its village are very peaceful places to stay. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Viverone.
Day 3: Viverone - Santhià (4h30 hiking, + 250 – 275, 16,5 km)
Walking on the hill of the "Serra d' Ivrea", the incredible glacial moraine of the Mesozoic, is really impressive. Dinner and overnight stay in Santhià.
Day 4: Santhià - Vercelli (6 h 30 hiking, +50mt -100mt, 26,5 km)
Today you enter officially onto the Padana plain. A very important territory for Italy, due to the production of rice and paper. A strategic area of trades since the Roman and Medieval periods. The amazing Romanesque – Gothic S. Andrew Basilica is waiting for you in Vercelli. Overnight stay in Hotel in Vercelli.
Day 5: Vercelli – Robbio (5h hiking, + 50 – 65, 19,5 km)
The Sesia River Natural park is a reserve protecting a fragile environment. Along your walk on the shores you can see heron, coot and swans. The hamlet of Robbio, known as an important trading post on the road to Rome from France. Train to Vercelli. Overnight stay in Vercelli
Day 6: Robbio - Mortara (4h30 hiking, + 20 – 35, 14,5 km)
Individual arrival in Ivrea. Overnight stay in Ivrea
Day 2: Ivrea – Viverone (5h30 hiking, + 195 – 175, 20 km)
Discovering the farmlands, with rivers, small lakes and beautiful tiny villages, typical of the countryside. The Viverone lake and its village are very peaceful places to stay. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Viverone.
Day 3: Viverone - Santhià (4h30 hiking, + 250 – 275, 16,5 km)
Walking on the hill of the "Serra d' Ivrea", the incredible glacial moraine of the Mesozoic, is really impressive. Dinner and overnight stay in Santhià.
Day 4: Santhià - Vercelli (6 h 30 hiking, +50mt -100mt, 26,5 km)
Today you enter officially onto the Padana plain. A very important territory for Italy, due to the production of rice and paper. A strategic area of trades since the Roman and Medieval periods. The amazing Romanesque – Gothic S. Andrew Basilica is waiting for you in Vercelli. Overnight stay in Hotel in Vercelli.
Day 5: Vercelli – Robbio (5h hiking, + 50 – 65, 19,5 km)
The Sesia River Natural park is a reserve protecting a fragile environment. Along your walk on the shores you can see heron, coot and swans. The hamlet of Robbio, known as an important trading post on the road to Rome from France. Train to Vercelli. Overnight stay in Vercelli
Day 6: Robbio - Mortara (4h30 hiking, + 20 – 35, 14,5 km)
Transfer to Robbio, where you start your hike towards the town of Mortara. Mortara is worldwide famous for food, salami, especially goose. This food is linked to a strong Jewish community living in the medieval age. At the end of the hike, train to Vigevano, a very beautiful town, a very important centre for high quality shoes production for long time. Visit the amazing square, the Bramante tower and the International shoes Museum. Overnight stay in Vigevano.
Day 7: Mortara – Garlasco (6h30 hiking, + 80 – 90, 25 km)
Train to Mortara. The Visconti family was the strongest from the medieval time. After the conquest of Milan, the family spread its power to the fields and to the territory close to the Ticino river. The castle of Garlasco is a testimony of the importance of the town during the Visconti period. Bus to Vigevano (30 minutes). Overnight stay in Vigevano.
Day 8: Garlasco - Pavia (6h30 hiking, + 115 – 130, 25,5 km)
Transfer to Garlasco, today you have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful natural areas of Italy: the Ticino River Natural Park: many birds species, migratory and sedentary, water lilies and poplars, trout and pike . The Ticino river is 248 km long and its water is the cleanest in Italy. The biggest Italian river, the Po, is waiting for you in the amazing town of Pavia. End of the tour.
In Pavia you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Train to Mortara. The Visconti family was the strongest from the medieval time. After the conquest of Milan, the family spread its power to the fields and to the territory close to the Ticino river. The castle of Garlasco is a testimony of the importance of the town during the Visconti period. Bus to Vigevano (30 minutes). Overnight stay in Vigevano.
Day 8: Garlasco - Pavia (6h30 hiking, + 115 – 130, 25,5 km)
Transfer to Garlasco, today you have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful natural areas of Italy: the Ticino River Natural Park: many birds species, migratory and sedentary, water lilies and poplars, trout and pike . The Ticino river is 248 km long and its water is the cleanest in Italy. The biggest Italian river, the Po, is waiting for you in the amazing town of Pavia. End of the tour.
In Pavia you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Skill level: medium, 4h30 to 7 hours walking each day, well marked large and paved paths and wooden trails. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 7 nights in hotel ***, and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream
Accommodation: 7 nights in hotel ***, and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream
Included:
- 7 nights' accommodation with B&B treatment- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 8
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tourr
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Ivrea on day 1
- Transfer from Pavia to airport or station day 8
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Trips Note
Destination: Aosta Valley and Lombardy
Travel Style: Self-guided walking holiday
Interest: Pilgrim route and local gastronomy
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: Apr May Jun Jul Aou Sep Oct
Group size: from 1 person
Airport: Turin or Milan
