Cycle the Full Via Francigena - Aosta to Rome

Make your own way to Aosta, a Roman valley town surrounded by the Alps. Here you can contemplate the history of the region in the silence of the cloisters of Sant'Orso, or visit the impressive Roman theatre. We recommend taking an afternoon stroll through the alleyways of the town centre, admiring the high mountain peaks visible over the house roofs.

This morning a transfer will take you to the jagged peaks of the St Bernard Pass, the gateway to the Via Francigena. It was here that Saint Bernard built the first pilgrims' hospice and is where your descent back to Aosta starts. Today's ride is an exhilarating downhill cycle, taking you along a panoramic route with breathtaking views. You will cycle through orchards and woods, and through enchanting villages such as Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses and Etroubles. Ascent: 103m/338ft, descent: 1270m/4167ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 97/3 Note: For early season departures the Pass will likely not be open (usually opens from late June) and the location of your transfer will be dependent on road conditions. This will also affect the day's cycle distance.

Today you continue cycling across the Aosta valley, following a cycle path that runs along the river Dora. En route you will pass castles and vineyards including the enchanting Saint Germain castle, with its imposing tower which once served as a defence tower for the De Mongioveto family who dominated the valley. From here you continue cycling to Verres, enjoying breathtaking views on the way. Verres is a small town and is home to an impressive hilltop manor and a rock fortress that was built around 1390 by Ibleto di Challant. Ascent: 230m/755ft, descent: 450m/1476ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 93/7

Today you enter the region of Piedmont and the alpine scenery will give way to gentle hills. As you make your way towards Roppolo the ascents will become less and less challenging. The cycle route alternates through forest trails and typical towns such as Ivrea, with its quaint old town centre and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. As you continue you will notice the imposing Serra Moraine of Ivrea, the largest geological formation of this kind in Europe, before arriving into the village of Roppolo. Here a cozy, family-run bed and breakfast awaits you. You can visit the castle of Roppolo, the perfect place to admire a panoramic view of the village. Note at times we use accommodation in nearby Viverone. Ascent: 370m/1214ft, descent: 480m/1575ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 85/15

The route today will take you past rice fields. If you are travelling during April or May the fields are flooded, which creates an interesting landscape. The cycling is easy and enjoyable. You will detour from the Via Francigena to visit the Bosca della Participanza (the Wood of Community), whose name originates from the fact that the locals of this area take care of the wood together. If you appreciate local dishes, be sure to sample the traditional peasant dish known as Panissa. Today's destination, Vercelli, is one the oldest urban sites in northern Italy - historians believe it was founded around the year 600BC. Ascent: 35m/115ft, descent: 205m/672ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 63/37

Today you will cross the fertile plains of the Po river valley, leaving behind Vercelli, the vast rice fields and the Piedmont region. As you reach the Ticino river you will enter the Lombardy region, and the town of Vigevano. During the Renaissance period Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, ruled this land and it's said he commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to design Vigevano's beautiful central square. This afternoon you can mingle with the locals as you soak in the splendour at one of the outdoor terraces on this famed square. The ride today is flat and relaxing, giving you ample time to explore this picturesque town. Ascent: 40m/131ft, descent: 62m/203ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 61/39

Today you will follow the Ticino river, one of the most important rivers in Italy, enjoying the beauty of the green and wild nature of the river bank. If the weather is good you may even wish to sunbathe on the beaches or meadows near the river. If you're lucky you may also see squirrels running through the trees. Later you will leave the river to visit the Certosa di Pavia, a beautiful monastic complex built in the 14th century. Continue to Pavia, one of the pearls of the Via Francigena. We recommend ending your day with a visit to its delightful historical centre, where you can enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza della Vittoria. Ascent: 53m/174ft, descent: 45m/148ft Trail: surf/unsurf% 61/39