Via Francigena: Fidenza to Tuscany

Make your own way to Fidenza and your hotel. Fidenza is a town rich in art and culture. Here you can admire the Cathedral and its portals that narrate the life of Saint Domninus. In the evening you can walk along the paved streets in the old town, and celebrate the start of your trip with an aperitivo in the Piazza del Municipio.

Begin your walk with a section that takes you up and over the Parma Hills and will show you many monuments of historical importance, including the Pieve di Cabriolo. The Pieve is dedicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and has a mysterious history that links it to the knights of the Templar. The walk continues leading you alongside the ruins of Costamezzana Castle, dominated by its circular tower which still climbs among the trees. In the afternoon you'll arrive at Medesano, then meet your transfer to your hotel in Sant'Andrea Bagni. Walking: 22km/13.5mi, +440m/1443ft, -385m/1263ft Surf./Unsurf. 64/36%

The day starts with a short transfer to Fornovo; from here, continuing among the Parma hills, you will cross the river Taro, where we recommend a visit of the cathedral, to admire the bas-reliefs of its facade. Along your way you will come to the villages of Terenzo, where you will be able to admire ancient churches. Continue onto Bardone and Cassio, from where a private transfer will take you to Berceto. Two nights will be spent in Berceto. Walking: 21km/13mi, +1080m/3543ft, -440m/1443ft Surf./Unsurf. 67/33%

Today a short transfer will take you back to Cassio, where you will follow the stone path already travelled along by generations of pilgrims. A 10km walk along asphalted, will then bring you to Berceto, a “little stone jewel”, where you can restore yourselves with local mushrooms and pattona, a typical cake made from chestnut flour. Walking: 10km/6.21mi, +470m/1542ft, -450m/1476ft Surf./Unsurf. 41/59%

Another climb awaits you this morning as you head towards the Cisa Pass. At first you'll walk along mule tracks, then country roads and finally along asphalted roads. The last part of today's walk has stunning panoramic views over the Lunigiana to Mount Valdoria. Finally you'll climb up again towards the Pass before descending to Previde, a beautiful hamlet surrounded by natural beauty. In the afternoon there is a transfer to Pontremoli and your accommodation, your base for 2 nights. In Pontremoli you can enjoy a relaxing evening stroll among the alleyways of the old town centre. Walking: 18km/11mi, +540m/1772ft, -895m/2936ft Surf./Unsurf. 26/74%

This morning there is a transfer back to Previde to continue your walk. Today's walk is short with some surprises in store. Leaving Previde you will walk along long sections of path surrounded by nature, through characteristic villages such as Groppadalosio with its medieval bridge, and Casalina which is a charming town full of small, stone houses. The walk ends with a descent to Pontremoli, a town known for its bridges and stele statues. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +330m/1083ft, -540m/1772ft Surf./Unsurf. 42/58%

The trip concludes in Pontremoli after breakfast. If you want to stay an extra night, please ask for our rates, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Lucca.