Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia

On arrival in Ivrea, make your way to your first hotel. Ivrea is located in Piedmont and straddles the Dora Baltea river. The old town centre will delight you with its castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Be sure to take a walk through the open-air museum of modern architecture. We also recommend trying the local Novecento cake, a chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the town's pastrymakers.

Today's walk follows the Dora Baltea River and along the way you'll discover some of the hidden jewels of the Via Francigena. At Piverone you'll walk through the arch of the clock tower to enter its old centre, then soon after you'll pass the ruins of a small, roofless church at Gesiun. Finally you'll arrive in Viverone where you can end the day admiring the sunset along the banks of the lake. Distance: 20km/12.5mi Ascent: 150m/492ft. Descent: 125m/410ft. Surf./Unsurf. 76/24%

Today you will walk along quiet, country roads as you head towards Santhia. A highlight today will be Roppolo Castle which offers splendid views over Lake Viverone. Along the way you will pass many cellars where you can stop and sample some regional wines. The hills gradually become flatter as you continue towards Santhia, today's destination. Check into your hotel and step out to enjoy the tasty local cuisine, ending your meal on a high note with a glass of white herbal liqueur. Distance: 17km/10.5mi Ascent: 40m/131ft. Descent: 145m/475ft. Surf./Unsurf. 57/43%

You will start today by crossing the Vercelli plain, walking alongside the characteristic rice fields. If you travel before the end of May you'll be lucky enough to see these fields flooded, and you'll be enchanted by the shades of colour reflected in the water. The flooded rice fields are a unique landscape, but at any time of year the fields are buzzing with bird life. On arrival in Vercelli be sure to sample the local rice which is used in so many excellent dishes, from risotto to savoury pies and even desserts. Distance: 27km/16.7mi Ascent: 10m/33ft. Descent: 60m/197ft. Surf./Unsurf. 36/64%

This morning you will need to take a short train from Vercelli to Robbio (takes approx 15 minutes, ticket not included). You can enjoy the scenery of the Sesia River from the train window. From Robbio, the countryside of the Lomellina will lead you towards Mortara over grassy sheep-tracks and along wide dirt trails. Along the way you can admire the facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the small Romanesque church of San Pietro, which once offered hospitality and comfort to pilgrims. If you appreciate local delicacies, be sure to sample the IGP goose salami in Mortara. Overnight in Mortara. Distance: 14km/8.5mi, Ascent: 5m/16ft. Descent: 15m/49ft. Surf./Unsurf. 56/44%

Today you will journey through woods, fields of growing crops and charming small towns. We recommend stopping to visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, which you will find just outside Mortara. The abbey was frequented by ancient pilgrims, and you too can stand in prayer and meditation in front of its mosaic-decorated altar. Continue walking to Garlasco where you will stay overnight. Distance: 23km/14.3mi Ascent: 5m/16ft. Descent: 20m/65ft. Surf./Unsurf. 37/63%

Today's walk is a particularly scenic one, as you continue through countryside scattered with woods and farmhouses en route to the Ticino Valley Natural Park. You can stop for a rest in the shade of the thick woods or sunbathe on the beaches and meadows on the river bank. Don't stay too long as a jewel of the Via Francigena, Pavia, awaits your arrival. Pavia has a splendid old town centre full of artistic treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Why not celebrate your arrival with a slice of the local Torta Paradiso cake or an aperitivo at Piazza Vittoria. Distance: 25km/15.5mi Ascent: 25m/82ft. Descent: 55m/180ft. Surf./Unsurf. 35/65%