Via Francigena: Pavia to Fidenza

Make your own way to the first hotel in Pavia. This medieval town has many artistic treasures for you to discover including the sculpted altar of the Basilica di San Pietro and walking beneath the medieval towers. If you arrive early in the day we recommend taking a train to visit the magnificent monastery of Certosa di Pavia (8km north of Pavia). Tonight you can enjoy an aperitivo in the main square and enjoy the lively buzz of this university town.

The first walk will take you across the flood plains of the basso Pavese, with its typical flood terraces which reach as far as Santa Cristina. Sigeric stopped here on his way to Rome, at an abbey which is now unfortunately destroyed. Further along you'll come to the little church of San Giacomo, with its beautiful facade. If you are lucky and find it open, don't miss the lovely frescoes inside. Continue through the countryside to Belgioioso. Return to Pavia by train for overnight (trip is approx 25 minutes, EUR2.40 payable locally). Distance: 16km/10mi Ascent: 40m/141ft. Descent: 40m/141ft. Surf./Unsurf. 95/5%

At 8am this morning you'll transfer to Orio Litta (included) to start walking. You'll soon arrive at the Transitum Padi (Porto Di Corte Sant'Andrea), also known as the ford of Sigerico. As for pilgrims before you, an expert boatman will ferry you across the Po River, where you will arrive in the region of Emilia Romagna, renowned for its food, wine and hospitality. Following provincial roads and paths you will arrive at today's destination, Piacenza. Here you can sample Piacenza's famous Salame Piacentino, coppa and pancetta, perhaps with a glass of the local Gutturnio wine. The town's splendid basilica is well worth a visit, with its Romanesque interiors and 17th century frescoes. Distance: 22km/13.7mi Ascent: 20m/65ft. Descent: 30m/98ft. Surf./Unsurf. 71/29%

Today's walk is a long one so it is best to head off early. You will start along the Via Emilia and follow a series of country roads towards Fiorenzuola, a town rich in history, with churches and buildings that are worth a visit. You can admire the facade of the San Fiorenzo church as well as the oratory of Caravaggio. It is possible to shorten the walking by taking brief stretches by public transport (payable locally). Distance: 32km/20mi Ascent: 65m/213ft. Descent: 45m/147ft. Surf./Unsurf. 88/12%

Today's quiet and mostly flat stage will take you to Fidenza, where the walk will end in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Along the way don't miss a chance to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba near Alseno, where you can stand in the silence of the cloisters or admire the carved wooded interiors of the church. In May and June it is famous for the "Flower Festival of Corpus Domini", when beautiful flowers carpet the centre aisle of the basilica. Continue to Fidenza. The town's Roman origins can be seen near the Piazza Garibaldi and its cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Distance: 23km/14.3mi Ascent: 35m/115ft. Descent: 40m/131ft. Surf./Unsurf. 91/9%

Trip concludes in Fidenza this morning, after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Pontremoli.