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Highlights
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
Walk along the Via Francigena: Retrace the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who journeyed to Rome in search of spiritual fulfillment.
Cross the Po River: Traverse this iconic waterway by small ferry, just as early pilgrims did during their historic journeys.
Explore Pavia's medieval center: Discover the rich layers of Roman and Longobard heritage alongside its extraordinary religious buildings.
Indulge in Italian gastronomy: Savor regional specialties like Prosciutto di Parma, culatello di Zibello, and Parmigiano Reggiano while passing through Emilia’s renowned culinary region.
This tour along the Via Francigena takes you on a historic pilgrimage route from Pavia to Fidenza, retracing the steps of medieval travelers who sought spiritual fulfillment in Rome. As you journey across the Po River by ferry, you’ll encounter the rich cultural heritage of Pavia's medieval center and enjoy the serene agricultural plains of the region. The route offers captivating historical sites like the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba and Fidenza’s magnificent cathedral. Along the way, indulge in Emilia’s renowned cuisine, sampling delicacies like Prosciutto di Parma, culatello di Zibello, and Parmigiano Reggiano, making this a deeply cultural and culinary experience.
This tour represents Part 3 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
This tour along the Via Francigena takes you on a historic pilgrimage route from Pavia to Fidenza, retracing the steps of medieval travelers who sought spiritual fulfillment in Rome. As you journey across the Po River by ferry, you’ll encounter the rich cultural heritage of Pavia's medieval center and enjoy the serene agricultural plains of the region. The route offers captivating historical sites like the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba and Fidenza’s magnificent cathedral. Along the way, indulge in Emilia’s renowned cuisine, sampling delicacies like Prosciutto di Parma, culatello di Zibello, and Parmigiano Reggiano, making this a deeply cultural and culinary experience.
This tour represents Part 3 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
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Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Pavia
Arrive individually in Pavia, a medieval town filled with artistic treasures. Discover Roman marvels, admire the sculpted altar of the Basilica di San Pietro, and wander beneath medieval towers. Embrace Pavia’s youthful spirit in Piazza della Vittoria, a lively spot for evening aperitifs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pavia
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk from Pavia to Belgioioso, Train Back to Pavia
Today’s route takes you across the flood plain of basso Pavese, passing flood terraces and reaching Santa Cristina, named after an ancient abbey. Discover the simple beauty of the Chiesa di San Giacomo with frescoes dedicated to Saint James, then return by train to Pavia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pavia
Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Transfer from Pavia to Orio Litta, Walk to Piacenza
A short transfer from Pavia brings you to Orio Litta, where you start walking. Cross the Transitum Padi, the historic ford of Sigerico, by ferry into Emilia Romagna. Walk along provincial roads and cycle paths to reach Piacenza, where you’ll enjoy local charcuterie and the splendid basilica.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Piacenza
Distance: 22 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk from Piacenza to Fiorenzuola
Begin along the Via Emilia, then move onto country roads towards Fiorenzuola. Explore San Fiorenzo Church and the Oratory of Caravaggio. If needed, shorten this long stage with short public transport rides.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fiorenzuola
Distance: 32 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Walk from Fiorenzuola to Fidenza
Enjoy a flat route to Fidenza, ending at Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba along the way and take a moment in its cloisters before continuing. Learn the folk story of the ciribiciaccola, the abbey’s tower, as you explore Fidenza.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fidenza
Distance: 23 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure from Fidenza
Your trip concludes in Fidenza after breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Departure on August 1st – June 30th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1003
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR798
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR614
- Sharing a triple room: EUR474
Departure on July 1st – August 30th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR958
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR753
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR591
- Sharing a triple room: EUR474
Departure on August 31st – October 31st, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1003
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR798
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR614
- Sharing a triple room: EUR474
Accommodation on Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Expect to stay in 3-star hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs with breakfasts where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included in your package from Day 3 to Day 5 (1 piece per person, up to 20kg). On Day 3, you will be transferred from Pavia to Orio Litta.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Via Francigena Pass
Not included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
- How hard is the Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Pavia to start this tour?
- Is the Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour in English?
- Where does the Via Francigena 3: Pavia to Fidenza Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging, with daily walking distances ranging from 16 to 32 km. It involves walking on mostly flat terrain, with some longer stages. While physical fitness is recommended, certain sections can be shortened using public transport if needed.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located about 65 km from Pavia. You can take a train or shuttle from the airport to reach Pavia.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
The tour ends in Fidenza.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
