Get on your bikes for this self guided mountain biking holiday in Italy where you follow the Via Francigena. This ancient route connected the northern regions of Europe and the south, carrying merchants, armies and pilgrims from as far as Canterbury to Rome. Nowadays the Via Francigena consists of a network of trails, quiet secondary roads and single tracks used not only by faithful pilgrims on their way to Rome, but also by walkers and bikers who are looking for a memorable journey.
You will start your adventure in Siena, one of Tuscany’s most renowned renaissance gems. here, be sure to visit some of the many splendid churches and ancient palaces and to sip a cappuccino or aperitivo in the Piazza del Campo of Palio before setting off on you cycling journey.
Heading south, you follow the ancient Via Francigena route as close as possible along trails, dirt roads and ancient Roman roads. Crossing fields, woods, creeks, towns and villages, all of which combine into a great mountain biking journey through stunning Tuscany and less well known but no less beautiful Lazio. The route joins up some of the major Tuscan highlights, such as Siena and San Quirico d’Orcia.
As you leave Tuscany and enter Lazio, the landscapes change as well as the feel of the towns. The journey south through varying landscapes and changing terrain, leads to the outskirts of Rome where riding into St Peter's Square brings your own pilgrimage to a dramatic end.
Staying in a range of good quality small hotels and agriturismi, you will savour true Italian hospitality and with genuine regional Italian food and wine all along the route, your bodies and souls will be nourished as you travel to Rome.
If you wish to do this journey in a more leisurely manner on hybrid bikes, then have a look at our Leisure Cycling Holiday along the Via Francigena.
