Via Francigena: Fidenza to Tuscany

Name: Via Francigena: Fidenza to Tuscany
Brand: UTracks
SKU: FR4
Rating: 5.00 (3 reviews)

Hiker on the Via Francigena between Col di Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni | Kate Baker

Hiking the Via Francigena between the Cisa Pass and Pontremoli

The road markers and other signs make it easier for self guided walkers on the Via Francigena

Pass by rural landscapes on your Via Francigena walk

Hiker on the Via Francigena between Col di Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni | Kate Baker

Hiking the Via Francigena between the Cisa Pass and Pontremoli

The road markers and other signs make it easier for self guided walkers on the Via Francigena

Pass by rural landscapes on your Via Francigena walk

Early Bird SaleFinal DaysSave On 2026

moderate

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's

Meals

1 Dinner
6 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£794330 GBP

7 Days£760GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: FR4

Trip highlights

Stage 4 of the Via Francigena in Italy
Admiring the Cathedral of Fidenza
Walking through the woods and valleys of the Apennine range
Rambling through well preserved medieval villages
Sampling the excellent local food and wine
Climbing to the top of Mount Valoria on the border between Emilia and Tuscany

This section of the historic Via Francigena journeys through the Apennines and the Parma hills before entering Tuscany. Starting in Fidenza, where you can admire the Cathedral and its portals that narrate the life of Saint Domninus, the walk soon enters the Parma hills, which are a foretaste of the Tuscan mountains to come. The climb to the top of Mount Valoria and over the Cisa Pass will sometimes be long and demanding, but the priceless views over the Lombardy and Lunigiana plains will reward your efforts. Descending towards your final destination, you'll continue along the ancient walking path, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape. Walking over the medieval Groppodalosio bridge will feel as though you're stepping back in time. You'll finally arrive in the charming town of Pontremoli where you can relax among the alleyways of the old town centre. En route stay in atmospheric farm houses and small family run hotels, soaking up the fine hospitality that has characterised the route for centuries.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Fidenza

Finishing Point:

Pontremoli

2025 Itinerary
2026 Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Fidenza

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.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Hilly walk, passing historic monuments en route to Medesano, transfer to hotel (6hrs)

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

Meals: B

Day 3
Transfer Sant’Andrea Bagni to Medesano, walk to Bardone (7 hrs)

The day starts with a short transfer that will lead you back to Medesano; from there, continuing among the Parma hills, you will cross the river Taro to arrive at Fornovo, where we recommend a visit of the cathedral, to admire the alarming bas-reliefs of its facade. You will then continue to Bardone, where you will sleep in a characteristic b&b along the way. It is possible to shorten the day’s walk by starting from Fornovo di Taro. Walking: 22km/13.6mi

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Transfer to Cassio and return to Berceto (4hrs)

A stunning day, that is rich in beauty: along your way you will come to the villages of Terenzo, where you will be able to admire ancient churches. From here you will tackle a climb that will bring you to Casola Castle, before continuing up and down among conifer woods before reaching Cassio, where you will follow the stone path already travelled along by generations of pilgrims. A 10km walk along asphalted, secondary road 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: 21km/13.04mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Cross the Cisa Pass to Previde, transfer to Pontremoli, (5hrs)

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

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk through villages and past stone houses to Pontremoli (3hrs)

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

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

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 Francigena Way to Lucca.

Meals: B

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Day 1
Arrive Fidenza

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Hilly walk, passing historic monuments en route to Medesano, transfer to hotel (6hrs)

Meals: B

Day 3
Transfer Sant’Andrea Bagni to Fornovo, walk to Cassio, transfer to Berceto (7 hrs)

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

Meals: B

Day 4
Transfer to Cassio and return to Berceto (4hrs)

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

Meals: B

Day 5
Cross the Cisa Pass to Previde, transfer to Pontremoli, (5hrs)

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk through villages and past stone houses to Pontremoli (3hrs)

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

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 Francigena Way to Lucca.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

2025: 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will be a set menu of a couple of courses.
2025: 6 breakfasts. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.
6 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline and SMS alert
Digital information pack including smartphone app and maps plus Guidebook (1 per booking)
2025: Transfer Medesano-Sant'Andrea Bagni on afternoon of day 2 and return morning transfer on day 3. Transfer Previde-Pontremoli on afternoon of day 5 and return morning transfer on day 6
2026: Transfer Medesano-Sant'Andrea Bagni on afternoon of day 2. Morning Transfer San't Andrea Bagni to Fornovo on day 3. Afternoon transfer Cassio to Berceto day 3 and return transfer to Berceto morning day 4. Transfer Previde-Pontremoli on afternoon of day 5 and return morning transfer on day 6
Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport

What's not included

Travel to Fidenza and from Pontremoli
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Entrance fees (eg. museums, galleries)
Tourist Tax - allow €2 per day - payable directly to the hotel
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

GRADE 3 - This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked and sometimes paved. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous at times. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£760GBP

Options & Supplements*

Single supplementGBP£120
Solo traveller supplementGBP£420

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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