About The Via Francigena
Toward the end of the first millennium and the beginning of the second, pilgrimage gained increasing importance. The holy places of Christianity were Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. The Via Francigena—the road from France—became the central hub of pilgrimages, also known as one of the great ways of faith. The Via Francigena pilgrimage began at the Canterbury Cathedral in England, crossing France, Switzerland and Italy, ending at Saint Peter’s Bisilica in Rome.
Pilgrims, traders, merchants, scholars and other travelers used the Via Francigena. On a normal day up to 3,000 people walked the route. Pilgrims usually travelled in large groups and walked about 8 hours a day. Inns, canonries, and monasteries served pilgrims along the way. Over time, pilgrimages lost popularity and alternative routes replaced the Via Francigena.
In 990, Archbishop Sigeric the Serious walked the Via Francigena to St. Peter’s to collect his cloak of office from the Pope. He recorded his journey in detail. These diaries were found in the 1980s and pieced together by academics. As a result, the ancient route was reconstructed and in 1985, pilgrims walked it again for the first time in hundreds of years. The Italian government has since invested in its reconstruction for use by pilgrims. It is a beautiful walk with transformative powers.
PILGRIMAGE OVERVIEW
A portion of your trip supports the work of Catholic Charities of California, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, whose mission is to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.
DATES & PRICING
All pilgrimages require a non-refundable $500 deposit to secure your spot.
7-DAY VIA FRANCIGENA
Price:
Single Occupancy: $3,300
Double Occupancy: $2,800
2024 Scheduled Dates:
September 1 – 7, 2024
ROME ADD-ON
Price:
Single Occupancy: $1,650
Double Occupancy: $1,450
Scheduled Date:
September 8 – 12, 2024
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Experience Montefiascone, Viterbo, Vetralla, Sutri,
Campagnano di Roma, La Storta, and Rome - Pass through Etruscan and Roman remains, papal
palaces, hilltop villages and thermal pools - Walk by waterfalls, rivers and streams
- Enter Rome through Insugherata and Mount Mario
parks, which showcases panoramic views - Receive official credentials
- Enjoy magnificent churches
- Taste the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine in Montefiascone
- Catholic Charities hosted dinners in Montefiascone
and Rome - Travel arrangements and 7 nights of quality accommodations made by Catholic Charities (except flight)
- Daily luggage transfers
- Small group sizes
- Group leader available for assistance
- Pilgrim booklet with maps and hotel itineraries
- Contribution to the work of Catholic Charities
A portion of your trip supports the work of Catholic Charities of California, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, whose mission is to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.
About The Via Francigena Rome Add-On
Our Rome Add-on provides pilgrims with the opportunity to extend their pilgrimage to include four days in Rome. Experience the heart and home of the Catholic Church with a tour of the Vatican, a visit to the Tomb of St. Peter (if available), Castel Gandolfo, and a general audience with the Pope!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 3 nights of lodging at a 4 star hotel in the Vatican
- Papal Audience – “see the Pope” and receive the Papal Blessing
- Guided Vatican Tour
- SCAVI Tour – Visits to the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis under the Vatican Basilica (subject to availability)
- Pilgrim booklet with maps and hotel information
- 2 Catholic Charities of California hosted dinners
- Daily luggage transfers
- Enjoy single or double occupancy rooms with private baths
- Group leader available for assistance
- Small group sizes
- Portion of trip is a charitable contribution to Catholic Charities of California
A portion of your trip supports the work of Catholic Charities of California, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, whose mission is to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.
“At the end of the day, I really felt a sense of accomplishment so when the next day came I wasn’t thinking ‘Oh gosh I can’t do this.” It was more, ‘I’ve done this yesterday, I can do it today, and I’ll do it until the end of the pilgrimage!'”
— Mary, The Via Francigena
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