The Francigena Way by bike from Aosta to Parma

Day 1: Aosta
Individual arrival in Aosta. The bicycle tour along the Via Francigena starts in Aosta, a Roman city nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Here you can enjoy the silence of the cloisters of Sant'Orso or visit the imposing Roman theater. We suggest you take a walk through the narrow streets of the city center and admire the high peaks that stand out above the rooftops.

Day 2: San Bernardo Pass – Aosta (40 km; +103/-1270 m)
Today a private transfer will take you to the jagged peaks of Gran San Bernardo, where San Bernardo himself built the first pilgrim's hospice: from here you will descend to Aosta, along a scenic road with breathtaking views, cycling first on a state road, and then through orchards and woods, among charming villages such as Saint Rhemy and Etroubles.

Day 3: Aosta – Verrèes (50 km; +230/-450 m)
The Via Francigena by bike continues along the valley floor, on the cycle path that runs along the Dora Baltea river, amidst castles and vineyards. Along the road, you will encounter the enchanting Saint Germain castle, with its imposing tower, which once defended the noble family De Mongioveto. From here the itinerary continues to Verrès, in the midst of breathtaking landscapes.

Day 4: Verrès – Roppolo (54 km; +370/-480 m)
Entering Piedmont, the alpine scenery gives way to the gentle hills of this region. Alternating trails in the woods and typical cities like Ivrea, with its beautiful historic center and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Continuing along the Via Francigena by bike, you will arrive near the imposing Serra di Ivrea, up to the beautiful village of Roppolo, where a welcoming family-run bed and breakfast awaits you.

Day 5: Roppolo – Vercelli (41 km; +35/-205 m)
Today you will enter the rice fields area, which is flooded from March to May, creating a landscape of great charm. The stage is easy and fun, and it involves a short deviation from the Via Francigena to visit the Bosco della Participanza, which name derives from the fact that the entire local community has taken care of the forest together. If you appreciate local dishes, try the Panissa.

Day 6: Vercelli – Vigevano (54 km; +40/-62 m)
Through the Via Francigena by bike and along the fertile expanses of the Po Valley, you leave Vercelli, the Sesia river, the vast rice fields, and the Piemonte region. When you reach the Ticino, you will enter Lombardy. During the Renaissance, Duke Ludovico Sforza ruled this land and it is said that he commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to design the beautiful central square of Vigevano. We recommend stopping in one of the outdoor terraces on the square. Today's stage is flat and relaxing and leaves plenty of time to visit this picturesque city.

Day 7: Vigevano – Pavia (42 km; +53/-45 m)
The Green path of the Ticino river, one of the most important in Italy, plunges you into the wild nature, and if the weather is good, you can sunbathe on the beaches or on the meadows near the river, searching for birds and squirrels in the trees. You will leave the river to visit the Certosa di Pavia, a splendid monastery complex built in the 14th century, before arriving in Pavia, one of the pearls that you will encounter along the Via Francigena by bike: we suggest you end the trip with a beautiful visit to the wonderful historic center and discovering the young soul of the city, with an aperitif in Piazza della Vittoria, animated by university students.

Day 8: Pavia – Piacenza (75 km; +116/-119 m)
This stage of the Via Francigena by bike takes you through the low plain of Pavese, with its typical alluvial terraces. You will reach the ford of Sigerico, the transitum Padi, where pilgrims were transported to the other side. The route allows you to cycle along the Po river, all the way to Piacenza, entering Emilia-Romagna, land of great hospitality, famous for its delicious foods and wines. Here you can taste the famous cured meats, accompanied by a glass of Gutturnio wine, and pass through the Paradise Gate, to discover the Romanesque interiors of the Basilica.

Day 9: Piacenza – Parma (98 km +62/-311 m)
Today's flat and serene route takes you to Parma: along the way you can visit the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, where you can enjoy the peace of the cloisters or admire the carved wooden interiors of the church. The journey continues along the Via Francigena by bike, among the Parma hills, until it reaches the final stage of the journey: Parma. The Emilian province boasts the highest number of DOP and IGP gastronomic products. A great place to celebrate the end of your trip.

Day 10: Parma
After breakfast, the services end. You can add extra nights to continue exploring Parma and its surroundings.