Via Francigena, Gallicano nel Lazio, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
9 DAYS
Join WM founder João Perre Viana and Kiki Keating on The Via Francigena (Road to Rome). This is a journey of self-discovery where you can explore your needs, desires, fears, and obstacles that keep you from reaching your potential. It helps you explore your true identity. Through this program, you will be able to understand your purpose, set goals in your life, and achieve them with the support of your action plan. Setting well-rooted goals and having a plan to achieve them is the single most powerful step toward living a fulfilling life.
The Via Francigena is an ancient road and pilgrimage route running from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome and then to Apulia, Italy, where there were ports of embarkation for the Holy Land. It was known in Italy as the "Via Francigena" ("the road that comes from France"). In medieval times, it was an important road and pilgrimage route for those wishing to visit the Holy See and the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul.
It is mainly thanks to the travel journals, and in particular the notes of the illustrious pilgrim Sigeric, that we can nowadays reconstruct the ancient path of the Francigena. In 990, after being ordained as Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope John XV, the abbot went back home noting on two manuscript pages the 80 mansions where he stopped for the night. Sigeric’s journal is still considered the most authoritative source, so much so that often we talk about “Via Francigena according to Sigeric’s itinerary”, in order to define a more “philological” version of the path.
If you want to participate in our program, register and you will be notified to join our group call. This is the first step of your journey.
During our call, you will have the opportunity to meet your mentors and revise all aspects of the program: The reason to participate, schedule, traveling arrangements, gear, fitness level, payment plans, etc.
Watch some videos from previous years:
On your first day, we will gather the group in Rome airport and take a transfer to Montefiascone, where we will start our walk towards Viterbo. The first part of the stage is on the ancient paving stones of the Via Cassia, which are still in excellent condition. We then cross a hilly stretch with beautiful views of Montefiascone and Viterbo. Arriving in Viterbo, a visit to the historic center and the San Pellegrino district is not to be missed. You will take the time to reflect on the different aspects of your current situation. The exercise will take a 360-degree "polaroid" of your life and create a picture of where you now stand.
Check-in at Nazareth Hotel - Located in Viterbo, 44 km from Vallelunga, Nazareth Residence offers a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring free WiFi, the hotel is about 6.7 km from Villa Lante and 21 km from Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo. This non-smoking property is located 49 km from Orvieto Cathedral. Accommodations feature a work desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, linens and towels. You will find a closet in the rooms. A buffet, continental or Italian breakfast is available in the morning.
Guided tour, visit to the Knights Templar Museum, tasting of local products -
Underground Viterbo is composed of a network of tunnels that extend beneath the historic centre and lead all the way beyond the city walls. For the time being, the only passable section of the underground runs for about one hundred metres on two levels under Piazza della Morte, at a depth of 3 and 10 metres respectively. The route is completely excavated in tuff, a volcanic rock that characterises the current landscape of Tuscia. The origin of the tunnels is controversial. According to some accredited theories put forward by scholars and archaeologists, the first cut in the tuff could date back to the Etruscans. At that time, the structure was probably used as a hydraulic system, a way of collecting and channelling rainwater and river water, and then channelling it to where it was needed through a dense network of tunnels.
It was during the medieval period that these places took on their current conformation: raised, widened and lengthened, the underground tunnels became an authentic labyrinth of secret passages that served to connect Viterbo's nerve centres and strategic structures. The tunnels also led to all the main exits of the city and provided an escape route for the people of Viterbo in the event of danger or siege. More recently, the underground passages were exploited by brigands for their shady dealings, and during the Second World War they were used as air-raid shelters during bombing raids. A guided tour will lead you to discover these magical places, on a journey through history spanning more than 2500 years. The galleries are spacious, illuminated by LEDs and comfortably walkable.
The second exercise is an invitation to disconnect and use the opportunity to dig deeper into yourself and look back at your life. What you learn from your history will help you craft your future. The section is reopened to foot pilgrims only. Starting from Piazza del Sacrario, the route crosses Piazza del Plebiscito until it exits the medieval walls of Viterbo through Porta Romana; it passes under Porta San Biele and then Via della Grotticella before climbing up Strada Roncone. From here begins a path through chestnut and oak woods until reaching the village of San Martino al Cimino, a hamlet of Viterbo. You enter San Martino al Cimino from the North Gate, skirting the famous 13th-century Cistercian Abbey; after crossing the entire village, you exit through the South Gate. After a few kilometres on easy undergrowth paths and a few stretches on asphalt roads with panoramic views north towards Montefiascone, we enter the woods of Monte Fogliano along shady paths that descend towards the village of Tre Croci, a hamlet of Vetralla. From Tre Croci, there is a short stretch of dirt road that reaches Vetralla, crossing Foro Cassio.
Check-in at Antica Locanda della via Francigena - Set in the countryside of the sunny Cimini Mountains, between Vetralla and Viterbo, Antica Locanda Della Via Francigena offers self-catering accommodation, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Decorated in a rustic style and air conditioned, flats feature tiled floors, classic wooden furniture and satellite TV.
Independent visit to the cathedral of Vetralla - Vetralla Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew, is located in the town's main square, in front of the Town Hall, and has a neoclassical façade and interior. The interior has a single nave and, despite the few decorations, contains interesting works of art, such as painted canvases, a valuable wooden organ and a beautiful altarpiece depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Andrew, the saint to whom the ancient medieval church was dedicated on the site where the church stands today.
We start the day with a beautiful path along the Etruscan Via, perfect for examining our own strengths and weaknesses. The smells can be amazing, and they help you look inside. It is also the perfect setting to look outside and to the future. The Personal Inventory exercise will help you through your own personal SWAT analysis.
The walking route from Vetralla to Lago di Vico winds through a series of nature trails that allow you to explore the Cimini Mountains, one of the most picturesque areas in the province of Viterbo. Starting from the historic center of Vetralla, the walk begins on rural roads and dirt paths that cross fields and olive groves. After leaving the village, the path begins to climb toward the woods of the Cimini Mountains, an area rich in vegetation, with oaks and chestnut trees that create a peaceful atmosphere immersed in nature. Along the way, there are some panoramic openings that offer spectacular views of Lake Vico, which gets progressively closer as you descend to its shore. The lake, which is of volcanic origin, lies between hills and gives a serene landscape, rich in flora and fauna.
Check-in at Rio Vicano Hotel - RIO VICANO RESIDENCE HOTEL is a family-run hotel located in the naturalistic district of Monti Cimini and Lake Vico, in Ronciglione, Italy. The hotel is easily accessible from both Rome and Viterbo and is strategically located to explore the natural and cultural attractions of Tuscia region. The hotel offers traditional rooms and mini-apartments, catering to both short and long-term stays, for individuals and groups, for both business and leisure purposes. The accommodations are spacious, cozy, and equipped with amenities such as independent air conditioning, heating, and a kitchenette. Additional services within the hotel complex include a restaurant-pizzeria, a cafeteria bar, a tabacchi newspapers shop, a pizzeria, a massage center, and an artisanal ice cream parlor. The hotel aims to provide a welcoming and relaxing environment for families and guests, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Located in the historic centre of Sutri, on the Via Francigena, Hotel Sutrium offers classically furnished rooms with TV. Some rooms at the Sutrium Hotel are air conditioned. They all have a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. The hotel is 30 km from Viterbo. The nearest exit of Rome's GRA ring road is a 30-minute drive away.
Visit to the Archaeological Park Ancient City of Sutri comprising an amphitheatre, rock necropolis and mithraeum - The antiquity of the city of Sutri and the frequentation of its territory is also reflected in its mythical origins, which want it to be founded by the god Saturn, from whom the very name of the village would derive. The archaeological park that strikes all travellers passing through the area includes different monuments, although the most iconic is certainly the amphitheatre. The monument is in fact a true symbol of the town even if the emblem depicts the mythical founder of Sutri. It is a rare example of a Roman-era building completely excavated in the tuff without the aid of supporting masonry (which finds analogies in those of Cagliari and Leptis Magna). It is precisely the simplicity of the architectural structure that has led to the hypothesis that it was built in the late Republican or early Imperial period (1st century BC- 1st century AD). The capacity must have been around seven thousand spectators divided between the ima, media and summa cavea. Within the archaeological park, which covers a total of seven hectares, lies an impressive rock necropolis, a significant testimony to the funerary architecture of the Roman period in the Etruscan-Faliscan territory. In the necropolis, 64 tombs dug directly into the tuff on different levels are visible.In total, it is a path of about 180 metres along a tuffaceous ridge that bordered the ancient Via Cassia. Among the burials one recognises chamber tombs, double chamber tombs, tombs preceded by an arched entrance, rectangular niches, with or without cinerary niches and arcosols. Characteristic is the use in funerary rites of both inhumation (ground burial) and incineration. Mixed-rite tombs containing not only niches for cinerariums but also formae dug into the floor for the deposition of the inhumed are common. The necropolis remained in use between the end of the 1st century BC until the 3rd-4th century AD. Slightly further north is the small votive chapel, which is today dedicated to the Madonna del Parto but in the past was probably dedicated to St Michael Archangel. This building is known to most as the Mitreo di Sutri, given its possible identification with an ancient place of worship dedicated to the oriental god Mithras. Inside, frescoes from different periods of Christian worship are visible. Restoration of the building is currently underway. On the hill overlooking the archaeological park is the Villa Savorelli, evidence of centuries of history that - from the Renaissance to the Romantic Age - have moulded architecture and nature into an evocative ensemble that is one of the most important among the historic villas in the Tuscia Viterbo area. Today, one appreciates above all the Italian-style garden, as well as the splendid view of the entire Tuscia area.
Now that you have imagined your future, you will build a bridge from your vision back to the present. This will provide you with the momentum for the decisions you must make and also the opportunity to align them with your purpose. The landscape keeps changing, but somehow, the walking becomes more natural. The first part of the stage goes through the countryside until we reach the vicinity of Monterosi.
We continue our route through the fields to the waterfalls of Monte Gelato, in the territory of Mazzano Romano, a park area where we can rest. We then enter the Veio Park, and follow a scenic dirt road, which leads us to the outskirts of Campagnano. Refreshment and water points at Monterosi and the Monte Gelato waterfalls.
Check-in at Hotel Benigni - Located in the centre of Campagnano Di Roma, Hotel Ristorante Benigni offers free parking and a restaurant-pizzeria where you can enjoy organic products, homemade pasta and bread. Each room at Ristorante Hotel Benigni offers outdoor or indoor views, tiled floors, a TV, and air conditioning. An Italian breakfast buffet including freshly baked cakes is served daily. Traditional Roman dishes and vegetarian menus are available in the restaurant. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the bar.
Visit to Agrilab Farm -
The experience begins with participants being welcomed by the farm staff, who will guide them through the day's various activities. Lunch is a light lunch based on typical products from the farm and other local businesses. Participants will enjoy platters of local sliced meats, fresh and aged cheeses accompanied by Agrilab's honey, hot focaccia prepared with organic flour, Francigeno bread, eggplant parmigiana and Agrilab's signature artisanal cookies. For drinks, there will be natural and lightly sparkling water from Nepi, Agrilab craft beer in three variants, as well as an Agrilab hop beer bitter. After lunch, guests will be taken on a walk through the farm, visiting the organic vegetable garden and farm animals. At the end of the visit, it will be possible to purchase products directly from the farm's Bottega to take home the flavors and fresh produce of local agriculture.
N.B. to reach this activity, a private transfer a/r from the Benigni Hotel is provided and already included . Each participant will receive a complimentary artisanal beer soap bar.
After selecting the outcomes you commit to in the previous exercise, you are ready to detail your Action Plan. This is the program's final kilometers and the beginning of a new stage in your life.
Leaving Campagnano, we admire the beautiful view of the Latium countryside before entering the Veio Park area, where we pass by the church of Madonna del Sorbo. We then cross the beautiful Sorbo Valley before ascending to the beautiful historic center of Formello, where Palazzo Chigi houses a beautiful hostel. We then tackle a long scenic stretch to Isola Farnese and La Storta. Rest stops and water only off the route: at Formello and Isola Farnese. Warning: the fountain at Ponte Sodo is not drinkable.
Check-in at Hotel Cassia - Hotel Cassia offers comfortable and functional accommodations in the quiet, green, and residential northern part of Rome, conveniently connected to the historic center by a regular overground and buses service also during the night. The hotel is within easy reach of attractions such as the archaeological park of Veio , the gorgeous Lake Bracciano , the racing tracks of Vallelunga, the Olympic Stadium and the Vatican City , from where you can easily explore the entire historic center of Rome . All rooms of Hotel Cassia are finely decorated and boast all amenities expected by discerning travelers. The professional staff are ready to respond to any of your inquiries, helping you to make the most of your stay in Rome.
The final exercise takes place with your Action Plan already in motion. Fine-tuning and feedback loops become your new norm. Arriving in Rome is always a riveting experience. The last stage begins with a long stretch along the pavement of the busy Via Cassia. After passing the Grande Raccordo Anulare, we enter the green Insugherata Park, a wild oasis that fits like a wedge into the outskirts of Rome. One then re-enters the traffic of the Via Trionfale and enters the Monte Mario park.
The view from the belvedere of 'Mons Gaudi', the mountain of joy, will make us forget the pollution and traffic, before the descent to St Peter's Square, our destination.
There are frequent refreshment points and fountains along the way.
Check-in at Hotel Santa Prisca - Hotel Santa Prisca is a centrally located hotel in Rome, situated on the Aventine Hill. It is a 10-minute walk from the FAO headquarters and 400 meters from Piramide Metro Station. The hotel offers free parking and internet access. The location of the hotel is central but quiet, and it is near a large park and the Giardino degli Aranci, a garden with beautiful views of the historic center. The rooms at Hotel Santa Prisca have amenities such as satellite TV, air conditioning, free wired internet access, and private bathrooms with hairdryers and toiletries. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and Italian pastries at the hotel, with gluten-free and lactose-free options available. The hotel is within walking distance of the Colosseum and the lively Testaccio district, known for its wine bars, restaurants.
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