Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia Tour with 1 Review by Utracks

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ivrea, Italy

Ends

Pavia, Italy

Highlights

Stage 2 of the Via Francigena in Italy

Discovering the charming Piedmont town of Ivrea

Arriving in Pavia with its red brick historical centre

Visiting the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Vercelli

Exploring perfectly preserved medieval villages

Sampling the excellent local food and wine

Itinerary

Journey through the plains and ancient hamlets of northern Italy on the "Via Francigena: Ivrea to Pavia" walking tour. Over eight days, this self-guided package leads travelers from Ivrea, across Piedmont’s rice fields—transformed into shimmering "chequered seas" in spring—to the vibrant university town of Pavia. Spot herons and egrets, wander past castles, and savor the artistic wealth and lively student culture that define the region’s towns. The unique selling point: experiencing the living traditions and natural diversity of the Italian Camino’s less-trodden northern sections, all while enjoying comfortable accommodation and seamless logistics.

day 1 - Arrive Ivrea

On arrival in Ivrea, make your way to your first hotel. Ivrea is located in Piedmont and straddles the Dora Baltea river. The old town centre will delight you with its castle and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Be sure to take a walk through the open-air museum of modern architecture. We also recommend trying the local Novecento cake, a chocolate cake whose recipe is closely guarded by the town's pastrymakers.

day 2 - Pass tiny villages to Viverone (6hrs)

Today's walk follows the Dora Baltea River and along the way you'll discover some of the hidden jewels of the Via Francigena. At Piverone you'll walk through the arch of the clock tower to enter its old centre, then soon after you'll pass the ruins of a small, roofless church at Gesiun. Finally you'll arrive in Viverone where you can end the day admiring the sunset along the banks of the lake.

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Walk along quiet country roads to Santhia (6hrs)

Today you will walk along quiet, country roads as you head towards Santhia. A highlight today will be Roppolo Castle which offers splendid views over Lake Viverone. Along the way you will pass many cellars where you can stop and sample some regional wines. The hills gradually become flatter as you continue towards Santhia, today's destination. Check into your hotel and step out to enjoy the tasty local cuisine, ending your meal on a high note with a glass of white herbal liqueur.

Distance: 17km/10.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Across the plains to Vercelli (7hrs)

You will start today by crossing the Vercelli plain, walking alongside the characteristic rice fields. If you travel before the end of May you'll be lucky enough to see these fields flooded, and you'll be enchanted by the shades of colour reflected in the water. The flooded rice fields are a unique landscape, but at any time of year the fields are buzzing with bird life. On arrival in Vercelli be sure to sample the local rice which is used in so many excellent dishes, from risotto to savoury pies and even desserts.

Distance: 27km/16.7mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Train to Robbio, walk in the countryside to Mortara (4hrs)

This morning you will need to take a short train from Vercelli to Robbio (takes approx 15 minutes, ticket not included). You can enjoy the scenery of the Sesia River from the train window. From Robbio, the countryside of the Lomellina will lead you towards Mortara over grassy sheep-tracks and along wide dirt trails. Along the way you can admire the facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the small Romanesque church of San Pietro, which once offered hospitality and comfort to pilgrims. If you appreciate local delicacies, be sure to sample the IGP goose salami in Mortara. Overnight in Mortara.

Distance: 14km/8.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Through woods, fields and small towns to Garlasco (7hrs)

Today you will journey through woods, fields of growing crops and charming small towns. We recommend stopping to visit the Abbey of Saint Albino, which you will find just outside Mortara. The abbey was frequented by ancient pilgrims, and you too can stand in prayer and meditation in front of its mosaic-decorated altar. Continue walking to Garlasco where you will stay overnight.

Distance: 23km/14.3mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - A charming walk to the Ticino Valley Natural Park and Pavia (7hrs)

Today's walk is a particularly scenic one, as you continue through countryside scattered with woods and farmhouses en route to the Ticino Valley Natural Park. You can stop for a rest in the shade of the thick woods or sunbathe on the beaches and meadows on the river bank. Don't stay too long as a jewel of the Via Francigena, Pavia, awaits your arrival. Pavia has a splendid old town centre full of artistic treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Why not celebrate your arrival with a slice of the local Torta Paradiso cake or an aperitivo at Piazza Vittoria.

Distance: 25km/15.5mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Trip concludes

The trip concludes in Pavia after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Francigena Way to Fidenza.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

7 breakfasts. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.

Others

Information pack including smartphone app with maps and Via Francigena guidebook (per room booked)Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 70 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess.Emergency hotline and SMS alertCredenziale - the pilgrim's passport

What's Excluded

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