This trip is now operated by Headwater and their website contains all the information you will need to choose and book your trip.

CLICK HERE
to visit www.headwater.com

We will transfer you automatically in 30 seconds

We are pleased to announce that New Experience Pilgrims have been acquired by Headwater.

It is a coming together of two kindred spirits, as Headwater is an award-winning specialist in self-guided walking and cycling holidays with over 37 years of experience and knowledge, while New Experience has been creating and perfecting walking and pilgrimage holidays around the world for over 20 years. Both businesses were founded from humble beginnings; led by husband-and-wife teams and offering a more personal approach, centred around customer experience and exceptional service.

To find out what this means to New Experience Pilgrims customers click here.


CLOSE

Via Francigena - Tips:

  • Choose the right pilgrimage- There are many pilgrimages to choose from and they are all unique in their own way. Find the right route, distance, season and itinerary that suit your goal and interests.
  • Prepare your feet- You will be living in your boots, so they will be the most important gear you will have on the pilgrimage. Get good, rigid, ankle supporting walking or hiking boots. Buy them in plenty of time before you go and make sure they are as comfortable as possible!
  • Pack light- Keep it basic. The last thing you want is to be weighed down by a heavy backpack.
  • Prepare- Even though you will need to pack light the weather can change very quickly so make sure you prepare for all weather conditions.
  • Research- No matter what section of the Via Francigena route you choose to do you will stumble across historic sites and monuments. Learn about the culture and the history of the towns, villages and regions you will be passing.
  • Find your pace- Walk at your own pace. It’s your journey and your experience so make the most of what’s best for you.
  • Look out for signs- Follow the Via Francigena signs and markings, they are very useful.
  • Practice makes perfect- The pilgrimages are within everyone’s ability but it is recommended that you do some training in advance to your journey. A little bit of training will go a long way!
  • Make use of water taps- The Via Francigena can get very hot. Fortunately, there are, occasionally water taps on street corners, outside cemeteries and elsewhere on the routes, everyone is welcome to use them so make the most of them!
  • Experiment- Each route and region has its own cuisine and specialities, try them all! This includes the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine in Montefiascone or truffles, the famous local delicacy in Tuscany.
  • Festivals- Expect to encounter local festivals that take place throughout the year. These include Truffle Fairs and the Pecorino Cheese festival, perfect for foodies!  

  • Bring a camera- You are guaranteed to see some of the most spectacular sights so make sure you bring your camera to capture your experience.

  • You don’t have to do it all at once- There’s no pressure to do a whole route in one go. People tend to walk sections of a walk then return the next year to continue where they left off.
  • Talk- The social element makes a pilgrimage a great experience, talk to fellow walkers you meet along the way, you will encounter with many different nationalities.
  • Learn- Learn a few sentences or key words in Italian or any other Camino language on the route.

  • Enjoy- Don’t forget to enjoy yourself on your journey!