OVERVIEW
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route stretching over 2,000 km from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. Dating back to the 10th century, it was first recorded by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who documented his return journey from Rome. The route passes through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, crossing varied landscapes—rolling countryside, the Alps, and the Apennines—before arriving at the Vatican.
Historically, the Via Francigena was a major artery for pilgrims, merchants, and soldiers traveling to the heart of Christendom. Today, it is walked for spiritual, cultural, and recreational reasons, offering a rich blend of medieval towns, Roman roads, vineyards, churches, and monasteries.
Unlike the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena is less crowded and more rustic, with sections still developing in terms of infrastructure. Pilgrims can walk or cycle the route, collecting stamps in a credential (pilgrim passport) and often staying in hostels, monasteries, or guesthouses.
The Selah journey starts in Lucca and ends in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. More than a physical challenge, the Via Francigena offers a profound journey through history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes.
Russell and Rhonda Stubbings have been married for 38 years, and have 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren. Throughout their married life they have been committed to many forms of Christian ministry both within and outside the church.
In 2023 they realised a long held passion by walking over 1500 kms of the Via Francigena from Canterbury in the UK to Rome (Italy). This experience opened their eyes to the profound impact a pilgrimage can have as a means of building faith and fostering connection with God. The simple act of walking, without the burdens and pressures of hectic daily lives, creates space for reflection and pause (Selah), and a heightened opportunity to listen for the still, small voice of God. Walking in the steps of other believers on an ancient pilgrimage route, visiting cathedrals and religious sites, is also a powerful spiritual experience.
Russell has been a teacher, Bible college lecturer, church planter, and currently works as a chaplain in a state secondary school. He enjoys walking (fortunately), riding his bike, fly fishing, watching the mighty Geelong Cats, swimming at the local beaches on the Bellarine Peninsula, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Rhonda has been a worship leader, church planter, and has a degree in counselling. For almost 20 years she has worked as a chaplain in a primary school and has recently started a private practice Children's Counselling business. She also enjoys walking, riding, the local Bellarine peninsula beaches, traveling, and watches the Geelong Cats (but with a little less enthusiasm than Russell), spending time with the children and grandchildren, and training her Australian Cobberdog puppy Banjo.
Their adventures on the Via Francigena have been documented on YouTube under their channel: Forever Young Journeys.
ITINERARY
Program will be defined and reconfirmed according to the flight arrival time
Hotel: Hotel Albergo Celide or similar, Lucca
Included Meals:
Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a piazza (own expense), followed by a Puccini concert at the Cathedral at 7pm.
Hotel: Hotel Albergo Celide or similar, Lucca
Included Meals:
Hotel: Convento San Francesco, San Miniato
Included Meals:
Our walk today is 11kms San Miniato to Coiana then coach to Gambassi Terme.
We will visit the thermals baths at Gambassi Terme before dinner & overnight.
Hotel: Relais Villa Bianca or similar, Gambassi Terme
Included Meals:
Treat yourself with gelato on arrival with two world famous gelato shops in town.
Hotel: Hotel L’Antico Pozzo or similar, San Gimignano
Included Meals:
Hotel: La Dama Country Rooms, Monteriggioni or similar
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Italia, Siena
Included Meals:
Hotel: Domus Laetitiae, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Domus Laetitiae, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Palazzuolo, San Quirico or similar
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Sette Querce, Radicofani
Included Meals:
The town is known for its 3rd century martyr Saint Cristina.
Hotel: Hotel Le Naiadi, Bolsena
Included Meals:
Visit the Terme Dei Papi thermal baths
Hotel: Balletti Park Hotel, Viterbo
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Antico Borgo , Sutri
Included Meals:
Cascate di Monte Gelato and enjoy some lunch before we then walk approx 5-6kms to Campagnano di Roma.
Hotel: Hotel Il Postiglione, Campagnano di Roma
Included Meals:
Hotel: Casa Per Ferie Giovanni Paolo II Opera Don Orione
Included Meals:
Check in tour hotel for free time in Rome.
Hotel: Hotel Navona, Rome
Included Meals:
Tonight we celebrate our farewell dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Navona, Rome
Included Meals:
Included Meals:
Highlights
- Lucca, the spectaular walled city of Tuscany
- Approx 118kms of walking over 13 days (max distance 14km in one day)
- 2 night side trip in Assisi
- Guided visits of Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Assisi, Bolsena and Rome
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour only Lucca to Rome | Earlybird rate; book by 30 June 2025 | $8,780.00 | $11,265.00 |
| Full tour incl airfare from Australia | Estimate - subject to availability | $11,549.00 | $13,999.00 |
| Local payment | Please give this to the tour leader at the start of the tour | EUR100 | EUR100 |
Price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers.
Tour price will increase by $200 per person after the earlybird discount expires.
