The Via Francigena (the Road from France) is an ancient pilgrim route stretching across Europe from Canterbury, England, through France and Switzerland before culminating in Rome, Italy. In places, the Via Francigena may be multiple paths but generally follows the route taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious to Rome, which pilgrims have followed for hundreds of years to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul in the Holy See.
This guide is intended to assist pilgrims as they plan their pilgrimages, including recommended gear, tips, and key learnings gathered from my own journey, as well as hiking experiences on the Appalachian Trail, the Florida Trail, and the Camino de Santiago.
With travel permitted to Italy during COVID, in Spring 2022 I will walk sections of the Via Francigena to Rome, completing the final sections of the route I began in 2021 at Canterbury Cathedral in England. Throughout my journey, I intend to sleep in hostels …
Are you walking the Via Francigena and interested in earning the pilgrim’s certificate for completing the way? Pilgrims who walk the last 100km along the Via Francigena (or those who cycle the last 200km of the route) can earn the Testimonium upon arrival at St. …
With COVID pandemic restrictions lifted in the U.K. for vaccinated travelers, in late September and early October 2021 I will walk three historic pilgrim pathways in England: the Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury, the English leg of the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Dover, …
For those who follow this blog or my podcast (APPLE | GOOGLE | YOUTUBE | WWW), you’re familiar with my essential packing list for the Camino De Santiago. If you haven’t heard me talk about my preferred gear for walking pilgrimage or backpacking, you can …
Following the deadly outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most pilgrimage plans along the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena were canceled or delayed in 2020 and 2021. If you are interested in a pilgrimage in the age of Covid, here are the restrictions to assist …
As an experienced backpacker in the United States, I’m well-acquainted with how to read and follow trail blazes in North America. However, when I started hiking distance routes and trails in Europe,
I was first drawn to England’s ancient pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket following my 2019 Camino de Santiago. With my eyes set towards Europe’s Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome, I learned the history of the Pilgrims’ Way from both Winchester …
One of the questions I get from both experienced and newer backpackers alike is: what first aid and foot care items should I carry in my backpack in case I get blisters or have foot pain? This is a really serious topic for hiking, whether …
Nearly all of my pilgrimage trips have included some amount of urban hiking through modern cities, including the Camino de Santiago as you arrive at the Cathedral and the California Mission Trail through the major metro areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. …
As a lifelong Scout and Scout Leader, I’ve probably created and carried more than 30 unique first-aid kits over the years. I say “created” because – more often than not – retail first aid kits are not specialized enough for backpacking – lacking a few …
Looking for the best GPS apps for your iPhone or Android smartphone for your next hike? As a solo hiker and pilgrim, I never leave home without a GPS map and guidebook. Since your phone contains a GPS chip that does not require cellular or …
Some of the most revered pilgrimage routes in the world culminate at tombs of Jesus’s disciples, including the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. All but one died a martyr. Here are the final resting places of the relics of the Apostles. WHERE …
It is important for pilgrims to know that the Via Francigena is completely unlike the Camino de Santiago in many ways. Beyond the obvious difference in distance, the Via Francigena is a more European route. The customs and languages are much more varied and there …
One of the oldest published pilgrimage routes in Europe, the Via Francigena is largely overshadowed by the more popular Camino de Santiago through Spain. Following the historic route recorded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious, to present himself to the Pope John XB …
The Via Francigena (the Road from France) is an ancient pilgrim route stretching across Europe from Canterbury, England, through France and Switzerland culminating in Rome, Italy. In places, the Via Francigena may be multiple paths but generally follows the route taken by the Archbishop of …
By far the most frequent question I receive relates to how to pack for an international hiking trip. With that in mind, I’m sharing my packing list for anyone who is considering a distance hike internationally, such as the Camino de Santiago, or planning to …