Via Francigena: Stage 2, Ivrea to Pavia

Your journey begins in Ivrea: you can start with a stroll in the old town centre, a good way to stretch your legs and enjoy the open air museum of modern architecture. 

You sill surely notice the great "Castle of Red Towers", a perfectly preserved fortress standing in the heart of the city: its granduer was meant to symbolize the power of Savoia family, to which was first a defensive fortress and then a modest country house. 

A foodie tip? Order the "Torta Novecento": its traditional recipe is a mystery jealously guarded by the local pastry makers, but it must be some sort of magic. 

And you are off! Today's walk is not so long and really sweet, with ample time to enjoy the tiny gems along the way: the hamlet of Piverone - also known as the "road-village" as it developes around a one and only road crossing the city centre - and the so called "Geisun"; a small roofless church located at the intersection of two country roads.

Fascinating as it looks, the frescoed interiors are the real surprise, an unexpected piece of ancient art surrounded by cultivated fields. 

Your day's destination is Viverone, the perfect place to admire a great sunset on the lake. 

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +451/-389 m

Your trip continues on quiet country paths, immersed in a blissful silence. Today's highlight is surely the Castle of Roppolo, which offers a stunning view on Viverone Lake and the mountains all around.

If you love a good glass of wine, don't miss a visit to its cellars - they're home to an extensive collection of regional wines. 

You are now walking towards Santhià: the hills soften with every step as you get closer to your day's destination. To celebrate your efforts, indulge in the local kitchen: here the real protagonist is rice, and the most typical thing you can try is called Panissa. Not a light dish, but a hearty one, comfort food at its finest - perfect to recover energy...and if you feel the need of a digestive aid at the end of the meal, a glass of white herb liquor is highly suggested. 

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +181/-304 m

Today's highlights is the plain of Vercelli, the rice fields kingdom: if you are walking in the right time of the year and the fields are flooded, the chequered sea extends all around you and the the water is painted in shades of lilac and blue. 

Your travel companions are several species of birds; they follow and surprise you at every step, touching the surface of water as they fly or resting near the flooded fields. 

Distance: 27 km

Elevation gain: +94/-145 m

Your day begins with a short train ride from Vercelli to Robbio, along the river Sesia. From this point, you walk through farmlands and wide country roads to Mortara. 

Along the way you can admire the ancient facade of the San Valeriano Monastery and the Romanic church of San Pietro: this point used to represent a regular stop for ancient pilgrims, as they would find hospitality and a warm meal. 

Once in Mortara, don't forget to try the goose salami, a local pecialty and reason of great pride. 

Distance: 14 km

Elevation gain: +44/-64 m

Today's stage is perfect for meditating: your walk follows countryside roads, leads you across forests, farmlands and sleepy villages. A visit to the Sant'Albino Monastery, right outside Mortara, is highly suggested: a mandatory stop for ancient pilgrims, this is the perfect place for setting today's intentions and starting the day on the right foot - literally! 

If meditating is not your thing, you may just be interested in the beautiful mosaic embellishing its altar and in the story of Sant'Albino, suspended between myth and reality. 

Distance: 23 km

Elevation gain: +177/-193 m

Pavia is getting closer, and today's walk is almost as beautiful as your final destination: you'll walk immersed in the Pavese countryside, in an idyllic scenery scattered with trees, rare birds and farms, until reaching the Park of Ticino River. 

Take some time to enjoy this peaceful oasis, rest under the trees, sunbathe on the beaches and meadows along the river, spot squirrels and titmice - but pay attention to the time, as it seems to flow faster here. 

One of the most beautiful cities of the whole itinerary, Pavia boasts a splendid old town centre, where the beautiful facades of palaces and churches guard all sort of artistic treasures; its covered bridge on River Ticino is among the most famous in Italy, and the cobbled streets and lively piazzas of the centre are always filled with university students and locals. 

This is the perfect place to enjoy a celebratory aperitivo - or if you have a sweet tooth, a cappuccino and a slice of Torta Paradiso, a beloved recipes of all Italian grandmas. 

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: +145/-162 m

Last day included. Service ends after breakfast.

A soft, quiet and flat section of Via Francigena, among rice fields (if you'd like to see the spectacular landscape of the flooded rice fields, choose to travel between March and May) and Pavia's artistic beauties. This is not the most fascinating or exciting section of the itinerary, but it's suitable for beginners - perfect for testing your legs before facing more challenging sections. 

For our trips, we always select accommodations with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be included, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation provided for the trip you’re interested in.

We place great importance on the choice of lodging and select hotels with care and attention. We know how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We prefer welcoming and charming accommodations, ideally family-run, that truly embody the spirit of the place and can welcome you with comfort and warmth.

Where, due to the nature of the route, the choice of accommodations is limited, we select the option that best aligns with our standards.