Irish specialist tour operator Follow the Camino has launched a strategy to bring more travellers to the Via Francigena, a notable pilgrimage route, which attracts over 15,000 hikers every year.
As one of the only companies in the travel industry to operate along the entire Via Francigena route, FollowtheCamino is uniquely placed to organise spectacular walking holidays on this traditional and important pilgrimage network.
Starting in the British city of Canterbury, travellers can walk the full Via Francigena – nearly 2,070km and 4 months of walking, through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Along the way, hikers pass well-known cities including Arras, Reims, Lausanne, Vercelli,and Siena.
Clients can also go hiking on the Via Francigena in more manageable sections, one leg at a time, lasting between 5-12 walking days.
Follow the Camino will arrange baggage transfer each day and book local accommodation every night.
Clients can also customise their holiday itinerary by upgrading accommodation or mixing options for the right price, adding additional nights of stay, arranging airport transfers, booking evening meals, and much more.
A path connecting the north of Italy through the peninsula had existed since Roman times. However, during the early Middle Ages the Via Francigena – meaning “the road that comes from France” – became a more popular pilgrimage route once it was formalised in the 10th Century by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious.
The cleric travelled from Canterbury to Rome after being ordained a cardinal by Pope John XV.
Follow the Camino CEO and Founder, Umberto di Venosa, said: “It was not easy building a tour network spanning four countries and 2,000km+ of walking trails.”
“However, I believe we are well-suited as a companyto offer this epic journey where others can’t because the suppliers we work with are the best around and our team are hiking experts. Plus, the beauty of the Via Francigena will speak for itself once people get out on to the trail.”
Follow the Camino was the first Irish tour operator along the Camino de Santiago and has been leading the market since 2007.
It has organised tours for travellers from across the world along the Camino with the support of an expert team, providing a greater range of pilgrimage routes and tour experiences than any other Camino travel agency.
The company also offers a range of walking holidays in Europe and beyond through a sister company, OneFootAbroad. Environmental consciousness is at the core of all operations.
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