Bike Tour: Cycling on Via Francigena From Aosta to Ivrea - 5 days

This section of the Via Francigena is far more than a pilgrim trail, it is an epic and easy bike ride from the Alps to the vast and fertile Po River plain, keeping everyone including: foodies, wine lovers, history buffs and landscape “aficionados” entertained

Starting from the Gran San Bernard pass, on the Swiss-Italian boarder, skirt the lake, towered by 3000m peaks and freewheel down the road to the ancient Roman city of Aosta. Criss-cross the fast flowing Dorea Baltea river on cycle paths and stone walled country lanes as you exit the Aosta Valley. Continue through a scenic landscape of gently rolling hills, on your way stop to visit imposing castles, chartreuse, churches and roman ruins as you eat and drink your way through the best Northern Italian cuisine has to offer.

N.B.Saint Bernard Pass open from end of June

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Aosta

Day 2: Transfer to Saint Bernard Pass and ride to Aosta

Day 3: Ride from Aosta to Verres

Day 4: Ride from Verres to Ivrea

Day 5: Arrivederci Via Francigena!

Day 1: Arrive in Aosta

The journey starts in Aosta, a Roman town located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Here you can contemplate the medieval capitals in the silence of the cloisters of Sant’Orso, or visit the impressive Roman theatre. To end the day, we recommend you take a walk through the alleys of the centre, admiring the high mountain peaks that appear over the roofs of the houses.

Day 2: Transfer to Saint Bernard Pass and ride to Aosta

40 km

Today a private transfer will take you to the jagged peaks of the Great Saint Bernard Pass, where the same Saint Bernard built the first pilgrim hospice: from here you will descend to Aosta along a panoramic road with breath-taking views, pedalling first on a State Road and then through orchards and woods, crossing enchanting villages such as Saint Rhemy and Etroubles.

Challenge:40km, ascent 104m, descent 1270m

Day 3: Ride from Aosta to Verres

50 km

The itinerary continues across the valley floor, on the cycle path that runs along the River Dora, through castles and vineyards. Along the way you encounter the enchanting Saint Germain castle, with its imposing Midday tower that used to defend the noble De Mongioveto family. From here the itinerary continues to Verrès through breath-taking views.

Challenge: 50km, ascent 230m, descent 450m

Day 4: Ride from Verres to Ivrea

35 km

Entering in Piedmont, the alpine scenery gives way to the gentle Piedmont hills, as ascents and height differences become less and less challenging. You alternate wood trails to typical towns such as Ivrea, with its nice old town centre and the tall tower of Santo Stefano. Continuing the ride you arrive close to the imposing Serra of Ivrea, the biggest European drift, until the nice village of Roppolo where a cozy, family-run bed and breakfast awaits you.

Challenge: 35km ascent 150m, descent280m

you can decide to extend with an extra night by doing an optional extra day loop ride around Lake Viverone

Challenge:40km, ascent 200m, descent 200m