Two days to try it

Why start with a weekend

Two days are enough to find out whether the Via's rhythm suits your body and your bike. Useful before committing to whole weeks. The four routes below use real stages of the Via, reachable by train with the bike. Each includes at least one night at a guesthouse or religious building.

Pontassieve, Vallombrosa and Camaldoli

The first day climbs from Pontassieve to Vallombrosa, 15 kilometres and about 800 metres of climbing through the woods of the Pratomagno. The second continues along the ridge to Camaldoli, 40 kilometres and 700 metres of climbing, through the UNESCO-listed Casentino Forests.

Pontassieve is reached by train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station, on the line to Arezzo, in about twenty minutes. On the way back from Camaldoli, with no railway station nearby, it is best to descend to Pontassieve, a route that runs mostly downhill. Alternatively, continue to Arezzo, the Via's next stage, to catch the train from there.

The first night is spent at the guesthouse of the Abbey of Vallombrosa, the second at that of the Monastery of Camaldoli. Both are monastic hospitality, to be booked by phone a few days ahead. GPX tracks for both stages can be downloaded from the Pontassieve-Vallombrosa and Vallombrosa-Camaldoli pages.

Subiaco, Casamari and Montecassino

The first day covers 65 kilometres and 700 metres of climbing from Subiaco to Casamari, through the Arcinazzo plateaux and the Ciociaria. The second closes with 50 kilometres and 500 metres of climbing to Montecassino, the final destination of the whole pilgrimage.

There is no railway station directly serving Subiaco. The nearest are Mandela-Sambuci and Anticoli-Roviano, on the Rome-Avezzano-Pescara line, to be completed with a short taxi or local bus ride. Alternatively a direct bus leaves from Rome Ponte Mammolo. On the way back, Cassino station, on the Rome-Cassino-Naples line, sits a few minutes from the Abbey of Montecassino.

The first night is spent at the guesthouse of the Abbey of Casamari. The second, for those wanting one more hour there, is spent at Montecassino's own guesthouse, reserved for men only. Those travelling as a couple or mixed group can base themselves in Cassino, a few kilometres below the abbey. The tracks are on the Subiaco-Casamari and Casamari-Montecassino pages.

Trento, Bassano and the Colli Euganei to Praglia

The first day follows the Valsugana cycle path from Trento to Bassano del Grappa, 80 kilometres almost entirely on cycle path. Just 300 metres of climbing. The second crosses the Colli Euganei to the Abbey of Praglia, another 65 kilometres and 350 metres of climbing. It is the longest weekend by distance, but also the simplest technically. The surface stays paved or cycle path almost throughout. Those wanting to shorten it can start directly from Bassano.

Trento is reached by train on the Brenner line from Verona or Bolzano. On the way back, the station nearest to Praglia is Abano Terme, on the Bologna-Padua line, about 7 kilometres from the abbey.

The first night is spent in a hotel or B&B in Bassano. The second night at the external guesthouse of the Abbey of Praglia, to be booked by phone at least ten days ahead. The tracks are on the Trento-Bassano and Bassano-Praglia pages.

Umbertide, Assisi and Spoleto

The first day covers 50 kilometres and 450 metres of climbing from the upper Tiber valley to Assisi. The second follows the Assisi-Spoleto cycleway, almost flat, for 51 kilometres and 400 metres of climbing. It is the weekend best suited to those who have never ridden with loaded bags. A gentle first taste of the journey.

Umbertide is reached by train on the Ferrovia Centrale Umbra from Perugia or Città di Castello. On the way back, Spoleto station, on the Rome-Ancona line, offers regular connections to Rome, Perugia and Ancona.

The first night is spent at one of Assisi's religious guesthouses. The second in a hotel in Spoleto, where the town's historic campsite is now closed. The tracks are on the Umbertide-Assisi and Assisi-Spoleto pages.