As we move through the Jubilee Year 2025 and the first days of autumn approach, pilgrims from around the world have already begun walking along the historic routes to Rome. Many have already set off, and you could be next, walking the Via Francigena, its southern branch or the Way of St Francis, all of which lead to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.
Italy, the birthplace of the slow travel movement, invites travelers to experience its landscapes, villages, and traditions at a leisurely pace. These historic routes link hiking with cultural, spiritual, and culinary discoveries, turning each step into a moment of meaningful connection, not only with the rich heritage along the way to Rome, but also with ourselves.
This 4-day itinerary takes you from the volcanic lakes and medieval villages of the Castelli Romani to the green landscapes and iconic landmarks of the Eternal City. Each stage can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with opportunities to pause, reflect, and connect with Italian hospitality along the way all year round.
Begin your journey in Castel Gandolfo, reachable in 40 minutes by train from Rome, a small town with a long heritage, built around Italy’s deepest volcanic lake, Lake Albano. The Hotel Castel Vecchio is the perfect accommodation option in the area, offering sweeping views of the tranquil lake waters, framed by green hills. An ideal serene landscape to take in the slow-paced charm of this Italian region just before embarking on the pilgrimage routes leading to the Eternal city.
A walk to the lively main square of Castel Gandolfo, Piazza della Libertà, leads to the Pontifical Palace, once the summer residence of the popes. Visitors can admire its historic rooms adorned with paintings and tapestries, and wander through the Papal Gardens, where marble statues and fountains create an atmosphere of serene grandeur.
As the evening unfolds, dinner at Arte e Vino introduces the flavors of Castelli Romani cuisine. Slow-cooked meats, homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, and seasonal vegetables are paired with regional wines. This exceptional restaurant features unique décor, an attentive and welcoming staff, and a menu that will excite even the most demanding palates!
After a leisurely breakfast at Hotel Castel Vecchio, the journey continues on foot along the Southern Via Francigena, an 18-kilometer stretch from Castel Gandolfo to the village of Nemi which is set on the shores of Lake Nemi, which it shares its name with.
This historic route, once traveled by medieval pilgrims on their way to Rome, winds through shaded forests and peaceful countryside, offering moments of reflection. Suitable even for beginner walkers, it’s important to note that these paths to Rome can be enjoyed by walkers of all levels.
Nemi, perched high above a volcanic lake, is a gem of the Castelli Romani and its colorful houses wind up toward the impressive Palazzo Ruspoli. Known for its wild strawberries, the village celebrates this tiny fruit with a yearly festival in late spring, but it can be enjoyed in tarts and jams year-round.
Within a short transfer, your next stop will be at the Colle di Maggio winery, where a wine tasting and lunch experience will reveal the region’s agricultural traditions, with passionate sommeliers guiding guests through the local wine varieties. Each sip is a reminder of the deep connection between land and culture that lies at the heart of authentic Italian slow travel.
By evening, Rome is calling with an invitation to experience the Slow food philosophy. Dinner at Hostaria Grappolo d’Oro , located in the city center is a must, offering dishes crafted from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. It’s a delicious welcome to the Eternal City, where history and modern life intertwine around every corner.
he third day is devoted to following the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco) into Rome. This 20-kilometer walk moves gradually from the outskirts into the heart of the city, blending natural landscapes with cultural landmarks.
Along the way, stop at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, a striking complex designed by Renzo Piano. With its vast open-air stage and modern concert halls, it represents a dialogue between contemporary architecture and Rome’s ancient heritage. Nearby, the MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art, designed by Zaha Hadid, offers an equally inspiring exploration of innovation and creativity.
The final stretch leads along the Tiber River toward St. Peter’s Basilica. Step by step, the dome becomes more visible, drawing travelers to the Vatican. Passing through the Porta Santa (Holy Door) is more than a symbolic act; it marks the culmination of a journey that has been physical and spiritual, slow and deeply meaningful.
The last day offers a surprising contrast: a walk through the Insugherata Nature Reserve, a protected green space within Rome’s city limits. Covering 740 hectares, the reserve feels worlds away from the bustle of the capital, with paths meandering through oak forests, open fields, and rich ecosystems.
Traveling slowly keeps rewarding you, proving that even Europe’s busiest cities still hold natural escapes for those who explore at a gentler pace.
Your walking route can continue up Monte Mario hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Rome in all its grandeur. As you walk along the Monte Ciocci Linear Park, a former railway line converted into a pedestrian trail, you will approach St. Peter’s in a more secluded and authentic way, far from the crowds.
Bring your 4-day itinerary to a close with dinner at Il Margutta, Italy’s first vegetarian restaurant, set in Rome’s stylish center. Surrounded by art-filled walls and a creative menu, it’s the perfect place to reflect on four days of walking, tasting, and reconnecting with yourself through the Italian landscape.
Stretching across picturesque landscapes and historic towns, these ancient pilgrimage routes are part of the prestigious European Cultural Routes network. Thanks to the ongoing care of the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) and its partners, the trails remain well-marked and welcoming to travelers from every corner of the world.
Pilgrims who walk at least 100 kilometres along these historic routes can acquire the Testimonium, which is available from the Jubilee InfoPoint located at Via della Conciliazione 7, just steps from St Peter’s Basilica. Further details can be found here.
Slow Travel has its roots in a city more than 600 km from Rome, in Bra, Piedmont, where the Slow Food movement was born in the 1980s, ignited the wider slow living and slow travel movement as we know it today.
The Slow Food movement has grown into a worldwide network that promotes mindful consumer habits and the protection of traditional agriculture. Its principles emphasize seasonal, fair, and sustainable food, alongside healthier eating choices. By supporting small-scale producers and standing against mass overproduction and industrial food chains, it continues to advocate for a more balanced system. Today, Slow Food is represented in over 160 countries, engaging millions of participants and ambassadors across the globe.
Carlo Petrini, born in Bra in Northern Italy, is the visionary behind the Slow Food movement and serves as president of the international organization. His motivation stemmed from a growing concern that mass supermarkets and the rise of fast food were eroding the vital bond between producers and consumers.
Two key episodes in 1986 pushed Petrini to act. The first, often remembered as the spark for Slow Food, was the proposed opening of a McDonald’s in Rome’s iconic Piazza di Spagna. While crowds gathered to protest, Petrini chose a different path: rather than resist with slogans, he sought to safeguard Italy’s culinary heritage by highlighting the risks of losing it.
The second catalyst was a tragic scandal involving low-cost wine tainted with methanol, which caused 19 deaths and numerous poisonings. The incident shook public confidence, causing Italian wine exports to collapse by over a third. For Petrini, it reinforced the urgency of protecting food traditions, not only as a matter of cultural pride, but also as a safeguard for the country’s economy.
Effie Papadopoulou is a passionate advocate for slow, immersive travel across Europe and the Mediterranean. She is the sole writer behind Slow Travel Greece, a travel website dedicated to conscious tourism and a trusted source of inspiration and practical tips for those seeking to experience the real Greece, far from the usual tourist trails.
For this article, Effie collaborated with Sloways, an Italian company that designs thoughtfully crafted itineraries along the Via Francigena and other pilgrimage routes to Rome.
Now that we have all the necessary information, it’s time to start planning your trip! To help you get started, we’ve compiled some helpful resources. By using our links to make purchases, you’ll be supporting us at no extra cost to you.
We truly appreciate your support! ♥️
No Comments