Walking the Via Francigena - 50th anniversary
August marks the 50th anniversary of Christopher Whinney’s arrival in Rome after walking the full length of the Via Francigena in the spring-summer of 1976 to write a commissioned book.
Christopher’s journey along this ancient pilgrimage route followed in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric who documented his travels in 990, the earliest surviving record of the Via Francigena route. Christopher started his momentous walk in London and joined the Via Francigena in Canterbury, following the route to Dover, then through northeast France towards the Jura on the French-Swiss border before crossing the Alps via the Great St Bernard pass. His route continued on through northern Italy to Tuscany and down to Rome. He walked as the Romans did; walking 23 miles a day and resting every 4th day, arriving in the centre of Rome in August having walked approximately 1400 miles.
The experience spurred Christopher on to set up ATG 3 years later, in 1979. One of ATG’s earliest trips was ‘Paths to Rome’, originally an escorted trip which now runs as a series of 3 weeklong self-guided walks – Ancient Paths to Rome I, II & III – closely following the Via Francigena and covering 225 miles from San Gimignano in Tuscany to Rome.
ATG’s escorted weeklong ‘Via Francigena 990’ follows the best-preserved sections of Sigeric’s route between Sutri, north of Rome, and San Gimignano, and includes a stay at Pieve a Castello, an histWalking oric monument and main over-night stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, purchased by Christopher in 1986 and restored over a 20 year period.
Explore ATG's trips featuring the Via Francigena
ATG Environmental News
In 2026 ATG celebrates 20 years as the first travel organisation (and still one of very few) to have its Environmental Management System (EMS) accredited to the International Standard – ISO 14001. Certification, through rigorous annual assessment, ensures a progressively high standard of Environmental Management throughout the organisation.
Late availability on escorted group trips departing this Autumn/Winter
Pieve a Castello: As You Like Itinerary 1 – 15-22 Sept & 13-20 Oct
Discover the beauty and incomparable wealth of world heritage sites between the great cities of renaissance Florence and medieval Siena in central Tuscany.
Unknown Catalonia – 26 Sep – 3 Oct
Stay in a superb country hotel, enjoying the renowned cuisine of the area and walks through a dramatic variety of mountain scenery with views across the wild historic heart of Catalonia.
Italian Gardens – 6-13 Oct
Combine visits to diverse gardens in the regions of Rome, Siena and Florence with sightseeing and gentle, optional walks into the Tuscan countryside.
Mallorca: Mountains & Sea – 17-24 Oct
Inspiring mountain walking in the wild and dramatic Tramuntana mountains, fin monasteries, picturesque villages and spectacular views across the island and sea.
Sicily: Centre to Sea – 18-25 Oct
Walk through the beautiful Madonie National Park, via historical relics, unspoilt villages and superb scenery, to the port town of Cefalu.
A Fresco Trail – 3-10 Nov
Explore picturesque landscapes, gently rolling hills and delightful medieval towns of Tuscany and Umbria which form the familiar backdrop of many of the area’s most iconic artworks.
Tuscan Food & Wine – 10-17 Nov
From walks through vineyards to hands-on experiences like preparing antipasti cooked on hot stones, each day be immersed in Tuscan traditions.
Christmas at Pieve a Castello – 22-29 Dec
Clear, sunny days, crisp star-filled nights with frosts sparkling across the Tuscan landscape. We enjoy local Christmas traditions, festivities and cuisine in the most magical of settings.
ATG Articles
Read the latest articles from ATG Oxford
ATG and the Via Francigena
Painting at Pieve a Castello: A note from the Tour Leader
Walking the Maestrazgo: From Iglesuela del Cid to Morella
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Lourmarin: Exploring the soul of Provence
The Serra de Sintra: Wild coastal walking
Ravenna, Assisi & Urbino: Three Italian Masterpieces
Barbagia: The wilderness interior of Sardinia
European wildflowers: Addiction of Discovery
Timeless Traditions: Etruscan, Roman, Lombard
Classic Alsace: A land between two cultures
Treasure hunting in the Dordogne - A group experience
