Francigena Tour: first day
Arriving in Viterbo.
Accommodation at Balletti Hotel ****.
Meeting with the guide and transfer to Bolsena for the visit of the village, with particular attention to the Basilica and the catacombs of Santa Cristina and the Del Drago Palace.
Bolsena is known as The City of the Eucharistic Miracle. The visit to the catacombs of Santa Cristina offers a path to the roots of the faith and the roots of the Christian community of Bolsena. The path begins in front of the altar of the Eucharistic Miracle, passing through the centuries, next to the sarcophagus of S. Cristina in the crypt (built after the rediscovery of the tomb on August 5, 1880) of the hypogeal basilica (first half of the X century). The Palace of the Dragon of Bolsena instead is placed in a dominant position at the foot of the Monaldeschi Fortress of Cervara, near the north door of the Borgo. It was built at various stages by the wish of Cardinal Tiberio Crispo (1498-1566). The palace combines the features of the fortress and the residence, with its gardens and terraces opening on the side of the lake.
At the end of the final tasting of typical products of the Tuscia. Free dinner and return to Viterbo for overnight stay.
Francigena Tour: second day
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Departure for Montefiascone.
Meeting with the guide and visit to the village, with particular attention to the Church of San Flaviano and the Basilica of Santa Margherita.
Romanesque origin, the Church of San Flaviano, was enlarged at the beginning of XIV, and a new Gothic facade was added.
Return to Viterbo.
Arrival and lunch at the selected restaurant.
In the early afternoon visit the old town. The charming charm of the medieval quarter of San Pellegrino and the monumental Polo Colle del Duomo with the Papal Palace. Guided tour of the Colle Monumental Ponte del Duomo with a visit to the Palace of the Popes and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The Popes’ Palace was built between 1255 and 1267 and is known for the beautiful Loggia with trilobate arches dominating the square and the Conclave hall. This hall was also home to the first and longest conclave of history that lasted thirty-three months between 1268 and 1271.
At the end of the visit accommodation and dinner at Hotel Balletti ****.
Francigena Tour: third day
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Departure for San Martino al Cimino.
Meeting with the guide and visit to the village and the Cistercian Abbey of San Martino al Cimino.
The Abbey was built by the Cistercian monks of Pontigny. The village enjoyed a remarkable urban, demographic and economic expansion thanks to the interest of Olimpia Maidalchini, better known as Donna Olimpia, widow of Mariziano Pamphilio Pamphilj and sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X.
Lunch at the selected restaurant.
In the afternoon transfer to the Poggio Nibbio Nature Reserve, located in the Vico Lake Park. Meeting with park managers who will illustrate the various activities within the area. Possibility of access to the polyvalent room where some of the taxidermic birds and other animal finds are kept and to assist in the release of a recovered volatile.
Possibility to participate in concerts organized within the forest.
At the end of the visit, departure and end of the services.
