Distance Walked: 22km Time Walking: 7 hours (with 2 luxuriously long breaks)
Out of our 18 days spent walking so far, today’s hike was unquestionably the most diverse and stunning. Majestic woods, a little church (as well as houses) made of tufa blocks, hazelnut plantations, Roman tombs, a medieval bell tower, the quaint village of Capranica, imposing town walls and a rather long and intense jungle-like trek…this walk had it all! If doing a single-day hike on the Via Francigena, this is one that I would highly recommend.
12th Century Church, St. Francis.We spent much of today under glorious shade coverage!Torri D’Orlando – Ancient Roman TombsHazelnuts beginning to bloom!Next time we will plan an overnight stay in the charming town of Capranica.Just one of the many challenges in our incredible jungle-trek!
Almost two hours into today’s walk, long after leaving Vetralla, Richard and I were surprised to see a highway sign announcing that we were back in Vetralla. As if today’s trail did not provide enough diversion on its own, we took our lives in our hands, braved walking in speeding traffic on a shoulderless highway (600 meters) and took a detour to a lovely cafe that sold iced coffee. What a gal won’t do for a frosty cappuccino!
Our cafe was part of a large complex with pool, outdoor waterslide, fitness center and spa. Tempting!
Accommodations:
BB II Seminaro, Piazza Del Comune 37
Tel: 320-31.19.320.
Email: iginoguidu@libero.it.
Cost: 30 euros per person, private room with en-suite bathroom and breakfast.
Awesome location in the Old Town Square.
Self-serve breakfast includes: Coffee, tea, croissants, toast, jam, yogurt, eggs and cookies.See you tomorrow in Monterosi!
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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36 thoughts on “Day 20: Vetralla to Sutri”
Thank you, Donna, for sharing your updates with beautiful photos and your radiant smile. You and Richard have been doing so well (minus the annoying cold/ sinus issues) and you’re now so close to Rome. I’m excited for you both. I’m catching up on my blog reading and commenting as I’ve been travelling in Malta and Germany. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable hike to Monterosi.
Hi, Natalie – It’s wonderful to hear from you. I am glad that you are back from Malta and Germany safe and sound. I look forward to reading your upcoming travel posts!
Oh my, has it really been 18 days already? Enjoying the pics. The accommodations seemed nice. That bridge looked a bit wobbly but glad to see you’re still smiling!
Walking is my best way to exercise – meditative, good for the soul, and the soles – and for watching scenery. You two are living my dream! (Although I admit, I would have been tempted to stay at that spa…) 🙂
She is living the Dream, isn’t she? Some people can’t resist places like Disneyland and amusement parks, but I will take an adventurous walk any day through beautiful countryside !
Oh wow! These are stunning photos, Donna. The one of you in the shade looks as though you’re standing in a giant terrarium! Great photo of you and Richard, too. I’m so happy you enjoyed the day. Stay safe!
I love the contrast of the 12th century St. Francis church with the modern fitness center/spa ! Looks like you are having a blast seeing beautiful scenery and buildings! And just when it’s needed an iced coffee pops up ! Someone up there likes you hee hee.
Thanks, Suzanne – It was a great day. While some of these hikes have been more of a grind than others, we haven’t regretted a single day (at least not yet). 🙂
Walking in the shade is my favourite kind! With all those wonderful distractions, this section sounds perfect … but 2 hours later you were back where you started? Was this for real or just a ‘trick’ that signage can play on us sometimes?
Just when you think it can’t get better, it gets better. Amazing iPhone photos. I may start utilizing my phone more for practice. I am still more comfortable with my camera. I haven’t heard about Richard’s health, unless I missed an update. I am hoping no news is good news:)
Thanks, Erica – Ironically, Richard’s cold has lasted for all 23 days of this trip so far. It is just ending now. It is definitely not invited to Rome with us! 🙂
Retirement Reflections 
Thank you, Donna, for sharing your updates with beautiful photos and your radiant smile. You and Richard have been doing so well (minus the annoying cold/ sinus issues) and you’re now so close to Rome. I’m excited for you both. I’m catching up on my blog reading and commenting as I’ve been travelling in Malta and Germany. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable hike to Monterosi.
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Hi, Natalie – It’s wonderful to hear from you. I am glad that you are back from Malta and Germany safe and sound. I look forward to reading your upcoming travel posts!
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Oh my, has it really been 18 days already? Enjoying the pics. The accommodations seemed nice. That bridge looked a bit wobbly but glad to see you’re still smiling!
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Thanks, Dee – I wasn’t a fan of the ‘stick bridges’. But I did manage to get across without falling off! 🙂
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Love that church!
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Thanks, Janet – So many of the old churches have been absolutely beautiful!
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Oh what a gorgeous walk! Every photo is lovely Donna, especially the hazelnuts. I bet you enjoyed your breakfast 😊
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Thanks, Sam – The hazelnut orchards were especially beautiful. Thank you so much for following along!
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Great picture of you both!
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Thanks, Deb – Did you like the hat switch?
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Hah! Thanks for pointing that out. Very cute!
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As a lover of baseball caps, I noticed that right away! 😂
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🙂
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Walking is my best way to exercise – meditative, good for the soul, and the soles – and for watching scenery. You two are living my dream! (Although I admit, I would have been tempted to stay at that spa…) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is living the Dream, isn’t she? Some people can’t resist places like Disneyland and amusement parks, but I will take an adventurous walk any day through beautiful countryside !
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Thanks, Susan – Richard and I have been grateful for every single day!
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Hi, Pam – Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I agree that long distance walking is great for the soul!
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Oh wow! These are stunning photos, Donna. The one of you in the shade looks as though you’re standing in a giant terrarium! Great photo of you and Richard, too. I’m so happy you enjoyed the day. Stay safe!
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Hi, Jill – Thank you for your continued kind words. They are very much appreciated!
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You two look so happy (maybe tired, but definitely happy). Please be careful in all that traffic!
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Thanks, Janis – We have managed to avoid traffic for the majority of this trip. Fingers crossed for the rest of the journey!
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Love all your photographs especially the jungle walk.
Jo Jo
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Thanks, Jo Jo – The “jungle walk” was fun…but a bit long. By the end, I was a little over that part!
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I love the contrast of the 12th century St. Francis church with the modern fitness center/spa ! Looks like you are having a blast seeing beautiful scenery and buildings! And just when it’s needed an iced coffee pops up ! Someone up there likes you hee hee.
Susan Grace
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There is a saying in the trail that “the Camino provides”. We have found that this is true!
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You definitely look more cheerful. I would walk a few more kms for a refreshing cold coffee 🙂 Ciao
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Thanks, Suzanne – It was a great day. While some of these hikes have been more of a grind than others, we haven’t regretted a single day (at least not yet). 🙂
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Walking in the shade is my favourite kind! With all those wonderful distractions, this section sounds perfect … but 2 hours later you were back where you started? Was this for real or just a ‘trick’ that signage can play on us sometimes?
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Hi, Joanne – What we since learned is that Vetralla is a largish City. It took us two hours to cross from one side to the other!
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Just when you think it can’t get better, it gets better. Amazing iPhone photos. I may start utilizing my phone more for practice. I am still more comfortable with my camera. I haven’t heard about Richard’s health, unless I missed an update. I am hoping no news is good news:)
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Thanks, Erica – Ironically, Richard’s cold has lasted for all 23 days of this trip so far. It is just ending now. It is definitely not invited to Rome with us! 🙂
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Lovely
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Thanks, Louise – I greatly appreciate you following. I hope that there is a Camino in your future!
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Anche io.
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Hi Donna – can quite see why you recommend this area … Capranica sounds wonderful … but seeing all the countryside – bliss. Gorgeous – cheers Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – The countryside has been completely amazing. Thankfully, it has also been very plentiful on this walk!
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