Via Postumia Bikepacking by Nicola Girolavita Groppi
You can watch the segment from Verona to Piacenza created by Nicola here.
Cycling the Via Postumia: from Aquileia to Genoa in the footsteps of pilgrims and legionnaires
An ancient Roman military road and a historic route for pilgrims bound for Santiago de Compostela, the Via Postumia cycle route now offers a unique cycling experience across Northern Italy. Built in 148 BC by the consul Postumius Albinus for strategic purposes in Cisalpine Gaul, this road connected the two main Roman ports of the North: Aquileia—a vital hub of the Empire featuring a large river port accessible from the Adriatic—and Genoa on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
A journey through 2,000 years of history
The original route passed through Genoa, Tortona, Piacenza, Cremona, Verona, Vicenza, Oderzo, and Aquileia, strategically linking the eastern and western reaches of the Po Valley. Today, that same road has been transformed into a cycling itinerary that seamlessly connects art cities, medieval villages, and landscapes of extraordinary beauty.
Via Postumia: cycling route characteristics
The modern route spans over 950 kilometers with a total elevation gain of nearly 8,000 meters, divided into 14 stages of moderate difficulty. The path alternates between cycle lanes, low-traffic secondary roads, and dirt tracks, offering a varied experience suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness.
What you will traverse
Cycling from east to west, you will cross five Italian regions:
- Friuli Venezia Giulia: starting from historic Aquileia
- Veneto: Vicenza and Verona, both UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Lombardy: Mantua, Cremona, and the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese
- Piedmont: a brief passage through the Tortona area
- Liguria: the challenging Ligurian Apennines with their ridge-top villages, leading to the finish in Genoa
The route visits numerous UNESCO sites and traverses radically changing landscapes: from the Friulian plains to the art cities of Veneto, from Lombardy’s rice fields and rivers to the vineyard-covered hills of the Oltrepò, and finally the rugged climbs of the Ligurian Apennines.
When to cycle the Via Postumia
The best times to ride this route are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). In summer, the heat of the Po Valley can be oppressive, while in winter, freezing temperatures and fog make the experience less pleasant.
Planning the trip
Starting point: Aquileia
Getting to the starting point is easy:
- By train: stop at Cervignano del Friuli or Monfalcone, followed by a short bike ride (a few kilometers)
- By car: park in Aquileia and retrieve your vehicle at the end (or use a shuttle service)
Arrival point: Genoa
From Genoa, you have several options:
- Return by train: frequent connections to all major Italian cities
- Continuing to Santiago: carry on the pilgrimage through France and Spain, following the tradition of medieval pilgrims
Accommodation along the route
Each stage offers various accommodation options:
- Hostels and hotels for all budgets
- Campsites for those traveling with a tent
- B&Bs and farm stays for a more authentic experience
- Bike-friendly hotels with services dedicated to cyclists
Difficulty and recommended preparation
The Via Postumia is a route of moderate difficulty that requires:
- Good physical fitness to tackle stages of 60–70 km
- Adequate preparation for the final stages in the Apennines
- Experience with bicycle touring and carrying luggage
The initial flat stages allow you to build up your stamina, while the final stages in the Ligurian Apennines present the greatest challenge; the climbs should be tackled at a leisurely pace to fully enjoy the views and hilltop villages.
What awaits you: art, culture, and gastronomy
This journey offers a complete immersion in the culture of Northern Italy:
- Art and architecture: from the Early Christian basilicas of Aquileia to Roman amphitheaters, and from Renaissance palaces to medieval fortresses
- Local gastronomy: San Daniele ham, Mantuan risottos, Cremonese *tortelli*, cured meats from the Oltrepò region, Genoese focaccia, and pesto
- Authentic hospitality: encounters with local residents
these territories and preserve their traditions
A sustainable mobility project
Launched in September 2013, the Via Postumia cycling project is a shining example of slow, sustainable tourism. The route highlights areas often overlooked by mass tourism, revitalizing the local economies of small villages and promoting an environmentally friendly way to travel.
Customize your itinerary
The official route consists of 14 stages, but you can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs:
- Shorten or lengthen stages based on your fitness level
- Take rest days in cities rich in art and culture
- Create detours to visit specific locations
The complete GPS track is available for download, making it easy to navigate using a bike computer or smartphone.
Cycling the Via Postumia is more than just a bike tour; it is a journey through time that blends Roman history, pilgrim traditions, and the scenic beauty of Northern Italy. Following in the footsteps of legionnaires and pilgrims, you can discover an authentic Italy—far from the tourist crowds—as you pedal through two thousand years of history.
What are you waiting for? Embark on an adventure following the pilgrims’ path along the Via Postumia by bike!
