I have walked both the VF and the Assisi and in my opinion the VF is easier, climbing wise, than the Assisi route. Much easier. The hard part about the VF is that often it is flatter and not in shade, so you need to be prepared for hot sun. Of course in Tuscany you will have the hill top villages to climb to (Montefiascone, San Gimignano etc) but they are no worse than the hilltop villages on the Umbrian leg of the Assisi route. Coming down to and through Aosta the path is quite steep, but I didn't find it difficult. I also found signage adequate when I did it and that was in 2011, and I know it is now better than then so it should be fine. There were more refuges along this route than on the Assisi and some nice convents to stay in too. There is a very good map for the Tuscany leg which I purchased in Pavia (I think - or else Lucca). That has lists of accomodation on it as well as other useful information. I think it is quite readily available in Tuscany, which has the best infrastructure for the route. In Bolsena you have a choice of staying up in the old town (which is very nice) or in a swish hotel (if you can get it at the right price) right on the shore of the lake - absolutely gorgeous. You might want to have a rest day there and visit the famous village only accessble by a bridge - up in the mountains (on the way to Orvieto) - well worth a visit. (sorry I am on the road - on the VIa Romea Germanica) at present and so don't have information like that at my finger tips, but I am sure you will be able to find it. There are also hot baths in the middle of no-where in a paddock on the way to ? - sorry cant remember the actual place, but about 10 days from Rome. No change rooms (a sarong acted as a change room!) but very relaxing for an hour or so - you might need to take bathers. Buen Camino Janet