Embark on an inspiring 8-day self-guided pilgrimage along the historic Via Francigena, from the charming city of Lucca to the magnificent city of Siena. This journey offers a unique opportunity to walk through the heart of Tuscany, taking in scenic rolling hills, lush vineyards, medieval villages, and ancient pilgrimage routes. As you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims centuries past, you’ll experience the spiritual and cultural richness of the region, connecting with its history, tradition, and natural beauty. Whether you seek reflection, adventure, or a deeper understanding of Tuscany’s heritage, this self-guided pilgrimage promises a soulful and unforgettable experience.
Prices / Dates
Price:
Low Season: 15 Feb – 31 March & 7 Nov – 30 Nov
€790 per person sharing
Mid Season: 1 April – 30 April & 1 Oct – 30 Oct
€830 per person sharing
High Season: 1 May – 30 June & 30 Aug – 30 Sept
€860 per person sharing
Peak Season: 1 July – 29 Aug
€890 per person sharing
Single Supplement: From +€300 to €390
Solo Traveller: +€150
Tour Dates: 15 February to 30 November
Tour Grade: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse & 3* Hotels
Included / Excluded
- 7 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved guesthouses & hotels with all rooms en-suite.
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel (1 item per person)
- Pilgrim's Credential
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Local public transport
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
It is from this beautiful city steeped in history that you will begin your journey to Siena, along the ancient Via Francigena in Tuscany.
You will arrive independently in Lucca and we advise you to dedicate this day to take a pleasant walk in its historic center between the imposing city
walls, the Cathedral of San Martino and the Amphitheater.
A short train transfer will take you to Altopascio, a very important medieval village that, in the past, based its development above all on welcoming
pilgrims: it is from here that this historic journey along the Via Francigena in Tuscany begins.
Surrounded by the pristine nature of the Cerbaie woods, full of centuries-old oaks and beautiful water lilies, you will quickly reach the Tuscan plain,
characterized by long expanses of skilfully cultivated fields.
After crossing the Arno River, you soon reach San Miniato with its perfectly preserved medieval village. Spread across three hillocks overlooking the
Arno valley, the enchanting Tuscan town is linked to the name of two important emperors who changed the course of history: Napoleon and Frederick
II.
➡ It is possible to shorten today’s stage to just 4 km by taking the train from Lucca to S.Miniato-Fucecchio with a change in Pisa: you could visit the
famous leaning tower!
Distance: 30 km / 18.5 miles, Ascent: 330 m / 1056 ft, Approximate walking time: 7 / 8 hours
The second stage of our journey unfolds along dirt roads and ancient paths, until arriving, in the final stretch, in the Lands of Chianti. Here well-kept
vineyards will delight the eye and the spirit, in the setting of beautiful landscapes that offer different colors according to the season.
Arrival in Gambassi Terme, which, as its name suggests, owes its fame to its spa facilities, a stopping point for pilgrims of all ages.
➡
It is possible to shorten today’s stage to 13 km with a short private transfer to be requested at the hotel. (not included)
Distance: 25 km / 16 miles, Ascent: 500 m / 1600 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 7 hrs
The third part of the Via Francigena in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful stages of the entire route.
The long and charming dirt roads, framed by beautiful and orderly cypresses, will take you along the most evocative places in Tuscany, such as
the Sanctuary of Pancole and the Pieve di Cellole.
The sight of the towers soaring on the horizon is the unequivocal sign that you are in San Gimignano. Once you arrive, take some time to visit the old
shops nestled in the narrow streets of its beautiful medieval old town.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent 460 m / 1472 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hrs
After a pleasant awakening in the medieval village and a tasty breakfast with local products, you will leave San Gimignano and its aura crystallised in
time, to set out once again, this time pampered by the pleasant shade of ancient oaks that characterise the rich Sienese countryside along
with centuries-old olive trees.
You will arrive in Colle Val d’Elsa, which, as you might guess, owes its development to the adjacent river: in fact, it is no coincidence that workshops
were already active in the Middle Ages.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent 240 m / 768 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hrs
Leaving the small town of Colle Val d’Elsa, you will resume Sigerico’s route on the Via Francigena in this penultimate stage that will lead you to
the charming village of Monteriggioni. In fact, like ancient medieval pilgrims, you will be amazed at the sight, from afar, of the walls that protect the
town and overlook the central Via Cassia, an ancient Roman consular road.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent: 260 m / 832 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Today you will arrive in the enchanting Siena, one of the most beautiful and important cities of the Via Francigena.
Through woods embellished with centuries-old oaks and holm oaks, you will walk along the traditional Tuscan white roads which will alternate with
those with a more intense color that distinguishes the Sienese countryside.
Siena will welcome you upon your arrival, starting with the magnificent Porta Camollia, the traditional gateway to the city for wayfarers of all ages.
➡
It is possible to shorten today’s stage to 16km with a short bus transfer from Monteriggioni.
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 380 m / 1216 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours
After breakfast, end of services.
But first, treat yourself to a walk through the beauties of the historic center of Siena to fully breathe the magic of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site since 1995.
