Via Francigena, tailor-made
From the quiet of Lucca to the splendour of Siena, following the ancient pilgrims’ route.
Discover one of Europe’s most iconic walking routes, following the Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena, across Tuscan hills and medieval villages that for centuries have welcomed pilgrims from all over Europe. It is a journey that blends ancient history, luminous landscapes, and a slow pace that allows you to savour every detail.
You will walk along ancient routes first travelled by the Lombards and later by the Franks, crossing solitary parish churches, rolling fields, and historic river fords that still preserve the atmosphere of the great pilgrim paths of the past. At every stage, traces of history emerge: San Miniato, with its medieval streets; Gambassi Terme, surrounded by gentle hills; San Gimignano, whose towers rise on the horizon from afar; Colle Val d’Elsa, a stone-built town rich in memories; Monteriggioni, a perfectly preserved walled village; and finally Siena, welcoming pilgrims with the splendour of its Duomo and its timeless atmosphere.
You will walk independently, while we take care of the organisation: we will book selected accommodation along the route, arrange the luggage transport, provide a dedicated briefing, ongoing assistance during the journey, and all the information you need to enjoy the walk with peace of mind. The Via Francigena is a journey through history and beauty, a walk that leads you from one art city to another across an authentic Tuscany.
Program
Day 1
You will arrive independently in Lucca, one of the emblematic cities of the Via Francigena. We will welcome you in the afternoon, and you will have time to stroll along its majestic Renaissance walls, explore the squares, Romanesque churches, and streets that still preserve the imprint of medieval pilgrimage. Thus begins our journey in one of Italy’s most fascinating historic centres.
Day 2
You will take the train from Lucca to Altopascio, where you will begin your walk along the paved route that for centuries guided travellers, merchants, and pilgrims.
You will cross the natural area of the Cerbaie and the plain of the Padule di Fucecchio, once a vast marsh and now a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. You will then continue as far as the Arno River, from where you will climb towards San Miniato, an ancient stop on Sigeric’s journey, dominated by the Fortress of Frederick II and renowned for its truffles.
Option to split the stage by adding an overnight stay in Fucecchio (19 + 10 km).
Day 3
We will leave San Miniato, walking along white gravel roads that cross a postcard-perfect landscape: rows of cypress trees, gentle hills, vineyards, and ancient abbeys that once served as places of welcome for pilgrims. The route winds through the countryside until reaching Gambassi Terme, a town known for its thermal waters and the tranquillity of its views.
Day 4
You will walk a short but memorable stage. You will follow trails and white gravel roads to the Sanctuary of Pancole, then continue towards Collemucioli and the beautiful Pieve di Cellole, an authentic Romanesque gem set in the countryside. The famous towers of San Gimignano will appear on the horizon, guiding you towards the “Medieval Manhattan”, perfect to explore at a relaxed pace in the afternoon.
Day 5
We will leave San Gimignano, following nature-lined paths until reaching the entrance to Colle Val d’Elsa, an elegant town rich in history. Known as the “Bohemia of Italy” for its centuries-old production of crystal, it is now home to a renewed museum that tells the story of art, craftsmanship, and tradition. You will stroll through medieval alleyways, ancient walls, and evocative views over the valley.
Day 6
You will set off from Monteriggioni, crossing holm oak forests and chestnut woods that alternate with more open, panoramic stretches. The landscape gradually opens up, leading you to the suspended plain of Pian del Lago, a place with an almost surreal sense of quiet.
You will finally enter Siena following the historic route of the Via Francigena, concluding your journey in the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, where you will have time for one last look at the city before heading home.
Day 7
You will turn your back on the towers of Monteriggioni and enter the woods of the Montagnola Senese, following white gravel roads that tell centuries of rural history. You will walk through Pian del Lago and the Renai woodland, until you reach Porta Camollia, the traditional Francigena gateway to the city.
Arriving in the heart of Siena will be a special moment: you will walk through its medieval streets as far as Piazza del Campo, admire the Duomo, and breathe in the atmosphere of a place that still preserves its ancient soul intact. After the end-of-walk farewells, you can easily reach the Siena railway station, from where you will begin your journey home.
The price includes
- Overnight stay with breakfast
- Luggage transport from one accommodation to the next – 1 piece only, max size 65 × 40 × 30 cm – Max 20 Kg
- Medical/luggage insurance
- Booking management fee
The price does not include
- Single room supplement (subject to availability – not available in many accommodations and not always with a private bathroom)
- Dinners, lunches, food, drinks, and extras not specified
- Tourist tax, where applicable, to be paid on site
- Transfers to/from Lucca and from Siena
- Travel by public transport
- Anything not listed under “What’s included”
How to get there
The starting city, Lucca, is easily reachable by train thanks to regional connections linking it with Florence, Pisa, and the main towns in Tuscany. Once you arrive at the station, you will find yourself directly in the heart of the city, the ideal place to begin your walk.
Returning from Siena is just as easy: from the railway station you can conveniently reach Florence, Pisa, or other destinations thanks to the regional and national train services available throughout the day.
Luggage
For luggage transport, we ask you to limit yourself to one piece of luggage only (max 55 × 40 × 20 cm).
Accommodation
For this journey, we have selected small accommodation facilities that represent true pilgrim hospitality, simple yet welcoming. The accommodation includes double, triple, quadruple rooms and, on some stages, dormitories.
Notes
To confirm the booking, a deposit of €100.00 per person is required: €50.00 as a booking management fee (non-refundable) and €50.00 as a deposit towards the trip.
To ensure we can meet your requests, we recommend submitting your booking at least 15 days in advance. This increases to 30 days in June, July, and August, as well as for departures close to public holidays and long weekends.
If the booking is made within 30 days prior to departure, full payment will be required immediately.