Our route links the cities of Lucca and Siena with some of the most enchanting medieval villages in Tuscany. San Gimignano is one of the highlights of the region, with smaller, beautiful villages like San Miniato and Buenconvento.
The Tuscan section arguably provides the best walking that the Via Francigena has to offer. There are many hidden gems of the Via Francigena, one of which is the fortified hilltop village of Monteriggioni then make your way along the legendary white paths of Siena. Finally, on from Siena through wonderful landscapes and fortified villages to arrive at Buonconvento.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Single Supplement
Lucca to Siena – £310
Lucca to Buonconvento Proce – £395
Extend your Italian journey and transfer to Rome to explore this dynamic city – the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill – plus the many museums and galleries and wonderful public spaces.
Delicious Tuscan gastronomy and wines
Tuscan cuisine here has certain local star ingedients – from the precious white truffle of San Miniato to the tasty Tuscanpici and the yellow gold of San Gimignano, saffron. Tuscany’s local wines are renowned throughout the world and here you can enjoy them in the land of their birth, a perfect accompaniment to the local delicacies.
During the first day and night, where you have a chance to explore this wonderful walled town, its charming streets and enticing restaurants.
Morning transfer by train (10 min journey) to Altopascio then a full day walk to San Miniato is 25.5km. This town is a real gem of the Via Francigena. The Seminary here gives its name to the main square and has an impressive facade: in the evening enjoy a risotto dusted by the typical white truffle. We can shorted the walk with a transfer further down the trail to provide a half day walk of 10-12km.Walk along the ancient Via Cassia, over hilly ground, with lovely views back to Montefiascone and ahead to Viterbo. This fertile area produces wonderful olive oil, excellent Brunello di Montalcino wines and the cheeses of Pienza . On route to medieval Viterbo, stop off to enjoy the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. Viterbo is home to a Papal Palace. The medieval centre is a wonderfully atmospheric place to explore with many restaurants around the pilgrim district where you can try the acquacotta, the traditional dish of the Tuscia.
A challenging stage, but a unique and with wonderful panoramic views. From San Miniato you walk along a paved road, between the beautiful hilly ridges of the Val d’Elsa. Along the way you will cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni , following in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims.
This stage is short but rich in beautiful natural landscapes and will take you to San Gimignano one of the most beautiful cities of the Via Francigena. with its unmistakable skyline. Do not miss the view of the medieval town and the surrounding valleys from the top of the Torre Grossa , or venture out on to the Rock of Montestaffoli, for an extra special view. In the evening, treat yourself to a leisurely stroll, admire the illuminated city, before enjoying a good glass of Vernaccia in one of the taverns of the old town.
From San Gimignano the path undulates up and down the Tuscan countryside. The goal of the day is Colle Val d’Elsa, a Tuscan village that takes you back in time with the picturesque old town and the narrow streets.
One of the most beautiful stretches of the Via Francigena : a meditative path, where you can see the beautiful Pieve di Strove. A short stop of to take in the tranquility of the beautiful Abbey in Isola. The castle of Monteriggioni wears a crown of towers, erected on a hill in defense of the ancient Sienese Republic. Inside you’ll find a small but ancient world, with the beautiful square and small gardens. Climb the walls to admire the surrounding landscape.
From Monteriggioni you regain your way on dirt tracks through the Tuscan countryside to Siena. Here you follow in the steps of the ancient pilgrims as you cross the Porta Camollia, the traditional Francigeno entrance to the city of Siena . Reward yourself with a plate of pici garlic in the Piazza del Campo this evening, and do not forget to try the gingerbread.
IF YOU WANT TO CONSIDER A COUPLE OF EXTRA DAYS WALKING, WE RECOMMEND CONTINUING FROM SIENA FOR 2 DAYS TO BUONCONVENTO. YOU COULD ALSO CONSIDER TAKING A REST DAY; SAN GIMIGNANO IS OUR CLIENTS’ FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A REST DAY.
Setting out from the city into countryside illuminated by the sun, the ridges of the Val d’Arbia offer unforgettable views. You make your way along the typical Sienese tracks up to the fortified village of Lucignano, with its beautiful Pieve. On the outskirts of Monteroni d’Arbia you can admire the impressive Grange of Cuna , a fortified farm which guarded the grain reserves of the ancient Sienese Republic. Admore the Tuscan sunset from your hotel terrace after a superb dinner of local produce and delicious wines.
From Lucignano you continue your journey to Buonconvento. You walk through the walled gates and immerse you in the beautiful historic centre of the village. Soon to discover why it has been named means “happy and lucky place”. These quaint streets suggest a slower pace of life and if you love art you’ll be able to admire the works of some famous painters in the Sienese Museum of Sacred Art of Val d’Arbia.
1-3* Star Lodgings with private facilities, hotels in the main centres and agriturismos in the countryside.
