2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 9 Breakfasts

10 Days£1260GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: FRR

Trip highlights

  • Walking through the spectacular landscapes of the Tuscan countryside full of vineyards and picturesque rolling hills
  • Exploring the round walls of the historical fortified village of Monteriggioni
  • Discovering the charming UNESCO towns of San Gimignano, Lucca and Siena
  • Experiencing an optional visit to a vineyard for wine tasting or a master class at a renowned cooking school in Siena
  • Staying in small, comfortable family-run accommodations and tasting the delicious Tuscan culinary specialities

Experience the Tuscan Via Francigena on a slow paced walk from Lucca to Siena, combining renowned towns like Siena and San Gimignano with hidden gems such as San Miniato. After time to explore Lucca, including an optional cycle around its walls, you head to San Miniato where the walk begins. This town is a true treasure of the Via Francigena, and an ideal starting point for your journey on foot. Ramble through landscapes of exceptional beauty, from the ancient Pieve di Chianni to the medieval towers of Monteriggioni, before reaching the stunning city of Siena. With daily distances between 8.4 and 14.6 km, enjoy leisurely walks with panoramic views and timeless fortified hamlets. Beyond the scenic charm, delight in regional cuisine—taste the rare white truffle of San Miniato, the hearty pici pasta of Siena, and San Gimignano’s renowned saffron. There are options to add wine tasting at a vineyard and a master class at a renowned cooking school in Siena. Each evening, rest in handpicked hotels and agriturismi that offer a perfect blend of comfort and Italian hospitality, making this journey both invigorating and unforgettable.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Lucca

Finishing Point:

Siena

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to the first hotel in Lucca. If you arrive early you can enjoy a stroll through the town including its splendid gardens and the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, or climb the majestic bell tower. You can also walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter, which were built in the 16th century.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you’re free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the Cathedral of San Martino, home to the famous Holy Face 'Volto Santo' of Lucca, a venerated wooden crucifix that may have been carved by Nicodemus. It features in the town's Holy Cross celebrations held in September. Rent an optional city bike or ebike and cycle around the walls of Lucca. This afternoon you will take the train to San Miniato-Fucecchio (via Pisa or Empoli, takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.

Meals:  B

Today you start walking, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d'Elsa region. Follow in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990. Upon arrival to Coiano take the included transfer back to San Miniato for overnight. Walk: 12.4km/7.7mi +390m/1148ft -357m/1171ft

Meals:  B

Morning transfer from your hotel at 9am to Coiano where you will commence your walk, passing by two "Submansiones" (Sigeric's "stopping places"): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. Continue to Gambassi Terme and your hotel for the night. The town takes its name from the thermal baths of the area, here since antiquity. Walk: 13.3km/8.3mi, Ascent +391m/1283ft Descent -301m/987ft

Meals:  B,D

The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. You will visit the tiny villages along the way as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole, where you can learn about its legend. Walk: 8.4km/5.2mi Ascent +311m/1020ft Descent -308m/1010ft

Meals:  B

Continue on your walk along the Via Francigena. On arrival in San Gimignano, your destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot to fully appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a Vin Santo to celebrate your travels. There is an optional wine and olive tasting plus a vineyard visit available this afternoon, please ask your reservations consultant for more information. Walk: 8.8km/5.5mi Ascent +311m/1020ft Descent -269m/882ft

Meals:  B

Today the Via Francigena will take you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation in Colle Val delÉlsa. The usual hotel we use in the heart of the town with a lovely outlook over the countryside. Walk: 13km/8mi. Ascent: 257m/848ft. Descent: 379m/1250ft.

Meals:  B

Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church. From Strove you continue past the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola, built around the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore, before reaching your accommodation near Monteriggioni. You will see its famed crown of towers as you approach. After check in you can hike up to the walled town and spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town. Walk: 14.5km/9mi. Ascent: 233m/676ft. Descent: 165m/548ft. Note: The evening accommodation is located about 1.6km from the walled village of Monteriggioni. If you would prefer to stay inside the town walls, this is possible but a supplement is likely. Please request at the time of booking.

Meals:  B

Leaving Monteriggioni you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago (or you can shorten your walk by omitting the Poggio di Riciano visit). Pick up today is at Convento Vecchio from where you will be transferred to Siena. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening. Optional cooking class at a renowned cooking school (commences at 5pm). Ask your consultant for details. Walk: 15.4km/9.6mi. Ascent: 301m/990t. Descent: 213m/700ft.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes in Siena this morning, after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 9 breakfasts, 1 dinner: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will usually consist of 3 courses, starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cake
  • 9 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and routebook
  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Transfer from San Miniato Basso train station to your hotel in San Miniato Alto - Day 2, Coiano to San Miniato Alto - Day 3, San Miniato Alto to Coiano - Day 4, Convento Vecchio to Siena - Day 9
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline and SMS alert

  • Travel to Lucca and from Siena
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage, and train from Lucca to San Miniato on day 2
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist Tax - allow approx EUR1-3 per day - payable directly to the hotel
  • Bike hire in Lucca on day 1 or 2, Wine tasting and vineyard visit on day 6 (including transfer to and from San Gimignano hotel), Cooking Class on day 9
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

This is an introductory to moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined. The walking is mostly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), with some sections on asphalt roads. The towns are often on hilltops. You should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun (at times). The trail is well-marked with official signs of the Via Francigena. A good level of fitness is required. The days walks range from 8.4km to 14.6km with ascents and descents of up to 390m/1290ft per day. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. Note: the walking time and distance are calculated from city centre to city centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked, to a maximum of 2km.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

DN1
High season is from 22 Jul to 25 Aug, Mid season is from 26 May to 21 Jul and 26 Aug to 2 Oct. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
Note:
Trip not available 25 - 28 Jun & 9 - 12 Aug due to Palio Horse Race, Siena

Priceper person from

£1260GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • 1 hour bike hire LuccaGBP£11
  • 1 hour e-bike hire LuccaGBP£17
  • Mid season surchargeGBP£41
  • Wine and Olive Oil tasting plus Vineyard visit (2 person min) pp incl transfer from and to San GimignanoGBP£60
  • Wine and Olive Oil tasting plus Vineyard visit (1 person) San GimignanoGBP£80
  • High season surchargeGBP£100
  • Pasta Lovers Cooking Class (2hrs) SienaGBP£120
  • Food and Wine Cooking Class (3hrs) SienaGBP£160
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£530
  • Single supplement - mid seasonGBP£570
  • Single supplement - high seasonGBP£600
  • Solo Traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£770
  • Solo Traveller supplement - mid seasonGBP£810
  • Solo Traveller supplement - high seasonGBP£850
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Walking the Best of Tuscany | Italy's Via Francigena | UTracks