Via Francigena Highlights
Relish the cosiness of boutique family-run lodgings and taste delectable Tuscan dishes
Absorb the deep historical and cultural essence of the Via Francigena, a venerable pilgrimage path
Visit UNESCO-recognized San Gimignano and Siena
Stroll through timeless fortified villages
Navigate the breathtaking Tuscan landscapes dotted with vineyards and undulating hills
Uncover the unique fortified village of Monteriggioni encircled by circular walls
Step into a timeless world beneath bell towers
Join the pilgrimage, each step filled with stories and charm
Traverse the landscapes of Tuscany
Follow signposts through a voyage into the soul of Italy
Soak in the beauty of UNESCO-listed gem Siena
Let Via Francigena weave its magic into your journey
Stroll through Tuscan history in quaint village streets
Gaze upon San Gimignano's towers etched in golden hues
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in the captivating mediaeval town of San Miniato Alto, situated between the renowned cities of Pisa and Florence. Perched atop a hill with views over the Arno Valley, this town is a repository of historical and architectural wonders. Roam its narrow, labyrinthine streets and pay visits to the Episcopal Seminary, the Duomo, and the San Domenico church. Since the town is famous for its white truffles, seize the chance to savour a local dish that features this gourmet ingredient.
Set out on a scenic trek across the iconic landscapes of Tuscany. Following the ancient path of Archbishop Sigeric from the 10th century, you’ll traverse the historical “Submansiones” of Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. Your day concludes in Gambassi Terme, a town rich in history and famous for its age-old thermal baths. Take this opportunity to relax and refresh before the adventures that lie ahead.
Today offers a sensory delight as you navigate through beautiful landscapes and quaint hamlets and make a stop at the legendary Sanctuary in Pancole. Your destination is the UNESCO-recognized town of San Gimignano, a locale that seems suspended in time. Its mediaeval structures, inviting ambiance, and globally acclaimed gelato make it an essential stop on the Via Francigena.
Today’s route meanders through vineyards, olive orchards, and forests, providing awe-inspiring vistas at every corner. Consider a side trip to the 11th-century Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, a monument to the area’s rich past. Your day wraps up in Gracciano dell’Elsa, where your accommodation features panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes — a perfect setting to relax after your day’s explorations.
On this day, you’ll traverse Pieve a Elsa, an old parish once visited by pilgrims, and explore the Etruscan Thermae of Caldane, a nod to the region’s ancient roots. You’ll walk through the mediaeval hamlet of Abbadia a Isola before arriving in Monteriggioni. This fortified settlement, complete with intact walls and towers, offers a window into history.
Depart from Monteriggioni and journey through the Montagnola Senese, the region’s primary hilly terrain. You’ll traverse the mediaeval suburb of Cerbaia and the Chiocciola castle. Your day culminates in the stunning city of Siena, where you’ll enter via the ancient pilgrim’s gateway, Porta Camollia. Use your evening to explore this UNESCO-listed city, famous for its historical architecture and the renowned Palio horse race.
Leave Siena and traverse the Valle dell’Ombrone, offering unforgettable panoramas of the Tuscan landscapes. Your destination is the fortified hamlet of Lucignano, which you’ll reach after passing through Monteroni d’Arbia’s gates. Here, marvel at the imposing Grancia di Cuna, a fortified granary that once stored wheat for the Sienese republic.
Proceed through the Valle dell’Ombrone towards Buonconvento. Enter this charming town through its ancient gate and wander its scenic lanes. For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia houses works by notable Sienese artists. The town’s name translates to “happy, fortunate place,” and as you explore its peaceful streets, you’ll see why.
Your Tuscan journey comes to an end in Buonconvento. Before you leave, take a final leisurely walk through the town’s serene streets, absorbing its tranquil aura. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and landscapes you’ve encountered on this remarkable Tuscan adventure.
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Pricing
Included in price
8 nights with breakfast in a 3* hotel
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike
Optional Extras
Description
You’re stepping into a realm where time seems to pause, where the vistas are a canvas of sprawling vineyards and age-old villages, and where each trail is steeped in tales from the past. This is what the Via Francigena offers as it winds through Tuscany’s core — a journey that delves into Italy’s very essence and promises to imprint memories in the warm glow of Tuscan sunsets.
The Via Francigena, a venerable pilgrimage trail extending from Canterbury to Rome, crafts a narrative of historical richness and scenic splendour. In Tuscany, this route unfolds like an eternal poem, its lines brimming with captivating villages such as San Miniato and Monteriggioni and UNESCO-recognized jewels like San Gimignano and Siena.
Your adventure will cover roughly 135 kilometres, with daily walks varying between 13 and 24 kilometres. You’ll spend around 5 to 7 hours walking each day, a relaxed tempo that lets you fully appreciate the surrounding beauty. The trail, primarily on well-marked paths and gravel roads, is marked with the official Via Francigena signage.
Though some stages may be a bit longer, the route is generally smooth, featuring minimal elevation changes, making for a comfortable trek through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tuscany.
We aim to make your journey as smooth as possible. We handle all accommodation arrangements, securing hotels that offer a mix of comfort and local character. A comprehensive handout, complete with GPS guidance through an easy-to-use app, will be provided. We also offer local tips to enrich your experience. Should any logistical challenges arise, we’re on standby to sort them out.
Envision yourself wandering through mediaeval settlements, relishing the flavours of Tuscany, and traversing landscapes that appear as if lifted from a masterpiece. So, when the moment arrives, will you heed Tuscany’s call? Will you allow the Via Francigena to weave its enchantment into your life’s narrative?
Location
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Things to know
Our tours are designed to cater to a broad range of people, but some days can be quite challenging, with long distances and significant elevation gain. We aim to minimize this as much as possible while ensuring a high-quality experience. To fully enjoy our tours, you should be accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours, overcoming around 600 meters of elevation gain.
However, Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hikes and Tour du Mont Blanc are more demanding and require a higher fitness level. On these tours, you may need to hike up to 8 hours per day and tackle substantial elevation gain.
Yes, our hiking holidays are appropriate for children who are physically prepared and have a good balance. However, to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of our young participants, we suggest that they should be at least eight years old to join our tours.
Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. The terrain can be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.
Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. The earlier you book, the better the chances are of getting your preferred options. If you book close to the start of the season or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.
It is essential to note that accommodations at the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand during the summer season. Therefore, early booking is crucial to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we assure you that we will always try our best to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.
Our tours are well-organized, and all the destinations are easily accessible and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will require a guide. Our comprehensive handout will provide you with all the essential information while still allowing you the freedom of a self-guided holiday.
However, if you prefer to have a guide, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.
Most of the accommodations we provide offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. Additionally, you will find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan menus in restaurants during the tour. However, it is worth noting that some mountain huts on Alta Via 1 or Tour du Mont Blanc may not offer vegan meals. In such situations, it is advisable to bring your own food to ensure that your dietary needs are met.
The best time to go on a walking holiday in Italy varies depending on the location you plan to visit. Destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily are best visited during early spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
However, in areas like the Dolomites or around Mont Blanc, hiking is not possible when there is snow high up in the mountains. Therefore, the hiking season in these areas is limited from late June to late September. It is advisable to plan your trip accordingly to get the best out of your walking holiday in Italy.
We can best advise you after receiving a filled-out inquiry form.
While hiking in light rain is manageable, it is important to note that hiking during a storm can be dangerous. It is advisable to schedule hikes early in the day during the summer months to avoid thunderstorms. However, if the weather forecast predicts severe weather, it is best to reschedule your walk for another day or explore different tour options.
Your safety is our top priority, and we will always work with you to find a suitable solution in case of inclement weather.
Most of the destinations for our walking tours in Italy have excellent public transportation. While renting a car can provide flexibility, several locations cannot be comfortably accessed by car. Instead, we suggest relying on public transport to reduce stress and have a more environmentally friendly experience.
We provide all the necessary information for buses, trains, and ferries to ensure that you can reach your destination with ease. By using public transport, we can also reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable travel experience.
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