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1/9

Via Francigena Highlights

9 days / 8 nights

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Discover the enduring allure of Tuscany along the historic Via Francigena, taking you through scenic vistas, quaint villages, and towns recognized by UNESCO.

Starting point

San Miniato Alto

Finish point

Buonconvento

Season

From March to November

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Choose your style

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Samo Korelec
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  • 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

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

8 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
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

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Extra nights
Hotel upgrades
Luggage transfer
Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 35-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Toiletries

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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from 1.199 € /person