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Via Francigena in Tuscany (Lucca to Siena)

€930 per person
We’ve got more! The hiking options for the variety of routes along the St. Francis Way (Via Francigena) are dozens. Please check with us for details about the particular trail and stage you are interested in so we can send you further details.

Via Francigena (St. Francis Way) is an ancient European pilgrim route that connects England and France with Rome (Italy) since medieval times. Nowadays, it is commonly known as one of the most famous long-distance self-guided hiking trails in the world. We have selected a wonderful section of the Italian part of the route for you that starts in Lucca and finishes in Siena. Enjoy the oldest independent walking route in enchanting Tuscany as you advance from one stunningly beautiful town to the next through the beautiful Val d’Elsa. You will soak into the medieval atmosphere of the wonderful villages of Monteriggioni and San Gimignano while enjoying the exquisite local cuisine and wine production. Your final destination Siena and its surrounding landscape will take your breath away.

  • Destination
  • Duration
    8 Days I Level: 2/3 (of 5)
  • What is included
    Accommodation in 2/3* hotels and agriturismo with en-suite facilities including breakfast (1x dinner included too on Day 3); Via Francigena Passport; People and luggage transfer on Day 2 (San Minato train station-Hotel San Miniato); Luggage transfers (days 3 to 7 incl.; 1 piece of luggage per person - up to 20kg); Detailed roadbook and map in English (incl. access to GPS tracks); Emergency hotline
  • What is not included
    Drinks and other meals; Entrance charges; tickets for the public transport; drinks and other meals. Possible CITY TAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category; appr. 2-5 Euro per person per night); Luggage transfer is NOT included on Day 2 as you travel by train from Lucca to San Miniato (but it is included from San Minato train station to your accommodation!)
  • Best period
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
1
Day 1. Arrival in Lucca
After leaving your luggage in your hotel take the time to explore the beautiful town. Visit the lovely gardens and the dramatic Piazza Anfiteatro which once served as a Roman amphitheater in the 2nd century AD. Choose a restaurant where you can have a nice dinner and enjoy wonderful local food and beverages.
Arrival tips: Easiet arrival via Pisa and Florence airports. Check the Rates&Remarks tab for additional details.
2
Day 2. Arrival at San Miniato Alto
Spend the first part of the day sightseeing in Lucca and take the time to visit the wooden crucifix in the Cathedral of Saint Martin. Whenever you are ready, take the train to Fucecchio in the afternoon. You will be picked up from there and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto by your host.
By Train from Lucca to San Miniato-Fucecchio: Keep track of the updated timetables on the website www.trenitalia.com. There are no direct trains from Lucca to San Miniato-Fucecchio, so you would need to change. The ride can take from 1,15 hrs up to 1,45 hrs depending on the train you choose. The ticket price is around 8 Euro per person one way. Important note: You must call your accommodation in San Miniato Alto and inform them of the time you will arrive at the San Miniato-Fucecchio train station so they can arrange the pick up for your transfer.
3
Day 3. Walk from San Miniato Alto to Gambassi (25km, 6hrs, +780m/-650m)
Today is your first self-guided hiking section of the itinerary. Follow a paved road from San Miniato through the iconic countryside of the Val d’Elsa. You will come across two wonderful examples of Romanesque architecture - Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni before you arrive at your accommodation in Gambassi. Dinner at the accommodation this evening is included.
4
Day 4. Walk from Gambassi to San Gimignano (18km, 5,30hrs, +600m/-540m)
Today you soak into the atmosphere of f the Via Francigena. We encourage you to visit the Sanctuary in Pancole as you advance toward the charming villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. The final destination of today’s independent hiking route is the famous town of San Gimignano. Take the time to walk around before you choose a restaurant to enjoy a wonderful local evening’s meal.
5
Day 5. Walk from San Gimignano to Gracciano (21km, 6hrs, +220m/-220m)
Prepare for a particularly picturesque section of the independent walking itinerary. You will go up and down the numerous Tuscan hills and walk across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods. We recommend you make a small detour to explore the wonderful Abbey of Santa Maria a Conero of the XI century. The overnight is in Gracciano.
6
Day 6. Walk from Gracciano to Monteriggioni (13 km, 3,30hrs, +130m/-60m)
Today you will enjoy a walk to the medieval town of Monteriggioni with its iconic towers. Follow your self-guided hiking route to the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pool) of Caldane via Pieve a Elsa. Then, continue to Strove and take the time to explore its wonderful Romanesque Church. Your last highlight before you reach Monteriggioni is the curious complex of Abbadia a Isola.
7
Day 7. Walk from Monteriggioni to Siena (20km, 5,30hrs, +230m/-250m)
The last section of the independent walking route is dedicated to one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Siena. Walk out of Monteriggioni and follow the dirt road along the Montagnola Senese. You will pass the peculiar and seemingly abandoned medieval suburb of Cerbaia. Walking through a dense forest you will reach the Castle of “Chiocciola” and continue up to Poggio di Riciano. Then descend to Pian del Lago (you have the option to skip Poggio di Riciano and reach Pian del Lago from Chiocciola directly). The imposing Porta Camollia of Siena awaits you at the end of the Renai forest
8
Day 8. Departure day
The tour and our services end after breakfast. We highly recommend you book some extra nights in Siena to explore the old center, magnificent museums and galleries and its marvelous churches.

TOUR LOCATION

Price
930 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/04-21/07; 26/08-31/10)
990 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (22/07-25/08)
* Triple rooms for odd number of travelers available upon request (contacts us for details).
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 460 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): 620 Euro
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of April and the end of October. The route is quite easy due to low differences in height. The whole itinerary is mostly on paths and gravel roads ("strade bianche"), even if you will find some sections on asphalted road. The whole itinerary is well marked by the Official signs of the Via Francigena (white-red markings and yellow sign with the Pilgrim symbol on it). Best airports to use: Pisa and Florence. One piece of luggage per person is allowed (20kg).
By Train from the airport to Lucca: Check the updated timetables on the website www.trenitalia.com. From Pisa Airport, you can take a bus, a taxi or a train to Pisa Centrale Train Station, then take the train to Lucca. There are many daily direct trains from Pisa to Lucca and the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Price is about Euro 3,50 per person, one way. From Florence Airport, take a taxi or the public “Vola in bus” to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (see www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/passengers/from-to-the-airport/bus.html). There are several daily trains from Florence to Lucca. There are only few direct trains that take about 1,20-140hrs to get to Lucca. Usually you have to change in Pisa Centrale and the ride takes appr. 2hrs. Price varies from 10-20 EUR per person one way, depending on the train you take.
Accommodation
Selected 3* hotels are used in larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns. Some of the accommodations chosen have a swimming pool and internal restaurant. All rooms in the accommodations have en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip, there are plenty of opportunities to taste both the great local food and a wide array of prestigious wines of the region. Dinner is only included in Gambassi Terme (Day 3). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Lucca - Hotel Rex; Day 2: San Miniato Alto - Hotel San Miniato; Day 3: Gambassi Terme - Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Ilario; Day 4: San Gimignano - Hotel La Cisterna; Day 5: Colle Val d'Elsa - Hotel Il Pietreto; Day 6: Monteriggion - Hotel Il Piccolo Castello; Day 7: Siena - Hotel Chiusarelli;

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