Walking the Via Francigena - Lucca to Siena

Arrive in Lucca and settle into your hotel. The city is famous for its remarkably well-preserved Renaissance walls and beautiful historic centre.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets and atmospheric squares. A walk along the top of the old city walls is an excellent introduction to Lucca and to the journey ahead.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rex***

The first stage takes you from historic Lucca to the medieval town of Altopascio. The terrain is almost completely flat, making it a gentle introduction to the walking holiday.

Along the way, the route passes several historic and religious buildings, including the Pieve of Capannori and the Abbey of Pozzeveri. Once in Altopascio, it is worth spending some time exploring the old centre.

Note: The first walk on this trip is not particularly interesting, as parts of the route pass through industrial areas and other rather uninspiring surroundings. However, we feel that Lucca is an essential part of the experience, which is why the trip starts here. We therefore actually recommend spending the day exploring Lucca instead and taking the bus to Altopascio at the end of the day.

Hotel (example): Hotel Cavalieri dei Tau***

After breakfast, you set out towards San Miniato. The first kilometres are relatively flat before the landscape becomes hillier as you approach the wild and peaceful Cerbaie Nature Reserve.

You cross the historic Medici bridge at Ponte a Cappiano and continue through farmland that once formed part of the Fucecchio marshes. Some wetlands remain today, making the area particularly interesting for birdlife.

Around midday, you reach the historic town of Fucecchio. Beyond the town, you cross the Arno River and continue towards San Miniato, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Note: This is the longest stage of the trip. If you would prefer a shorter walk, you can take a taxi from Fucecchio, reducing the walking distance to approximately 19 km.

Hotel (example): Hotel San Miniato***

Leaving San Miniato, you soon enter the classic Tuscan countryside. After a short stretch on a quiet paved road, the scenery opens into rolling hills, cypress-lined lanes and scattered farmhouses.

The Via Francigena crosses the Val d'Elsa, an area with a history stretching back thousands of years. The Etruscans once used this region as an important trading area, and the pilgrimage route follows ancient routes that were later incorporated into the Roman road network.

You pass several small country churches before reaching Gambassi Terme. The town has long been associated with travellers and pilgrims, and tradition holds that Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury stayed here during his journey to Rome. Today, Gambassi Terme is also known for its thermal waters, so you may want to round off the day with a little relaxation.

Hotel (example): Villa Delle Certosa

Today's stage follows one of the best-known sections of the Via Francigena. From Gambassi Terme, you walk across the Tuscan hills, passing small country churches, villas and vineyards. Before long, the distinctive towers of San Gimignano appear on the horizon.

San Gimignano is one of Tuscany's most remarkable medieval towns. Its famous towers were built by wealthy families as symbols of prestige and power, creating a skyline unlike anywhere else in the region.

Take some time to explore the historic centre before continuing along the Via Francigena to the agriturismo where you spend the night. Dinner is included this evening.

Note: If the agriturismo near San Gimignano is fully booked on your chosen dates, we will arrange accommodation in Colle di Val d'Elsa instead, including half board. The walking route will be slightly different, but the alternative is clearly described in your route material and offers an equally beautiful walk.

Hotel (example): Agriturismo La Torraccia di Chiusi****
Hotel (example): Hotel La Vecchia Ceriera*** (Colle di val d'Elsa)

You leave the peaceful countryside around San Gimignano and continue towards Monteriggioni.

The route descends into the valley and follows the river before reaching La Badia a Conèo, one of the area's beautiful Romanesque churches. From here, you continue through Quartaia and Gracciano before arriving at Badia ad Isola, once an important stopping point for pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena.

Your destination is Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany's most distinctive fortified villages. Once through the medieval walls, there is time to relax on the small central square before settling into your accommodation.

Note: For this accommodation, the room key must be collected from the restaurant next door. The restaurant opens at 18:30, so access to the rooms is not possible before then.

Hotel (example): Camere nel Castello

Today you leave Monteriggioni and walk south towards Siena. After crossing the Via Cassia, the route follows Tuscany's characteristic strade bianche across rolling hills and through woodland.

There is plenty to see along the way, including the abandoned village of Cerbaia, the castles around Chiocciola and the monastery of San Leonardo. You then continue through the Renai forest before finally approaching Siena.

After checking into your centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Wander through the medieval streets, find a good restaurant or celebrate the end of your journey with a drink on the magnificent Piazza del Campo.

Note: Breakfast is not included on this day.

Hotel (example): Hotel Chiusarelli

After breakfast, it is time to check out and begin your journey home.

If you would like more time in Tuscany, you can extend your stay with additional nights. Alternatively, if you are continuing along the Via Francigena, the route carries on south from Siena through the beautiful landscapes of the Val d'Orcia towards Bolsena and eventually Rome.