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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.
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17kg of CO2-e PP per day
(151kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Lucca
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
Day 2
Explore Lucca on foot or take an optional bike ride, afternoon train to San Miniato Alto
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
Day 3
Through wonderful landscapes to Coiano, transfer to San Miniato (5hrs)
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
Day 4
Through the Val d'Elsa countryside to Gambassi (4hrs)
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. *If you are booked at alternative accommodation tonight, dinner is not included and a discount will apply. Walk: 13.3km/8.3mi, Ascent +391m/1283ft Descent -301m/987ft
Meals: B,D
Day 5
Walk to Pancole (3hrs)
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
Day 6
Through wonderful landscapes to the medieval town of San Gimignano (3hrs)
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
Day 7
Over rolling hills and past vineyards to Colle Val d'Elsa (3hrs)
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 d'Élsa. The usual hotel we use is in the heart of the town with a lovely outlook over the countryside. Walk: 13km/8mi. Ascent: 257m/848ft. Descent: 379m/1250f
Day 8
Walk to Monteriggioni and its famed crown of towers (4hrs)
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 will apply. Please request at the time of booking.
Day 9
Walk to Convento Vecchio and transfer to Siena (4.5hrs)
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.
Day 10
Trip concludes
Trip concludes in Siena this morning, after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 2 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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