Via Francigena Lucca to Siena
Walk over 130 km in 7 days, discovering the beauty of Tuscany at a relaxed pace. This itinerary lets you explore historic towns, rolling countryside, and breathtaking landscapes, ending in one of Italy’s most fascinating cities.
An Extra Night to Experience Siena Without the Rush
With an extra night in Siena, you’ll have the time to truly take in its artistic and historical treasures. Wander through its medieval alleys, admire the grandeur of Piazza del Campo, visit the magnificent Duomo, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere at your own pace—without feeling rushed.
Let Siena reveal itself to you, slowly and fully, before continuing your journey
If you prefer the standard route with no rest days click here
If you prefer the tour with the variant at Colle di Val d’Elsa click here
if you want to enjoy an extra day in San Gimignano & Siena click here
Walk the Via Francigena in good company
- Overnight stays according to your needs
- Luggage Transport each day Door to Door
- Our Maps
- Airport or Station Shuttle
- Assistance every day from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm all the information from the specialists of the Via Francigena!
We take care of everything!
Via Francigena Walking is a very intense walking trip, with many miles of walking and tiring days.
A highly variable route, with easier and shorter stages, and others with decent climbs and descents.
The route is very well marked and has no objective difficulties.
Assistance along the way if you don’t want to walk we will take you to your next hotel.
Difficulty: 3/5
Arrival Airport: Pisa Airport or Florence Airport
Arrival Train Station: Lucca
Departure Train Station: Siena
- 9 nights with overnight and breakfast formula +
- Luggage transport EVERY DAY from Hotel to Hotel
- Detailed route with our Original Virtual and Paper Maps
- Telephone support from 8:30 to 19:00
- Transfer to reach the places of arrival and departure
- Lunches and dinners (You can add to your package HB formula on request where available)
- Visits and entrances to museums and attractive clubs
- Tourist taxes in hotel facilities
- Anything not specified under “the fee includes”
In case of any cancellation of your booking, the following charges are expected:
More than 30 days before Departure date – deposit = 20%
29 – 20 days before Departure date – 30% of the total cost
19 – 15 days before Departure date – 50% of total cost
Less than 14 days before Departure date – 100% total of cost
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arriving in Lucca
Day 1
Nine Days on the Via Francigena: A Journey Begins
Start your nine-day adventure on the Via Francigena in Lucca, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities. Enclosed by imposing Renaissance walls, its historic center is a maze of cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, and stunning churches, where history and charm blend seamlessly.
Before setting off, take in the city’s unique atmosphere—walk along the tree-lined walls, visit the breathtaking Duomo di San Martino, or explore the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini. From here, your journey unfolds through the rolling hills and timeless villages of Tuscany, following the footsteps of ancient travelers along this legendary route.
Look Here for the best Tours of Lucca
Assistance along the way if you don’t want to walk we will take you to your next hotel.
DAY 2: Lucca to Altopascio
DAY 2
Lucca to Altopascio Distance to Cover: 18 Km Walk Time: 4/5 hours
Where History and Tradition Meet
We set off from a city steeped in history, enclosed by impressive Renaissance walls. Leaving behind its charming streets and elegant piazzas, we step into the rolling Tuscan countryside, where the journey truly begins.
Our route brings us to a town that has been a vital stop for ancient travelers on the Via Francigena for centuries. Known for its deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, it once provided shelter and aid to those on long journeys. Today, it remains famous for its bread, a symbol of its historic role in welcoming wayfarers with warmth and sustenance.
DAY 3: Altopascio to San Miniato
DAY 3
Altopascio to San Miniato Distance to Cover: 29 Km Walk Time: 8/9 hours
A Path of Discovery
Leaving the historic heart of Altopascio, where the ancient church of San Jacopo stands as a silent witness to centuries of medieval devotion, we step onto the age-old stone path of the Via Francigena.
The route leads us through a landscape once dominated by vast marshlands, now reclaimed and transformed into fertile countryside. As we walk, the air grows fresher, and the rhythmic flow of the Arno River comes into view—a lifeline of Tuscany that has guided travelers for generations, connecting lands and histories.
Beyond the river, the trail gently ascends toward San Miniato, a striking hilltop town whose skyline is crowned with medieval towers and historic buildings. In the heart of its old town, the magnificent Episcopal Seminary stands as a masterpiece of architecture, preserving the artistic and spiritual legacy of this remarkable place.
DAY 4: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme
DAY 4
San Miniato to Gambassi Terme Distance to Cover: 24 Km Walk Time: 6/7 hours
A Walk Through Heritage
Starting in San Miniato, the route unfolds through a landscape rich in character and history. The path gently rises and falls, weaving through vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands that frame stunning views of the Val d’Elsa.
Scattered along the way, medieval castles, ancient fortresses, and historic abbeys stand as reminders of those who traveled these lands before. The journey leads to Gambassi Terme, a town renowned for its thermal springs, where travelers have long found rest and renewal before continuing their way forward.
DAY 5: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano
DAY 5
Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano Distance to Cover: 14 Km Walk Time: 4/5 hours
Between Landmarks and Landscapes
The journey unfolds through a mesmerizing blend of nature and history, where rolling hills, vineyards, and woodlands shape the path ahead. Along the way, medieval castles and ancient abbeys rise in the distance, evoking the legacy of past travelers.
The stage ends in San Gimignano, a breathtaking hilltop town famous for its medieval towers that pierce the sky. Enclosed within its ancient walls, its stone-paved streets lead to lively squares, historic churches, and panoramic terraces. Arriving here on foot makes the experience even more rewarding, as the town’s silhouette slowly emerges on the horizon, a striking vision after a day of walking through Tuscany’s timeless beauty.
DAY 6: San Gimignano to Colle Val d’Elsa
DAY 6
San Gimignano to Colle Val d’Elsa Distance to Cover: 13 Km Walk Time: 3/4 hours
Through Vineyards to Colle Val d’Elsa
Leaving San Gimignano, the path winds through vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads, offering breathtaking views of the Val d’Elsa. Dirt tracks and ancient stone paths lead past historic ruins and peaceful hamlets. Arriving in Colle Val d’Elsa, known for its crystal-making heritage, we enter a charming medieval town perched above the river, where quiet alleys and panoramic views mark the end of this stunning stage.
DAY 7: Colle Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni
DAY 7
Colle Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni Distance to Cover: 15 Km Walk Time: 4/5 hours
A Peaceful Path to Monteriggioni
This stage unfolds along an easy, level route through rolling countryside. Along the way, the Romanesque parish church of Santa Maria a Coneo invites a quiet pause, its centuries-old walls telling stories of the past.
After crossing the Elsa River, the journey continues to the historic church of San Martino di Strove before reaching Monteriggioni. Surrounded by towering medieval walls and crowned with watchtowers, this remarkable hilltop village emerges like a fortress frozen in time, offering a spectacular end to the day’s walk.
DAY 8: Monteriggioni to Siena
DAY 8
Monteriggioni to Siena Distance to Cover: 21 Km Walk Time: 5/6 hours
Through Forgotten Villages to Siena
Leaving Monteriggioni, the route stretches across white gravel roads, leading to Cerbaia, a once-bustling medieval village now reclaimed by nature. From here, the path winds through the shaded Renai woods, offering a tranquil escape before the final approach to Siena.
Entering the city through Porta Camollia, a historic gateway for travelers along the Via Francigena, Siena reveals its timeless beauty.
DAY 9: Day in Siena
DAY 9
Siena
A Grand Finale in Siena
Spending a day in Siena is the perfect way to conclude this journey through nature with a city steeped in history and tradition. Known worldwide for the Palio, Siena captivates with its medieval charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
To make the experience even more special, Walking on Francigena offers exclusive activities, from guided tours of hidden gems to tastings of local wines and delicacies. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage, reflect on the path traveled, and celebrate the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Look Here for the best experiences of Siena and surroundings
Silver Package
Bed and Breakfast Formula
in 2-stars Hotel/B&B
Gold Package
Bed and Breakfast Formula
in 3-stars Hotel/Agritourism
Platinum Package
Bed and Breakfast Formula
in 4/5-stars Hotel/Agritourism
Services
Hotelsalong the paths
Single and Double Room package
with BB formula in Hotels,
B&B and Farmhouses along the path.
Triple Room package on request
(where available)
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