VIA FRANCIGENA

Italy's beautiful pilgrim trail through Tuscany

The Via Francigena is a 1000-year-old pilgrimage route that extends in its entirety around 2000km from Canterbury in England all the way to Rome. Its name is a nod to the fact that it travels through France, but during its history, the route was also known as the Via Romea (way to Rome) for the city where it ends. We focus on the Tuscan section with itineraries that take you through the heart of the Via Francigena, on a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. You’ll walk through UNESCO listed towns and villages immersed in the most beautiful Tuscan landscapes. The routes through Tuscany are divided into manageable sections of between 13km and 25km a day. The Via Francigena is a lot quieter than the Spanish Camino, so prepare for more of an adventurous, but equally rewarding journey.

VIA FRANCIGENA

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WALKING THE ANCIENT ROAD TO ROME

Immerse yourself in the artistic, cultural and religious heritage of one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. Discover ancient aqueducts, cathedrals and fortified castle walls, and famous art collections.

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HAVE A STRESS-FREE ADVENTURE

We take care of all the details – accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, breakfasts and transport. Relax and enjoy your walking experience knowing that our local staff can offer assistance if you need it.

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QUINTESSENTIAL TUSCAN LANDSCAPES

Glorious walking and continuously changing vistas: open fields, forest trails, vineyards, undulating meadows. Explore the famous UNESCO villages of Siena, San Gimignano and Lucca.

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GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS

Indulge in exceptional Italian coffee, savour a picnic lunch of Italian cheeses on a vine-shaded bench, all washed down with a good bottle of the local Chianti.

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VIA FRANCIGENA

Lucca to Siena
9 Days

Italy

Lucca to Siena – Via Francigena

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Walk the Tuscan countryside in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury
  • Enjoy wine tasting and traditional dishes of Tuscany
  • Explore the medieval UNESCO towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
  • Views of Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
from

$2,250.00

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Walkers in Tuscany on the Via Francigena
9 Days

Italy

Lucca to Siena Group Trip – Via Francigena

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Traverse spectacular Tuscan countryside through vineyards and olive groves
  • Indulge in the traditional dishes of Tuscany and enjoy a wine tasting
  • Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
  • Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
from

$2,495.00

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Via Francigena vineyard walk
11 Days

Italy

Lucca to Buonconvento – Via Francigena

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Indulge in the traditional dishes of Tuscany and enjoy a wine tasting
  • Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
  • Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
  • Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi, identifiable by its ochre-tinged soil
from

$2,730.00

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Lucca to Rome - Via Francigena
24 Days

Italy

Lucca to Rome – Via Francigena

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Explore Medieval UNESCO towns of Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena and Rome
  • Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni
  • Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni
  • Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia
from

$5,870.00

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Via Francigena Pilgrim
8 Days

Italy

Buonconvento to Montefiascone – Via Francigena

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Tuscan countryside and the distinctive Val d’Orcia landscape
  • Traditional Italian dishes and locally-produced, world-class wines
  • Explore charming, medieval UNESCO listed villages
  • Relax in hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, an UNESCO World Heritage site
from

$1,730.00

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Via Francigena
8 Days

Italy

Montefiascone to Rome – Via Francigena

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Explore Etruscan villages and historical sites
  • Locally produced cheese, olive oil and famous wine
  • Ancient streets of Viterbo, once a favourite residence of medieval popes
  • The stone Roman amphitheatre and tombs carved into volcanic rock in Sutri
from

$1,780.00

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Via Francigena Route Map

Lucca

The captivating city of Lucca is a jewel in Tuscany’s crown. It mesmerises with its intact Renaissance walls embracing a labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Its historic piazzas boast architectural splendour while hidden trattorias tease with sumptuous Tuscan flavours.

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San Miniato

The hilltop town of San Miniato is ridiculously gorgeous and offers an enticing blend of cultural heritage, stunning vistas and gastronomic delights. The medieval town is perched atop three small hills, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, vineyards and olive groves. It’s famous for its white truffle festival held every November.

Gambassi Terme

The lovely hill town of Gambassi Terme is famous for its thermal baths, archeological ruins and medieval churches. As well as classic traditional Tuscan products like Chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil, Gambassi also offers a delicious bounty of cheeses to taste.

San Gimignano

The fairytale hilltop town of San Gimignano is encircled by 13th-century walls and an eye-catching skyline of 14 medieval towers that soar above the cobbled streets. The towers have earned the village the nickname ‘Medieval Manhattan’.

Gracciano

From the village of Gracciano you walk along one of the more beautiful sections of the Via Francigena. Highlights include Pieve a Elsa and the ancient Etruscan thermae (thermal pools) of Caldane. Continuing on you will be able to admire the facade of the Pieve di Strove and Abbadia a Isola, a resting place for Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury on his pilgrimage.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is one of the oldest, most memorable and recognisable villages in all of Italy. This splendid medieval walled village has 14 striking towers that make quite an impact on the landscape. In the early 1300s, Dante compared its towers to infernal giants. A full circuit of the walls runs to just 570m and you can walk much of it, admiring the view out to the Chianti and Val d’Elsa, over olive groves and vines.

Siena

The vibrant town of Siena is situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills. It is bursting with art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques and gelatarias. Walk the cobblestone streets before soaking up the atmosphere of Piazza del Campo with a glass of Prosecco and a delicious antipasto.

Lucignano

The small fortified village of Lucignano is one of the most extraordinary examples of medieval town planning. Its streets spiral inwards to reach the heart of the village – the square of Tribunal, which is overlooked by the town hall and the 16th-century church.

Buonconvento

Buonconvento is a delightful village in the Crete Senesi. The heart of the historical centre is Via Soccini, where most restaurants, cafes and the church are located, along with the old town hall, which is covered with 25 crests of the Podestas (mayors) who ruled Buonconvento until 1270.

San Quiroco d’Orcia

The beautiful hilltop town of San Quiroco d’Orcia is a lovely example of medieval architecture and city planning. At the centre of the historic town sits the stunning Collegiata. Built in the 11th century on the site of an old baptistery, it has three main main doorways, one of which overlooks the Via Francigena.

Castiglione d’Orcia

On your way to the World Heritage village of Castiglione d’Orcia, you’ll walk through one of the most beautiful panoramic sections of the whole Via Francigena. In the walled old town you’ll find cobblestone streets, medieval houses, Roman churches and the Piazza il Vecchietta, a square that is dedicated to Lorenzo di Pietro, a sculptor, architect and painter.

Radicofani

The village of Radicofani is situated on a hill in the Val d’Orcia and is dominated by a spectacular Tuscan fortresses. Its historic centre has splendid buildings and the remarkable Romanesque church of San Pietro The village is also known as the city of fountains.

Acquapendente

The lovely town of Acquapendente is located right at the border of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbri. It owes its name to the nearby waterfalls that flow into the river Paglia. Charles Dickens travelled to Acquapendente on the Via Cassia in 1845 and details it in his writings. If you have time, experience a silent walk through the Romanesque crypt located beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro.

Bolsena

As well as being an important stop for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena, Bolsena is famous for a miracle recorded in 1263 at the church of St Christina. This church is well worth a visit for its frescoes, architecture and underground catacombs. You can also take a walk along the lake promenade, book a boast cruise or simply wander the shops and enjoy a coffee while taking in the cafe culture.

Montefiascone

Located on top of a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, Montefiascone is surrounded by vineyards. There are many sites worth visiting such as the Fortress of the Popes and the Santa Margherita Cathedral, both of which dominate the town’s landscape.

Viterbo

Film crews are a frequent sight in the pretty medieval Viterbo. The town dates all the way back to the time of the Etruscans and had its golden age during the Middle Ages. Viterbo was chosen as the papal residence in the 13th century. Today, its old town is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in Italy.

Vetralla

Vetralla sits on the slope of Mount Fogliano at the crossroads of three important Roman roads – via Cassia, via Clodio, and via Aurelia. Local legend says that Vetralla dates back to the Biblical figure of Noah, who ran the Ark aground here.

Sutri

The pretty town of Sutri was occupied by both the Etruscans and the Romans. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, thought to have been carved from volcanic ‘tuff’ rock in the 1st-century, and the nearby Etruscan Necropolis that has tombs cut into the rock.

Campagnano di Roma

The pretty hilltop town of Campagnano di Roma retains its atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A strategic point on the route to and from Rome, Campagnano is crossed by the Via Amerina and the Via Francigena, which sees its last stop here before reaching Rome.

Rome

Rome is one of the world’s great cities and it’s truly magical, even with the crowds! The Eternal City blends ancient wonders and modern vibrancy. Immerse yourself in unparalleled history amid iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City and indulge in the capital’s fascinating and eclectic food scene.

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Exclusive Guide

get inspired

The Italian Camino – the Via Francigena – is a classic pilgrim journey to the Eternal City, Rome. We focus on the Tuscan section with itineraries that take you through the heart of the Via Francigena, on a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. Get ready for glorious walking, gastronomic delights and much more.

Find out all you need to know about the Via Francigena in our free destination guide – it’s bursting with inspiration, travel essentials and practical tips.

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VIA FRANCIGENA

Frequently Asked Questions

How does walking the Via Francigena differ from other pilgrimage routes across Europe?

The Via Francigena is a lot quieter than other more popular routes like the Camino Frances in Spain. You’ll need to brush up on your Italian and prepare for more of an adventurous, but equally rewarding journey. Christians, clergymen, plebeians, emperors and sovereigns have been walking this pilgrimage route since the 4th century and we welcome you to undertake this special journey in their footsteps.

What historical landmarks and artistic treasures can walkers expect on the Via Francigena?

On the Via Francigena there are ancient monasteries, UNESCO listed towns and medieval hilltop villages. You can explore ancient aqueducts, cathedrals and fortified castle walls plus famous art collections in galleries, duomos and museums.

What are some must-visit towns along the Via Francigena?

Captivating San Gimignano is the epitome of a Tuscan hill town – visually striking and perfectly preserved, and beloved for its 14 medieval towers. In cosmopolitan Lucca you can walk or bike around the 16th-century red-brick walls and admire views over the Apuan Alps and palazzo gardens. Siena’s restored twisting historic centre is enthralling and its striking duomo is jam-packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello. Other unmissable highlights include San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, Monteriggioni, Buonconvento, San Quiroco d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Montefiascone and Rome.

Is the Via Francigena a well-marked trail?

The Italian section of the Via Francigena is fairly well signed but you will need to keep an eye out for the different signs that mark the way. Our unique app will help you navigate easily along the trail and has a host of great features. Our itineraries are divided into manageable sections of between 13km and 25km a day. They offer glorious walking and continuously changing vistas: open fields, forest trails, vineyards, undulating meadows.

When is the best time to walk the Via Francigena?

The best time to walk the Via Francigena is April to June and September to October. Seasonal attractions include wildflowers in spring, sunflowers in summer, and olive and grape harvesting in autumn. You’ll need to be prepared for hotter temperatures in July and August. Also keep in mind that August is the European holiday season and the main cities can get very crowded with tourists. 

How long does it take to walk the entire Via Francigena?

The entire Via Francigena is 2000km, extending from Canterbury in England all the way to Rome. Tuscany is where you’ll find the best parts of the ancient route. We have itineraries ranging from 8 to 24 days. We can also tailor-make itineraries to suit your timeframes and fitness.

What is the terrain like on the Via Francigena?

Underfoot, there is a variety of terrain on the Via Francigena, including paved, cobblestone, gravel, and dirt paths, some with loose rocks and/or tree roots. You will even come across remnants of original roman roads thought to be over 1200 years old. Walking poles are useful but not essential. They are good for balance and taking weight off your knees on descents. There are a couple of sections that are tougher than others with more inclines, but generally, the level of walking is moderate.

Can walkers easily find accommodation and food along the Via Francigena?

We pre-book accommodation for all our walkers, ranging from well-located 3-star hotels in the cities to family run B&Bs and agriturismos (farms) in the country and smaller towns. Daily breakfasts are included (and the occasional lunch and dinner – see individual trip itineraries). We will advise you where you can buy your lunch each day or you can always pack a picnic giving you the freedom to stop whenever you wish. Dinner is usually not included as our guests often prefer the freedom to eat on their own schedule and budget. We encourage you to make the most of the opportunity to sample the dishes and specialties of the regions that you walk through.

Do I need to speak Italian to walk the Via Francigena?

Being able to say a few words in Italian is not essential while walking the Via Francigena but it will give you a more enjoyable experience. We recommend that you learn some basic phrases and carry a phrasebook or use a language app. Remember that Italy is a surprisingly formal society. Greet people in shops, restaurants and bars with a ‘Buon giorno’ (good morning) or ‘Buonasera’ (good evening). Use simple gestures and be patient when asking local people for help.

What historical and religious significance does the Via Francigena hold for pilgrims?

The Via Francigena is a 1000-year-old pilgrimage route. In medieval times it ran from Canterbury in the UK through France and Switzerland to the Eternal City. A pilgrimage to Rome – resting place of saints Peter and Paul – used to be just as popular as going to Santiago de Compostela. Anyone who made the pilgrimage to Rome could have their sins wiped clean. Though it fell out of fashion compared with the Spanish route, fragments of the Via Francigena survived, and in 2009 the Italian government launched a project to reinstate the whole Italian leg of the route.

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If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line:

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