length

11 Days

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

trip cost

from $2730 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

11 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $2730 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Self-Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

Lucca to Buonconvento

Since the 4th century, Christians, clergymen, plebians, emperors and sovereigns have undertaken epic, life-changing adventures on foot to Rome, the Holy Land and Santiago de Compostela. Those seeking out the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul were destined for the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. The Via Francigena connected Canterbury Cathedral in England to the Vatican and St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, Italy, via a 1900km pilgrimage route.

Traditionally the journey was taken as an act of devotion and pilgrims would stop along the way at places deemed holy by the church. Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, documented his return journey from Rome (AD990) and it is this route that has had the most significant influence on successive pilgrimages.

So grab your hiking boots and large appetite and become a ‘pellegrino’ on the Via Francigena – the Italian Camino, following in the footsteps of Sigeric. This itinerary travels through Tuscany, the heart of the Via Francigena, and is a journey that is spiritual, cultural and historical. Beautiful trails through the Tuscan countryside, vineyards and forests lead you to ancient churches, monasteries and fortified villages (often on hilltops). The itinerary alternates longer hiking days with shorter ones to allow you time to explore UNESCO listed cities like Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, and Siena. At the end of each day reward yourself with a tasting of the Chianti regional wine and antipasto before sampling some of Tuscany’s gastronomic delights like freshly made pasta with the region’s rare white truffle oil. Buon Viaggio!

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Two hikers with daypacks walking on a path with a 'Via Francigena' sign and shells to the right.

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Tuscan countryside in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury
  • Vineyards and olive groves and watch farmers harvesting their crops*
  • Explore the charming medieval towns of Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena
  • Trek across the photogenic Crete Senesi, identifiable by its ochre-tinged soil
  • Accommodation chosen for warm hospitality, unique character or location
  • Views of the Chianti region from the fortified walls of Monteriggioni

Itinerary

Daily Details

DAY 1: ARRIVE LUCCA

Your journey begins in the captivating city of Lucca. We recommend you arrive early to allow enough time to explore its Romanesque churches, Renaissance sculptures and splendid gardens. Take a walk or bike ride around the tree-lined, red-brick walls that contain this elegant city for views over the Apuan Alps. Lucca’s duomo, Cattedrale di San Martino, is well worth a visit, as is the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. Dinner is on your own tonight and there are many dining options to choose from.

Overnight: Lucca

DAY 2: TRAIN FROM LUCCA TO SAN MINIATO

This morning you have some more time to enjoy Lucca before making your way by train to San Miniato (1 hour, 15 minutes). Take some time this afternoon to discover why this town is considered one of the pearls of the Via Francigena. The seminary, from which the main square takes its name, has a unique facade; take a stroll past it in the evening when it is illuminated, before settling in to enjoy a local speciality of risotto with white truffle.

Overnight: San Miniato

Meals: B

DAY 3: SAN MINIATO TO GAMBASSI TERME (25KM, 7 HOURS)

Today’s walk is gently undulating and takes you on a paved road from San Miniato through to olive groves, past vineyards and farmland crossing typical countryside of the Val d’Elsa. Along the way you will pass Pieve di Coiano, a parish church thought to have been built before 1000AD. The church is particularly significant due to a visit by Archbishop Sigeric on his journey from Canterbury to Rome.

The last half of the walk ventures along the top of rolling Tuscan hills with fantastic views of rustic farmhouses, fields of wheat, sunflowers and vineyards. As you near the town of Gambassi Terme you will pass Pieve a Chianni (the church of Santa Maria), a lovely Romanesque church that has been restored and is now a ostello (hostel). You will stop for the night in Gambassi Terme, a town known for its thermal baths and the thermal springs found in the area.

781m ascent, 654m descent

Overnight: Gambassi Terme

Meals: B, D

DAY 4: GAMBASSI TERME TO SAN GIMIGNANO (18KM, 6 HOURS)

Leaving behind the quaint village of Gambassi Terme, the trail today will take you along country roads, passing more vineyards and olive trees into sections of lush green forest. Keep your eye out for remnants of ancient Roman roads.

Cypress lined paths with beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills either side of you lead to the town of Pancole, dominated by the Santuario di Pancole (Sanctuary of Pancole). Continuing on you will come across the working monastery of Pieve di Cellole. It is set amongst lovely grounds with panoramic views over the countryside. If a mass is not being held, you can visit the church and purchase some of the local farm produce or pottery.

Even though you will be walking alongside the road as you approach San Gimignano, the views remain captivating as you look toward this evocative hilltop town. San Gimignano is a gem and we recommend taking some time to wander the narrow,boutique-filled streets, not forgetting to climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower of many, which affords spectacular views over the UNESCO listed town and the surrounding hills.

Included this evening is a wine tasting that will offer you the opportunity to sample some of the local produce.

595m ascent, 540m descent

Overnight: San Gimignano

Meals: B

DAY 5: SAN GIMIGNANO TO GRACCIANO (21KM, 6 HOURS)

Leaving the fairy tale village of San Gimignano this morning, the Via Francigena takes you along quiet, local roads, through farmland and a number of forested sections. The terrain can be uneven at times with tree roots and rocky sections particularly on the forest trails. The trail meets and follows a stream with the clearest water, offering a place to swim during the warmer months. A detour worth taking today is to see the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Conèo; a Romanesque church built around the year 1,000 and located in the lovely surrounds of the Colle di Val d’Elsa. Some of the areas you are walking through today and tomorrow were once underwater. If you look carefully, some sections of road have shell fossils embedded in them.

209m ascent, 204m descent

Overnight: Gracciano

Meals: B

DAY 6: GRACCIANO TO MONTERIGGIONI (13KM, 4 HOURS)

From Gracciano you will walk along one of the more beautiful sections of the Via Francigena. Today’s 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.

There is no mistaking Monteriggioni as you approach. The small village is perched on a hilltop and is enclosed by medieval walls and 14 striking towers that make quite an impact on the landscape. Explore the narrow streets with its ring of vegetable gardens, houses and the Piazza Roma at the centre. Make sure you climb up on one of the walls to take in the view.

132m ascent, 57m descent

Overnight: Monteriggioni

Meals: B

DAY 7: MONTERIGGIONI TO SIENA (20KM, 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, depart Monteriggioni on dirt roads through the Montagnola Sense, a hilly area of the region passing through the now deserted medieval village of Cerbaia. The trail today is gently undulating along wide gravel country roads lined with the iconic cypress pine. The landscape consists of large expanses of open, rolling hills dotted with castles, farms and forests; land that has seen many legendary battles between Siena and Florence. After a meditative walk through the Renai forest, you will pass through the Porta Camollia, the traditional pilgrims’ entrance to the epic town of Siena. Walk the cobblestone streets of this vibrant town before soaking up the atmosphere of Piazza del Campo over a glass of prosecco and antipasto.

224m ascent, 245m descent

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B, L

DAY 8 : SIENA AT LEISURE

Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The town explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo. The striking Duomo is jam packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. Today is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelatarias – the choice is endless!

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B

DAY 9: SIENA TO LUCIGNANO (21KM, 7 HOURS)

Today your journey takes you along the crests of the Val d’Arbia offering unforgettable views. The typical dirt country roads continue to lead you along the Via Francigena to the fortified village of Lucignano.

Monteroni d’Arbia sits on the Via Francigena and was an agricultural centre for the Republic of Siena. At its borders is Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm. Evidence of a ‘spedale’ existing here in the 12th-century would have given assistance to merchants and pilgrims on the Via Francigena which passed through the nearby town of Arbia.

Lucignano is known for its unique town planning where its streets spiral inwards to the heart of the village, the square of Tribunal where the 16th-century Collegiata church and town hall sit. Spend some time exploring the narrow streets and the treasures this village has hidden away.

307m ascent, 467m descent

Overnight: Lucignano

Meals: B

DAY 10: LUCIGNANO TO BUONCONVENTO (14KM, 5 HOURS)

Your final walk along the Via Francigena today takes you through the Valle dell’Ombrone – a valley of woods, Mediterranean scrub and farmland. The Ombrone river weaves its way amongst the landscape, isolated monuments and historic towns. The trail is predominantly along wide, gravel or grassy country roads.

Arriving at Buonconvento, you will enter this small, historic town via a walled gateway. Appropriately named “the good convent” as it was an important haven for pilgrims and travellers, you will notice the relaxed pace here where life slows to the rhythm of a provincial village. Art lovers will appreciate a visit to the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia which features artworks by some of the most famous Sienese painters Duccio, Sano di Pietro and Matteo di Giovanni, who also left a Madonna and Child in the 14th-century Santi Piero e Paolo church.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your walk on the Via Francigena. Celebrate with a well earned Italian feast of homemade Tuscan specialties and locally produced wine.

307m ascent, 467m descent

Overnight: Buonconvento

Meals: B

DAY 11: DEPART Buonconvento

After breakfast, you are free to leave for your onward journey

Meals: B

Suggested additional nights: Lucca, San Gimignano

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Map

Explore

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 the 16th-century Collegiata 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.

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • 10 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels, family run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
  • Breakfast daily, 1 packed lunch, 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfers on walking days (1 bag per person)
  • Pilgrims passport
  • Electronic Destination Guide and Trek Training Guide
  • GPS Map navigation app and comprehensive electronic walk notes and maps
  • 24-hour emergency support in Italy
  • Arrival transfer from Miniato–Fucecchio train station to your hotel on day 2
Excluded
  • Single supplement $940
  • Solo Traveller surcharge if applicable
  • Lunch and dinner (1 dinner included on night 3)
  • City taxes (to be paid locally)
  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Train tickets
Colin & Jan Myers, Tuscany
Lucca to Buonconvento - Via Francigena
Via Francigena Viterbo to Rome0019

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

We have now finished our Tuscan adventure and have loved the experience. Lucca was perfect and such a gorgeous place to start our adventure. The hotel outside Monteriggioni was particularly lovely and we certainly made use of their lovely pool to cool off. The food was amazing, and of course you couldn’t be in Italy without an Aperol Spritz or two on a hot day! Thank you for all your expertise and putting together the various requests we made.

Colin & Jan Myers, Mount Eliza (VIC) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Stunning landscapes with excellent accommodation at the end of the day. Most enjoyed the views!

Jill Pring, Drysdale (VIC) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

We had a fantastic 12 days on the Via Francigena. The couple of upgrades to accommodations with a pool was well worth it after hiking in 30 degree heat.

Andrew Muller, Newstead (TAS) – September 2023

Via-Francigena-Destination-Guide-Cover

Exclusive Guide

Via Francigena

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.

Download Now

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