Tuscany Slow Walk - Via Francigena

Your journey begins in San Miniato , a charming medieval town full of character and history nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany. Considered one of the pearls of the Via Francigena, San Miniato offers a mix of cobbled streets, ancient churches, and panoramic valley views. The town is renowned for its prized white truffles, celebrated each year with a lively festival that draws food lovers from around the world.

On arrival at San Miniato-Fucecchio train station you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. This afternoon is at leisure for you to rest up or explore this town. 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 dinner on your own – you may like to sample the local speciality of risotto with white truffle.

Overnight: San Miniato

Meals: Nil

After breakfast this morning begin your walk on the Via Francigena. The walk out of San Miniato is on a gently undulating paved country road leading from the town into the heart of the timeless Tuscan countryside. Transitioning to county lanes and farm tracks as you walk past olive groves, vineyards and farmlands, the trail offers plenty of sweeping views as you cross the typical landscape of the Val d’Elsa.

Arrive at Pieve di Coiano, a small but atmospheric parish church thought to have been built before 1000AD. The church has traditionally been a significant stop for pilgrims, due to a visit by Archbishop Sigeric on his journey from Canterbury to Rome. Your driver will meet you here and transfer you back to San Miniato for your second night stay.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, allowing you more time to soak in this small town’s authentic Tuscan atmosphere, and enjoy it’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.

205m ascent, 175m descent

Overnight: San Miniato

Meals: B

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to Pieve di Coiano to begin the second half of the walk to Gambassi Terme. The undulating route winds through vineyards, olive groves, and shaded woodlands, and the gentle hills reward you with picture-postcard views around every bend. Along the way, you’ll pass some small farmhouses and quiet country chapels to remind you of the Via Francigena’s centuries-old history.

As you ascend to the hilltop town of Gambassi Terme you will pass Pieve a Chianni (the church of Santa Maria), a historic Romanesque parish church. Gambassi Terme, known for its thermal baths and the thermal springs found in the area, was once an important resting place for medieval pilgrims on the Via Francigena. This afternoon take some time to relax and recharge, or explore the town. You may like to unwind in the local spa, which still draws visitors seeking the rejuvenating effects of the natural springs

360m ascent, 170m descent

Overnight: Gambassi Terme

Meals: B, D

Leaving behind the quaint village of Gambassi Terme, the trail today will take you along country roads through the Tuscan countryside, passing more vineyards, olive trees and farmlands into sections of lush green forest. Keep your eye out for remnants of ancient Roman roads, and for any wineries that may be open for drop-in visitors.

Cypress lined paths with beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills either side of you lead to the town of Pancole, a tiny hamlet perched among the hills dominated by the Santuario di Pancole (Sanctuary of Pancole).

200m ascent, 285m descent

Overnight: Pancole

Meals: B

Departing Pancole on foot 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. The path continues through the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you make your way towards the famous towers of San Gimignano visible in the distance.

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 where you will stay for the next two nights. Arriving on foot through the Porta San Matteo, just as pilgrims have for centuries, you’ll enter San Gimignano’s historic centre that appears frozen in time, with its well-preserved streets, bustling piazzas, and stunning medieval architecture

250m ascent, 150m descent

Overnight: San Gimignano

Meals: B

Today enjoy a full day at leisure to explore atmospheric San Gimignano. This walled medieval town is an absolute gem. We recommend taking your time to wander the narrow, boutique-filled streets, not forgetting to climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest town of many. From the top, you will be rewarded with 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.

Overnight: San Gimignano

Meals: B

Leaving the fairytale town 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. 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.

Colle Val d’Elsa, often called the “City of Crystal,” is a charming Tuscan town traditionally known as a resting place for pilgrims and travellers, and for its artisanal glassmaking and medieval atmosphere. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, explore the picturesque upper town with its historic buildings, and enjoy panoramic views. If time permits you may like to visit the Crystal Museum or the Archaeological Museum.

270m ascent, 380m descent

Overnight: Colle Val d’Elsa

Meals: B

Today 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. This gorgeous 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.

250m ascent, 190m descent

Overnight: Monteriggioni

Meals: B

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 paths and 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. A transfer has been arranged for the last 5 kilometres to avoid the long uphill road walking through Siena’s suburbs into the historic centre, thus shortening today’s walking distance from 20km to 15km.

After settling in to your hotel, spend some time walking the cobblestone streets of this vibrant town. This evening we recommend soaking up the incredible atmosphere of Piazza del Campo by night with a glass of Prosecco and antipasto, celebrating the end of your pilgrimage along the Via Francigena.

170m ascent, 150m descent

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B

Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is a UNESCO city not to be missed. The striking Duomo is jampacked with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. This vibrant city explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo.

The day is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelaterias – the choice is endless!

Overnight: Siena

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

• 10 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels, family-run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays)
• Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
• Luggage transfers on walking days
• Pilgrims passport
• GPS Map navigation app and electronic walk notes and maps
• 24-hour emergency support in Italy
• Arrival transfer from San Miniato–Fucecchio train station to your hotel on day 1
• Transfer on Day 2 from Coiano to hotel in San Miniato
• Transfer on Day 3 from hotel in San Miniato to Pieve 
• Transfer on Day 9 from Convento Vecchio to Siena 
• Wine tasting in San Gimignano
• Pre-trip planning, including comprehensive resources
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

• Single supplement $1000
• Solo traveller surcharge
• Lunches and dinners (only 1 dinner included on night 4)
• City taxes (to be paid locally in each place)
• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Train tickets