The Via Francigena is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe, running from Canterbury, England, to Rome. The section of the route in Tuscany is a hiking trail that, despite centuries of history, still retains the unspoiled atmosphere of a time when the first travelers followed the path that led the Archbishop of Canterbury to Rome.
Traveling along Tuscany’s ancient“strade bianche,” past old farmhouses nestled along rivers and medieval villages, you’ll arrive in Siena, welcomed by Porta Camollia, the city’s ancient gateway, strategically located on the Via Cassia.
We describe the route as an 8-day hike. You can plan the entire trip yourself or have it organized by a local specialist. In that case, luggage transport, GPX routes, support, and accommodations will be arranged. Read more about hiking in Tuscany.
If you’re in reasonably good shape, this route is perfectly manageable. Here and there, you can shorten the route and take the bus or train.
From this beautiful city steeped in history, you’ll begin your journey to Siena, following the ancient Via Francigena through Tuscany.
Your walking tour begins in Lucca. Take a stroll through the historic center, past the imposing city walls, the Cathedral of San Martino, and the amphitheater. Of course, during your trip to Tuscany, you’ll want to sample the typical, delicious local cuisine. One dish that’s sure to let you experience the aromas and flavors of the time of the ancient pilgrims is Lucca-style spelt soup—the Zuppa di Farro —which has been cultivated in this region since Roman times and, combined with legumes and seasonal vegetables, offers a complete and nutritious meal. It’s the same soup that was served as far back as the Middle Ages to the many pilgrims passing through Lucca.
30 km, +330 -210, or 4 km + train from Lucca
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Lucca to officially begin this wonderful hiking trip that will take you to Siena.
A short train ride will take you to Altopascio, a very important medieval village that historically relied primarily on welcoming pilgrims: this is where the historic journey along the Via Francigena in Tuscany begins.
In the Middle Ages, travelers used to traverse this route through rivers and marshes; today, we walk across comfortable bridges. Surrounded by the unspoiled nature of the Cerbaie forests, with centuries-old oaks and beautiful water lilies, you’ll soon reach the Tuscan plain, characterized by vast, expertly cultivated fields.
You’ll pass through the old town of Fucecchio, a historic stronghold on the Via Francigena, with a magnificent municipal museum that bears witness to its rich past. After crossing the Arno River, you’ll soon reach San Miniato with its perfectly preserved medieval center. Spread across three hills overlooking the Arno Valley, this enchanting Tuscan town is linked to the names of two important emperors who changed the course of history: Napoleon and Frederick II.
It is possible to shorten today’s stage to just 4 km by taking the train from Lucca to S. Miniato-Fucecchio with a transfer in Pisa (where you can visit the Leaning Tower if you wish).
25 km, +500 -410 or 13 km + private transfer
The Via Francigena in Tuscany is a trail steeped in tradition and beautiful landscapes that will make you want to stop every so often to take it all in. It is precisely for this reason that even Sigeric, the ancient Bishop of Canterbury, captivated by the beauty of this region, chose to stop here several times—and consequently fell behind schedule. In fact, the second stage of your journey takes you along unpaved roads and ancient trails, until you reach the Chianti region on the final stretch.
Here, the well-maintained vineyards, interspersed with beautiful rolling hills, provide the backdrop, with a different color in every season. The Etruscans and Romans were already cultivating these vines. That is why the Gallo Nero, or “black rooster,” is now synonymous with fine wine, and its production is protected by DOCG certification.
Arrival in Gambassi Terme, which, as the name suggests, is known for its spa facilities and serves as a stopover for pilgrims of all ages.
It is possible to shorten today’s stage to 13 km by taking a short private transfer, which can be arranged through the hotel.
15 km, +460 -390
The third section of the Via Francigena in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire route. You’ll see just how much the Via Francigena has influenced and shaped daily life in this region, which is dotted with fairytale castles, magnificent abbeys, and small-scale hotels and agriturismos. The long, charming dirt roads, lined with beautiful, neatly arranged cypress trees, take you past some of Tuscany’s most evocative spots, such as the Sanctuary of Pancole and the Pieve di Cellole.
The towers rising on the horizon make it clear that you’re in San Gimignano. As soon as you arrive, take a moment to visit the quaint little shops nestled in the narrow streets of the beautiful medieval old town. Here you can still find Vernaccia, the “white queen” of San Gimignano—one of Italy’s most time-honored wines, mentioned by 14th-century Florentine poets such as Dante and Boccaccio.
15 km, +240 -370
After a pleasant breakfast featuring local products in the medieval village, you’ll leave San Gimignano —which has become very touristy in recent years—to continue your journey, this time under the pleasant shade of ancient oaks that, together with the centuries-old olive trees, offer a pleasant change of scenery from the Sienese countryside.
You’ll arrive in Colle Val d’Elsa, home to many artisan workshops. Thanks in part to the nearby river, these were already in operation as far back as the Middle Ages. Given its location on the border between Florence and Siena, the town has always been a key stop for the many travelers who were welcomed here by the local people.
15 km, +260 -200
As you leave the town of Colle Val d’Elsa, you’ll resume Sigerico’s route along the Via Francigena on this penultimate stage, which leads you to the charming village of Monteriggioni.
You can see the walls that protect the town and overlook the central Via Cassia, the ancient Roman road. The village has a charming atmosphere, with beautifully maintained gardens and colorful orchards.
For dinner, why not try a delicious plate of pici—traditional handmade spaghetti—topped with a classic Tuscan ragù made with a local delicacy: Cinta Senese pork? According to tradition, pigs have been raised in the wild in these areas since the Middle Ages.
20 km, +380 -310 or 16 km + bus from Monteriggioni
Today you’ll arrive at your final destination: enchanting Siena, one of the most beautiful and important cities along the Via Francigena. Through forests dotted with centuries-old oaks and holm oaks, you’ll walk along the traditional Tuscan strade bianche, interspersed with roads of a more intense color that characterize the Siena countryside.
You’ll come across countless farms and castles, such as the Castello della Chiocciola / Villa Petrucci, built in the Middle Ages to defend the Republic of Siena, before finally arriving at the enchanting Pian del Lago. The name comes from a lake that no longer exists. Here you’ll find the beautiful Villa Petrucci and the Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago, which feature stunning frescoes by Lippo Vanni, a renowned Sienese painter from the second half of the fourteenth century. You’ll continue walking until you enter Siena through the magnificent Porta Camollia, the traditional gateway to the city.
It is possible to shorten today’s stage to 16 km with a short bus transfer from Monteriggioni.
Be sure to take in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Siena before you head back home.
Of course, you can easily hike this route on your own and arrange your own accommodations. The trails are well marked, and GPX routes are available for download.
Would you prefer to hike without luggage and have your accommodations arranged for you? If so, you can request your trip here.
Includes
You can arrange your own trip to Lucca: you can fly to Pisa or Florence, or drive to Lucca. Lucca is also easily accessible by train from Amsterdam.
If you’d like to hike from Bologna to Florence, read more here about the Via degli Dei.
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