Overview
While many set their Tour of Italy sights on beloved Florence, this walk connects three lesser-known Tuscan towns that are set on the medieval Via Francigena walking route. Lucca impresses with its Renaissance walls, intact and encircling the city for over 500 years. San Gimignano is a town lost in time, which allows its medieval core to remain unspoilt over the centuries. Siena was once a city that rivalled Paris and London in size, but after the 14th c plague it lost its prominence but saved its architectural soul. In between these three beauties is a walking itinerary of beauty and wonder, with all the charm and majestic grandeur that makes Tuscany one of Italy’s most beloved regions. Eight spring nights in the Tuscany of artists and inventors will build memories for you beyond what outsiders usually see, and a pilgrim completion certificate in Siena awaits you!
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary
September 14, 2025 - Gather in Lucca
September 14, 2025 - Gather in Lucca
Description
Lucca has been called by some a “smaller Florence.” Inside its medieval walls the town is beautifully preserved with quiet streets full of shops and charming restaurants. The Duomo is spectacular in its intricate stone work. We meet at the apartment of Sandy Brown in one of Lucca’s major piazze for get-acquainted time and orientation and then head to a delicious dinner. Overnight in Lucca.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Monday, September 15, 2025 – Lucca City Walk
Monday, September 15, 2025 – Lucca City Walk
Description
We spend the day walking around Lucca and studying its Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance walls. Then we walk alongside Lucca’s historic 19th c aqueduct to its hilly water source at park-like Parole d’Oro. Now it’s time for lunch and meandering around the water buildings and woods before it’s back to Lucca on foot or by van. Evening aperitivi are an option before dinner and then we overnight in Lucca.
distance: 8.4 km
ascent: 109 m
descent: 108 m
% hard surfaces: 100%
difficulty rating: 5
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 – Transfer To Altopascio And Walk To San Miniato
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 – Transfer To Altopascio And Walk To San Miniato
Description
The tall tower of San Miniato can be seen for many miles around and was erected as a beacon to pilgrims on the Via Francigena. Today’s stage begins with a 9-minute transfer by train to Altopascio where we set out through the woods to the Renaissance-era Ponte Cappiano and then walk atop the dyke-top paths to Fucecchio. A van transfer takes you from Fucecchio to San Miniato (or opt for another 7km walk to reach the city on foot). Explore the town’s churches and towers before dinner and overnight in San Miniato.
distance: 28.7 km
ascent: 353 m
descent: 225 m
% hard surfaces: 39%
difficulty rating: 8
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – San Miniato To Gambassi Terme
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – San Miniato To Gambassi Terme
Description
Now the vast rolling hills open up and this very picturesque day carries pilgrims through beautiful farmland with constant, sweeping vistas of Tuscan countryside. Lunch and optional pick-up at Coiano, or continue to one of two pickups at roadside intersections to shorten the day.
distance: 24.0 km
ascent: 552 m
descent: 368 m
% hard surfaces: 31%
difficulty rating: 7
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Gambassi Terme To San Gimignano
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Gambassi Terme To San Gimignano
Description
San Gimignano is noted as one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns, with 14 surviving medieval towers where prosperous medieval families stored their treasures. The terrain is typical, rolling Tuscan hills, with a hill at the end of the day. A lunchtime highlight is the Monastery of Bose at Cellole, but few Tuscan towns have as much to offer the visitor as San Gimignano itself. We make time in the day to enjoy the frescoes at the interior of San Gimignano’s Duomo plus a scoop or two of San Gimignano’s famous gelato. Overnight San Gimignano.
distance: 13.7 km
ascent: 396 m
descent: 392 m
% hard surfaces: 48%
difficulty rating: 6
Friday, September 19, 2025 – San Gimignano To Colle Di Val D'Elsa
Friday, September 19, 2025 – San Gimignano To Colle Di Val D'Elsa
Description
Now in the thick of Tuscan countryside we enjoy rolling hills among vineyards of the local Sangiovese grapes. Colle di Val d’Elsa is the goal, and this little-known town will impress with its well-preserved lanes and churches. A day’s end option allows a short hike and swim at the turquoise waterfall at the end of Sentiero di Elsa. Overnight Colle di Val d’Elsa.
distance: 17.0 km
ascent: 294 m
descent: 448 m
% hard surfaces: 50%
difficulty rating: 7
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Colle Di Val D'Elsa To Monteriggioni
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Colle Di Val D'Elsa To Monteriggioni
Description
Monteriggioni is a fully walled medieval village atop a rounded mountain. To get there we walk in the countryside, aiming at the historic Abbadia d’Isola with its historic church and pilgrim hostel. The short day ends with a stiff climb up to the walled city and an atmospheric overnight either inside the walls or nearby.
distance: 14.9 km
ascent: 268 m
descent: 202 m
% hard surfaces: 44%
difficulty rating: 6
Sunday, September 21, 2015 Monteriggioni To Siena
Sunday, September 21, 2015 Monteriggioni To Siena
Description
We walk through the Pian del Lago, the dry lake emptied by a 17th c tunnel measuring 2km in length. Either ride the van into town from here, or take the brisk walk uphill to the city. There are few words worthy to describe Siena and its world-renowned treasures of medieval and Renaissance art. Best of all is Siena’s Duomo, the stunningly beautiful cathedral at its heart. Overnight in Siena.
distance: 20.4 km
ascent: 368 m
descent: 300 m
% hard surfaces: 42%
difficulty rating: 7
Monday, September 22, 2025 Depart Siena
Monday, September 22, 2025 Depart Siena
Description
Our time together ends with a morning tour of the city after breakfast at the hotel. We say goodbye to our new friends and either continue on or take an additional day or two to enjoy this wonderful Tuscan town.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What we provide
- Hosted by experienced pilgrim leader, Laura Harris
- Expert European hiking guide included
- All (8) overnight accommodations
- All breakfasts and dinners (wine not included)
- Complete van and driver support
- Baggage transfer each day (up to 18kg/person)
- E-guidebook by Pilgrim Paths' own Sandy Brown
- Official Via Francigena pilgrim credential
- Private rooms with private baths
What you provide
- Transportation to and from the journey
- Lunches and snacks each day
- Gratuity for your guide and driver (€5-10 per day for each)
- Adequate gear and fitness for walking 12-25km/day
