About This Walk
Walk through the rolling hills of Tuscany in 2026
Experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the ancient Via Francigena. This route takes you from the medieval walls of Lucca, through the iconic hilltop towers of San Gimignano, and into the world-famous Piazza del Campo in Siena. It’s a journey of breathtaking landscapes, cypress-lined paths, and world-class Italian cuisine.
Day 1:
Travel to Lucca, check in to your hotel then check out the town! Wander past splendid gardens, marvel at the majestic bell tower and be stunned by the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre. To get a better perspective, make sure to walk the perimeter along tree-lined walls. This evening, stroll round the town squares to whet your appetite and select a restaurant for dinner.
Day 2:
This morning you wander over to San Martin Cathedral and come face to face, in a literal sense, with the expressive ‘Volto Santo’, famous wooden statue-reliquary of Christ Crucified attributed to Nicodemus. In the afternoon, jump on the train to Fucecchio where you’ll be met for the transfer to your accommodation perched high in the hilltop town of San Miniato Alto.
Day 3:
Take to a bit of tarmac, then veer off on a spectacular route through quintessential Tuscan countryside in the Val d’Elsa. Thrilling to scenes straight out of the famed Road to Rome diary penned by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, you stumble upon two exquisite gems: Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni. Your route ends in Gambassi, home to Florentine nobles since its 14th-century origin.
Challenge: 7 hours, 25 km / 15,5 mi, 780 m ascent, 655 m descent
Day 4:
The Via Francigena cuts directly through stunning scenery today, as you make your way to peculiar villages like Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole stopping off to visit Santa Maria Sanctuary in Pancole. At the end of the day, San Gimignano invites you to stroll back in history. So go ahead, get lost in its charming medieval atmosphere! Then follow your nose to succulent aromas, peeking into restaurants to select a spot for dinner.
Challenge: 6 hours, 14 km / 8.7 mi, 350 m ascent/descent
Day 5:
The pilgrimage route simply outdoes itself today as you roam toward Rome, hiking up and down the Tuscan hills among vineyards and olive groves, fields and woodlands. If you’re feeling extra energetic, take an optional detour to the fascinating 11th-century Abbey of Santa Maria a Conero.
Challenge: 6 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 210 m ascent, 205 m descent
Day 6:
Passing Pieve a Elsa, a site with a thousand-year history where a chapel once stood, you slip further back in time to the ancient Etruscan hot springs at Thermae di Caldane. Next, Strove’s robust Romanesque church awaits as does the bizarre complex at Abbadia a Isola, founded in the palindromic year of 1001. Spend the night in medieval Monteriggioni, where a peculiar crown of towers encircles the village.
Challenge: 4 hours, 13 km / 8 mi, 130 m ascent, 55 m descent
Day 7:
Take off on dirt tracks through the classic hills of Montagnola Senese, passing the ancient medieval village of Cerbaia, seemingly lost in time. A pretty story-book castle, ‘Castello della Chiocciola’, sprouts up among groves of trees en route to Pian del Lago, with or without a detour via Il Poggio di Riciano. Revel in the quiet coolness of Renai Forest before you strut proudly through the Porta Camollia, historic pilgrims’ gate into splendid Siena. Tonight you will embrace yet another challenge, choosing the very best place for a farewell dinner!
Challenge: 6 hours, 20 km / 12,5 mi, 225 m ascent, 245 m descent
Day 8:
Your self-guided pilgrimage comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Extra nights in Siena can be booked in advance, allowing time to explore this gorgeous city.
From €845 per person sharing
Includes:
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7 Nights in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses.
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Breakfast daily.
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Daily baggage transfers (1 bag up to 20kg).
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Detailed walking notes and GPS tracks.
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Pilgrim Passport (Credential).
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24/7 Emergency support.
Not Included:
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Flights (Recommended: Dublin to Pisa or Florence).
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Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
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City Taxes (payable locally in cash, approx. €2-€4 per night).
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Lunches and Dinners.
Accommodation
Our accommodation is carefully selected to reflect the character of Tuscany. You will stay in a mix of charming 3-star hotels and high-quality local guesthouses located directly on or very near the trail.
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Twin Room Sharing: Standard for 2 guests.
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Solo Travellers: Guaranteed Room Share available on specific group dates, or Single Supplement on request.
When can I start my walk? You can begin your Tuscany adventure on any day of the week between March and October, subject to accommodation availability.
Which airport should I fly into? The most convenient airports for this route are:
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Pisa (PSA) – The closest major airport to the start and finish.
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Florence (FLR) – Ideal for those wishing to spend extra time in the city.
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Bologna (BLQ) – A great alternative with good rail links.
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Note: Both major airlines and low-cost carriers (like Ryanair and Aer Lingus) fly into these airports from Ireland and the UK.
How do I get to the starting point (Lucca)?
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From Pisa Airport: Take the “Pisa Mover” to Pisa Centrale station, then a direct train to Lucca.
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From Florence Airport: Take the shuttle bus or tram to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, followed by a train to Lucca (usually with a quick change in Pisa).
How do I return after the tour (from Siena)?
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To Pisa Airport: You can take a direct bus (check Tiemme Spa) or take a train via Empoli. Alternatively, take a bus to Florence and then a train/bus to Pisa Airport.
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To Florence Airport: There are frequent direct buses and trains from Siena to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. From there, the airport is a short taxi or shuttle bus ride away.
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Helpful Tip: You can check all Italian train schedules at Trenitalia.com.
Do you provide maps or GPS coordinates? Yes! While the route is well-marked with the iconic pilgrim signs, we provide detailed walking notes for every stage. GPS tracks are also available upon request to download to your phone or wearable device.
Quick Links for Your Journey
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Trains: Trenitalia.com
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Buses (Siena-Florence): at-bus.it
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Airport Bus (Siena-Pisa): Tiemme Spa