Stroll
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days

Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate

Overview

Walk one of Europe's most ancient pilgrimage routes on this journey through the heart of Tuscany, following the Via Francigena from the medieval city of Lucca to the magnificent hilltop city of Siena. First documented in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, this 2,000-kilometre route has carried pilgrims, crusaders and wanderers from northern Europe to Rome for over a millennium. This itinerary covers one of its most rewarding sections, winding through the hilltop villages and golden farming landscapes of the Val d'Elsa on an ancient path that feels remarkably unchanged from the days when emperors walked it.

Highlights

  • Walk the Val d’Elsa, enjoying the spectacular Tuscany landscape including wineries and vineyards
  • The medieval villages and streets of San Gimignano (a UNESCO world heritage site, as is Siena) and Monteriggioni
  • Explore the extravagant gardens and villas of Lucca
  • See the famous wooden Crucifix known as Volto Santo in San Martino Cathedral
  • Stay in comfortable, family-run accommodations and enjoy delicious Tuscan culinary specialities

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Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN LUCCA

Arrive in Lucca as early as you can so you can explore the town and its superbly manicured gardens, the majestic bell tower and the Piazza Anfiteatra, an impressive Roman Amphitheatre. You're spoilt for choice if you have the time. Walk along the well-preserved Renaissance-era walls that encircle the city, offering beautiful views and a peaceful path through gardens and under shady trees. Witness Lucca's beautiful churches, boasting impressive facades and art. Climb the Guinigi Tower, famous for its rooftop garden, providing a unique spot for panoramic views of the city. Stroll through the charming Piazza dell’Anfiteatro,the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break. Discover Palazzo Pfanner, a 17th-century palace and its beautiful baroque garden. Accommodation: Lucca

Accommodation

Hotel

Day 2ARRIVE IN SAN MINIATO
2 hours
Day 3SAN MINIATO TO GAMBASSI
26 km · 7 hours
Day 4GAMBASSI TO SAN GIMIGNANO
17 km · 6 hours
Day 5SAN GIMIGNANO TO GRACCIANO
20 km · 6 hours
Day 6GRACCIANO TO MONTERIGGIONI
46 km · 4 hours
Day 7MONTERIGGIONI TO SIENA
20 km · 6 hours
Day 8ONWARD TRAVEL
Lucca at night

What's Included

Accommodation

7 Hotel

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 1 dinners

Transfers

  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Printed itinerary & walk notes
  • Stroll walking app
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Level

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

5

Days on the trail

17-46 km

Average per walking day

295-540 m

Gain per day

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in small family-run boutique guesthouses and three-star hotels, each chosen for their character, location and connection to the region. Your hosts are genuinely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the towns you pass through and are always happy to share recommendations. Occasional substitutions of equivalent quality may be made — these will always be discussed during the booking process.

Hotel Rex Lucca Outdoor
Hotel Rex Lucca Hallway
Hotel Rex Lucca Bedroom 2
Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Ilario Bedroom
Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Ilario Pool
Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Ilario Receiving
Hotel San Miniato Bedroom
Hotel Il Pietreto Bedroom
Hotel Il Piccolo Castello Bedroom
Hotel Il Piccolo Castello Pool
Hotel Chiusarelli Bedroom 2
Hotel Chiusarelli Dining

What You'll Eat

Seven breakfasts and one dinner are included throughout the walk. Lunch and dinner are yours to explore independently each day, with cafes, food stores and restaurants available in the towns along the route. Your hosts will happily provide a list of local dining recommendations each evening. Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking — if you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended.

Leon-hotel-breakfast
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food
Via Francigena Camino Italy: Lucca to Siena - 8 Days food

More About This Trip

Departure Dates

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

April 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
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Season & Pricing Guide

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Via Francigena reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Via Francigena Experience

Wonder
Follow Archbishop Sigeric’s ancient pilgrimage through Val d’Elsa hilltop villages
See Lucca’s Volto Santo, then wander to San Gimignano’s medieval towers
Arrive in Rome via Monte Mario Belvedere and Piazza San Pietro
Wellness
Moderate graded trails through Val d’Elsa vineyards, olive fields and forest
Revive weary legs with a dip beneath Monte Gelato waterfalls
Family-run boutique B&Bs, generous breakfasts and Tuscan culinary specialities nightly
Nature
Volcanic ridgelines above Bolsena Lake and the plain below the Cimini Mountains
Streamside paths, shaded forests and serene country trails towards Rome
Etruscan thermal pools at Caldane and wooded Renai Forest approaches

From

£1,015/person

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