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

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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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), 3-star Hotel (1 night)

Transfers

  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 1 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Grade

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

17-26 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.

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.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Lucca and finishes in Siena. The closest airports are Florence and Pisa. From Florence Airport, take a bus or taxi to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, then a train to Lucca in around one hour and 20 to 40 minutes. From Pisa Airport, take a bus, taxi or train to Pisa Centrale and connect to Lucca in around 30 minutes. Both are straightforward and inexpensive journeys. At the end of the walk, Siena has good train connections to many other parts of Italy for onward travel.


This walk is available from late April to the end of June and from mid-August through to October. Spring is a wonderful time to walk, with warm sunny days, flowering vineyards and sunflowers coming into bloom through June. Mid-August into September marks the beginning of the grape harvest, bringing a festive energy to the villages and the chance of stumbling across a local harvest celebration. October offers warm days with cooler evenings and a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere. Tuscany can experience afternoon thunderstorms during the warmer months, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket is always wise, regardless of the season.

This walk is graded moderate, with daily distances averaging around 16km and up to 500m of ascent and descent. The trails are well-defined and varied, covering forest tracks, gravel paths, rolling farmland and vineyards, with short steep sections and some rough surfaces along the way. As is common in Italy, separate footpaths are not always available, so some walking on roads is inevitable — please be mindful of other road users at all times. A training regime of two to three times per week is recommended. Daily walk notes, maps and GPX tracks are provided for each day.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed. See the FAQ section for full details.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

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

July 2026

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

Via Francigena reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

The Via Francigena is one of Europe's great ancient pilgrimage routes, stretching from Canterbury in England to Rome. Stroll offers several sections of this historic walk, ranging from alpine stages through Switzerland and northern Italy to the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the final 100km into Rome through the ancient Etruscan countryside. Each section is distinct in character — the alpine itineraries involve mountain passes and valley descents, while the Tuscan and Roman sections move through cypress-lined roads, medieval hilltop towns, and open farmland.

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations each day, so you only carry a daypack on the walk. One bag per person is included, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum dimensions of 65 x 50 x 40cm. Bags should be clearly labelled with your name and the name of your next accommodation, and left at reception by 8:30–9:00 AM. They'll be delivered to your next property by 4:00 PM. Do not pack valuables in your transferred luggage — the transfer service cannot be held responsible for the contents. Carry cash, cards, medication, and important documents in your daypack at all times. On some days (notably Day 2 of the Lucca to Siena itinerary), you'll need to take your luggage with you on a train transfer — your walk notes will flag when this applies.

A comfortable daypack is essential. Key items include well-worn waterproof walking boots (never use new footwear on this walk), a rain jacket or poncho, warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, at least 1.5 litres of water, snacks and lunch supplies, a personal first aid kit including blister treatment and painkillers, your identification and insurance details, and cash. Walking poles are strongly recommended — two poles are ideal and make a real difference on both ascents and long descents, protecting your joints and improving balance on uneven terrain.

The Via Francigena passes through countless churches, abbeys, and sacred sites that are central to the pilgrimage tradition. Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees are generally expected when entering religious buildings. Speak quietly, be respectful of any services in progress, and follow any posted guidelines about photography.

Tipping is not obligatory in Italy or Switzerland, but a small gesture is always appreciated for good service — rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a few Euros is perfectly appropriate. There are no fixed expectations.

The Via Francigena passes through communities with a strong sense of local identity and pride. Support local businesses where you can — eat at family-run restaurants, buy from local shops, and engage respectfully with the people you meet along the way. The route has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, and many of the communities along it are deeply connected to that tradition. A respectful and curious approach goes a long way.

Flag any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking and remind your hosts again at check-in. The route passes through areas with deeply traditional cuisine where complex dietary requirements can be harder to accommodate. If your needs are specific, bring supplementary snacks from home. Most towns along the route have food shops and supermarkets where you can pick up supplies, and your hosts will always have restaurant recommendations for evenings when dinner isn't included.

Very much so, particularly if your walk ends in Rome. Arriving in the Eternal City after days or weeks on the road is a remarkable experience, and a few extra days to explore properly is highly recommended. Stroll can arrange additional nights in Rome, Siena, Montefiascone, or other end points depending on your itinerary.

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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

£1,035/person