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Via Francigena Camino Italy: San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento - 9 Days
Camino de SantiagoVia Francigena

Via Francigena Camino Italy: San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento - 9 Days

9 Days
Easy to Moderate

Via Francigena Camino Italy: San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento - 9 Days

from £1,060 / person

Overview

This walk along the historic Via Francigena traces one of Europe's great ancient routes through the heart of Tuscany, following a path that once connected travellers all the way to Rome. Beginning in San Miniato, a quietly remarkable town perched above the surrounding countryside, the route takes in some of the most celebrated landscapes and landmarks in Italy.

The walking is exceptional throughout. The thousand-year-old Pieve di Chianni, the imposing castle at Monteriggioni and the singular spirit of Siena each mark the journey in their own way, before the route continues into the timeless dirt roads of the Sienese countryside, where fortified hamlets and sweeping views define the landscape all the way to the charming town of Buonconvento.

The food along this route deserves equal attention. The white truffle of San Miniato, the pici of Siena and the saffron of San Gimignano are among the finest regional specialities in Tuscany, and reason enough to savour every stage of the journey.

Highlights

  • Walk the Val d’Elsa region, 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
  • Walk stress-free with our walking app, notes and the support of our team on the ground

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What's Included

Accommodation

Transfers

    Meals

    9 breakfasts, and 1 dinners

    Guidance & Support

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

    How We Rate This Walk

    2

    Stroll Walking Grade

    Easy to Moderate

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

    Mostly flat terrain with some gentle inclines. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness who enjoys walking.

    View Fitness Guide

    7

    Days on the trail

    11-24 km

    Average per walking day

    77-540 m

    Gain per day

    2/10

    Trail difficulty

    Where You'll Stay

    This stretch of the Via Francigena passes through some of the most storied countryside in Italy. You will stay in a combination of small, family-run boutique B&Bs and three to four-star hotels, each one selected for its location, facilities and the history it carries. All properties are well accustomed to welcoming walkers. Where availability requires a change, any alternative will always meet the same standard as those pictured.

    What You'll Eat

    Good food is never far away on this section of the Via Francigena. Eight breakfasts are included throughout the trip, and on the second day in Gambassi, dinner is also included. Local cafes and traditional Tuscan food stores make lunch easy to find each day along the route, and come evening, your hosts will provide a list of dinner recommendations, leaving you free to choose wherever takes your fancy.

    Note: 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, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

    More About This Trip

    The walk starts in San Miniato Alto and finishes in Buonconvento, in Tuscany. The two most convenient airports are Pisa (PSA) and Florence (FLR), both with international connections across Europe. From Pisa Airport, trains reach San Miniato in around 30 to 50 minutes, with some services requiring a change at Empoli. From Florence Airport, a bus connects to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, from where direct trains reach San Miniato in around 40 to 55 minutes. Please note that the transfer from San Miniato station to your hotel is not included; this can be arranged as an optional extra on request. Book Italian rail tickets in advance through Trenitalia.

    The walk ends in Buonconvento, from where trains connect to both Pisa and Florence airports, with journey times of around 2 to 3 hours and one or two changes. Remember to stamp your ticket at the platform machine before boarding any train in Italy.

    This walk is available from 1 April to 31 October, with no fixed start days. Spring brings wildflowers, green vineyards and comfortable temperatures through the Tuscan hills. July and August can see afternoon temperatures well into the 30s on exposed stretches, so early starts are essential. Autumn is many walkers' favourite time, with the wine and truffle harvests under way, golden light across the Crete Senesi and pleasantly mild conditions. September and October are particularly good, with quieter trails throughout.

    This walk is graded moderate. The route follows varied terrain through the Tuscan countryside, and good walking boots with reliable ankle support are recommended throughout. A regular walking routine of three to four times per week in the months before departure is advisable preparation. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

    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.

    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 self-guided trip. 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