Cycle the Via Francigena - Parma to Siena
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure from Parma to Siena along the historic Via Francigena. This self-guided tour takes you through the heart of Italy, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge. Discover Parma's culinary delights, cycle through the medieval streets of Lucca, and soak in the stunning views of Tuscany's rolling hills, cypress woods, and olive groves. Visit historic sites like the Abbey of San Caprasio in Aulla and the Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Sarzana. Enjoy 8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels, with daily luggage transfers and a hybrid 21-speed rental bike included. Celebrate your journey's end in Siena with local dishes like pici all’aglione and panforte. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Parma
Location: Parma
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the first hotel in Parma. Known widely for its cured ham and cheese, the city is also packed full of historic sights with impressive architecture found in the old centre. This afternoon you can try and sample as many of the local delicacies as possible. Or you can take your time to explore the artistic beauties of the city - from the imposing interior of its Cathedral and Baptistery, to the enchanting Palazzo della Pilotta and the Farnese Theatre. ...more ...less
Day 2 : A demanding cycle to Berceto past ancient churches (74km/46mi)
Location: Berceto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast there is a bike fitting at 9am. The cycle today is quite demanding, but is also rich in beauty. Along the way you will pass the villages of Bardone and Terenzo, with their ancient churches. From here an ascent will lead you to Cassio, where a brief descent tricks you in to believing that you have reached your final destination. Whilst you are almost there, there is one last ascent towards Berceto. The village of Berceto is a little “stone jewel”, where you can restore yourself with local mushrooms and pattona, a typical cake made from chestnut flour.
Ascent 1068m/3504ft, descent 322m/1056ft
Day 3 : Continue to Aulla, crossing the Appennines (53km/33mi)
Location: Aulla
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will make your way into Tuscany, and the surprises along the way make your efforts worthwhile. An exciting descent from the Cisa Pass brings you to Pontremoli, a town of bridges and mysterious Stele statues (in the Castello del Piagnaro). Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the alleyways of the old town centre. Later you continue to Aulla, where you can set your bike down for the rest of the day and visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, which contains archaeological finds from the medieval period. Don't miss a walk along the ancient walls of the Fortezza della Brunella before making your way on foot through the old town centre. And if you are hungry, there is nothing better than the tasty local focaccias, which are best enjoyed still warm and accompanied by charcuterie and cheeses.
Ascent 370m/1214ft, descent 1115m/3658ft
Day 4 : Cycle in green countryside past medieval villages en route to Massa (48km/30mi)
Location: Massa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Aulla you will cycle along demanding by gratifying paths. Catch your first glimpse of the sea as you cycle through green countryside and charming medieval villages. Arriving in Sarzana you will be amazed by the Baroque interior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and you can admire the Gothic facade of the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the town's oldest building. Continue along flat paths which follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims who walked from the Roman port of Luni to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The day ends in the town of Massa, located just a few kilometres from the Verisilia sea. Here you can visit the 15th century Malaspina Castle and admire the views over the town. Along with nearby Carrara, the city specializes in the processing and export of marble.
Ascent 716m/2349ft, descent 770m/2526ft
Day 5 : Cycle along the sea, then over Tuscan hills to Lucca (52km/32.5mi)
Location: Lucca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will follow a lovely coastal cycle path, which leads you from Marina di Massa towards Pietrasanta. Before browsing the art galleries and shops of Pietrasanta we recommend a visit of the town’s Duomo and a walk amongst its marble columns and frescoed vaults. From Camaiore you continue over the Tuscan hills surrounding Lucca. You will enter Lucca through its city walls. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in its old town centre, browsing the little shops of the circular piazza where you can buy spelt and locally-made biscuits. You can also conquer the Guinigi Tower and admire the town from up high in its hanging garden.
Ascent 380m/1247ft, descent 356m/1168ft
Day 6 : Cross the river Arno to San Miniato (46km/28.5mi)
Location: San Miniato
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
An easy and flat cycle today will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the old town centre of Altopascio. On the way you will pass through the Badia di Pozzeveri, where ancient pilgrims once stopped to rest and pray. Don't miss your chance to sample the local bread here - it's a real delicacy! The route continues across the wild land of the Cerbaie, before crossing the river Arno and leading you towards San Miniato. Here the Seminary which gives its name to the main square will amaze you with its distinctive frescoed facade. San Miniato is a hidden gem of Tuscany and a stroll through town is highly recommended. Tonight you can marvel at the Seminary while perhaps eating a risotto dusted with the typical white truffle, the pride of the local area.
Ascent 228m/748ft, descent 122m/400ft
Day 7 : Continue through splendid scenery to San Gimignano (41km/25.5mi)
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A demanding but unique section awaits you today. From San Miniato you descend to the bottom of Val d’Elsa and then later ascend towards Gambassi Terme, where you will be able to cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni. Pieve di Chianni is where Archbishop Sigeric slept on his way to Rome. Continuing your journey, pedal across splendid natural scenery to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena. As you head towards San Gimignano, its unmistakable famous towers will come into view. You can admire the view of the medieval town and its surrounding valleys from the top of Torre Grossa. If you have energy to spare this afternoon you can even venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, where a spectacular view can be enjoyed.
Ascent 640m/2100ft, descent 476m/1562ft
Day 8 : Cycle the Tuscan hills and through charming ancient towns to Siena (50km/31mi)
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving from San Gimignano you continue, up and down, through the Tuscan hills to Colle Val d’Elsa, a timeless Tuscan village with a charming old town centre and narrow alleyways winding through its stone walls. The route continues through one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena: a meditative route where you'll find yourself immersed in the silence of the Pieve di Strove, with its Romanesque interiors. You can also stand in the quietness of the splendid Abbadia at Isola and its imposing Abbey. Along the way don't miss a chance to stroll along the wall of the breath-taking castle of Monteriggioni, which once defended the Repubblica of Siena. Later you will arrive in Siena, cycling through dirt roads and the ancient medieval hamlet of Cerbaia en route. If you want to celebrate your arrival in Siena, try a plate of pici all’aglione in the illuminated Piazza del Campo. And don’t forget to sample the panforte!
Ascent 505m/1657ft, descent 470m/1542ft
Day 9 : Trip concludes Siena (or continue to Rome)
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged in Siena or continue to Rome.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs -
8 breakfasts
Enjoy 8 delicious breakfasts during your stay.
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8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels
Stay in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels for 8 nights.
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Digital information pack including navigational app
Receive a digital information pack that includes a navigational app.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer is provided (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hybrid 21-speed rental bike
A hybrid 21-speed rental bike with phone holder, panniers, lock, repair kit, and helmet is included. An odometer per room is also provided. E-bike available on request with a supplement.
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Bike theft insurance
Bike theft insurance is included.
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Bike fitting on the morning of day 2
A bike fitting session is provided on the morning of day 2.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is provided.
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Credenziale - the pilgrim’s passport
Receive a Credenziale, the pilgrim’s passport.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Parma and from Siena
Travel to Parma and from Siena is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.
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Travel insurance – mandatory
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide – this is a self-guided cycling holiday
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to museums, parks, and archaeological sites are not included.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess Luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hotel taxes (allow €12-15, payable locally)
Hotel taxes (allow €12-15, payable locally) are not included.
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Extra days of bike hire if adding additional nights to the tour
Extra days of bike hire if adding additional nights to the tour are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunches and dinner daily and all beverages
Lunches, dinners, and all beverages are not included.
Grading
This trip involves 7 days cycling with daily distances between 41 to 74km/25.5 to 46mi with daily ascents between 228m and 1068m. The cycle route is mainly along well-asphalted country and secondary roads and the terrain is hilly to mountainous. As you approach larger towns you will cycle on roads with more traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. *For safety reasons we insist that helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a hybrid 21-speed rental bike with phone holder, panniers, lock, repair kit, and helmet. E-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels, providing a comfortable and authentic experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a hybrid 21-speed rental bike equipped with a phone holder, panniers, lock, repair kit, and helmet. E-bikes are also available on request for an additional supplement.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in charming B&Bs and 3-star hotels for 8 nights, providing a comfortable and authentic experience throughout your journey.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece per person, weighing up to 20kg and with maximum dimensions of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, and all beverages are not included.
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Is there any insurance provided for the bike?
Yes, bike theft insurance is included in the tour package.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency hotline for any assistance needed during the tour.
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Is there a guide provided for the tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so a tour guide is not included.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip involves 7 days of cycling with daily distances between 41 to 74km (25.5 to 46mi) and daily ascents between 228m and 1068m. The terrain is hilly to mountainous, and you will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
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Are helmets mandatory for the tour?
Yes, for safety reasons, helmets are a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cycle the Via Francigena - Parma to Siena
9 Days Starting in Parma, Italy and ending in Siena, Italy
Visiting: Parma, Berceto, Aulla, Massa, Lucca, San Miniato, San Gimignano, Siena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VF2
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
