Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey along Stage 6 of the historic Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena, immersing yourself in the timeless beauty of Tuscany. This self-guided walking tour invites you to explore the ancient town walls of Lucca, traverse the picturesque rolling hills and vineyards, and visit charming UNESCO towns like San Gimignano and Siena. Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and charming agriturismo/B&Bs, with luggage transfer services and a digital information pack to guide your way. Delight in 7 continental breakfasts and a 3-course dinner in Gambassi Terme, and experience the rich cultural and historical tapestry of this iconic pilgrimage route. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lucca
Location: Lucca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the first hotel in Lucca. If you arrive early you can enjoy a stroll through the town including its splendid gardens and the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, or climb the majestic bell tower. You can also walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter, which were built in the 16th century. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Explore Lucca, Afternoon Train To San Miniato Alto
Location: Lucca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you’re free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the Cathedral of San Martino, home to the famous Holy Face 'Volto Santo' of Lucca, a venerated wooden crucifix that may have been carved by Nicodemus. It features in the town's Holy Cross celebrations held in September. This afternoon you will take the train to San Miniato-Fucecchio (via Pisa or Empoli, takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.
Day 3 : Through The Val D'elsa Countryside To Gambassi (7Hrs, 25Km/12.5Mi)
Location: Gambassi Terme
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you start walking, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d'Elsa region. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two “Submansiones” (Sigeric’s “stopping places”), Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni. Continue to Gambassi Terme, where you stay overnight.
Ascent: 781m/2562ft. Descent: 654m/2145ft.
Day 4 : Walk To The Medieval Town Of San Gimignano (6Hrs, 18Km/11Mi)
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walk today will lead you through wonderful landscapes of the Via Francigena. En route to San Gimignano you will pass the Sanctuary in Pancole and the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. On arrival in San Gimignano we recommend exploring the town on foot to appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a 'Vin Santo' aperitivo.
Ascent: 595m/1952ft. Descent: 540ft/1772ft.
Day 5 : Over Rolling Hills And Past Vineyards To Colle Val D’Elsa (6Hrs, 21Km/13Mi)
Location: Colle Val d'Elsa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today the Via Francigena will lead you up and down through the Tuscan hills. It’s a picturesque walk crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods as you head towards Gracciano. Along the way you can make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Conero, dating from the 11th century. Continue to your hotel in Colle Val d'Elsa/Gracciano.
Ascent: 209m/686ft. Descent: 204m/669ft.
Day 6 : Continue To Monteriggioni (4Hrs, 13Km/8Mi)
Location: Monteriggioni
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church. From here you'll continue via the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola before reaching Monteriggioni, whose famed crown of towers you'll see as you approach. Once you’ve checked into the hotel in Monteriggioni you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town.
Ascent: 132m/433ft. Descent: 307m/1007ft.
Note: The evening accommodation is located about 1.6km from the walled village of Monteriggioni. If you would prefer to stay inside the town walls, this is possible but a supplement is likely. Please request at the time of booking.
Day 7 : Walk To Siena (6Hrs, 20Km/12.5Mi)
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Monteriggioni you will walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the Castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago. The Renai forest will give way to the beautiful medieval city of Siena, which you'll enter via the Porta Camollia. Overnight in Siena.
Ascent: 224m/735ft. Descent: 245m/803ft.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Siena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes in Siena this morning, after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Via Francigena into southern Tuscany to Acquapendente.
What's Included
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Breakfasts and Dinner
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included. Breakfasts are usually continental and can vary from breads, pastries, tea, coffee & juices, to hot cooked breakfast, cold meats, cheeses, yogurts, and fruits. The included dinner in Gambassi Terme is a 3-course experience.
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg, and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). A supplement applies for excess.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline and SMS alert are available.
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Transfer from San Miniato Basso Train Station
Transfer from San Miniato Basso train station to your hotel in San Miniato Alto.
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Credenziale
A pilgrim's passport (Credenziale) is provided.
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Transport
Travel includes a train journey from Lucca to San Miniato Alto and luggage transfer services. Additional transport includes a transfer from San Miniato Basso train station to your hotel.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Lucca and from Siena
Travel to Lucca and from Siena is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday; a guide is not included.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Train Ticket on Day 2
Train ticket on day 2 from Lucca to Fucecchio (allow approximately EUR8) is not included.
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Tourist Tax
Tourist tax (allow approximately EUR2 per day) is payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry, etc., are not included.
What You Carry
Daypack, wet weather gear, water bottle and sun protection. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
Grading
GRADE 3 - The walking is mostly on paths and gravel roads, with some sections on asphalt road. The route is undulating on most days however your overnight accommodation is generally in hilltop top towns where ascents range from 175m/574ft to 650m/2034ft. You should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in an exposed environment. The trail is well-marked with official signs of the Via Francigena. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. Note: the walking time and distance are calculated from city centre to city centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked, to a maximum of 2km. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a train journey from Lucca to San Miniato Alto and luggage transfer services. Additional transport includes a transfer from San Miniato Basso train station to your hotel.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and charming agriturismo/B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and charming agriturismo/B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Breakfasts are usually continental and can vary from breads, pastries, tea, coffee, and juices, to hot cooked breakfast, cold meats, cheeses, yogurts, and fruits. The included dinner in Gambassi Terme is a 3-course experience.
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Is luggage transfer service available during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour package. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available in case of emergencies?
An emergency hotline and SMS alert service are available during the tour.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. A guide is not included.
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What kind of digital resources are provided for navigation?
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a route book per room booked is provided.
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What is the difficulty level of the walking tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). The walking is mostly on well-defined paths and gravel roads, with some sections on asphalt roads. The route is quite easy due to low differences in altitude on most days, although the towns are often on hilltops. A good level of fitness is required.
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What should I carry during the walks?
You should carry a daypack, wet weather gear, water bottle, and sun protection. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided upon booking.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour package are travel to Lucca and from Siena, meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees to museums and galleries, solo traveler supplement, excess luggage, train ticket on day 2 from Lucca to Fucecchio (approximately EUR8), tourist tax (approximately EUR2 per day), and items of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry.
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What is the pilgrim's passport (Credenziale) provided for?
The pilgrim's passport (Credenziale) is a document provided to pilgrims walking the Via Francigena. It is used to collect stamps from various locations along the route, serving as a record of the journey.
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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.
Via Francigena: Lucca to Siena
8 Days Starting in Lucca, Italy and ending in Siena, Italy
Visiting: Lucca, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Colle Val d'Elsa, Monteriggioni, Siena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FR6
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided