Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
$1160
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along Stage 5 of the Via Francigena from Pontremoli to Lucca, Italy. This self-guided walking holiday offers a diverse landscape, from the limestone ranges of the Apuan Alps to the Mediterranean coast, and takes you through charming medieval villages and lush vineyards. Savor local delicacies and excellent wines as you explore historical sites like the Abbey of San Caprasio and the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Luni. Conclude your adventure in the medieval city of Lucca, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and daily luggage transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Pontremoli
Location: Pontremoli
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the first hotel in Pontremoli, a jewel in the heart of the Lunigiana region. This afternoon you can wander among the sandstone tower-houses, admire stone warriors and goddesses in the museum of stele statues, visit the local churches, or take an aperitivo in one of the main squares. Sample the local delicacies, torta d'erbe della Lunigiana - a delicious herb pie, and testaroli - a crepe-like pasta that is often served with pesto. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Walk through green countryside and medieval villages to Mocrone (5.5hrs)
Location: Mocrone
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your walk today will take you through a mix of green countryside and small medieval villages. Along the way you can admire the tower-houses of Ponticello, the ancient hospice of San Jacopo at Filattiera and the ancient Pieve di Sorano, which has been home to the stele statues of Celtic warriors for centuries. Continue to Mocrone where you stay overnight.
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Day 3 : Continue to Aulla (5.5hrs)
Location: Aulla
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Mocrone you'll head to Filetto and Villafranca, a beautiful medieval village, where you can climb the hill above the walled village of Malgrate and its castle, or look through the trees of the ruins of the old castle of Malnido, residence of the Malaspina family. From Villafranca continue towards Aulla, crossing a thick forest and walking along sections of an ancient Roman road, towards Terrarossa castle. The last section of the walk is over old railway tracks which have now been transformed into a cycle path. Today's destination, Aulla, has many interesting sites. If ancient history interests you be sure to visit the Abbey of San Caprasio and its museum with archaeological finds from the medieval period. You can walk along the ancient walls of Brunella Fortress, a typical example of Renaissance military architecture, and through the old town centre. If you're hungry there is nothing better than the tasty local focaccia, best enjoyed warm and served with charcuterie and cheeses. Overnight in Aulla.
Distance: 17.5km/10.9mi
Day 4 : Visit medieval villages and ruins en route to Sarzana (5hrs)
Location: Sarzana
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first section of today's walk is over demanding but rewarding paths, and it's here that you will catch your first glimpse of the sea. Along the way you will again pass through green countryside and medieval villages. Today you'll be able to visit the ruins of the La Brina Castle, while at Sarzana you will be amazed by the Baroque interior of the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral. You can also admire the Gothic facade of the Pieve di Sant'Andrea, the oldest building in the town. This afternoon you can get lost in the old town centre as you wander through the alleyways which lead into the main squares. You can enjoy dinner in one of these squares, and for dessert you should try the "torta scema" and ask a local to explain the meaning behind its name. Overnight in Sarzana.
Distance: 17km/10.5mi
Day 5 : A fairly flat walk to Massa (6hrs)
Location: Massa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walk today will be mostly along flat paths, following in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims who walked from the Roman port of Luni towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Luni has a fascinating archaeological area which is well worth a visit. The archaeological area includes an ancient Roman amphitheatre and a museum which houses a splendid mosaic dedicated to the God Neptune. Continuing along paths with stunning views of both the sea and the Apuan Alps, you'll finally arrive in Massa where you will stay overnight.
Option to short today's walk to 18km/11.2mi using the public bus.
Distance: 28km/17.4mi
Day 6 : Via the old town of Pietrasanta to Camaiore (6hrs)
Location: Camaiore
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk takes you up to the Aghinolfi Castle and on to Pietrasanta. Pietrasanta has a splendid old centre with many art galleries and shops, and you should visit the Duomo and admire its marble columns and frescoed vaults before continuing your walk. When you finally arrive in Camaiore with its old town centre and ancient Badia di San Pietro, you can try the local rice-based chocolate cake to reward your day's efforts. Overnight in Camaiore.
Option to short today's walk to 20km/12.5mi using the public bus.
Distance: 25km/15.6mi
Day 7 : Walk over rolling hills to Lucca (7hrs)
Location: Lucca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will continue walking over rolling hills eon your way to Lucca. Descend to the valley of the Contesola creek and cross the Serchio River at Ponte San Pietro to reach Lucca. You'll enter Lucca through the city walls and find yourself surrounded by the historic town centre, where many attractions await you. You can admire the decorated facade of San Frediano, browse the small shops in the circular piazza where you can buy local biscuits, or conquer the Guinigi tower and enjoy the views. Overnight in Lucca.
Option to short today's walk to 23km/14.3mi using the public bus.
Distance: 25km/15.5mi
Day 8 : Trip concludes in Lucca
Location: Lucca
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning the trip concludes in Lucca after breakfast.
Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night, or you can continue along the Francigena Way to Siena .
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's -
7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices
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7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Information pack including smartphone app with maps and Via Francigena guidebook (per room booked)
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Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
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Emergency hotline and SMS hotline
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Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport
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Travel to Pontremoli and from Lucca
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.
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Lunches, dinners and drinks. Allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch
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Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
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Guide - this is a self guided tour
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked and sometimes paved. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous at times. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena. A reasonable 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.
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Mode of Transport
Travel to Pontremoli and from Lucca is included, with luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person) provided during the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and authentic Italian experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities for 7 nights.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental and include breads, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Is luggage transfer provided during 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 kind of support is available during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency hotline and SMS hotline for support during the tour.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app, routebook, and maps.
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What should I carry with me during the walks?
You should carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). It involves walking on well-defined and clearly marked paths, sometimes paved, with some steep hills and mountainous terrain. You should be an experienced walker and able to walk for up to 7 hours a day.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs include meals not listed as included, drinks, entrance fees, travel insurance, hotel taxes (allow €1-2.50 per night), and items of a personal nature.
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Can I shorten any of the walks if needed?
Yes, on Day 5 and Day 6, you have the option to shorten the walks by using the public bus.
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What happens if I am traveling solo or want a single room?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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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: Pontremoli to Lucca
8 Days Starting in Pontremoli, Italy and ending in Lucca, Italy
Visiting: Pontremoli, Mocrone, Aulla, Sarzana, Massa, Camaiore, Lucca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FR5
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided