The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route stretching from Canterbury, England through France and Switzerland and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy. This route is a journey through Europe’s history, culture and landscapes. Historically, the Via Francigena was a major pilgrimage path to the Holy See. The route spans approximately 2000-3000 km, depending on the chosen path, and can take 90-100 days to complete in full. The path passes though plains, hills, mountain passes, and historic towns, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Italian section of the Via Francigena is a 1,000-kilometer medieval pilgrimage stretching from the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Alps to Rome. Made famous by Archbishop Sigeric in 990 AD, it takes hikers through the Aosta Valley, Tuscany’s cypress-lined hills, and Lazio, ending at St. Peter's Basilica.

Regions & Stages: This ancient trail is typically broken into a series of moderate to strenuous stages, some with steep ascents, each offering unique landscapes, history, and local food:

• The Alps & Piedmont: Starting high in the mountains at the Great St. Bernard Pass, descending into the Aosta Valley and the flat rice paddies of Piedmont.

• Lombardy & Emilia-Romagna: Passing through cities like Pavia and Piacenza, leading down towards the northern edge of the Apennine Mountains.

• Liguria & Tuscany (Most Popular): Crosses the Cisa Pass into Tuscany. The 430 km from Lucca through San Gimignano and Siena to Rome is the most frequented stretch of the pilgrimage.

• Lazio: The final stretch descending into Rome, passing ancient lakes (like Lago di Vico) and historical cobblestone tracks.

Following is our itinerary, a six-day hiking route, through the scenic, Tuscan section from the walled city of Lucca to Siena’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center. This section of the Via Francigena in Tuscany offers many wonderful sights, including the tiny walled hilltop town of Monteriggioni and two impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the breathtaking town of San Gimignano with its medieval towers and magnificent Siena, a historical, artistic, cultural, and gastronomic gem.

Itinerary:

Thursday, September 24: For those arriving on Thursday morning in Bologna, we can meet at the airport and then take the train together to Lucca. Hotel in Lucca is to be determined / coordinated (you can make your own arrangements).

Friday, September 25: Sightseeing and rest day in Lucca. Second night in Lucca.

Saturday, September 26: Train to Altopascio to avoid the urban section of Lucca. Hike to San Miniato (17.7 miles / 1607’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigina, Segment 89)

Sunday, September 27: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (15 miles / 2267’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigina, Segment 90). We will plan time at Gambassi Terme (Thermal Baths) after arrival.

Monday, September 28: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (8.4 miles / 1482’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigena, Segment 91)

Tuesday, September 29: San Gimignano to Colle di Val d’Elsa (8.1 miles / 994’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigena, Segment 92A)

Wednesday, September 30: Colle di Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni (10.8 miles / 1279’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigena, Segment 92B)

Thursday, October 1: Monteriggioni to Siena (12.6 miles / 1620’ elevation gain / AllTrails Via Francigena, Segment 93)

We will hike from village to village each day. Lodging will be a combination of hotels, family-run B&B’s, apartments, farmhouses, pilgrim hostels and monasteries, depending on availability and will be determined once we have confirmed participants. The average cost per day will be approximately $100 pp, depending on single or double occupancy and comfort level. Airfare, ground transportation and most meals are not included.

Participants should plan their own travel arrangements from the ending point, Siena. I will be traveling by train to Perugia in Umbria after a night in Siena if anyone would like to coordinate with me. From Perugia, trains run south to Rome.

Suggested gear list to follow, including good hiking shoes, rainwear, multi-day backpack. The weather in Tuscany late September should be pleasant with moderating summer heat.

Additional Information: There are many YouTube videos on Via Francigena Tuscany. The official Via Francigena app for iPhone and Android (see Via Francigena website below) has descriptions of stages, trail maps and lists of services along the route. AllTrails also has good trail descriptions for each stage.

I am not a tour operator or professional travel advisor. I am organizing this trip as a GO member and participant. All participants must be physically prepared for long, multiple, consecutive days of hiking and are responsible for their own logistics, preparation, gear, safety, and trail navigation.