Explore the enchanting route from Lucca to Siena along the renowned Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Immerse yourself in the charm of iconic Tuscan towns and hilltop villages, whilst being captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Val d'Elsa region.
- Discover Lucca & Siena
- Appreciate San Gimignano’s architecture
- Explore Tuscan landscapes
- Enjoy Traditional Tuscan cuisine & wine
- Discover the culture & history of Tuscany
Embark on a remarkable journey along the Via Francigena, with this section taking pilgrims from Lucca to Siena. The scenic route unveils the breathtaking beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its expansive rolling hills and the serene plains of Val d'Elsa. The trail passes through charming and authentic Tuscan medieval towns, including the architectural wonder of Monteriggioni and iconic San Gimignano, known for its many towers.
The section from Lucca to Siena covers approximately 100 kilometres. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture, cuisine, and history of Tuscany, and enjoy the beauty of this renowned pilgrimage route.
Included in the holiday is the pilgrim's passport, which is a memento of your journey. This passport can be stamped at various locations such as tourist offices, accommodations, select restaurants, and other notable spots along the route.
Please note, we can offer the entire route, or any section of it, including Siena to Montefiascone & Montefiascone to Rome. Please contact us for more details.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival day
Upon arrival make your own way to your accommodation in Lucca.
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Day 2: Lucca & San Miniato
The morning is free for you to discover the city of Lucca at your own pace.
Later in the day, travel by train with your suitcases from Lucca to Fucecchio. Upon arrival a transfer takes you to your hotel in San Miniato. The town is known for its architecture and white truffles, and we recommend spending some time exploring the quaint streets.
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Day 3: Trek from San Miniato Alto to Gambassi Terme
Follow a scenic path through the Val d’Elsa as you hike towards Gambassi. Along today’s route you pass majestic castles, forts and abbeys. The final sight is the 12th century parish of Santa Maria. Shortly after this, you reach Gambassi Terme.
Walking distance: 25 kilometres | Ascent: 785 metres | Descent: 655 metres
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Day 4: Trek from Gambassi to San Gimignano
Today’s hike continues through the Val d’Elsa, passing the architectural sights of the Sanctuary of Pancole and Collemucioli village. Towards the end of the hike, the path ascends; from here, you have a panoramic view across San Gimignano and its towers. Leading on, you finish your hike in the medieval fortified town of San Gimignano.
Walking distance: 18 kilometres | Ascent: 595 metres | Descent: 540 metres
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Day 5: Trek from San Gimignano to Gracciano
From San Gimignano, you traverse rolling Tuscan hills and picturesque vineyards before passing along the Foci River. Your journey from here continues to the small community of Gracciano. It's possible to detour and explore the 11th century Abbey of Santa Maria a Conero. Gracciano is a small village with a handful of traditional Tuscan restaurants, so makes a lovely stopover for the night.
Walking distance: 21 kilometres | Ascent: 210 metres | Descent: 205 metres
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Day 6: Trek from Gracciano to Monteriggioni
The first part of today’s hike takes you to Elsa, where the ancient thermal pool of Etruscan is located. From here the hike continues passing the Romanesque church in Strove and the hamlet of Abbadia a Isol. After the hamlet you have glimpses of Monteriggioni, a fortified castle town, which is the end destination for today.
Walking distance: 13 kilometres | Ascent: 135 metres | Descent: 60 metres
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Day 7: Trek from Monteriggioni to Siena
On departing Monteriggioni, dusty tracks lead you through the hilly area of Montagnola Senese and the abandoned medieval settlement of Cerbaia. The route descends along the Pian del Lago River and leads through the Renai Forest. You enter into Siena and complete the journey when you walk through the historic pilgrim's entrance of Porta Camollia which leads you into Siena.
Walking distance: 20 kilometres | Ascent: 225 metres | Descent: 245 metres
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Day 8: Departure day
If time permits, you have free time to explore the charming city of Siena before making your own way to the airport or your onward destination.
Please note: It's possible to add additional nights at the start, end or along the route, to give you more time to explore Tuscany. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost - please contact us to find out more.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £749 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £985 per person
- Single room supplement: From £319
- Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotels/Guesthouses x 7 nights
- 7 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner
- Luggage transfers (apart from day 2)
- Digital route notes & GPX tracks
Next Steps
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 29 Apr to 25 May | £779 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 26 May to 15 Jun | £779 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 16 Jun to 10 Jul | £789 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 11 Jul to 24 Jul | £809 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 25 Jul to 22 Aug | £869 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 23 Aug to 19 Sep | £809 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 20 Sep to 3 Oct | £789 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 4 Oct to 31 Oct | £749 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
