Self Guided
Lucca to Siena in 3 stages
This section of the Via Francigena is one of the most enchanting stretches of the entire route, and we've added some alternative paths to make it even more scenic and relaxing, with shorter stages and transfers that allow you to fully enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace.
You'll start in the charming city of Lucca, a place of unique character, surrounded by ancient walls perfect for a stroll, and famous for its towers with hanging gardens and the unique Piazza Anfiteatro—a perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the journey.
Passing through the delightful town of San Miniato, you’ll venture into the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its cypress trees, gentle hills, rustic farmhouses, and vineyards. From there, the route continues toward the iconic towers of San Gimignano and the fortified village of Monteriggioni, following river parks, country trails, and charming villages.
Your adventure concludes among the districts of Siena, arriving in Piazza del Campo. Here, where the famous Palio takes place every year, pilgrims find a place to rest and celebrate the completion of an unforgettable journey.
Waste no more time
Do not hesitate to ask for more information and plan now your holiday
Lucca is a small town with a charming old town centre, rich in attractions: we advise you to enjoy a long walk along its sixteenth-century walls, admiring the surrounding view, before going to discover why Holm-oak trees grow at the top of the Guinigi tower. Naturally, the mystery can be revealed only by climbing the numerous steps! Restore yourselves with a snack of Bucellato, before visiting the splendid Duomo. After dinner, go and admire the elliptic square built over the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, now hidden by multi-coloured houses containing little restaurants and artisan shops.
Day 2: Da Lucca a San Miniato, distance: 47 km
An easy and flat leg of the journey will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the old town centre of Altopascio, passing through the Badia di Pozzeveri, where ancient pilgrims stop to rest and pray. In Altopascio you mustn’t miss the local bread: enjoy it at the foot of the Torre Campanaria whose tolling bell, together with a fire lit on the terrace, used to guide the pilgrims towards the town as darkness was falling.
Leaving Altopascio you will walk along a splendid section of the original paved Via Francigena, surrounded by woods. Allow yourself to be charmed by the wild land of the Cerbaie, before crossing the river Arno and continue towards San Miniato. The Seminary which gives the name to the main square will amaze you with its particular facade: enjoy it lit up, perhaps after eating a risotto dusted with the typical white truffle, the pride of the local area.
Day 3: Da San Miniato a San Gimignano, distance: 42,2 km
A demanding leg, but one with unique beautiful scenery, awaits you. From San Miniato you will descend in the bottom of Val d’Elsa to later ascend again towards Gambassi Terme, where you will be able to cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni and enjoy a healthy bathe in the hot springs of Gambassi, surrounded by a park of ancient trees.
You will continue your journey pedalling across splendid natural scenery to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena: you will get a foretaste of your arrival when you see the famous towers that make its skyline unmistakeable. Do not miss the view of the medieval town and its surrounding valleys from the top of the Torre Grossa, or if you don’t run out of energy, venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, for an even more special view.
Day 4: Da San Gimignano a Siena, distance: 51 km
From San Gimignano you will continue, up and down, through the Tuscan hills , to Colle Val d’Elsa, a Tuscan village which will take you back in time, with its charming old town centre and narrow alleyways winding through the stone walls.
Prepare yourselves for one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena: a meditative route, along which you can surround yourselves with the silence of the Pieve di Strove, with its Romanesque interiors, or stand in the quietness of the splendid Abbadia at Isola, with its imposing Abbey.
Your breath will be taken away when you see the castle of Monteriggioni, with its crown of towers, built on a hill as a defence against the ancient republic of Siena. Do not miss a stroll along its walls to admire the surrounding ladscape before continuing towards Siena and passing through porta Camollia, the traditional Francigena entrance to the historic center. An unforgettable way to celebrate? A plate of pici all’aglione in the illuminatedPiazza del Campo. And don’t forget the panforte
| LUCCA-SIENA / 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS | |
| Overnight in double room with breakfast | € 630,00 |
| High season supplement from 1/6 to 30/09 from | € 60,00 |
| Single room surcharge | € 175,00 |
| Third person in triple room | - 30% |
| Hotels 4 stars supplement | € 160,00 |
| KIDS REDUCTION | |
| Up to 6 years | free |
| from 6 to 12 years | 50% |
| from 12 to 16 years | 25% |
| EXTRA | |
| Trekking Bike | € 100,00 |
| Ebike | € 180,00 |
| Front bag | € 35,00 |
| Read bag | € 42,00 |
| Helmet | € 28,00 |
| EXTRA NIGHT PER PERSON | |
| Lucca a partire da | € 110,00 |
| Firenze a partire da | € 110,00 |
Included:
- Nights in 3/4 stars hotels and b&b with breakfast.
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel.
- Maps and detailed description of the itinerary.
- 24h travel insurance.
- Phone assistance in case of emergency.
Not included:
- Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Visits and entrance fees – tips.
- Personal expense.
- Possible sojourn taxes.
- Everything that is not mentioned in the “included” section.