Pilgrimage on the Via Francigena
Following in the Medieval Footsteps of French Pilgrims, from Coastal Tuscany to the Towers of San Gimignano and Siena.
Duration
8 days
From
€650/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, senior
The spirit of travel
The Via Francigena was for Rome what the Camino Francés was for Compostela: the network of routes followed in the Middle Ages by pilgrims coming from France to reach the tomb of Saint Peter, in the Eternal City. This is therefore a journey through History that this route proposes, by taking one of the most interesting sections of the Via Francigena, the one going from Massa to Siena. Idyllic landscapes of Tuscany, emblematic cities and small fortified medieval villages succeed one another along this unforgettable pilgrimage which is also an opportunity to savor the delicious local cuisine.
At the pace of walking, cross the famous Tuscan hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees, dotted with abbeys, chapels and fortresses full of history. Each stage reveals exceptional heritage, from the cobbled streets of San Gimignano to the historic squares of Siena, passing through villages where traditions have remained intact. The stops allow you to taste regional specialties, Tuscan wines and local products that have made this region famous.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Tuscany!
You arrive today in the charming city of Massa, capital of the Massa-Carrara province in Tuscany. After settling into your comfortable guesthouses, you will have the opportunity to discover the city's narrow streets at your own pace. We recommend ending the day with dinner at one of the many typical restaurants, where you can taste Tuscan specialties.
Start of the hike
Massa → Camaiore
After a short private vehicle transfer to Capannine, your hike on the Via Francigena begins. Under the majestic eye of the Apennines mountain range, you travel in the direction of Camaiore passing through the charming locality of Pietrasanta. The Mediterranean coast is still very close at this start of the trek, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing atmosphere. Take advantage of this first day to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and to acclimate yourself to the pace of hiking.
23 km - Approximately 6h30 of hiking
Positive elevation gain: 300 m - negative: 310 m
After settling in for the night, you will have plenty of time to visit the city center of Camaiore, rich in historical monuments. For dinner, you will be free to choose from the many restaurants offering a variety of delicious dishes.
On the way to Lucca
Camaiore → Lucca
A full day of hiking is on the program today: you will cross through green fields, vineyards, and small typical villages frozen in time. Beautiful medieval churches will line your route, offering you cultural and historical breaks throughout your walk towards Lucques. Take advantage of every moment to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Tuscan countryside.
26 km - Approximately 7 hours of hiking
Positive elevation gain: 490 m - negative: 515 m
You will stay in a guesthouse in this magnificent fortified medieval town. Art is found at every corner of the city, with frescoes, sculptures and historic buildings that tell centuries of history. Take time to stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the hidden treasures of this fascinating town. For dinner, you will have the freedom to choose from the many local restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience.
From Altopascio to San Miniato
Lucca → Altopascio
Your day begins with a short train transfer to the town of Altopascio (approximately 10 minutes), which allows you to avoid this section on very busy roads, unpleasant for walking. This train journey also gives you the opportunity to rest and enjoy the scenery before starting your hike. Once you arrive in Altopascio, you can begin your walk in more peaceful and pleasant conditions.
From Altopascio onwards, verdant fields, shaded forests, sparkling watercourses and typical farms await you, for a very pleasant walk in nature. Shortly after crossing the charming town of Fucecchio, you will cross the Arno river before entering the small town of San Miniato, where you will set down your bags for the night.
29 km - Approximately 6h30 of walking.
Positive elevation gain: 250 m - negative: 130 m.
Altopascio → San Miniato
Take advantage of some free time at the end of the day to stroll through San Miniato, the white truffle city. Explore its charming streets and discover its hidden treasures.
Castles and churches
San Miniato → Terme De Gambassi
Another beautiful day awaits us in the countryside! Through the Elsa Valley, we cross hills and woods where we encounter numerous castles and solitary churches. Among these, two deserve our particular attention: Pieve di Coiano and Pieve Santa Maria, beautiful Romanesque buildings intimately linked to the history of the Via Francigena. Shortly after, we arrive at our destination for the day: Gambassi Terme.
24 km - Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes of walking
Elevation gain: 400 m - descent: 250 m
Make the most of your free time to explore Gambassi Terme at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the local restaurants before spending a restful night in this charming town.
San Gimignano
Terme De Gambassi → San Gimignano
Today, we have less distance to cover, which gives us plenty of time to fully enjoy the gentle hills between Gambassi and San Gimignano, as well as San Gimignano itself. This town, listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, is known for its medieval towers, including the famous Torre Grossa. Its 13th-century fortifications add to the timeless atmosphere of the place, as do the medieval houses surrounding its central square, the Piazza della Cisterna.
14 km - Approximately 4 hours of walking
Elevation gain: 519 m - loss: 507 m
This evening, dinner is included. Take this opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and relax after a full day.
The Via Francigena in All Its Splendor
San Gimignano → Monteriggioni
Our second-to-last day of hiking is the longest on the circuit, but how beautiful it is! The splendor of Tuscan landscapes and the beautiful stone buildings encountered along the way more than compensate for our efforts. The Foci River Valley fills us with wonder, as does the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Coneo and the Church of San Martino in Strove. Each step brings us closer to our destination, and each view reminds us why we love this region so much.
32 km - Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes of hiking
Elevation gain: 493 m - loss: 564 m
After settling into our accommodation, we set out to discover the charming town of Monteriggioni, renowned for its 14 towers that protect it. Take time to stroll through this medieval city and soak in its unique atmosphere. Dinner is at your leisure.
Arrival in Siena
Monteriggioni → Sienne
One last stretch of around twenty kilometers through the countryside now separates us from Siena, and we take full advantage of these final moments on the Via Francigena. The picturesque landscapes and tranquility of the Tuscan countryside make this last stage particularly pleasant.
21 km - Approximately 5 hours of walking
Elevation gain: 528 m - loss: 456 m
The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting Siena, one of the most famous cities in Tuscany, notably for its superb Piazza del Campo, venue of the famous Palio, this horse race held in the streets of the city. Take advantage of this free time to discover the historical and cultural treasures of Siena.
After a pleasant stroll through the city's narrow streets, you must absolutely see the Duomo, impressive and imposing, built in white and black stone. This architectural masterpiece is a must-see in Siena.
End of services in the afternoon in Siena.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- the other meals
- the drinks
- admission tickets to natural/cultural sites
- The local taxes
- the insurance
- registration fees
- everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- all transfers included in the itinerary
- accommodation in B&B
- a dinner (day 6)
- the transfer of luggage (depending on the chosen option)
- the travel itinerary (1 copy per registration file)
- the "credenziale" or "credenziali"
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
En cas d’annulation de votre voyage, les frais suivants seront appliqués, quel que soit le motif de l’annulation :
Jusqu’à 20 jours avant le départ : 15 % du montant du voyage (hors billets d’avion éventuellement inclus dans le forfait).
De 19 à 8 jours avant le départ : 50 % du montant du voyage (hors billets d’avion éventuellement inclus dans le forfait).
À partir de 7 jours avant le départ : 100 % du montant du voyage.
Toute demande d’annulation doit nous être adressée par écrit (par e-mail).
Veuillez noter que toute demande de modification du voyage effectuée à partir de 45 jours avant le départ ou pendant le voyage pourra entraîner des frais supplémentaires.
Ces conditions sont soumises à la réglementation en vigueur au moment de l’annulation.
Assurance annulation
Nous vous recommandons de souscrire une assurance annulation. Si vous avez souscrit une assurance et que votre annulation est couverte par ses conditions, vous devrez vous adresser directement à votre assureur pour obtenir le remboursement des frais d’annulation appliqués.
Sur simple demande, nous vous fournirons tous les documents nécessaires à la constitution de votre dossier auprès de l’assurance.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Italie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport et carte d'identité
L'Italie est membre de l'Union européenne et fait partie de l'espace Schengen. Les ressortissants de l'EEE peuvent entrer en Italie avec un passeport ou une carte d'identité nationale en cours de validité. Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants suisses, bien que non membres de l'UE, bénéficient d'accords bilatéraux leur permettant également d'entrer en Italie avec une carte d'identité ou un passeport valide.
Les ressortissants canadiens doivent être titulaires d'un passeport valide pour toute la durée du séjour. Il est recommandé que celui-ci soit valide encore au moins trois mois après la date de départ prévue du territoire Schengen.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse bénéficient de la libre circulation au sein de l'espace européen et ne sont soumis à aucune limitation de durée pour leurs séjours touristiques en Italie.
Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques dans l'espace Schengen. Cette exemption permet un séjour de 90 jours maximum sur toute période de 180 jours, tous pays Schengen confondus. Au-delà de cette durée, un visa de long séjour est requis.
Autorisation de voyage ETIAS
À partir de la date d'entrée en vigueur du système européen, les ressortissants canadiens devront obtenir une autorisation ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) avant tout voyage dans l'espace Schengen, dont l'Italie fait partie.
Cette autorisation électronique, distincte d'un visa, sera à demander en ligne avant le départ. Elle sera liée au passeport du voyageur et généralement valable plusieurs années. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier l'état d'avancement de ce dispositif auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre document de voyage valide (passeport ou, pour les ressortissants de l'EEE, carte d'identité nationale).
Dans certains pays, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Italie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Italy, you must have a valid identity card or passport. No specific formalities are required upon arrival. The currency used is the euro. We recommend that you check the entry conditions applicable to your nationality with the Italian consular authorities before your departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €180 and €320 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. Flights or trains from Paris (€100-350 return) are additional. Venice, Rome and Tuscany in high season are significantly more expensive.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) covering 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tuscany
Explorer of Italy's hidden paths, based in Italie
Walking in Italy lets you see the country differently. You discover landscapes, of course, but also gestures, traditions and a way of life that you don't perceive from the main roads.
— Ketty
