Walking the via Francigena

Itinerary

Day 1: Lucca, welcome to Tuscany

• Arrival at Florence airport and transfer to Lucca where our journey begin. Take your time to rest and unpack.
• We’ll leave you some free time to explore the elegant city enclosed by tree-lined, red-brick walls, offering panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. Don’t miss the splendid Lucca Cathedral, Cattedrale di San Martino, and the remarkable Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, both deserving of your time.
• In the evening meet all together to start your women-only walking retreat.

Day 2: Pisa & Gambassi Terme (10 km)

• Departure to Gambassi Terme with a 2 hour stop in Pisa. 
  Immerse yourself in the allure of Pisa’s renowned landmarks, the iconic Leaning Tower, and the historic Pisa Cathedral. Ascend the 55-meter-high Leaning Tower of Pisa, a symbol of European architecture dating back to the 12th century. Revel in panoramic views of the city, the adjacent cathedral, and the rolling Tuscan hills from its pinnacle.
• Time to start our walk to Gambassi Terme, where the afternoon unfolds for you to discover why this town is hailed as one of the jewels along the Via Francigena.
• For a fitting end to the day you can enjoy a healthy bath in the hot springs of Gambassi, surrounded by a park of ancient trees.

Day 3: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (20 km)

• The trail today will take you along country roads, passing more vineyards and olive trees into sections of lush green forest. Keep your eye out for remnants of ancient Roman roads.
• Cypress lined paths with beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills either side of you lead to the town of Pancole, dominated by the Santuario di Pancole (Sanctuary of Pancole).
• Continuing on you will come across the working monastery of Pieve di Cellole. It is set amongst lovely grounds with panoramic views over the countryside. If a mass is not being held, you can visit the church and purchase some of the local farm produce or pottery.
• The final leg will take you 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.
• During the evening, take a quiet stroll to admire the illuminated town before enjoying a good glass of Vernaccia in one of the taverns of the old town centre.

Day 4: San Gimignano, Cooking Class with lunch in Family Winery

• Today explore the enchanting village of  San Gimignano with its remarkable towers.
• Later on you’ll reach a family owned winery, where you will be taken for a short walking tour of the historic property.
• Learn from an Italian chef the secrets of the authentic Tuscan cuisine. You will prepare home-made pasta, sauces, meat and dessert. This will provide an opportunity for your group to share a funny experience while learning how to properly cut, braise, boil, cook and roast a complete Tuscan meal.
• Time to eat all together the delicacies you’ve just cooked! The lunch will be accompanied by wine & olive oil tasting.
• Back to your accommodation, free time at disposal to relax in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. 

Day 5: from Gracciano to Monteriggioni (16 km)

• Transfer to Gracciano, where your walk will start.
• Today the Via Francigena takes you along one of its most meditative and beautiful section. Passing along quiet, local roads including forest trails you’ll reach the splendid Abbadia a Isola, where time seems to have stopped 1000 years ago when Archbishop Sigerico pased on this very spot. Some of the areas you’ll pass through were once underwater, so it won’t be unsual to find shell fossils along the way. 
• At the end of this leg the majectic castle of Monteriggioni with its crown of towers will welcome you in a tiny secret world featuring a charming square and small gardens.  Catch your breath before ascending the walls to revel in the breathtaking panoramic vistas that surround you.
• Accommodation in countryhouse and time to relax.

Day 6: from Monteriggioni to Siena (25 km)

• After breakfast, we embark on a journey along the Senese hills, an undulating gentle panorama that will accompany you along the way to the now abandoned medieval village of Cerbaia. Today’s trail gently meanders along broad gravel country roads, flanked by the iconic cypress pines. The scenery unfolds with vast stretches of rolling hills adorned with castles, farms, and forests, bearing witness to the historic battles between Siena and Florence.
• A contemplative stroll through the Renai forest precedes your passage through the Porta Camollia, the traditional pilgrims’ gateway to the majestic town of Siena.
• Celebrate the end of your walk tasting a plate of traditional Pici all’Aglione, sipping a glass of Chianti while admiring the incredible beauty of Siena.
• Accommodation at your hotel.

Day 7: Siena walking tour & Farewell Dinner

• Explore the amazing Siena guided by our local expert. Start your visit in Piazza del Campo, one of the biggest medieval squares in the world with its unmistakable peculiar shell-shape where the famous Palio Horse race takes place twice a year. Then proceed with the rest of the must-see including the incredible Duomo.
• Free time for lunch and to walk around for some shopping.
• In the late afternoon back to your place for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Departure

• Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Florence airport for departure.