Camino Via Francigena – Lucca to Siena
Wildlime Pilgrimage
FRIDAY, 28 MAY - SATURDAY, 5 JUNE 2027
From $3995 twin share
- 8 nights in twin share accommodation in 3–4-star hotels, family-run B&Bs or agriturismo
- Self -guided walk led By Wildlime Events
- Daily breakfasts + 4 dinners
- Daily Luggage transfers
- Tickets and transfers between stages (using public and private transport)
- Italian cooking masterclass
- Pilgrims’ passport
- Guidebook
- GPS Map navigation app and comprehensive electronic walk notes and maps
- 24-hour emergency support in Italy
- Transfer from Lucca to San Miniato start point
- Wine tasting in San Gimignano
- Destination and trek training guide
- Full training manual and walking schedule
- Wildlime luggage tag, buff+ T-shirt
Itinerary
Own arrangements to Lucca where we meet to begin our hike.
Your journey begins in the captivating city of Lucca.Take a walk or bike ride around the tree-lined, red-brick walls that contain this elegant city for views over the Apuan Alps.
Lucca’s duomo, Cattedrale di San Martino & the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre are both well worth a visit.
Overnight: Lucca
Meals: Welcome dinner
We catch a local train to Galleno to begin our walk. This is a pleasant stage through woods, canal dykes and a final hill at the end.
It’s a scenic day with the distant tower of Federico 11 at stage end.
Overnight: San Miniato
Meals: Breakfast
A wonderful stretch that marks the transition from Pisan and Florentine territory, offering a landscape that unfurls through rolling green hills.
Your arrival in Gambassi Terme, also famous for its thermal waters, marks the conclusion of an evocative day, with the Church of Cristo Re representing the final destination.
Overnight: Gambassi Terme
Meals: Breakfast + dinner
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.
Though you will be walking alongside the road as you approach San Gimignano, the views remain captivating as you look toward this evocative hilltop town.
Overnight: San Gimignano
Meals: Breakfast
Leaving the fairy tale village of San Gimignano this morning, the Via Francigena takes you along quiet, local roads, through farmland and a number of forested sections.
The terrain can be uneven at times with tree roots and rocky sections, particularly on the forest trails. The trail meets and follows a stream with the clearest water, offering a place to swim during the warmer months. A detour worth taking today is to see the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Conèo; a Romanesque church built around the year 1,000 and located in the lovely surrounds of the Colle di Val d’Elsa.
Some of the areas you are walking through today and tomorrow were once underwater. If you look carefully, some sections of road have shell fossils embedded in them.
Overnight: Gracciano
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Todays route penetrates deep into forests, fields, olive orchards a d vineyards of te Val d’Elsa culminsting in the jewel of Tuscan charm – the castle village of Monteriggioni.
Overnight: Monteriggioni
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
After breakfast we depart on dirt roads through the Montagnola Sense, a hilly area of the region passing through the now deserted medieval village of Cerbaia.
The trail today is gently undulating along wide gravel country roads lined with the iconic cypress pine. The landscape consists of large expanses of rolling hills dotted with castles, farms and forests; land that has seen many legendary battles between Siena and Florence.
After a meditative walk through the Renai forest, you will pass through the Porta Camollia, the traditional pilgrims’ entrance to the epic town of Siena.
Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The striking Duomo is packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. Walk the cobblestone streets of this vibrant town before soaking up the atmosphere of Piazza del Campo over a glass of prosecco and antipasto.
Overnight: Siena
Meals: Breakfast
Morning cooking class
We make our way to one of the most famous cooking classes in Siena where, over 4 hours, we will learn to cook a variety of amazing dishes.
After this your afternoon is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelatarias – the choice is endless!
Overnight: Siena
Meals: Breakfast
Your Camino finishes today, thankyou for walking this magical country with us!