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Highlights
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
Uncover the mystery of Stele Statues at the Pontremoli Museum, marking the beginning of your journey through Lunigiana.
Walk the sandy coastline of Versilia, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and the open sea as part of your trail experience.
Experience the art scene in Pietrasanta, known as the Italian Athens, filled with marble sculptures and vibrant artists' workshops.
Take in the grandeur of Lucca’s Renaissance walls, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Take a walk on an 8-day self-guided journey along the Via Francigena, from Pontremoli to Lucca, exploring a blend of nature, culture, history, and spirituality. This varied trek through Tuscany starts in the mystical Lunigiana region, famous for its ancient Stele Statues, before leading you to the sandy shores of Versilia. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pietrasanta, a haven for artists, and continue to Lucca, where Renaissance walls and charming streets await. This route combines lush countryside, medieval villages, coastal trails, and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, offering an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s historic pilgrimage paths.
This tour represents Part 5 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
Take a walk on an 8-day self-guided journey along the Via Francigena, from Pontremoli to Lucca, exploring a blend of nature, culture, history, and spirituality. This varied trek through Tuscany starts in the mystical Lunigiana region, famous for its ancient Stele Statues, before leading you to the sandy shores of Versilia. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pietrasanta, a haven for artists, and continue to Lucca, where Renaissance walls and charming streets await. This route combines lush countryside, medieval villages, coastal trails, and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, offering an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s historic pilgrimage paths.
This tour represents Part 5 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
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Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Pontremoli
Pontremoli, located in the heart of Lunigiana, is a town of sandstone tower-houses, ancient stele statues, and literary charm. Explore its open-air museum and try the local herb pie to begin your journey on a flavorful note.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pontremoli
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk from Pontremoli to Mocrone
Walk through a scenic mix of lush countryside and medieval villages. Highlights include the tower-houses of Ponticello, the hospice of San Jacopo at Filattiera, and the ancient Pieve di Sorano, home to Celtic stele statues. Pass through Villafranca, a medieval village with castle ruins and panoramic views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mocrone
Distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk from Mocrone to Aulla
From Villafranca, traverse dense forests, Roman roads, and the cycle path along the old railway toward Terrarossa Castle. Explore Aulla’s Abbey of San Caprasio and the medieval walls of Fortezza della Brunella, savoring local focaccia with charcuterie and cheese.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aulla
Distance: 17.5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk from Aulla to Sarzana
Trek along rewarding paths with the first sea views, passing through lush countryside and medieval villages. Visit the ruins of La Brina Castle and the Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Sarzana. Wander Sarzana’s charming squares and taste the local “torta scema.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sarzana
Distance: 17 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk from Sarzana to Massa
Follow flat paths tracing ancient pilgrims’ footsteps from the Roman port of Luni. Visit the archaeological site with its amphitheater and Neptune mosaic before continuing along coastal paths with views of the sea and Apuan Alps.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Massa
Distance: 18/27 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from Massa to Camaiore
Arrive in Pietrasanta, with its vibrant old town and stunning Duomo. Enjoy its art galleries before continuing to Camaiore, with its ancient Badia di San Pietro. Indulge in a rice-based chocolate cake, a delicious end to the day’s efforts.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Camaiore
Distance: 20/25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk from Camaiore to Lucca
The route meanders over Lucca’s hills before descending to the Contesola valley and crossing the Serchio River. Enter Lucca’s Renaissance walls and explore its old town center, including San Frediano’s façade, the Guinigi Tower, and local shops in the circular piazza.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucca
Distance: 23/25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Lucca
Bid farewell to Lucca after breakfast as your adventure concludes.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Departure on April 1st – 15th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1371
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1095
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR828
- Sharing a triple room: EUR634
Departure on April 16th – May 26th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1371
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1095
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR848
- Sharing a triple room: EUR655
Departure on May 27th – June 26th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1440
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1164
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR879
- Sharing a triple room: EUR666
Departure on June 27th – July 29th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1455
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1179
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR895
- Sharing a triple room: EUR683
Departure on July 30th – August 31st, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1490
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1179
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR895
- Sharing a triple room: EUR683
Departure on September 1st – 30th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1371
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1095
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR848
- Sharing a triple room: EUR655
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2025:
- Solo traveller: EUR1371
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1095
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR828
- Sharing a triple room: EUR634
Accommodation on Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Expect to stay in 3-star hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs with breakfasts where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included in your package from Day 2 to Day 7 (1 piece per person, up to 20 kg). Any other transfers are not included.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Via Francigena Pass
Not included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
- How hard is the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Pontremoli to start this tour?
- Is the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour in English?
- Where does the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This itinerary is suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The route features varied terrain with some longer daily distances and occasional elevation changes, primarily on well-marked paths, gravel roads, and some sections on asphalt. While some days can be shortened with transfers, participants should be prepared for a mix of flat and hilly walks.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
The nearest international airports are Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (about 1.5 hours away), Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (about 2 hours away), and Florence Peretola Airport (about 2.5 hours away).
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
Mention where tour ends and how they’re getting to the airport with airport code mentioned.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
