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Highlights
Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
Explore the historic town of San Miniato, known for its medieval architecture and famous white truffles.
Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, with its iconic medieval towers and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the fortified village of Monteriggioni, a well-preserved medieval walled town surrounded by picturesque Tuscan countryside.
Experience the cultural richness of Siena, renowned for its stunning Piazza del Campo, vibrant contrade, and unique culinary delights.
This 9-day self-guided walking tour through the heart of Tuscany’s Via Francigena takes you from the historic town of San Miniato to the charming village of Buonconvento. Along the way, you'll explore medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and enjoy local culinary delights, from truffles to traditional pici pasta. This route blends stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, making it an unforgettable journey through Italy’s rich history and vibrant traditions.
This 9-day self-guided walking tour through the heart of Tuscany’s Via Francigena takes you from the historic town of San Miniato to the charming village of Buonconvento. Along the way, you'll explore medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and enjoy local culinary delights, from truffles to traditional pici pasta. This route blends stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, making it an unforgettable journey through Italy’s rich history and vibrant traditions.
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The Heart of Via Francigena Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in San Miniato Alto
Your journey begins in San Miniato Alto, a charming jewel along the Via Francigena. The Seminary, which lends its name to the main square, is especially stunning when illuminated. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a risotto infused with the region’s renowned white truffle.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Miniato Alto
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk from San Miniato Alto to Gambassi
From San Miniato, a paved road leads you through the picturesque Val d’Elsa countryside. Following Sigeric’s diary, you’ll encounter historical landmarks like Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni before arriving at Gambassi.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gambassi Terme
Distance: 25 km, 620m ascent, 490m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Walk from Gambassi to San Gimignano
Today, enjoy the lovely surroundings of the Via Francigena, passing through villages like Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. Stop at the Sanctuary in Pancole before continuing to San Gimignano to explore its medieval atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Gimignano
Distance: 18 km, 550m ascent, 500m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk from San Gimignano to Gracciano
Today’s route takes you through the rolling Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields, and woods. You can make a detour to discover the Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, dating back to the 11th century.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gracciano
Distance: 21 km, 209m ascent, 204m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk from Gracciano to Monteriggioni
Start from Gracciano, passing Pieve a Elsa and the ancient Etruscan Thermae of Caldane. Continue through Strove and Abbadia a Isola, arriving at the medieval town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its iconic towers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monteriggioni
Distance: 13 km, 132m ascent, 57m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from Monteriggioni to Siena
Leaving Monteriggioni, follow dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese. Pass through Cerbaia and the Castle of Chiocciola, eventually reaching Siena through the Porta Camollia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Siena
Distance: 20 km, 224m ascent, 245m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk from Siena to Lucignano
The scenic Val d’Arbia hills offer stunning views as you leave Siena. Follow dirt roads to reach the fortified village of Lucignano, passing landmarks like Grancia di Cuna, a historic wheat storage site for the Republic of Siena.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucignano d’Arbia
Distance: 21 km, 307m ascent, 467m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Walk from Lucignano to Buonconvento
From Lucignano, continue through the Ombrone Valley to Buonconvento. Walk through its charming old town and visit the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Buonconvento
Distance: 14 km, 259m ascent, 293m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Departure from Buonconvento
The trip concludes after breakfast, unless additional nights or services have been arranged.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The Heart of Via Francigena Tour Price and Dates
Accommodation on The Heart of Via Francigena 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 The Heart of Via Francigena Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included (1 piece per person, up to 20kg). Any other transportation is not included.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
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 The Heart of Via Francigena 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 The Heart of Via Francigena Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to San Miniato Alto to start this tour?
- Is the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour in English?
- Where does the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging, This tour is moderately challenging, featuring daily walks of up to 25 km with varied ascents and descents on mostly dirt roads, making it suitable for fit walkers with prior hiking experience.
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.
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner 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.
To reach San Miniato Alto, you can travel by train to San Miniato-Fucecchio station from major nearby cities like Pisa, Florence, or Empoli. From there, a local taxi or pre-arranged shuttle will take you to San Miniato Alto, which is about 5 km away. The nearest airports are Pisa "Galileo Galilei" and Florence "A. Vespucci," both offering easy connections by train to San Miniato-Fucecchio.
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.
The tour ends in Buonconvento.
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.
