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Highlights
Explore beautiful Tuscany on this 9-day self-guided cycling adventure
Cycle the Via Francigena, Italy’s ancient pilgrimage road, and explore unique towns and villages on the way.
Dine on the renowned foods of Parma, including Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.
Explore towns with extensive medieval history, including Pontremoli and Monteriggioni.
Ride along stunning coastline, through vineyards, olive groves, and more of Tuscany’s wonderful scenery.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour takes you through Tuscany on Italy’s famous pilgrimage route, from coastline to rolling hills and all the beautiful scenery in between. You’ll be able to taste the renowned food and wine of the region and explore unique towns and villages as you ride.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour begins in Parma, a city known for its incredible food. Taste as much as you can before cycling to Berceto, a stunning village with great buildings to explore. You’ll ride through the Cisa Pass to Aulla, where you can spend time looking through medieval artifacts at the Abbey of San Caprasio before grabbing hot focaccia for a snack.
The next leg of the Via Francigena from Parma to Siena Tour takes you along the glittering coastline for the first time. Cycle to Lucca, where the charming town centre offers trinkets and food in its shops for you to enjoy.
Stop in San Miniato, where the local delicacy is risotto with white truffle- not to be missed! One of the final trips of the Via Francigena cycling tour from Parma to Siena takes you to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns on the whole route. The views are splendid and there are endless towers and churches to explore.
Then, your cycling tour of Tuscany ends in Siena. Riding through rolling hills and olive groves leads to an exceptionally peaceful portion of the trail, and you’ll end your journey feeling content and accomplished.
Grab a plate of pasta and reflect on the wonderful Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour!
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour takes you through Tuscany on Italy’s famous pilgrimage route, from coastline to rolling hills and all the beautiful scenery in between. You’ll be able to taste the renowned food and wine of the region and explore unique towns and villages as you ride.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour begins in Parma, a city known for its incredible food. Taste as much as you can before cycling to Berceto, a stunning village with great buildings to explore. You’ll ride through the Cisa Pass to Aulla, where you can spend time looking through medieval artifacts at the Abbey of San Caprasio before grabbing hot focaccia for a snack.
The next leg of the Via Francigena from Parma to Siena Tour takes you along the glittering coastline for the first time. Cycle to Lucca, where the charming town centre offers trinkets and food in its shops for you to enjoy.
Stop in San Miniato, where the local delicacy is risotto with white truffle- not to be missed! One of the final trips of the Via Francigena cycling tour from Parma to Siena takes you to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns on the whole route. The views are splendid and there are endless towers and churches to explore.
Then, your cycling tour of Tuscany ends in Siena. Riding through rolling hills and olive groves leads to an exceptionally peaceful portion of the trail, and you’ll end your journey feeling content and accomplished.
Grab a plate of pasta and reflect on the wonderful Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour!
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Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Parma
The starting point of your Via Francigena cycling tour to Siena is Parma, a city known for its gastronomic tradition. There is so much to taste here, so spend your evening sampling Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and fresh focaccia. Then, take a walk through the towering cathedral and the magical Palazzo Farnese, which was designed by Michelangelo and built with stone from the Coliseum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Parma
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Berceto
Today’s ride is challenging, but you’ll be well rewarded with stunning views as you cycle through the villages of Terenzo and Bardone. Stop to peruse their churches before ascending to Cassio, and then further to Berceto. Rest your legs while you relax with a plate of local mushrooms and pattona, a local cake made from chestnut flour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Berceto
Distance: 74 km, 1,068m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Aulla
Day 2 of your Via Francigena cycling tour starts in the Cisa Pass before a quick downhills ride to Pontremoli. This town is full of bridges and steel statues, so take a moment to walk around and explore. Then, you’ll ride through to Aulla. Visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, where you can see archaeological artifacts from the medieval period. Spend the evening walking along the walls of the Fortezza della Brunella, or stop for a hot focaccia with charcuterie and cheese.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aulla
Distance: 50 km, 370m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Massa
The next trip in your Via Francigena cycling adventure takes you to the coastline for the first time. The glittering sea and green countryside make this portion of the path especially enjoyable. Stop in Sarzana to grab a bite and walk through the Baroque-style Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the oldest building in the town. A final quick push leads to Massa, a town within reach of the sea.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Massa
Distance: 48 km, 716m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Lucca
Ride alongside the ocean to Pietrasanta, where you can spend some time browsing the art galleries and the duomo, which has stunning marble pillars and beautiful frescoes. Then, you’ll ride the rolling hills to Lucca, where the old town centre welcomes you. Snack on spelt biscuits as you wander the shops, or take a trip up the Guinigi tower for views of the town from the hanging garden.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucca
Distance: 52 km, 380m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to San Miniato
Your cycling tour from Parma to Siena continues through Badia di Pozzeveri, where pilgrims have stopped to rest for centuries. The local bread is a real treat, so don’t leave until you’ve tried some! Then, you’ll cross the River Arno and ride through to San Miniato. The seminary in the main square is exceptional, and you can admire it while eating risotto dusted with white truffle. It’s a local treat and definitely worth having seconds!
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Miniato
Distance: 46 km, 228m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to San Gimignano
Today’s ride is tough but very rewarding. You’ll start by riding down through the Val d’Elsa, an area of exceptional natural beauty. San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Via Francigena, and you’ll spot the famous sky-high towers as you approach. It’s worth a trip up Torre Grossa for a complete view of the town, or further up the stairs of the Rocca di Montestaffoli for the best view you can get.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Gimignano
Distance: 41 km, 640m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cycle to Siena
The last full day on your cycling tour on the Via Francigena starts with the rolling hills Tuscany is known for. Stop in Colle Val d’Elsa for a quick cappuccino before tackling one of the most stunning sections of the ride yet, the serene section passing by Pieve di Strove. Take a moment to enjoy the peace in the Abbadia at Isola, or take a walk along the marvelous castle of Monteriggioni. You’ll cycle along dirt roads to Siena, where a plate of pici all’aglione awaits. Dine with a view of the lit-up Piazza del Campo, and then finish with a slice of panforte for dessert.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Siena
Distance: 50 km, 505m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Departure from Siena
After breakfast, your Via Francigena cycling tour through Tuscany ends. Pack up and have safe travels home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Departure on April 1st – 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1694
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1394
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1368
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1260
Departure on April 29th – May 27th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR2409
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1709
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1383
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1270
Departure on May 28th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR2454
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1754
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1398
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1288
Departure on September 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1694
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1394
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR1368
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1260
Accommodation on the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour
This tour is based in 3 & 4-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and excellent locations. The standard rooms are of double occupancy.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season and the size of the group (please check Dates and Prices for more info). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
What’s included in the Family Cycling Tour from Parma to Siena?
Meals
8 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes rental bike delivery and pickup, as well as luggage transfers for the biking days. However, you are responsible for any personal transfers.
Also Included
- Route guides and notes
- Maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
- Bike theft insurance
- Via Francigena Passport
Not included
- Bike or bike supplies rental
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes
- Personal equipment
Optional Extras
- Bike and biking equipment rental
- Any additional nights before or after tour
- Airport transfers
- How hard is the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Parma to start this tour?
- Is the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour guided?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Where does the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour end?
- Are bike rentals included?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will cycle over the famous Tuscan hills, so each day has some uphill while you cycle moderate distance. Most trails are in good condition.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
8 breakfasts are included.
Yes. You will need to acquire travel insurance that covers cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly to Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). From FLR, take the bus to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and then take the bus or train to Parma. From PSA, you can take the train to Parma, which changes in Pisa Centrale and Vezzano Ligure. Check train schedules at this website.
No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
The tour ends in Siena, where you can reach your destination airport by train or bus.
Bike rentals are not included, but they are available as an optional extra. You can rent electric, road, or mountain bikes.
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.
