Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

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9 Days From

$1290

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

9 Days Starting in San Miniato Alto, Italy and ending in Buonconvento, Italy

Visiting: San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Colle Val d'Elsa, Monteriggioni, Siena, Lucignano d'Arbia, Buonconvento

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

FRT

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $1290 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 21-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tuscany with the "Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany" tour. This self-guided walking adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, dotted with vineyards and rolling hills. Explore the historical fortified village of Monteriggioni, the UNESCO towns of San Gimignano and Siena, and the charming villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. Admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna near Monteroni d'Arbia and stroll through the picturesque streets of Buonconvento. Enjoy 8 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs, with luggage transfers included. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, making it an ideal choice for walking, hiking, and trekking enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Walking through the spectacular landscapes of the Tuscan countryside full of vineyards and picturesque rolling hills

  • Exploring the round walls of the historical fortified village of Monteriggioni

  • Discovering the charming UNESCO towns of San Gimignano and Siena

  • Visiting the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole

  • Admiring the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm near Monteroni d'Arbia

  • Strolling through the picturesque streets of Buonconvento, a "happy, fortunate place"

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive San Miniato Alto

Location: San Miniato

Accommodation: Hotel

Make your own way to San Miniato Alto. Set between Pisa and Florence, the medieval town of San Miniato is a jewel of the Via Francigena. Sitting on the top of three hills, it dominates the Arno Valley. After checking in to your hotel, be sure to stroll the old town streets and visits the Episcopal Seminary, the Duomo and the church of San Domenico. San Miniato is known for its white truffles and we recommend sampling these tasty delights perhaps with a risotto at dinner.

Day 2 : Walk to Gambassi Terme (7hrs)

Location: Gambassi Terme

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From San Miniato a paved road brings you to a spectacular route which leads you across typical Tuscan countryside. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury from 990 to 994, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two "Submansiones" (Sigeric's "stopping places"): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. Continue to Gambassi Terme and your hotel for the night. The town takes its name from the thermal baths of the area, here since antiquity.
Walk: 24km/15mi. Ascent: 781m/2562ft. Descent: 654m/2145ft.

Day 3 : Through wonderful landscapes to the medieval town of San Gimignano (6hrs)

Location: San Gimignano

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. You will visit the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole, where you can learn about its legend. On arrival in San Gimignano, your destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot to fully appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a Vin Santo to celebrate your travels.
Walk: 18km/11mi. Ascent: 595m/1952ft. Descent: 540ft/1772ft.

Day 4 : Over rolling hills and past vineyards to Gracciano / Colle Val dell'Elsa (6hrs)

Location: Colle Val d'Elsa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today the Via Francigena will lead you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation outside Gracciano dell'Elsa. The usual hotel we use has a swimming pool and lovely outlook over the countryside. Along the way it's possible to make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, dating from the 11th century.
Walk: 21km/13mi. Ascent: 209m/686ft. Descent: 204m/669ft.

Day 5 : Walk to Monteriggioni and its famed towers (4hrs)

Location: Monteriggioni

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church. From Strove you continue past the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola, built around the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore, before reaching Monteriggioni. You will see its famed crown of towers as you approach. After check in you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town.
Walk: 13km/8mi. Ascent: 132m/433ft. Descent: 57m/187ft.

Day 6 : To Siena (6hrs)

Location: Siena

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Monteriggioni you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago (or you can shorten your walk by omitting the Poggio di Riciano visit). At the end of the Renai forest you enter the beautiful town of Siena via the ancient pilgrim's access, Porta Camollia. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening.
Walk: 20km/12.5mi. Ascent: 224m/735ft. Descent: 245m/803ft.
An extra night can be added here on request (supplement applies) - must be requested at time of booking.

Day 7 : Enjoy unforgettable views en route to Lucignano (6hrs)

Location: Lucignano d'Arbia

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After leaving Siena you will walk along typical dirt roads en route to the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine church. There are unforgettable views on today's walk, especially on a clear day. At the gates of Monteroni d'Arbia you can admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which held the reserves of wheat destined for the republic of Siena. Overnight in Lucignano d'Arbia
Walk: 21km/13mi. Ascent: 316m/1037ft. Descent: 484ft/1588ft.

Day 8 : Walk to Buonconvento (5hrs)

Location: Buonconvento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you continue your journey through the Valle dell'Ombrone on your way to Buonconvento. Here you walk through the gate and find yourself in the old town, whose name means "happy, fortunate place". We recommend strolling through the picturesque streets, where life is lived quietly following the slow rhythms of a provincial village. Art lovers can admire the works of some of the most famous Sienese painters in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d'Arbia.
Walk: 13.8km/8.5mi, 5hrs. Ascent: 168m/551ft. Descent: 187m/614ft.

Day 9 : Trip concludes

Location: Buonconvento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast in Buonconvento.

What's Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will usually consist of 3 courses, starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetabl

  • 8 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and routebook

show more

What's Not Included

  • Lunches and dinners (except dinner in Gambassi) - allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch

  • Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)

  • Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.

  • Tourist Tax - allow approx EUR1-2 per day - payable directly to the hotel

  • Lunches and dinners (except dinner in Gambassi) - allow EUR15-25 for each dinner and EUR5-10 for a picnic lunch

  • Printed documents - supplement applies

  • Entrance fees

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Grading

This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined. The walking is mostly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), with some sections on asphalt roads. The towns are often on hilltops. You should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun (at times). The trail is well-marked with official signs of the Via Francigena. A good level of fitness is required.
As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Note: the walking time and distance are calculated from city centre to city centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked, to a maximum of 2km.

Mode of Transport

Travel to San Miniato Alto and from Buonconvento, with luggage transfer included (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person).

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and authentic Tuscan experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will enjoy 8 nights in 3-star hotels and agriturismo/B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and authentic Tuscan experience.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. The included dinner will typically consist of 3 courses, starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat, or fish dish with seasonal vegetables.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    The tour provides a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a roadbook, an emergency hotline, and SMS alerts. Additionally, you will receive a Pilgrim Passport.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided tour. You will have the freedom to explore at your own pace using the provided digital information pack and maps.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.

  • What level of fitness is required for this tour?

    A good level of fitness is required as this is a moderate grade walk along well-defined paths. You should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun at times. Regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, and jogging two to three times a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included are meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, a guide, transfers not listed as included, excess luggage, tourist tax (approximately EUR 1-3 per day), and items of a personal nature.

  • Is there an option for a single room or solo travel?

    Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Can I request an arrival transfer from San Miniato station to the hotel?

    Yes, an arrival transfer from San Miniato station to the hotel is available on request, but a supplement applies.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Oliver(Hampton, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

21 Oct 2022

The trip and overall experience with the team was amazing! Michele was always quick to answer questions and provide information prior to the trip and trip itself was fabulous. All details had been arranged and we had no worries throughout the trip - baggage was always picked up and delivered, the directions were easy to follow and the app was great too. Thank you for a fabulous trip and we shall be sure to recommend you to our friends, as well as book any future trips.

G. Thomas(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

12 Oct 2024

It was a wonderful experience - the organisation, digital maps and amazing accommodation's choices were outstanding. The only downside was that a few of the days particularly the first day were very challenging leaving us exhausted to make the most of the resort accommodation. Late September was a good time of year for walking - not too hot but nice clear days.

K. Clinkskel(Woking, United Kingdom)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

21 Jun 2022

Excellent tracks and beautiful landscapes.

J. Wright(Tennant Creek, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

28 Sep 2023

The Via Frangicena from San Miniato to Buonconvento was an excellent walk, with good selections of hotels to stay at. Everything important was arranged so all we had to do walk and enjoy.

M. Miller(Altrincham, United Kingdom)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

28 May 2024

Our walk through Tuscany was fabulous. The days were made much easier with the efficient baggage transfer and the good choices of accommodation.

D. Marosi(Magog, Canada)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

2 Oct 2024

I consider myself a well travelled individual. I have done 4 walking tours in Europe and this was by far the best. From the hotels to the scenery to the weather I was blessed with this trip was #1 I travelled in September and I was amazed at how empty the trails were. I would highly reccomend anyone in moderate/good shape take this trip!

B. Taylor(Black Rock, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

26 Sep 2023

Fabulous trip. The baggage transfer was prefect - never a problem. Wonderful paths, roads all well signposted (and we used the maps and app). The accommodation exceeded our expectations. Lovely hotels and agritourisimos in beautiful locations. Friendly, helpful staff in all but one ( where they all seemed grumpy!). Not a problem, we thought it was funny because it was such a contrast to the rest who were lovely. Very enjoyable hike and can’t wait to do another one!

P. Asmus(Junee, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

30 Oct 2024

What beautiful countryside to walk through; signage was easy and the distances appropriate for our 7 days on the Via Francigena

C. Rodgers(Burnaby, Canada)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

4 Jun 2024

Tuscany is as beautiful as the pictures. The hotels are lovely and all arrangements went smoothly.

J. Davies(Woking, United Kingdom)  

Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

28 May 2024

This holiday was very well organised and the details regarding all aspects were very well communicated. Hotels were generally very good. Only real issue was with a hotel in Monteriggioni which involved a 30 min walk along an busy road with no pavement. Not really suitable for backpackers. Also a couple of the hotels were too far out of town to explore the towns. However after a busy day walking sometimes just relaxing in the hotel was nice.

Read all 32 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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