Journey by foot through the little-known region of Tuscany between Pontremoli and the walled town of Lucca along the Via Francigena, the Italian Camino. The Via Francigena has experienced a recent revival and is now one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe. This section of the trail takes you through a little-known region of Tuscany. Starting in Pontremoli, in the heart of the Lunigiana region where the green hills are dotted with fine castles, you will descend to the sea in Versilia. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you walk along the sandy beaches and during the warmer months you can happily stop for a swim en route. Leaving the coast behind, you will head back toward the Tuscan hills. You can visit the fascinating artists' workshops in Pietrasanta, known as the Italian Athens, which rests at the foot of the Apuan Alps. The highlights continue as you reach the walled town of Lucca, one of the most captivating old town centres of Tuscany.
Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
We walked the whole Italian Via Francigena and though it was sometimes challenging weather-wise it was a fabulous way to really see and experience Italy. The support and organisation through UTracks was excellent!
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rome, Great St Bernard Pass, Sai
Rome, Great St Bernard Pass, Saint Bernardo Pass, Santhia, Vercelli, Mortara, Garlasco, Pavia, Belgioioso, Piacenza, Fiorenzuola, Fidenza, Medesano, Etroubles, Sivizzano, Berceto, Previde, Pontremoli, Filetto, Aulla, Sarzana, Massa, Camaiore, Lucca, Aosta, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Colle Di Val D Elsa, Monteriggioni, Siena, Lucignano D’Arbia, Buonconvento, San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione D Orcia, Nus, Radicofani, Lazio, Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo, Vetralla, Sutri, Campagnano Di Roma, Isola Farnese, Saint Vincent, Verres, Pont-Saint-Martin, Ivrea, Viverone
