Cycle the Via Francigena - Parma to Siena

Make your own way to the first hotel in Parma. Known widely for its cured ham and cheese, the city is also packed full of historic sights with impressive architecture found in the old centre. This afternoon you can try and sample as many of the local delicacies as possible. Or you can take your time to explore the artistic beauties of the city - from the imposing interior of its Cathedral and Baptistery, to the enchanting Palazzo della Pilotta and the Farnese Theatre.

You will find your bikes waiting for you at your hotel this morning from 9am. The cycle today is quite demanding, but is also rich in beauty. Along the way you will pass the villages of Bardone and Terenzo, with their ancient churches. From here an ascent will lead you to Cassio, where a brief descent tricks you in to believing that you have reached your final destination. Whilst you are almost there, there is one last ascent towards Berceto. The village of Berceto is a little “stone jewel”, where you can restore yourself with local mushrooms and pattona, a typical cake made from chestnut flour.

Ascent 1068m/3504ft, descent 322m/1056ft

Today you will make your way into Tuscany, and the surprises along the way make your efforts worthwhile. An exciting descent from the Cisa Pass brings you to Pontremoli, a town of bridges and mysterious Stele statues (in the Castello del Piagnaro). Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the alleyways of the old town centre. Later you continue to Aulla, where you can set your bike down for the rest of the day and visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, which contains archaeological finds from the medieval period. Don't miss a walk along the ancient walls of the Fortezza della Brunella before making your way on foot through the old town centre. And if you are hungry, there is nothing better than the tasty local focaccias, which are best enjoyed still warm and accompanied by charcuterie and cheeses.

Ascent 370m/1214ft, descent 1115m/3658ft

Leaving Aulla you will cycle along demanding but gratifying paths. Catch your first glimpse of the sea as you cycle through green countryside and charming medieval villages. Arriving in Sarzana you will be amazed by the Baroque interior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and you can admire the Gothic facade of the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the town's oldest building. Continue along flat paths which follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims who walked from the Roman port of Luni to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The day ends in the town of Massa, located just a few kilometres from the Verisilia sea. Here you can visit the 15th century Malaspina Castle and admire the views over the town. Along with nearby Carrara, the city specialises in the processing and export of marble.

Ascent 716m/2349ft, descent 770m/2526ft

Today you will follow a lovely coastal cycle path, which leads you from Marina di Massa towards Pietrasanta. Before browsing the art galleries and shops of Pietrasanta we recommend a visit of the town’s Duomo and a walk amongst its marble columns and frescoed vaults. From Camaiore you continue over the Tuscan hills surrounding Lucca. You will enter Lucca through its city walls. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in its old town centre, browsing the little shops of the circular piazza where you can buy spelt and locally-made biscuits. You can also conquer the Guinigi Tower and admire the town from up high in its hanging garden.

Ascent 380m/1247ft, descent 356m/1168ft

An easy and flat cycle today will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the old town centre of Altopascio. On the way you will pass through the Badia di Pozzeveri, where ancient pilgrims once stopped to rest and pray. Don't miss your chance to sample the local bread here - it's a real delicacy! The route continues across the wild land of the Cerbaie, before crossing the river Arno and leading you towards San Miniato. Here the Seminary which gives its name to the main square will amaze you with its distinctive frescoed facade. San Miniato is a hidden gem of Tuscany and a stroll through town is highly recommended. Tonight you can marvel at the Seminary while perhaps eating a risotto dusted with the typical white truffle, the pride of the local area.

Ascent 228m/748ft, descent 122m/400ft

A demanding but unique section awaits you today. From San Miniato you descend to the bottom of Val d’Elsa and then later ascend towards Gambassi Terme, where you will be able to cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni. Pieve di Chianni is where Archbishop Sigeric slept on his way to Rome. Continuing your journey, pedal across splendid natural scenery to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena. As you head towards San Gimignano, its unmistakable famous towers will come into view. You can admire the view of the medieval town and its surrounding valleys from the top of Torre Grossa. If you have energy to spare this afternoon you can even venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, where a spectacular view can be enjoyed.

Ascent 640m/2100ft, descent 476m/1562ft

Leaving from San Gimignano you continue, up and down, through the Tuscan hills to Colle Val d’Elsa, a timeless Tuscan village with a charming old town centre and narrow alleyways winding through its stone walls. The route continues through one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena: a meditative route where you'll find yourself immersed in the silence of the Pieve di Strove, with its Romanesque interiors. You can also stand in the quietness of the splendid Abbadia at Isola and its imposing Abbey. Along the way don't miss a chance to stroll along the wall of the breath-taking castle of Monteriggioni, which once defended the Repubblica of Siena. Later you will arrive in Siena, cycling through dirt roads and the ancient medieval hamlet of Cerbaia en route. If you want to celebrate your arrival in Siena, try a plate of pici all’aglione in the illuminated Piazza del Campo. And don’t forget to sample the panforte!

Ascent 505m/1657ft, descent 470m/1542ft

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged in Siena or continue to Rome.