Via Francigena – Lucca to Siena

Enjoy a visit to the town, explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. Don’t miss a walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter. Also recommended is a visit the wooden crucifix known as the Holy Face (“Volto Santo”), famous statue-reliquary in the Cathedral of Saint Martin and legendarily carved by Nicodemus.

In the afternoon take a public train to Fucecchio where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.>

From San Miniato, a paved road brings you to a spectacular route crossing the typical countryside of the Val d’Elsa. Following the Sigeric’s path, you meet two “Submansiones”: Pieve di Coiano (XXI, Sce Peter Currant) with its steep stone staircases and Pieve a Chianni (XX, Sce Maria Glan), rebuilt in the 12^th century. Arrive in Gambassi famous for its thermal waters where you can revive after today’s walk.

Today you will enjoy a slightly shorter day in the wonderful surroundings of the Via Francigena. Before walking up to the peculiar villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, stop for a visit to the Sanctuary in Pancole. Finally, climb to the hill where the 15 towers of San Gimignano reveal themselves and onto one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany. If you arrive early, take some time to visit the famous town of San Gimignano and enjoy its charming medieval atmosphere.

On today’s walk, we follow a gorgeous section of the Via Francigena. Going up and down the Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods, you finally reach the town of Gracciano. Along the way, you can make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Conero from the XI century.

Starting at Gracciano, crossing Pieve a Elsa and pass the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pool) of Caldane. After reaching Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church, continue walking along the particular complex of Abbadia a Isola. You will shortly reach the medieval military town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its peculiar crown of towers.

Leaving Monteriggioni, you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area in the district. You pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia that appears currently abandoned. Across the woodland, you reach the Castle of “Chiocciola” and go up to Poggio di Riciano. Descend the old river of the Pian del Lago (or skip Poggio di Riciano to arrive directly from Chiocciola to Pian del Lago). At the end of the Renai forest, you will enter the beautiful town of Siena

Depart after breakfast.