Come with a question or idea in your heart and walk your way into the answer

We collect you from Florence International Airport and make our way to Lucca in just under an hour. This exquisite city is on the Serchio River and is known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and cobblestone streets.

Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of this massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a house museum.  
 

After meeting our guide with a glass of Prosecco we discuss the week ahead, and get to know fellow pilgrims. We get a good night's sleep so you can rest after international travel, ready for a day of exploring the delights of food, art and shopping in Lucca tomorrow.

We start to explore ancient Lucca for the day and notch up our steps walking 12- 15km while soaking up the enchanting beauty of the ancient town. We are warming up our bodies and souls with an easier flat day of walking.

Plenty of enticing gorgeous Italian shops and artisans, the famous cathedral and rich tapestry of history, food and art. We walk the famous Renaissance walls and have a very special local "foodie" surprise experience lined up to make this a memorable day.

Dinner will be an experience to remember as we learn about and  savour the culinary delights of Lucca.

Today, we do a short transfer to the outskirts of Altopascia to head directly onto the Via Francigena trail. Here is where it gets interesting as you leave Lucca and its suburbs behind. This section follows a lovely trail through woodland and farmlands.

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There is a short climb and descent before you reach a fortified 16th century Medicean bridge over the canal. Pausing en route is part of the pilgrim way.

You will then pass the lovely town of Fucecchio and over the Arno River, before the final climb up to the breathtaking town of San Miniato (Alto). High energy snacks definitely recommended - so a little pit stop is usually in order!

There are plenty of artistic, cultural and historical sights to see here. The town & region are renowned for its white truffles, with a a lovely surprise in the church.

Today’s walking section on the Via Francigena follows a lovely trail through oak woods, chestnut woods, olive groves and vineyards. The trail is predominantly on off-road tracks over small rolling hills, the classic Tuscan landscape. On the way you will pass Chianni where you should visit the lovely little church.There is a steep 300m climb to Gambassi Terme, a hilltop town best known for its thermal waters and glass manufacturing.

We have a special local insider experience lined up for you here to restore your body and soul! 

From Gambassi Terme you will descend for a couple of kilometres before you begin another climb. The day is quite up and down but the scenery as you pass through the world-famous Chianti vineyards will make all the effort worthwhile.

San Gimignano is a wonderful walled, hilltop, medieval town, where we stop for the night. The towers of the town can be seen for miles around. The museum of San Gimignano 1300 has a wonderful reconstruction of how the town once looked and is well worth a visit.

We have the afternoon and evening exploring this famous Tuscan town - with a wonderful local artisans, the historic and breathtaking frescoed cathedral and tasting the famous Vernaccia is a must. We have a special local artisan to introduce you to. Dinner will be in the walled town for a truly local experience.

An exquisite walk awaits as we leave behind San Gimignano and head for the next town. This is a long day through varied terrain passing through Colle di Val d’Elsa and you will continue your walk along majestic tree-lined roads, starting with a long descent to Castel Petraia. A great day for deep contemplation as you walk step by step.Then we follow the ancient path up to the densely forested hill of  Montagnole.

Your walking day on the Via Francigena takes you to a wonderful monastery,
then a little beer or coffee with a snack before the final stretch is always recommended. We walk on to the outskirts of the unique hilltop village of Monteriggioni with its spectacular circular wall.

After exploring the tiny walled town of Monteriggioni, the Via Francigena takes pilgrims towards the village of Funghaia and its church with frescoed interior.

Reaching Siena is a highlight - tired legs and happy hearts!

Siena is simply spectacular in every sense of the world - charming, vibrant, ancient and a delicious bombardment of the senses.  A celebratory drink with our  wonderful guide as we acknowledge our walking week. Then it's time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Italy. It is world famous for its art, medieval
architecture, museums, cuisine and the ‘Palio‘, the spectacular annual horse race held in the city’s piazza.

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It is romantic, walkable, and full of beautiful Medieval buildings to explore.
Capture all the history in one go, admire Siena's unforgettable skyline and its collection of monuments, palaces, and churches.

Tonight we experience our local foodie Stella's favourite  pizzeria in a wonderful setting.

Another beautiful day exploring this city and all it offers. We have included a fantastic walking tour with Stella - our favourite local foodie and cultural guide. We feast on local meats, cheeses and wines, savoring local delights, including the awes-inspiring cathedral.

We alsohave a special insider experience  introducing you to a local artist. 

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Not to be missed are Piazza del Campo where the Palazzo Pubblico is located in addition to the City Hall with its majestic tower, Torre del Mangia. The main building hosts the Civic Museum, a coffer of treasures and paintings in the Sienese Gothic style. A feast for the senses.The afternoon is free for shopping and exploring before our farewell dinner.

Tonight is our final evening as we reflect on the week gone by and have one final celebration as the city's best Osteria  with wine flowing as we toast our lives and new friendships formed along the path.

After any last minute shopping we say a final goodbye to this magical city and transfer you back to Florence Airport for your departure and onward travels- we say goodbye with full hearts till we meet again!

If you choose to extend your stay In Italy please be mindful that any city can feel very very busy after the quiet walk along the Via Francigena. Chat to Corlene and Kate directly for their experience to make the most of any pre or post add ons.