Tuscan Via Francigena Walking Holidays
Follow in the footsteps of Europe’s pilgrims with a historical route through a region where local culture is at the root of everything. Out among the picturesque Tuscan countryside, staying in the medieval towns (now UNESCO sites) that were stopping points on the pilgrimage, you’ll be retracing the steps of ancient travellers to Rome. The Tuscan Via Francigena takes in the most picturesque sections of a route that originally stretched to Canterbury, with a retinue of ancient rural churches and baroque medieval towns that would have served the route’s original travellers.
- Nights
- 8 to 8 Nights
- Distance
- 78.6 to 78.6 miles
- Location
- Northern Italy
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- Apr to Oct
- Price from
- £995
Highlights
A Medieval Pilgrimage Through Classic Tuscan Scenery
- Follow in the steps of medieval pilgrims, visiting the various 12 th century churches and abbeys that housed pilgrims along the way
- known as Submansiones
- Visit some of Tuscany’s most picturesque and historic towns, including Buonconvento, Siena and San Gimignano
- Travel through a landscape where time seems to have stood still, as you walk through the rolling hills of Tuscany, a landscape dotted with farmhouses, castles (Monteriggioni and Chiocciola castle among them), old churches and medieval walled, hilltop towns
- places of extraordinary beauty
- A region famous for its gastronomy, with a myriad of fine restaurants, as well as prestigious regional wines and the famous white truffle of San Miniato Alto
Why this walk?
The Via Francigena traces a course through the heart of Tuscany, linking the picturesque medieval towns of the region with some of the area’s lesser known castles and ancient sanctuaries with the most quintessential Tuscan scenery. Here, your surrounding have changed little since the time of the ancient pilgrimages, where your journey mirrors exactly the road taken by travellers from every strata, be it labourer, knight or archbishop. The hiking experience on the Via Francigena is worth the trip alone as you follow the rolling hills of Tuscany through vineyards and orchards, with far-reaching, panoramic views over Italy’s classical, rural heartland.
The Path
A route steeped in history on the most popular pilgrimage route to Rome, its origins stretching as far back as the 8th century. Unlike more common Roman roads across Europe, the Via Francigena connects important Abbeys, rather than cities. Waymarking on the route was originally confined to scholars and local enthusiasts, although in recent history, the route has attracted far greater funding as well as recognition in Europe for its cultural and historical significance, as well as its low environmental impact. Although the Via Francigena originated as a way of pilgrimage, it was also a convenient way through the formidable Alps and Apennines. This leg of the trip, through the heart of the Tuscan countryside, follows old mule tracks and rural paths through fields and tracks shaded by a border of pine and cypress.
The Accommodation
Choose Your Walk
Our Tuscan Via Francigena Itineraries
San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento
78.6 miles (126.5 km)ITA-TVF1
From £995 Per Person
Key Information
- 7 nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- 2 dinners (nights 2 & 8)
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfers where indicated in the programme as a standard arrangement
- Walk Pack, to include Destination Manual and Road Book (route notes) showing directions to your accommodation.
- Access to a Travel App
- Local Map
- Via Francigena Passport
Price Does Not Include
- City taxes (per person) only payable direct to accommodations – city tax can vary during the year and new taxes can be introduced but generally vary from 1,50€ to 3€ depending on location and accommodation type
- Packed lunches (own arrangements)
- Evening meals except where stated above. Available in local restaurant or in-house.
- Travel to San Miniato Alto and from Buonconvento Train Station.
Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
Tuscan Via Francigena Client Reviews
4.4/5 based on 5 reviews
"This is the best service you will get from a travel company. They really understand your needs."
"I would highly recommend the Italy - Tuscan Via Francigena, walking holiday and overall support from Celtic Trails & S-cape, thank you!"
"Our walking trip in Italy was good, we could also talk to S-cape in the office of Florence and just like yourselves, they were very kind too. We are going to do two walks with you again, in Wales next April."
"This was was a perfect way to see the area - it was both relaxing and uplifting. The transfers were flawless. I would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend."
"We will wax lyrical about our experience with Celtic Trails. Everything worked out well."
Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
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Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
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