8 nights
79 mls (km)
Northern Italy
Moderate
Apr to Oct
£950

A Medieval Pilgrimage Through Classic Tuscan Scenery

  • Follow in the steps of medieval pilgrims, visiting the various 12th 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.

Tuscan Via Francigena Map
Our linear route from San Minato Alto to Buonconvento

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

Historic buildings with artistic interiors and terraces in larger towns, rustic farmhouses in smaller villages. We use 3* and 4* hotel and agriturismo, some with swimming pools and restaurants. The places you stay have been carefully renovated from their original structure, with neoclassical villas within towns and stone-walled country retreats with gardens in the more rural areas. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, breakfast included, evening meals included on 2 nights.

Our Tuscan Via Francigena Itineraries

  • San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento
    Distance: 78.6 miles (126km)
    ITA-TVF1
    8 Nights, 7 Days
    from £950 pp
    ITA-TVF1 ~ San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento ~ 8 / 7 classic

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    7 walking days
    8 nights
    8 breakfasts,
    2 dinners
    Prices
    Two sharing ppSolo walkerSingle person (in a group)
    01/04/2024 - 23/04/2024£950£1,470£1,320
    24/04/2024 - 26/05/2024£985£1,530£1,385
    27/05/2024 - 12/06/2024£1,000£1,575£1,425
    13/06/2024 - 30/06/2024£1,010£1,600£1,450
    01/07/2024 - 12/07/2024£1,000£1,575£1,425
    13/07/2024 - 25/07/2024£1,010£1,600£1,450
    26/07/2024 - 22/08/2024£1,085£1,715£1,565
    23/08/2024 - 19/09/2024£1,010£1,600£1,450
    20/09/2024 - 03/10/2024£1,000£1,575£1,425
    04/10/2024 - 31/10/2024£950£1,470£1,320

    Extras
    • 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.

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Tuscan Via Francigena holidays are available to walk April to October.

    Visitors will get the most out of the Tuscan region visiting either side of summer. Spring and autumn offer a better climate for walking as well as a chance to experience the countryside coming into flower, or the harvest at the end of the summer. Although the area around Siena is not typically as crowded as the Chianti region, visitors will find a much quieter side of Tuscany outside of summer.

    Nearest airports are:

    Florence “A Vespucci”  (FLR)  http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/

    Pisa “Galileo Galilei”    (PSA) http://www.pisa-airport.com/en/

    From the airports, take a train to San Miniato-Fucecchio station.

    Train timetables - http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

    From San Miniato rain station, take the local Bus Line 320 to reach San Miniato Alto. Check timetables on www.at-bus.it/it/orari (Servizi Extraurbani PI)

    You are responsible for booking your air travel to airports and onward travel to your first accommodation and from your accommodation on departure.

    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. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Tuscan Via Francigena Client Reviews

    4.4/5 based on 3 reviews
    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.
    - September 2023
    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.
    - April 2023
    We will wax lyrical about our experience with Celtic Trails. Everything worked out well.
    - September 2022
    Leave your own review of your Tuscan Via Francigena Walking Holiday with us - add review.
    Booking Request - Tuscan Via Francigena
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    What Happens Next?

    We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.

    Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.

    Still Have Questions?

    If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.

    Enquire About Tuscan Via Francigena
    +44 (0)1291 689 774
    Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
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    Sample Accommodations

    Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.