Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

Make your own way to San Miniato Alto. Set between Pisa and Florence, the medieval town of San Miniato is a jewel of the Via Francigena. Sitting on the top of three hills, it dominates the Arno Valley. After checking in to your hotel, be sure to stroll the old town streets and visits the Episcopal Seminary, the Duomo and the church of San Domenico. San Miniato is known for its white truffles and we recommend sampling these tasty delights perhaps with a risotto at dinner.

From San Miniato a paved road brings you to a spectacular route which leads you across typical Tuscan countryside. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury from 990 to 994, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two "Submansiones" (Sigeric's "stopping places"): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. Continue to Gambassi Terme and your hotel for the night. The town takes its name from the thermal baths of the area, here since antiquity. Walk: 24km/15mi. Ascent: 400m/1312ft. Descent: 220m/722ft. Surf/Unsurf 12/79%

The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. You will visit the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole, where you can learn about its legend. On arrival in San Gimignano, your destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot to fully appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a Vin Santo to celebrate your travels. Walk: 13.5km/8.4mi. Ascent: 350m/1148ft. Descent: 350m/1148ft. Surf/Unsurf 39/61%

Today the Via Francigena will lead you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation outside Gracciano dell'Elsa. The usual hotel we use has a swimming pool and lovely outlook over the countryside. Along the way it's possible to make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, dating from the 11th century. Walk: 21km/13mi. Ascent: 209m/686ft. Descent: 204m/669ft. Surf/Unsurf 75/25% If the usual accommodation is full at Gracciano you will have a shorter walk today, staying at Colle Val d'Elsa (4hrs, 12.5km/7.8mi, Ascent: 270m/886ft. Descent: 380m/1247ft, Surf/Unsurf 23/77%) with a longer walk tomorrow.

Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church. From Strove you continue past the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola, built around the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore, before reaching Monteriggioni. You will see its famed crown of towers as you approach. After check in you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town. Walk: 11 or 15km/6.8 or 9.3mi. Ascent: 175 or 250m/574 or 820ft. Descent: 110 or 190m/361 or 623ft. Surf/Unsurf 23/77% NOTE: The evening accommodation is located about 1.6km from the walled village of Monteriggioni. If you would prefer to stay inside the town walls, this may be possible but a supplement will apply. Please request at the time of booking.

Leaving Monteriggioni you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago (or you can shorten your walk by omitting the Poggio di Riciano visit). At the end of the Renai forest you enter the beautiful town of Siena via the ancient pilgrim's access, Porta Camollia. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening. Walk: 20km/12.5mi. Ascent: 300m/984ft. Descent: 250m/820ft. Surf/Unsurf 43/57% An extra night can be added here on request (supplement applies) - must be requested at time of booking.

After leaving Siena you will walk along typical dirt roads en route to the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine church. There are unforgettable views on today's walk, especially on a clear day. At the gates of Monteroni d'Arbia you can admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which held the reserves of wheat destined for the republic of Siena. Overnight in Lucignano d'Arbia Walk: 21km/13mi. Ascent: 50m/164ft. Descent: 200m/656ft. Surf/Unsurf 48/52%