Via Francigena: Lucca to Siena

Make your own way to the first hotel in Lucca. If you arrive early you can enjoy a stroll through the town including its splendid gardens and the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, or climb the majestic bell tower. You can also walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter, which were built in the 16th century.

This morning you’re free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the Cathedral of San Martino, home to the famous Holy Face 'Volto Santo' of Lucca, a venerated wooden crucifix that may have been carved by Nicodemus. It features in the town's Holy Cross celebrations held in September. This afternoon you will take the train (with your luggage) to San Miniato-Fucecchio (via Pisa or Empoli, takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.

Today you start walking, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d'Elsa region. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two “Submansiones” (Sigeric’s “stopping places”), Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni. Continue to Gambassi Terme, where you stay overnight. Walking: 24km/15mi. Ascent: 400m/1312ft. Descent: 220m/722ft. Surf/Unsurf 12/79%

The walk today will lead you through wonderful landscapes of the Via Francigena. En route to San Gimignano you will pass the Sanctuary in Pancole and the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. On arrival in San Gimignano we recommend exploring the town on foot to appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a 'Vin Santo' aperitivo. Walking: 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. Walking: 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 here you'll continue via the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola before reaching Monteriggioni, whose famed crown of towers you'll see as you approach. Once you’ve checked into the hotel near Monteriggioni you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town. Walking: 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 is possible but a supplement will apply. Please request at the time of booking.

Leaving Monteriggioni you will 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. The Renai forest will give way to the beautiful medieval city of Siena, which you'll enter via the Porta Camollia. Overnight in Siena. Walking: 20km/12.5mi. Ascent: 300m/984ft. Descent: 250m/820ft. Surf/Unsurf 43/57%