The Heart of Via Francigena
Overview
This 9-day self-guided walking tour through the heart of Tuscany’s Via Francigena takes you from the historic town of San Miniato to the charming village of Buonconvento. Along the way, you'll explore medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and enjoy local culinary delights, from truffles to traditional pici pasta. This route blends stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, making it an unforgettable journey through Italy’s rich history and vibrant traditions.
The Heart of Via Francigena Overview
This 9-day self-guided walking tour through the heart of Tuscany’s Via Francigena takes you from the historic town of San Miniato to the charming village of Buonconvento. Along the way, you'll explore medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena, traverse the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and enjoy local culinary delights, from truffles to traditional pici pasta. This route blends stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, making it an unforgettable journey through Italy’s rich history and vibrant traditions.
Explore the historic town of San Miniato, known for its medieval architecture and famous white truffles.
Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, with its iconic medieval towers and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the fortified village of Monteriggioni, a well-preserved medieval walled town surrounded by picturesque Tuscan countryside.
Experience the cultural richness of Siena, renowned for its stunning Piazza del Campo, vibrant contrade, and unique culinary delights.
Trip map for The Heart of Via Francigena
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Itinerary for The Heart of Via Francigena
Arrival in San Miniato Alto
Your journey begins in San Miniato Alto, a charming jewel along the Via Francigena. The Seminary, which lends its name to the main square, is especially stunning when illuminated. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a risotto infused with the region’s renowned white truffle.
Walk from San Miniato Alto to Gambassi
From San Miniato, a paved road leads you through the picturesque Val d’Elsa countryside. Following Sigeric’s diary, you’ll encounter historical landmarks like Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianni before arriving at Gambassi.
Walk from Gambassi to San Gimignano
Today, enjoy the lovely surroundings of the Via Francigena, passing through villages like Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole. Stop at the Sanctuary in Pancole before continuing to San Gimignano to explore its medieval atmosphere.
Walk from San Gimignano to Gracciano
Today’s route takes you through the rolling Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields, and woods. You can make a detour to discover the Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, dating back to the 11th century.
Walk from Gracciano to Monteriggioni
Start from Gracciano, passing Pieve a Elsa and the ancient Etruscan Thermae of Caldane. Continue through Strove and Abbadia a Isola, arriving at the medieval town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its iconic towers.
Walk from Monteriggioni to Siena
Leaving Monteriggioni, follow dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese. Pass through Cerbaia and the Castle of Chiocciola, eventually reaching Siena through the Porta Camollia.
Walk from Siena to Lucignano
The scenic Val d’Arbia hills offer stunning views as you leave Siena. Follow dirt roads to reach the fortified village of Lucignano, passing landmarks like Grancia di Cuna, a historic wheat storage site for the Republic of Siena.
Walk from Lucignano to Buonconvento
From Lucignano, continue through the Ombrone Valley to Buonconvento. Walk through its charming old town and visit the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia.
Departure from Buonconvento
The trip concludes after breakfast, unless additional nights or services have been arranged.
Dates and prices for The Heart of Via Francigena
Solo Traveller
Two Single Rooms
Double Room
Triple Room
| Solo Traveller | Two Single Rooms | Double Room | Triple Room | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2025 to Apr 14, 2025 | $1,795USD | $1,595USD | $1,095USD | $995USD |
| Apr 15, 2025 to May 26, 2025 | $1,850USD | $1,650USD | $1,150USD | $1,025USD |
| May 27, 2025 to Jun 23, 2025 | $1,895USD | $1,695USD | $1,150USD | $1,025USD |
| Jun 24, 2025 to Jul 21, 2025 | $1,925USD | $1,750USD | $1,175USD | $1,050USD |
| Jul 22, 2025 to Aug 25, 2025 | $2,075USD | $1,875USD | $1,275USD | $1,095USD |
| Aug 26, 2025 to Oct 2, 2025 | $1,925USD | $1,750USD | $1,175USD | $1,050USD |
| Oct 3, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025 | $1,795USD | $1,595USD | $1,095USD | $995USD |
| Optional Extras | ||||
| Physical Documents (1 copy per booking)$50USD | ||||
| Extra Night in San Miniato or Buonconvento (Single Room)$175USD | ||||
| Extra Night in San Miniato or Buonconvento (Double Room)$225USD | ||||
| Extra Night in San Miniato or Buonconvento (Triple Room)$250USD | ||||
What’s included for The Heart of Via Francigena
Meals
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included (1 piece per person, up to 20kg). Any other transportation is not included.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
Not Included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
Accommodation for The Heart of Via Francigena
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Expect to stay in 3-star hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs with breakfasts where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Frequently asked questions for The Heart of Via Francigena
How hard is the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour is moderately challenging, This tour is moderately challenging, featuring daily walks of up to 25 km with varied ascents and descents on mostly dirt roads, making it suitable for fit walkers with prior hiking experience.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour?
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to San Miniato Alto to start this tour?
To reach San Miniato Alto, you can travel by train to San Miniato-Fucecchio station from major nearby cities like Pisa, Florence, or Empoli. From there, a local taxi or pre-arranged shuttle will take you to San Miniato Alto, which is about 5 km away. The nearest airports are Pisa "Galileo Galilei" and Florence "A. Vespucci," both offering easy connections by train to San Miniato-Fucecchio.
Is the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour in English?
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
Where does the The Heart of Via Francigena Tour end?
The tour ends in Buonconvento.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book The Heart of Via Francigena with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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