Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome

Arrive in Lucca and check in to your hotel. If you arrive early, take time to explore this charming town—wander through its splendid gardens, climb the majestic bell tower for sweeping views, and visit the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the remains of a 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre. Be sure to stroll along the tree-lined Renaissance walls that encircle the historic center. Dinner is at your leisure in one of Lucca’s many inviting restaurants.

After breakfast, visit the Cathedral of Saint Martin to see the revered wooden crucifix known as the Volto Santo (Holy Face), a remarkable statue-reliquary said to have been carved by Nicodemus. In the afternoon, take a public train to Fucecchio, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.

Your walk begins this morning from San Miniato! Follow a paved road into the heart of the Val d’Elsa, where a spectacular route unfolds through rolling hills, vineyards, and classic Tuscan countryside. Tracing the footsteps recorded in Sigeric’s diary, you will pass two historic submansiones: Pieve di Coiano (XXI, Sce Peter Currant) and Pieve a Chianni (XX, Sce Maria Glan), before continuing to your accommodation.

Today, immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes along the Via Francigena. Before climbing toward the distinctive villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, pause to visit the Sanctuary of Pancole. If you arrive early, take time to explore the renowned town of San Gimignano and soak up its enchanting medieval atmosphere.

Today you follow one of the most scenic stretches of the Via Francigena. Winding up and down the rolling Tuscan hills, you walk through vineyards, olive groves, open fields, and woodland before arriving at your accommodation in Colle di Val d’Elsa or Gracciano. Along the way, you may choose to make a detour to visit the fascinating 11th-century Abbey of Santa Maria a Conèo.

From Gracciano, cross through Pieve a Elsa and pass the ancient Etruscan thermal springs of Caldane. After reaching Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church, continue along the remarkable complex of Abbadia a Isola before arriving in the medieval town of Monteriggioni, famously encircled by its distinctive crown of towers.

Leaving Monteriggioni behind, you follow dirt roads through the Montagnola Senese, the region’s principal hilly landscape. Along the way, you pass the ancient medieval hamlet of Cerbaia, now seemingly abandoned. Crossing woodland paths, you reach the Castle of Chiocciola and climb to Poggio di Riciano. From there, descend into the former lakebed of Pian del Lago (alternatively, you may skip Poggio di Riciano and head directly from Chiocciola to Pian del Lago).

At the edge of the Renai forest, enter the beautiful city of Siena through its historic pilgrim’s gateway, Porta Camollia.

After breakfast, continue your unforgettable journey on the Via Francigena through the stunning Tuscan countryside. Walking beside cultivated fields whose colors shift from the vibrant greens and yellows of spring and summer to the warm ochres of autumn, you pass through the medieval village of Cuna before reaching the town of Monteroni d’Arbia, known for its historic watermill. The final stretch leads you to the fortified hamlet of Lucignano d’Arbia, arriving along its iconic cypress-lined avenue.

Today’s walk takes you across rolling hills and wheat fields in the heart of the Crete Senesi, a striking clay landscape that never fails to captivate. Its distinctive grey soil and sculpted formations create an almost lunar atmosphere, as if you were walking on the moon. Your destination is the charming walled town of Buonconvento, rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. From there, a short but steep climb brings you to your accommodation for the night—an organic farm offering breathtaking views over the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia.

Today’s journey leads you toward San Quirico, following a mix of dirt paths and quiet paved roads. Any stretches on asphalt are more than rewarded by the sweeping views over the Val d’Orcia, where rolling hills glow in ever-changing hues and the landscape is dotted with vineyards and graceful cypress trees.

Upon arrival in San Quirico, pause in admiration before the Collegiata’s ornate façade, where a blend of architectural styles can be discovered in its intricate details. Then enjoy a peaceful moment in the Horti Leonini, a beautifully preserved 15th-century garden of manicured hedges and shaded paths.

Continue your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Val d’Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico, step into a timeless setting as you visit the hilltop hamlet of Vignoni Alto. Soon after, enjoy a rejuvenating pause in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, famed for its extraordinary pool set in the heart of the main square.

Another highlight of the day is Castiglione, nestled in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, which you will pass near while walking one of the most spectacular panoramic stretches of the entire Via Francigena.

Today you will test your stamina on a short yet demanding stage of the journey, leading you to Radicofani. The effort is richly rewarded: from the fortress above the town, you can take in sweeping views that make every step worthwhile. You may also visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a charming 13th-century church, and enjoy an evening stroll through the historic center, where the illuminated fortress creates a truly magical atmosphere.

The longest walk of your journey is also one of the most rewarding, offering truly breathtaking panoramas along the way. A short transfer brings you to Radicofani’s main square, where the imposing Rocca dominates the valley below, with views stretching for miles across the Tuscan hills and Monte Amiata. Following the ancient consular road, the Via Cassia, you descend along a scenic ridge, where the sweeping landscapes create a deep sense of peace and well-being.

In Centeno, you will be met for a brief transfer to Ponte Gregoriano. From there, continue on foot to Acquapendente, the final destination of your journey.

Today’s journey unfolds gently toward your first views of Lake Bolsena. From here, descend into the ancient volcanic crater and follow quiet dirt tracks through dense woodland and open meadows dotted with olive trees, before arriving in the lakeside town of Bolsena.

If you wish to learn more about the Miracle of Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is renowned, visit the Cappella del Miracolo, where marble slabs stained—according to tradition—with the blood from a 13th-century Host are preserved. Alternatively, indulge in the region’s culinary specialties and sample local lake products, including Sbroscia, a traditional soup made with lake fish and tomatoes.

Today’s walk takes you from Bolsena along the ridge of the hills that frame the eastern shore of the lake. As you make your way onward, enjoy sweeping views across the water and surrounding countryside.

You arrive in Montefiascone, a charming village set in a commanding position, offering magnificent panoramas of Lake Bolsena, the plains below, and the Cimini Mountains beyond. A visit to the imposing Fortress of the Popes is well worth your time.

From Montefiascone, the trail crosses the broad plain that separates Lake Bolsena from the Cimini Mountains. The softly contoured hills offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside. This quiet stretch passes through open landscapes with no villages en route, though you will encounter a few historic drinking fountains along the way. On arrival in Viterbo, take time to explore its charming medieval old town.

The first part of today’s walk takes you along the remarkable Etruscan hollow roads before leading you into the characteristic landscapes of ancient Etruria. This tranquil stretch toward Vetralla passes through open countryside, with no villages along the way. If you opt for the official route, expect a more challenging stage that follows the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, mostly through forest, and passes through the village of San Martino al Cimino.

Today’s stage is a longer one. From Vetralla, you follow the slopes of an ancient volcano whose crater was once filled by Lake Vico. The route continues through evocative Etruscan countryside until you reach the small village of Capranica. From here, descend into a dramatic tuff gorge, following the stream along a striking and atmospheric path. At times, the trail can be challenging due to the water flow. You finally arrive at your accommodation in the historic center of Sutri.

The first part of today’s walk leads across open fields to Monterosi, before continuing on to the Monte Gelato waterfalls—a beautiful natural park where you can relax and even enjoy a refreshing swim. From there, follow a scenic ancient road carved into the landscape, which leads you to the gates of Campagnano di Roma.

If you prefer a shorter stage, a morning transfer to the picturesque village of Monterosi can be arranged in advance, allowing you to walk from there to Campagnano di Roma.

Today’s walk unfolds through the peaceful Roman countryside. The route is largely flat, following dirt roads and rural trails, with only a few gentle hills toward the end of the stage. Along the way, you will need to cross a stream, which may be more challenging in periods of higher water flow.

After breakfast, set off on the final stage of your modern-day pilgrimage along the Via Francigena to Rome—the Eternal City. You may choose to reach Rome by public transportation or complete the journey on foot.

If walking, part of the route leads through the beautiful Insugherata Nature Reserve, a peaceful green oasis just steps from the bustling city. As you approach Rome, pause at the Monte Mario Belvedere for a triumphant photograph. From this panoramic viewpoint, you will catch your first glimpse of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica before descending into the city and arriving at Piazza San Pietro—the symbolic endpoint for pilgrims over the centuries.

Rome’s magnificent history, iconic monuments, and extraordinary archaeological sites await. Spend your time discovering its vibrant atmosphere, remarkable landmarks, and exceptional restaurants serving traditional Roman cuisine.

If you prefer to maximize your time in the city, you may shorten today’s walk by taking a local bus and train.

Ending in Rome is a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to your journey along the Via Francigena. After days immersed in peaceful countryside and medieval towns, stepping into the grandeur of the Eternal City brings your pilgrimage full circle. Standing in St. Peter’s Square, you can reflect with pride on an experience filled with challenge, beauty, and lasting memories.

Your tour ends this morning following breakfast at your hotel in Rome.