Walk 
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.
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
Our Tuscan Via Francigena Itineraries
San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento
Distance: 78.6 miles (126km)
ITA-TVF1
8 Nights
from £950
San Miniato Alto to Buonconvento
8 nights, 7 days
Prices
| Two sharing pp | Solo walker | Single person (in a group) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/10/2024 - 31/10/2024 | £950 | £1,470 | £1,320 |
| 01/04/2025 - 14/04/2025 | £955 | £1,505 | £1,350 |
| 15/04/2025 - 26/05/2025 | £985 | £1,550 | £1,395 |
| 27/05/2025 - 23/06/2025 | £1,000 | £1,585 | £1,430 |
| 24/06/2025 - 21/07/2025 | £1,015 | £1,620 | £1,465 |
| 22/07/2025 - 25/08/2025 | £1,080 | £1,725 | £1,570 |
| 26/08/2025 - 02/10/2025 | £1,015 | £1,620 | £1,465 |
| 03/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 | £955 | £1,505 | £1,350 |
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
- 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.
Tuscan Via Francigena Client Reviews
4.4/5 based on 4 reviews
I would highly recommend the Italy - Tuscan Via Francigena, walking holiday and overall support from Celtic Trails & S-cape, thank you!
Paul S - May 2024
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.
G PAGNIEZ - 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.
Tess Wicksteed - April 2023
We will wax lyrical about our experience with Celtic Trails. Everything worked out well.
Bernard and Alexandra - September 2022
