Tuscan Francigena Way

Note:
We’ll stay in small hotels and hostels. Please note that hostels do NOT have single rooms, so you’ll have to share a room with other participants.
Single rooms are VERY limited, as this is basically a pilgrimage route. 

12 april: train arrival in san miniato

Arrival in the afternoon by train. The journey begins in San Miniato Alto, a village overlooking the Tuscan hills. We start wandering through cobbled streets and a timeless atmosphere, and we immerse ourselves in the magic of a historic center famous for its truffles and its theater. The evening concludes with an excellent dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the village.

13 april: san miniato – gambassi terme

An intense stage through the Elsa Valley, amid rolling hills and rural landscapes dotted with ancient pilgrimage sites. Arriving in Gambassi Terme, we’ll be greeted warmly at the Ostello Francigeno della Pieve di Chianni, a pilgrim’s refuge where we’ll share a dormitory with other wayfarers, fully experiencing the spirit of the Camino. A convivial dinner and well-deserved rest await, with the option of a rejuvenating outdoor bath in the hot springs.
Distance 24km, 6h approx. walking time, elevation difference +400/-230m

14 april: gambassi terme – san gimignano

Today is a shorter but exciting day: vineyards, olive groves, and farmhouses accompany us to San Gimignano, where medieval towers stand out against the sky. A village that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale.
Distance 14km, 4h approx. walking time, elevation difference +340/-320m 

15 april: san gimignano – colle val d’elsa

A journey that leaves room for discovery: from the woods and hills to Colle Val d’Elsa, a town that has made crystal its art and world-famous. A corner of Tuscany that surprises
and enchants.
Distance 14km, 4h approx. walking time, elevation difference +200/-390m

16 april: Colle val d’elsa – monteriggioni 

One of the most evocative stops: the Elsa River accompanies us in the early morning, then medieval villages like Strove and Abbadia Isola lead us to Monteriggioni. Entering its perfectly preserved walls is like crossing the threshold of time.
Distance 18km, 5h approx. walking time, elevation difference +250m/-150m

17 april: monteriggioni – siena

Woods, vineyards, and reclaimed plains lead us to Siena. The final kilometers lead us to the heart of the city, where our journey along one of the most fascinating stretches of the Via Francigena concludes.
Distance 18km, 5h approx. walking time, elevation difference +250m/-150m

18 april: siena – trip back home

A day dedicated to beauty: we stroll through the streets of Siena, accompanied by a guide, allowing ourselves to be enchanted by the city that for centuries has been the artistic cradle of Tuscany. In the afternoon, our adventures are over and we catch our train back home, taking with us unforgettable memories.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

Moderately challenging. The hike covers average distances of 13-15km, with sections reaching up to 18km. The elevation gain isn’t excessive, and the route winds through gentle hills. There are no technical difficulties, but some stamina and good fitness are required.
The average walk time is 5-6 hours per day, including rest stops.

GROUP SIZE

Max. 14 participants

PATH DESCRIPTION:

We walk on country and forest paths, mostly dirt roads, with occasional stretches of asphalt.

REQUIRED HIKING GEAR:

Hiking boots with treaded soles, preferably ankle-high. A 20-25L daypack (you’ll receive a detailed packing list), suitable clothing including hiking pants (NO JEANS!) and technical shirts that dry quickly.

CLIMATE:

Ideal for hiking with pleasant, relatively warm days, highs between +20°C and +22°C. Mornings and evenings are mostly cool. Bring warm clothing (fleece or long-sleeved sweater, windbreaker).
Possible showers or spring thunderstorms.