Day 1: Lucca

You will be booked in a hotel in the centre of the town, in an en-suite room.

Day 2: Lucca to Altopascio (18km)

 The trail from Lucca to Altopascio is flat all the way. You will pass through the towns of Capannori and Porcari which have lovely little churches.

Your destination for the day is Altopascio which is known as the “town of bread”, due to its bread making traditions. There is an interesting church and bell tower in the centre of the town.

Day 3: Altopascio to San Miniato (29km)

Your walking day on this section follows a lovely trail through woodlands and farmlands with some ups and downs. There is a short climb and descent before you reach a canal which is crossed by way of the beautiful fortified Medicean Bridge, which dates from the 16th century.

You will then pass through the lovely town of Fucecchio and over the Arno river, before the final climb up to the breath taking town of San Miniato. There are plenty of artistic, cultural and historical sights to see here. The area is also renowned for its white truffles.

Day 4: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (24km) 

 Your first day of walking on this holiday follows a lovely trail through oak woods, chestnut woods, olive groves and vineyards. The trail is predominantly on off-road tracks over small rolling hills.

There is a 300 metre climb to Gambassi Terme. Along the way you will pass through Chianni which has a lovely little church. The hilltop town of Gambassi Terme is best known for its spa and its glass manufacturing. 

Day 5: Gambassi Terme to Colle di Val d’Elsa (27km) 

From Gambassi Terme you will descend for a couple of kilometres before you begin another climb. The day is quite up and down but the scenery as you pass through the world famous Chianti vineyards will make the effort worthwhile.

San Gimignano, in the middle of your walk, is a wonderful walled hill top medieval town where you can stop for the night if you decide to split this day. The towers of the town can be seen for miles around.

The museum of San Gimignano 1300 has a wonderful reconstruction of how the town once looked and is well worth a visit. Once you are leaving San Gimignano, you will have a pleasant walk through olive groves and cypress avenues up to the village of Montecchio. In Colle Val d’Elsa, enjoy a glass of Chianti in the central piazza.

Day 6: Colle di Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni (14km) 

After enjoying a glass of Chianti in the central Piazza of Colle di Val d’Elsa, you will walk on tree-shaded roads, starting with a long descent to the Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole.

Your walking day along the Via Francigena continues on to reach the handsome town of Monteriggioni and its circular walls.

Day 7: Monteriggioni to Siena (19km) 

After Monteriggioni, you can admire the village of Funghaia and its church with frescoed interior. Make sure you experience real Tuscan food in one of the region’s best osterias, as you reach stunning Siena.

Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Italy. It is world famous for its art, medieval architecture, museums, cuisine and the ‘Palio’, the annual horse race held in the city’s piazza.

Day 8: Siena

This is the end of your holiday. Enjoy your breakfast in beautiful Siena.

• Price per adult sharing a room: from €1098
• Price per adult in a single room: from €1688

Price is per adult sharing and includes:

• Holiday pack & maps
• 24/7 support during your trip
• GPS data files
• 8 nights accommodation 
• Continental breakfast each morning 
• Dinner (where available)
• Luggage Transfers

Please ask us about adding great value:

• Flights from Ireland
• Travel insurance
• Bike hire

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

For more information please call us on 021 427 7094 or 01 696 5135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button or submit an enquiry through the form below.