Day 1: Lucca

Arrive in Lucca.

Day 2: Lucca to Altopascio (18km)

This first part of the Via Francigena trail from Lucca to Altopascio is flat all the way. You will pass the towns of Capannori and Porcari and their lovely little churches. Your destination for the day is Altopascio which is know as the ‘town of bread’ for its tradition of bread making. There is an interesting church and bell tower in the centre of the town.

Day 3: Altopascio to San Miniato (29km)

Today, the Via Francigena trail gets more interesting as you leave Lucca and its suburbs behind. This section follows a lovely trail through woodland and farmlands. There is a short climb and descent before you reach a fortified 16th century Medicean bridge over the canal. You will then pass the lovely town of Fucecchio and over the Arno river, before the final climb up to the breathtaking town of San Miniato (Alto). There are plenty of artistic, cultural and historical sights to see here. The town and region are also renowned for its white truffles.

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

Today’s walking section on the Via Francigena 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, the classic Tuscan landscape. On the way you will pass Chianni where you should visit the lovely little church. There is a 300m climb to Gambassi Terme, a hilltop town best known for its spa and hot springs, as well as glass manufacturing.

Day 5: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (14km) 

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 is a wonderful, walled, hilltop, medieval town, where you can stop for the night. 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.

Day 6: San Gimignano to Monteriggioni (27km) 

From the Piazza in Colle di Val d’Elsa, you will continue your walk along tree-lined roads, starting with a long descent to Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole. Your walking day on the Via Francigena takes you to the unique hilltop village of Monteriggioni with its circular wall.

Day 7: Monteriggioni to Siena (21km) 

After Monteriggioni, the Via Francigena takes pilgrims towards 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 spectacular annual horse race held in the city’s piazza.

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible.

Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino.  We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered.

Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite. Please ask about upgrading to Superior Collection accommodation.

Price per person is based on 2 adults sharing and includes:

•  Specially selected accommodation with private bathrooms
• Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) 
• 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip
• Access to a support vehicle if needed

Please ask us about:

• Flights from Ireland
• Travel insurance
• Bike hire

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking.

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.