Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany Rambler

Make your own way to the first hotel in Lucca. If you arrive early you can enjoy a stroll through the town including its splendid gardens and the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, or climb the majestic bell tower. You can also walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter, which were built in the 16th century.

This morning you’re free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the Cathedral of San Martino, home to the famous Holy Face 'Volto Santo' of Lucca, a venerated wooden crucifix that may have been carved by Nicodemus. It features in the town's Holy Cross celebrations held in September. Rent an optional city bike or ebike and cycle around the walls of Lucca. This afternoon you will take the train to San Miniato-Fucecchio (via Pisa or Empoli, takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.

Today you start walking, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d'Elsa region. Follow in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990. Upon arrival to Coiano take the included transfer back to San Miniato for overnight. Walk: 12.4km/7.7mi +390m/1148ft -357m/1171ft

Morning transfer from your hotel at 9am to Coiano where you will commence your walk, passing by two "Submansiones" (Sigeric's "stopping places"): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. Continue to Gambassi Terme and your hotel for the night. The town takes its name from the thermal baths of the area, here since antiquity. Walk: 13.3km/8.3mi, Ascent +391m/1283ft Descent -301m/987ft

The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. You will visit the tiny villages along the way as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole, where you can learn about its legend. Walk: 8.4km/5.2mi Ascent +311m/1020ft Descent -308m/1010ft

Continue on your walk along the Via Francigena. On arrival in San Gimignano, your destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot to fully appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a Vin Santo to celebrate your travels. There is an optional wine and olive tasting plus a vineyard visit available this afternoon, please ask your reservations consultant for more information. Walk: 8.8km/5.5mi Ascent +311m/1020ft Descent -269m/882ft

Today the Via Francigena will take you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation in Colle Val d'Élsa. The usual hotel we use is in the heart of the town with a lovely outlook over the countryside. Walk: 13km/8mi. Ascent: 257m/848ft. Descent: 379m/1250f

Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church. From Strove you continue past the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola, built around the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore, before reaching your accommodation near Monteriggioni. You will see its famed crown of towers as you approach. After check in you can hike up to the walled town and spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town. Walk: 14.5km/9mi. Ascent: 233m/676ft. Descent: 165m/548ft. Note: The evening accommodation is located about 1.6km from the walled village of Monteriggioni. If you would prefer to stay inside the town walls, this is possible but a supplement will apply. Please request at the time of booking.

Leaving Monteriggioni you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago (or you can shorten your walk by omitting the Poggio di Riciano visit). Pick up today is at Convento Vecchio from where you will be transferred to Siena. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening. Optional cooking class at a renowned cooking school (commences at 5pm). Ask your consultant for details. Walk: 15.4km/9.6mi. Ascent: 301m/990t. Descent: 213m/700ft.

Trip concludes in Siena this morning, after breakfast. Please ask for our rates if you want to stay an extra night.