Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena

Like all the stages that precede or follow a medium / large city, you have to walk for 18.5 km mainly on asphalt, and not much on the paths.

The path inside the walls of Lucca is very interesting and then the asphalted stretch on the ancient Via Romana that crosses the areas of Capannori, Porcari and Turchetto and then arrives in Altopascio.

A stage without slopes that takes about 4/5 hours of walking, with the possibility of having all the services of a city nearby, therefore shops, bars, banks, small supermarkets.
There are only two small stretches of dirt road immediately after Turchetto, up to the Badia di San Pietro a Pozzoveri.

You can therefore take the opportunity to visit the Parish Church of San Quirico and Giuditta, the Abbey of San Pietro in Pozzeveri and, upon arrival in Altopascio, the Church of San Jacopo.

A fairly significant stage especially for the distance of 29 km, considering the differences in height. The last climb for the arrival in San Miniato Alto is certainly challenging.

The walk of about 7/8 hours develops through countryside, woods and small villages.

A first part on the asphalt to leave Altopascio, to then enter the countryside, arriving in the Cerbaie and Padule di Fucecchio Reserve, famous for its bio-diversity.

There are three inhabited centers where you can refuel and stop for short stops, Galleno, Ponte a Cappiano and Fucecchio.

The uphill arrival in San Miniato Alto gives the opportunity to visit the Tower of Matilde, the Fortress of Frederick II and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Genesio.

The few kilometers traveled allow a thorough visit of San Gimignano and its historic center.

A stage immersed in Tuscan nature, which can be covered in about 6 hours, through unforgettable paths and landscapes.

The only more decisive difference in height is the one at the end of the stage that leads from Borgoforte to Gambassi, starting from 80 meters high and reaching over 300 meters on arrival.

A stop in the beautiful Tuscan hills that makes the km to go a real walk in nature.
An almost physiological stop is at the Pieve di Coiano, which represents a perfect resting point halfway through the route.

There are many vineyards that you cross and the breathtaking views.

Shortly before arrival, the Pieve di Santa Maria in Chianni, where you allow yourself a few minutes of recovery for a visit and to take photos, while tackling the final climb.

We must not forget that, upon arrival in Gambassi, there are the Baths!

Perhaps the most Tuscan stop in Tuscany!
The hills, the streets with cypresses, the vineyards, the ancient farmhouses,
famous emblems all over the world, which make Tuscany one of the most visited places for tourism!

A short stage, less than 14 km, but which must be covered by dedicating all the time necessary to admire each glimpse.

The Sanctuary of Pancole and the Pieve di Cellole, along the way, are moments for a visit and a stop. Then the arrival in San Gimignano, full of tourists, restaurants, and always very scenic
for its alleys and towers. The few kilometers traveled allow a thorough visit of San Gimignano and its historic center.

An intermediate stage that allows you to divide the main stage (from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni) into two days, having the opportunity to stop in the magnificent Colle Val d’Elsa.

The first part of the route to Molino d’Aiano is the same as the single stage.

After crossing the Foci stream you find yourself in front of a crossroads: continuing to the right you follow the original stage, heading left you choose the Variante towards Colle Val d’Elsa.

A short stage, about 11 km long, which leaves time for a visit to Colle Val d’Elsa

It starts with one of the strengths of the passage from Colle Val d’Elsa, the variant of the route: instead of walking along the town road, you go down to the Elsa River Park.

An unexpected path, next to the Elsa river, with its turquoise waters that will have to be crossed several times.

The recommended route is the one that rejoins the Caldane thermal baths, where you can take a beautiful bath (remember to bring your bathing suit!).

After Strove and Abbadia Isola you arrive in a spectacular straight line with a view of the Monteriggioni Castle in front.
With the last climb you enter the walls from the San Giovanni gate, then arriving in Piazza Roma in front of the church of Santa Maria Assunta.

In all the stages of arrival or departure from a larger city, the final stretch of arrival in Siena is paved, but the arrival in Siena is truly surprising …

The departure from Monteriggioni with the climb up the Borgo Gallinaio hill leaves you breathless, the view of Monteriggioni behind you is unique.

Have you ever heard of the color “Terra di Siena”?
In this stage it is the predominant color, you walk inside this incredible color!

Along the way, don’t miss the Castello della Chiocciola.

The arrival in Siena in a long final climb leads to the historic center and the very famous Piazza del Campo.