Description

Lucca to Siena Via Francigena

Lucca to Siena Via Francigena Self-Guided Tour, the ever-changing landscape of this Tuscan odyssey leads you from the industrial plains of Lucca to the rolling hills of the Val d’Elsa.
From March 1 until October 31
For guided options from 4 persons or more send us an email

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Enjoy this stunning Self Guided Cycle Tour over the Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena in beautiful Tuscany! Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Tuscan countryside, which unveils the breathtaking charm of two of its most picturesque towns. This adventure takes you on a voyage through remarkable villages, some widely celebrated, like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, and others hidden gems, such as San Miniato and Colle Val d’Elsa, offering a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The ever-changing landscape of this Tuscan odyssey leads you from the industrial plains of Lucca to the rolling hills of the Val d’Elsa. As you traverse this enchanting terrain, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, as if embarking on a medieval pilgrimage. Ancient parish churches that have stood for a millennium dot the landscape, and time-worn cobblestone paths invite you to trace the steps of those who’ve journeyed here for centuries. San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, with their well-preserved medieval architecture and storied past, offer glimpses into the rich history of the region. Yet, it is the lesser-known destinations like San Miniato and Colle val d’Elsa that hold a particular allure. These hidden treasures hold secrets waiting to be discovered, revealing a different, more intimate side of Tuscany.

As you near the conclusion of your adventure, the grandeur of Siena awaits, promising a grand finale to your expedition through this land of ancient wonders.
This journey will not only leave you with lasting memories but also a deep appreciation for the diverse and captivating beauty of Tuscany, from its plains to its hills, and from its renowned towns to its hidden marvels.

Highlights of the tour:

Art cities and medieval villages
Lucca
San Miniato and the truffle cuisine
The towers of San Gimignano
The small town of Monteriggioni
Siena

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Day 1

Arrival in Lucca

Lucca is a small town with a charming old town center, rich in attractions: we advise you to enjoy a long walk along its sixteenth-century walls, admiring the surrounding view, before going to discover why holm-oak trees grow at the top of the Guinigi Tower. Naturally, the mystery can be revealed only by climbing the numerous steps! Restore yourself with a snack of Bucellato, before visiting the splendid Duomo. After dinner, go and admire the elliptic square, built over the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, now hidden by multicolored houses containing little restaurants and artisan shops.

Day 2

Lucca - San Miniato - 47km

An easy and flat leg of the journey will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the old town center of Altopascio, passing through the Badia di Pozzeveri, where ancient pilgrims stop to rest and pray. In Altopasacio you mustn't miss the local bread: enjoy it at the foot of the Torre Campanaria, whose tolling bell, together with a fire lit on the terrace, used to guide the pilgrims towards the town as darkness was falling. Leaving Altopascio, you will walk along a splendid section of the original paved Via Francigena, surrounded by woods. Allow yourself to be charmed by the wild land of the Cerbaie, before crossing the river Ano and continuing towards San Miniato. The Seminary, which gives the name to the main square, will amaze you with its particular facade: enjoy it lit up, perhaps after eating a risotto dusted with the typical white truffle, the pride of the local area.

Day 3

San Miniato - San Gimignano - 43km

A demanding leg, but one with unique beautiful scenery, awaits you. From San Miniato, you will descend at the bottom of Val d’Elsa to later ascend again towards Gambassi Terme, where you will be able to cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni and enjoy a healthy bathe in the hot springs of Gambassi, surrounded by a park of ancient trees. You will continue your journey pedaling across splendid natural scenery to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena: you will get a foretaste of your arrival when you see the famous towers that make its skyline unmistakable. Do not miss the view of the medieval town and its surrounding valleys from the top of the Torre Grossa, or if you don’t run out of energy, venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, for an even more special view.

Day 4

San Gimignano - Siena 51km

From San Gimignano, you will continue, up and down, through the Tuscan hills, to Colle Val d’Elsa, a Tuscan village that will take you back in time, with its charming old town center and narrow alleyways winding through the stone walls. Prepare yourselves for one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena: a meditative route, along which you can surround yourselves with the silence of the Pieve di Strove, with its Romanesque interiors, or stand in the quietness of the splendid Abbadia at Isola, with its imposing Abbey. Your breath will be taken away when you see the castle of Monteriggioni, with its crown of towers, built on a hill as a defence against the ancient republic of Siena. Do not miss a stroll along its walls to admire the surrounding landscape before continuing towards Siena and passing through Porta Camollia, the traditional Francigena entrance to the historic center. An unforgettable way to celebrate? A plate of pici all’aglione in the illuminatedPiazza del Campo. And don’t forget the panforte

Day 5

Departure day

Departure day... Time to say goodbye, a good flight back home, or a pleasant stay in Italy.

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All prices are based on double rooms - for bookings & inquiries: send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Extra Information

Fill out and submit the online booking request or send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com
We tend and try to send all over within 48 hours.
Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.

Included

4 Nights in 3 or 4* Hotels and B&B with breakfast
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Maps and detailed description of the itinerary
24-hour travel insurance
Phone assistance in case of emergency

Not Included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
High-season supplement from 01/06 to 30/09 from €60
Single room surcharge €175
Third person in triple room 30%
Hotels 4 stars supplement €160
Lunches and dinners
Visits and entrance fees – tips.
Extra night in Lucca or Florence from €110

Bike Rentals and accessories * the price includes: an anti-puncture kit, mobile phone holder and one rear bag

Trekking Bike €100
E-Bike €180
Gravel and Road Bike on request
Front bag €35
Rear bag €42
Helmet €28

Pisa, Lucca and Viareggio Self-Guided Tour

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Lucca to Siena Via Francigena

Lucca to Siena Self-Guided Tour cycles the plains of Lucca to the rolling hills of the Val d'Elsa.

Difficult

March - Oct

€100

3 & 4* Hotels

€175

€180

(On Request)

€60

Description

Lucca to Siena Via Francigena

Highlights of the tour:

Itinerary