Best of Tuscan Via Francigena, Easy Version

Your journey commences in San Miniato, a quaint town nestled atop a hill. While this charming hamlet may not boast the fame of other art cities along your route, we believe that sometimes, "the lesser-known, the better". Here, you can meander through the narrow lanes of the old town center and marvel at the painted façade of the Seminary – especially enchanting under the glow of the night sky, following a delectable dinner.

And speaking of dinner, for the food enthusiasts among you, don't overlook the local culinary delight: the white truffle, a delicacy that awaits you as a delightful celebration of your journey.

Are you ready to start your adventure? Your first day of walking includes one of our favorite walks of the route. You'll traverse the gentle slopes of rolling hills, adorned with vibrant spring greens and speckled with wildflowers, or bathed in a golden, windswept sea during the summer months.

Gambassi Terme is home to the Pieve di Chianni – and one of the most stunning hostels along the entire route. Here, you'll rest in bedrooms with ensuite facilities, their walls often adorned with meticulously restored original frescoes, lovingly cared for by the family who manages the hostel with dedication.

Share travel tales with fellow guests over a glass of ice-cold beer, followed by an unmissable visit to the Pieve, where you'll discover a treasure trove of engravings, bas-reliefs, and paintings, each with its own captivating story to tell.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +340/-200 m

Today's walk may be short, but it's certainly sweet. Before long, you'll catch sight of the shimmering towers of San Gimignano in the distance: a promising sight indeed, but remember to savor every step of the journey.

This leg of the walk guides you through gentle hills, dotted with charming farmhouses, until you reach the Pieve di Cellole. Nestled in serene tranquility, this unique place is home to a monk community. If you detect a soft, distant sound emanating from the Romanesque church guarded by cypress trees, quietly draw nearer and listen: the monks sing here every day, and you might just be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of their harmonious melodies.

As you continue your journey towards San Gimignano, the iconic towers draw nearer with each step. Our recommendation is to head straight to the Torre Grossa. From the summit of this tallest tower in San Gimignano, far removed from the bustling crowds filling the narrow streets below, you'll be treated to a breathtaking 360° panorama of the historic city center and the stunning landscape beyond.

And if you're a wine enthusiast, be sure to indulge in the local pride – Vernaccia, a crisp white wine best enjoyed at its source, in the winery of the Montestaffoli fortress.

Distance: 14.5 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

The journey proceeds through a shaded route today. You'll wander through the forests of Val d’Elsa, encountering charming little paths as you traverse gentle rivers and streams, discover sun-dappled meadows illuminated by rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, and rejuvenate yourself in the crisp waters of mountain streams.

Your destination for today is Colle Val d’Elsa, a medieval hamlet ensconced within sturdy stone walls.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +287/-222 m

Prepare yourself for a quiet and meditative walk. Your path will lead you through hills, forests, and meadows, past tranquil churches, and to unique sites like Abbadia a Isola – once an ancient abbey surrounded by marshes, now a hostel welcoming pilgrims and hosting an annual slow travel festival. A transfer will take you to Strove where you overnight.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +170/-55 m

Today's destination is Monteriggioni, a tiny ancient village crowned with towers. You can linger in the main square, observing as it buzzes with pilgrims and locals, or stroll along the fortified walls for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Seek out the hidden gardens for moments of serene rest – but we'll leave the joy of discovering them to you!

You will then reach Siena by train or bus.

Distance: 7 km

Elevation gain: +100/-105 m

A morning bus will take you outside Siena, to Isola d'Arbia, from where you start the walk. today you will cross the typical "strade bianche" – gravel roads winding through the hills. The landscape enveloping you resembles a masterpiece painted by a skilled artist, with each hue carefully selected and placed. Shades of gray, green, and silver blend before your eyes, offering a new and captivating view with every glance.

It's a lunar landscape, seemingly removed from both space and time, a spectacle unique to this corner of the world.

Just beyond Monteroni d’Arbia, you'll encounter the imposing Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm once responsible for storing the grain reserves of the Republic of Siena.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +175/-165 m

On your last day of walking, you'll journey through the picturesque Ombrone Valley, yet another breathtaking natural masterpiece. The final kilometers of your adventure promise to be just as delightful as the rest, leading you to a village where your journey concludes in style.

Buonconvento epitomizes the essence of Tuscan life – a truly "happy and fortunate place," as its name suggests. Stroll through the streets of the medieval city center, immersing yourself in the leisurely, serene rhythm of life in this provincial town. If, after reveling in the beauty of nature, you crave the artistic creations of humankind, the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d'Arbia showcases the works of some of the most renowned Sienese painters.

Distance: 14 km

Elevation gain: +170/-205 m

Our services end after breakfast, unless you book any extra services.

If you'd like to start with a bang and walk the most beautiful part of Via Francigena, this is it. From the quaint hamlet of San Miniato to the lunar landscape of Crete Senesi, through the towers of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. The first stage may result a bit challenging in terms of lenght and lack of  shade in Summer, but you can shorten it with a private transfer. 

Some sections of this walk are shortened with taxi transfers or public transport, making this itinerary more suitable to beginners.

We work with 3* hotels, B&Bs and farmhouses that reflect our way of experiencing travel: they are comfortable and characterful structures, which we choose one by one, managed by passionate and welcoming people.

Unless otherwise specified in the travel listing, all provide private en-suite rooms with breakfast included.

Below you see some examples of the facilities used for this trip, but keep in mind that they may vary based on availability in the period. We could therefore book for you structures different from those you see listed here, but of the same category and carefully chosen according to SloWays criteria.