Cinque Terre & Via Francigena Lucca to Siena

Your journey begins with your arrival in Monterosso, the largest and most welcoming of the Cinque Terre villages. Once you arrive, take time to settle into your accommodation and soak in the relaxed coastal atmosphere, surrounded by the colors, scents, and sounds of the Mediterranean. This charming seaside town is the perfect starting point for your walking adventure.

Today’s walk is exceptionally scenic, with sweeping views over the coastline and the inland mountain ranges. If you prefer a shorter route, you can begin the walk from Colle di Gritta. From there, follow the elegant mountain ridge, passing through stretches of lush forest until reaching Punta Mesco, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area. You’ll then return to Monterosso.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +885/-885 m

Today you can spend a day hanging around the Cinque Terre, enjoy the sun and the blue sea. As an alternative you can choose to walk one of the itineraries described below.

WALK A: Soviore-Vernazza-Monterosso
The itinerary starts from the Soviore Monastery: before beginning your walk, enter its door to admire the beautiful frescoed vault. After a brief stretch of asphalted road, you will descend through a panoramic path to the Madonna di Reggio Sanctuary, with its beautiful stone façade surrounded by secular trees. From here you will continue to Vernazza: don't miss the panoramic view from the Santa Margherita church, before going back to Monterosso following the Coastal Road..

Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: +330/-740 m

WALK B: Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore
A short train ride takes you to the village of Corniglia where the day’s itinerary starts. The first part of the walk is quite steep, then you take the path to Volastra where the route becomes flat and very panoramic. The last section to Riomaggiore is on steep stairs. In Riomaggiore take a train back to Monterosso.

Distance: 7,5 km
Elevation Gain: +660/-660 m

WALK C: Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia
Today you walk along the busy coastal trail that connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The trail contours the coastline, ascending and descending, and it includes some stone staircases that can be challenging. The route is straightforward and easy to follow. At the end of the walk, take the train back to Monterosso.

Distance: 7 km
Elevation Gain: +480/-405 m

Today you are travelling by train from Monterosso to Lucca. You have to change train once or twice depending on the time of departure but you will have the chance to stop in Pisa and visit the famous leaning tower. Arrive in Lucca and if you arrive early, enjoy a visit of the town, explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. Do not miss a walk along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter.

Spend a leisurely day in Lucca, strolling along the tree-lined walls with views of terracotta rooftops and rolling hills. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, relax in sunlit piazzas with an espresso, and explore Romanesque churches and artisan shops. Enjoy a long, relaxed Tuscan lunch before evening strolls lead to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro for an aperitivo, soaking in the city’s timeless charm.

Leaving Altopascio you will walk along a splendid section of original paved Via Francigena. Allow yourself to be charmed by the wild land of the Cerbaie, and enjoy a panoramic view of the old village of Fucecchio from the top of the old park with its ancient medieval tower. After crossing overthe river Arno, you will walk along its banks 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.

Distance: 29 km

Elevation Gain: +250/-115 m

From San Miniato, a paved road brings you to a spectacular route crossing the typical enchanting Val d’Elsa landscape with its hills, its vineyards and olive groves. Following the Sigeric’s diary you meet two “Submansiones”: Pieve di Coiano (XXI, Sce Peter Currant) and Pieve a Chianni (XX, Sce Maria Glan), then you arrive at your accommodation.

Distance: 24 km

Elevation Gain: +400/-220 m

Today you enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the Via Francigena. Before walking up to the peculiar villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, stop for a visit at the Sanctuary in Pancole. If you arrive early, take some time to visit the famous town of San Gimignano and enjoy its charming medieval atmosphere.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation Gain: +350/-350 m
 

Today you walk a gorgeous path of the Via Francigena. Going up and down the Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods, you finally reach your accommodation in Gracciano d’Elsa or in Colle Val d'Elsa. Along the way, you can make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo of the XI century.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +270/-380 m 

From Gracciano or Colle Val d'Elsa, cross Pieve a Elsa and meet the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pool) of Caldane. After reaching Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church, continue walking along the particular complex of Abbadia a Isola till you reach the medieval town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its peculiar crown of towers.

DIstance: 15 km

Elevation Gain: +250/-190 m

Leaving Monteriggioni, you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area in the district. You pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia that appears currently abandoned. Across the wood you reach the Castle of “Chiocciola” then descend the old river of the Pian del Lago. At the end of the Renai forest, enter the beautiful town of Siena for its ancient pilgrim’s access of Porta Camollia.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation Gain: +300/-250 m

Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The town explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo.

The striking Duomo is jam-packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. Today is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelaterias – the choice is endless!

Today you are travelling by train or bus from Siena to Florence. You might have to change train once in Empoli depending on the time of departure.

Arrive in Florence and take a moment to breathe in the air of the Renaissance.  The wonders that Florence offers are countless, but we suggest starting at Piazza del Duomo: don’t miss the Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, which tell the stories of the Old Testament through golden panels of dazzling beauty. We suggest you to arrive early to go for a city walk around the magnificent squares and by the illustrious Arno River.

Taste the local cuisine and enjoy the variety of Tuscan dishes!
You wont' be disappointed!

Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights or other services with us.

This Cinque Terre and Via Francigena walking tour is designed for active travelers who love hiking and cultural discovery. It’s ideal if you want to explore the Cinque Terre on scenic trails and walk the historic Via Francigena from Lucca to Siena.

The routes include some steep ascents and descents, as well as a few exposed sections, so a good level of fitness and no fear of heights are essential.

If you enjoy walking through charming towns, stunning landscapes, and soaking up local culture, this adventure is perfect for you — especially if you want to extend your stay to explore Tuscany’s art, food, and traditions.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.