Via Francigena, a weekend from Pontremoli to Aulla - 3 days

Your trip starts from Pontremoli, a gem of a village in the heart of mysterious Lunigiana, in the Northern part of Tuscany. Stroll through the tower-houses of the city centre, admire warriors and Goddesses made of stone in the Stele Statues museum - the imposing castle perched at the top of the village, guarding the mystery of these ancient locals. 

If you like the magic of written word, sit on the benches of the old town centre and try to guess the author of the literary quotations that they are decorated with. Or just enjoy a few pages of a book and write the first page of your travelogue. 

To celebrate the beginning of your journey, nothing better than a hearty portion of Testaroli - the local pasta, made in a very unique and traditional way - served with almond pesto, or a very thick slice of delicious "torta d'erbi", a salty pie filled with wild herbs.

Ready to set off? In your first day you're walking in a beautiful scenery, where lush green forests alternate with small Medieval hamlets. The tower-houses in Ponticello, the ancient hospital of Saint Jacob in Filattiera - above all, the Pieve di Sorano, which treasured the statues of ancient Celtic warriors for centuries. 

Villafranca is a Medieval hamlet of great beauty: you can walk up the hill to the walled village of Malgrate and its castle, or glimpse the ruins of the ancient castle of Malnido - home to the rich Malaspina family - among the trees. 

The day is filled with Medieval sceneries, right to the last step: today's destination is Filetto, hosting a yearly Medieval festival that attracts people from all over the region

Distance: 17 km

From Filetto you walk right into a thick and fragrant forest, following portions of an ancient Roman road - a fairytale scenery on the way to the Terrarossa Castle, where one would not be surprised to see knights and dragons.

The last part of the itinerary follows the tracks of an abandoned railway, now converted in a walking and cycle path. 

If you are passionate about ancient history, don't miss the museum of San Caprasio Abbey, housing archaeological remains from the Medieval period, nor a stroll along the ancient walls of the Brunella fortress. 

Feeling peckish? Go for the local "focaccette" - fragrant and warm, rigorously served with local cold cuts and cheese. 

If you want some more time to visit Aulla, it is possible to add an extra night in Aulla (not included in the price displayed here)

Distance: 15,5 km