SloWays • Via Francigena Weekend, San Miniato-San GImignano |

A three-days trip in the heart of Via Francigena, starting in San Miniato, one of the hidden gems of Via Francigena, and continuing along an itinerary of extraordinary beauty: from the thousand-year-old Pieve di Chianni, where the same Sigerico slept, to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

The attractions of this travel is are not limited to the landscape: you will be able to savour the tasty Tuscan cuisine in every possible declination, from the precious white truffle of San Miniato to the yellow gold of San Gimignano: the saffron.

Route

Day 1: San Miniato

Day 2: From San Miniato to Gambassi Terme, 24 km

Day 3: From Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano, 13,5 km

Day 1: San Miniato

Your travel will start from San Miniato, a jewel of Via Francigena. The Seminary, from which the main square takes its name, will surprise you with its particular façade: don't miss it illuminated, maybe after having enjoyed a risotto powdered with the typical white truffle, a local gastronomic pride.

Day 2: From San Miniato to Gambassi Terme, 24 km

A demanding leg, but one with unique beautiful scenery, awaits you. From San Miniato you will walk along an asphalted section of road, amply compensated by the following part which passes through the splendid crests of the hills of the Val d'Elsa: along the road you can cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni, following in the footsteps of entire generations of pilgrims. For a fitting end to the day you can enjoy a healthy bath in the hot springs of Gambassi, surrounded by a park of ancient trees.

Distance: 24 km

Elevation gain: +400/-220 m

Day 3: From Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano, 13,5 km

This leg of the journey, short but rich in splendid natural scenery, will lead you 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 unmistakeable. 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. During the evening, take a quiet stroll to admire the illuminated town before enjoying a good glass of Vernaccia in one of the taverns of the old town centre.

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

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

accommodation

Two Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B with breakfast

Hotel San Miniato - San Miniato

What in the thirteenth century was a severe monastery cloister is now Hotel San Miniato, refined historic home sits on a hill overlooking the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Pisa. The rooms are comfortable, elegant and clean. Breakfast is good and rich.

www.hotelsanminiato.com

Ostello Sigerico - Gambassi

This building is situated on one of the branches of the Via Francigena, which Sigerico, Archbishop of Canterbury, walked between 990 and 994. This hostel housed in finely restored historical buildings and it has basic, clean and comfortable rooms.

www.ostellosigerico.it

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Luggage transfer from one hotel to the hotel is not included in the price, but you can add it by paying an extra charge.

From any airport, get to the closest railway station. From there, you can reach San Miniato Basso by train (the station's name is "S. Miniato-Fucecchio"). Trains are direct from both Pisa and Florence.

Once in San Miniato Basso, you can reach San Miniato Alto by bus (get off at Piazza del Popolo). Chec bus schedules on www.pisa.cttnord.it (bus line 320).

On departure from Buonconvento, you can get Pisa, Florence, Bologna and Milano by train.

Check train timetables on www.trenitalia.com.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

2 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
1 dinner in Gambassi Terme
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

Choose this trip if you'd like to experience the most beautiful section of Via Francigena but have only a few days to spend on the way, or if you'd like to test your training level before opting for a longer trip.