Via Francigena - Exploring the Italian Camino through Walking, Food & Art

Imagine waking up in a beautiful new Tuscan village each morning, with a new stretch of the Via Francigena- the ancient Tuscan Camino - to explore today. Excited to see where the path leads, what treasures come your way, the delicious food you get to savour and the meaningful conversations you strike up as we explore the path together.

It is sheer bliss knowing all you have to carry is your light rucksack as your main luggage gets transferred daily. This is Tuscany in style! After a delicious local breakfast we get ready to explore the delights of today's path as we walk step by step from Lucca to Siena over 8 nights.

Stopping to soak up the majestic views en route and rest our feet as we eat the best local fresh food for lunch - oh yes gelato and vino are welcome here! We fill up water bottles from fresh streams, learn about the culture of each village from our bilingual guide and explore the exquisite art, frescoes and symbols en route. Your body, heart and soul are all expertly taken care of on this trip.
Each day varies from 18 - 27km walking and we will traverse different landscapes that offer insights, culture, beauty, laughter and connection - as well as making room in our bellies for the feasts of food after a long days exploring! All that fresh air, talking and exploring will make us hungry for sure. Each night we explore the villages and towns to soak up Tuscany and all the hidden gems and local delights on offer. Any must-do shopping you do en route can just be popped into your main luggage without you having to worry about carrying the extra weight!

Some moments of each day will be intentionally walked in silence to really soak it all up - contemplating a theme or symbol for the day to enhance your walk. To help you reconnect to yourself, even if you are traveling with someone special.
After all, these ancient pilgrimages are walking meditations to ponder life, direction, and meaning.

You might come with a deep question in your heart, or use the Camino as a way to honor a significant person or mark a chapter in your life. Having fun and making life-long friends is also high on the agenda - as walking this path will forge deep connections. Shared conversations, evening reflection over dinners, and letting the path find its way into your heart will leave you a changed person.

You can be sure to wear some tread off your favourite walking boots and put a sparkle back in your heart!

We are delighted to explore the concept of LA MIA VIA - MY PATH!

• Using the art of walking to celebrate and contemplate your life - past, present & future
• Reconnect to joy and fun in each step as you learn to trust yourself again
• Revel and delight in all things Tuscan!
• Think of it as a way to communicate with your heart (and body) again
• To find aspects of yourself perhaps forgotten, hidden or lost
• To breathe life and passion into your next chapter step by step - inspired by the art
• Perhaps to acknowledge and integrate a recent 'goodbye' using walking as a ritual
• To give form and space to a new 'hello' that is arising at this time
• To honour a special time, celebration or mark your birthday.
• Open your heart to new possibilities of a brand new chapter up ahead on your path
• TO CELEBRATE YOURSELF
  

You are guaranteed laughter, insights, tears, amazing conversation, delicious food, and a memorable journey with Kate and Corlene! Make lifelong friends formed by walking, eating and exploring life together.

Day 1 - 17 th May: ARRIVAL Florence - Lucca

You start your Italian adventure the moment we collect you from Florence International Airport and make our beautiful way to Lucca. This exquisite city is on the Serchio River and is known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of this massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a house museum. Lucca is also famed for its delightful culinary offerings. From traditional dishes to exquisite wines, the gastronomic landscape is sure to enchant every food lover.
Discover the best of Tuscan hospitality as we connect before we explore the Via Francigena!
We get a good night's sleep ahead of our early and exciting start tomorrow.

Day 2 - 18th May: Altopascio - 18km
This first part of the Via Francigena trail from Lucca to Altopascio is flat all the way. You will pass the towns of Capannori and Porcari and their lovely little churches. Your destination for the day is Altopascio which is known as the Town Of Bread for its tradition of bread making. There is a very interesting church and bell tower in the center of the town.

Day 3 - 19th May: San Miniato - 29km
Today, the Via Francigena trail gets even more interesting as you leave Lucca and its suburbs behind. This section follows a lovely trail through woodland and farmlands. There is a short climb and descent before you reach a fortified 16th century Medicean bridge over the canal. You will then pass the lovely town of Fucecchio and over the Arno River, before the final climb up to the breathtaking town of San Miniato (Alto). There are plenty of artistic, cultural and historical sights to see here. The town and region are also renowned for its white truffles.

Day 4 - 20th May : Gambassi Terme - 24km
Today’s walking section on the Via Francigena follows a lovely trail through oak woods, chestnut woods, olive groves and vineyards. The trail is predominantly on off-road tracks over small rolling hills, the classic Tuscan landscape. On the way you will pass Chianni where you should visit the lovely little church. There is a 300m climb to Gambassi Terme, a hilltop town best known for its spa and hot springs, as well as glass manufacturing.

Day 5 - 21st May: San Gimignano - 14km
From Gambassi Terme you will descend for a couple of kilometres before you begin another climb. The day is quite up and down but the scenery as you pass through the world-famous Chianti vineyards will make the effort worthwhile. San Gimignano is a wonderful, walled, hilltop, medieval town, where you can stop for the night. The towers of the town can be seen for miles around. The museum of San Gimignano 1300 has a wonderful reconstruction of how the town once looked and is well worth a visit. Travel back in time and discover the location that made Romeo and Juliet famous.

Day 6 - 22nd May: Monteriggioni - 27km
From the Piazza in Colle di Val d’Elsa, you will continue your walk along majestic tree-lined roads, starting with a long descent to Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole. Your walking day on the Via Francigena takes you to the unique hilltop village of Monteriggioni with its spectacular circular wall.

Day 7 - 23rd May: Siena - 21km
After Monteriggioni, the Via Francigena takes pilgrims towards the village of Funghaia and its church with frescoed interior. Make sure you experience real Tuscan food in one of the region’s best osterias, as you reach stunning Siena. Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Italy. It is world-famous for its art, medieval architecture, museums, cuisine and the ‘Palio‘, the spectacular annual horse race held in the city’s piazza. It is romantic, walkable, and full of beautiful Medieval buildings to explore. Capture all the history in one go, admire Siena's unforgettable skyline and its collection of monuments, palaces, and churches.

Day 8 - 24th May: EXPLORING SIENA
Another beautiful day exploring this city and all it offers. We will do a walking tour exploring, shopping and savoring local delights. Not to be missed are Piazza del Campo where the Palazzo Pubblico is located in addition to the City Hall with its majestic tower, Torre del Mangia. The main building hosts the Civic Museum, a coffer of treasures and paintings in the Sienese Gothic style. A feast for the senses.
Tonight is our final dinner as we reflect on the week gone by and have one final drink to toast our lives and new friendships formed along the path.

Day 9 - 25th May: DEPARTURE DAY TO FLORENCE AIRPORT
After a final goodbye to this magical city we transfer you back to Florence Airport for your departure.

Deposit of £1000 to guarantee your place
2nd payment £1500 due 29th January 2025
Full Balance payable by 15th March 2025
TC's to be signed upon application
Arrangements can be made for monthly installments to spread payments out!
Note: if you are traveling solo we will pair you up with a suitable roommate for twin room option

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Host or Publisher Kate Emmerson - QuickShiftDeva