9-day Best of the Via Francigena Walking Holiday
Self-guided San Miniato to Buonconvento walking tour
- Spectacular landscapes, fascinating Tuscany countryside full of vineyards and the
picturesque rolling hills of the Crete Senesi - Amazing round walls of the historical fortified military village of Monteriggioni
- The charming UNESCO towns of San Gimignano and Siena
- Small comfortable, family run accommodations with delicious Tuscan culinary specialities
The route is quite easy due to low differences in height. The whole itinerary is mostly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche). Some walks are quite long but can be shortened if requested in advance. The whole itinerary is well marked by the Official signs of the Via Francigena (white-red markings and yellow sign with the Pilgrim symbol on it).
Please notice that the last night in Buonconvento is not included. You can add it to your booking or travel directy to Florence or Pisa to visit those iconic cities.
Start: San Miniato Finish: Buonconvento
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.
From San Miniato, a paved road brings you to a spectacular route crossing the typical countryside of the Val d’Elsa. 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. Dinner is included at the accommodation tonight.
Challenge: 7 hours, 24 km / 15 mi, 781m ascent, 654m descent
Today you enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the Via Francigena. Before walking up to the villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, stop for a visit at the Sanctuary in Pancole. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the famous town of San Gimignano and its charming medieval atmosphere. Dinner is on your own in one of the many restaurants in town.
Challenge: 6 hours, 18 km / 11 mi, 595m ascent, 540m descent.
Today’s path through the Via Francigena is truly scenic. Walking up and down the Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields, and woods, you reach your accommodation in Gracciano. Along the way, you can make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo, dating back to the 11th century.
Challenge: 6 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 209m ascent, 204m descent.
From Gracciano, cross Pieve a Elsa and visit the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pool) of Caldane. After reaching Strove and its beautiful Romanesque church, continue towards the impressive complex of Abbadia a Isola before finally arriving at the medieval town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its characteristic crown of towers.
Challenge: 4 hours, 13 km / 8 mi, 132m ascent, 57m descent.
Leaving Monteriggioni, follow dirt roads through Montagnola Senese, passing the abandoned medieval village of Cerbaia. Walking through the woods, reach the Castle of Chiocciola and ascend to Poggio di Riciano. Descend towards Pian del Lago, or opt to skip Poggio di Riciano and go directly from Chiocciola to Pian del Lago. At the end of Renai forest, enter Siena through the ancient pilgrim’s entrance, Porta Camollia. Dinner is on your own.
Challenge: 6 hours, 20 km / 12 mi, 224m ascent, 245m descent.
The Crests of Val d’Arbia offer breathtaking views. After leaving Siena behind, follow the typical dirt roads of the region towards the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine church. At Monteroni d’Arbia, admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm that once stored grain for the Republic of Siena.
Challenge: 6 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 307m ascent, 467m descent.
Continue your journey through the Ombrone Valley to Buonconvento. Enter the old town through the gate in the walls and explore the picturesque streets, where life follows the slow rhythms of a provincial village. If you enjoy art, visit the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia to see works by renowned Sienese painters.
Challenge: 5 hours, 14 km / 9 mi, 259m ascent, 293m descent.
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked other nights of services with
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way and at the end in Buonconvento.
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.
Tenuta Sant’Ilario has 62 hectares of vineyards, olives and centuries-old woods. Three ancient villages ready to welcome guests. A gourmet restaurant, an area rich in attractions and services.
The hotel is both overlooking the ancient Piazza della Cisterna used to welcome pilgrims from all over the world and charming hills of San Gimignano. This stately homes is located in an excellent position, into the heart of San Gimignano.
The Hotel il Pietreto is the ideal place for nature lovers and walkers. Walking around the structure, you can see breathtaking views and find yourself in front of places of historical interest such as the Caldane, thermal baths of Etruscan Roman origin with warm water springs.
This 4 star hotel lies in the shade of the stronghold of Monteriggioni, the fortress that historically protected the citi of Siena from military attack. The hotel, a jewel in Sienese neo-classic xtyle, is made up various complexes connected to each other and articulated odn a single level.
Hotel Chiusarelli is located in the city center of Siena and finds its natural setting in a neoclassical villa built around 1870. The Hotel has been completely renovated in 2013 and offers spacious and clean rooms with air conditioning/heating, telephone, free Wifi and TV with Sky Vision. The Hotel doesn't have the lift. Quality breakfast.
The Hotel is surrounded by a relaxed and pleasant environment. Rooms are small, but clean. These are furnished in every detail while maintaining the typical Tuscan style with beams and wood trim. In some rooms you can admire the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Free Wifi, air conditioning, TV.
Relax and enjoy your stay at one of our hotels in the centre of Buonconvento. Hotel Ghibellino, Albergo Roma and Ristorante Roma in Buonconvento offer tradition and hospitality for an unforgettable holiday.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and October.
The best airports to fly into are Pisa (PSA) and Florence (FLR). Bologna (BLQ) and Milano (MXP and LIN) offer good connections, too.
Arrival in San Miniato
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).
Departure from Buoconvento
You can get Pisa, Florence, Bologna and Milano by train.
Check train timetables on www.trenitalia.com.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
- 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast
- 1 Dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Digital detailed route notes and maps
- Access to the trip on GUIBO navigation app
- 24-hour telephone assistance
(*) ONLY 1 PIECE OF LUGGAGE PER PERSON IS ALLOWED
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Travel to San Miniato Alto and from Buonconvento
- Trains, busses or boats wherever necessary
- Tourist taxes
- Lunches & Dinners not specifically mentioned
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
Extras
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Single Room Supplement(s)
- Solo Traveller Supplement
- Transfer from airport to San Miniato Alto
- Transfer from Buonconvento to airport
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Shipment of trip docs to the first accommodation
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9-day Best of the Via Francigena Walking Holiday
Contact
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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)