Via Francigena
The medieval pilgrim road through Tuscany to Rome.
At a glance
Overview
The Via Francigena is the historic pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome. Its most walked and most beautiful section runs roughly 380 km through Tuscany and Lazio — from Lucca past San Gimignano and Siena to the gates of Rome — following medieval roads through vineyards, cypress hills and hill towns.
This Tuscan-to-Rome stretch takes most pilgrims about 15 to 20 days at a moderate pace, staying in ostelli, agriturismi and small hotels. It is gentler than an Alpine route but rich in history, food and landscape.
TrailTransfer arranges the accommodation that is spread thinly between villages, forwards your luggage stage by stage, and plans transfers to Lucca and onward from Rome — including the classic final walk to St Peter’s.
Sample stages
A representative breakdown — we tailor daily distances to your pace, rest days and fitness.
- Day 1 Lucca → Altopascio 18 km
- Day 2 San Miniato → Gambassi Terme 24 km
- Day 3 Gambassi Terme → San Gimignano 13 km
- Day 4 Siena → Ponte d’Arbia 26 km
- Day 5 Viterbo → Rome 100 km
How we handle the logistics
Everything below is booked with vetted local suppliers and moves with you, stage by stage.
Bags moved to your next stay before you arrive. You walk with a daypack.
Huts, albergues and hotels booked to match your itinerary and budget.
Shuttles and transfers to the start and back from the finish.
Water, food and pharmacy points mapped, with 24/7 help on the way.
Frequently asked
Which part of the Via Francigena should I walk?
The Tuscany-to-Rome section — roughly 380 km from Lucca to St Peter’s — is the most scenic and best served for pilgrims. We can also plan shorter stretches, such as Siena to Rome.
Can my luggage be transferred?
Yes. The route follows a good road network through Tuscany and Lazio, so daily luggage transfer between towns is straightforward. You walk with a daypack.
How many days do I need?
Allow about 15 to 20 days for Lucca to Rome at a moderate pace. Shorter sections like Siena to Rome take around a week.
Where do pilgrims stay?
In a mix of pilgrim ostelli, agriturismi and small hotels. Accommodation is spread between villages, so we book ahead to match your daily stages.
Ready to plan this route?
Tell us your dates and pace. We’ll build the stages and handle every connection.
