From Lucca to Rome, an Unforgettable Journey

Day 1

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Lucca The magic of an ancient city
Welcome to Lucca, a medieval gem wrapped in perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. This is where your Via Francigena journey begins — in a city where time seems to slow down, and every corner tells a story.
Walking or cycling along the tree-lined ramparts is the perfect way to tune into the rhythm of the road ahead. From up there, the views of the red rooftops and rolling hills are simply stunning.
Don’t miss the climb up the Guinigi Tower, crowned with a hanging garden of holm oaks — a quiet, surreal spot suspended between stone and sky.
Later, discover the Cathedral of San Martino, with its richly detailed sculptures and elegant Romanesque façade that welcomes visitors with solemn beauty.
And to end the day? Head to Piazza Anfiteatro at sunset. Once a Roman arena, today it glows with the soft lights of small restaurants and artisan shops, creating a warm, enchanting atmosphere.
Grab a slice of Bucellato, Lucca’s traditional sweet bread — a perfect first taste of the Tuscan delights that will follow you throughout the journey.

Day 2 – From Lucca to San Miniato

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Into the heart of the Via Francigena – 47 km of history, nature, and flavour
After the timeless charm of Lucca, your journey truly begins. Today’s stage takes you from Renaissance walls to the hilltop views of San Miniato, following a route rich in history and peaceful landscapes.
The first section is flat and easy-going, ideal for easing into the rhythm. You’ll ride through open fields and tree-lined lanes until you reach Altopascio, a town historically known for welcoming pilgrims. Stop under the Bell Tower, where the sound of bells and a guiding fire once lit the way. Today, the town still offers its iconic “pilgrim’s bread” — rustic, fragrant, and steeped in tradition.
Further on, you’ll enter the Cerbaie woodlands, where the silence of nature is broken only by your steps or wheels on the original Roman paving stones of the Via Francigena — a rare and powerful connection to the past.
After crossing the Arno River, the road climbs toward San Miniato, a medieval hilltop town famous for its prized white truffle. At sunset, the main square glows with charm: the decorated façade of the Seminary Palace seems to tell ancient stories.
And for the perfect ending to your day? A creamy truffle risotto in the heart of town is the well-earned reward of this unforgettable stage.

Day 3 – From San Miniato to San Gimignano

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Through hills and medieval villages – 42.2 km of breathtaking views
Today’s stage is challenging, but every pedal stroke is rewarded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and the promise of an unforgettable destination.
Leaving San Miniato, the road descends gently into the Val d’Elsa, winding between vineyards, olive groves and rustic farmhouses. The climb begins as you approach Gambassi Terme, a perfect place for a restorative break. Don’t miss the Church of Chianni, a thousand-year-old Romanesque gem with timeless charm. And if you're looking to relax, the thermal baths nestled among ancient trees offer pure well-being.
Back on the bike, a thrill awaits: in the distance, the towers of San Gimignano rise against the sky, a skyline that seems frozen in time.
Once in town, climb the Torre Grossa or walk up to the Montestaffoli Fortress — from above, the view of the rolling Tuscan hills will make every effort worth it.

Day 4 – From San Gimignano to Siena

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51 km of history, nature and pure beauty
The road to Siena is a small masterpiece: a route that takes you through timeless villages, solitary churches and postcard-perfect Tuscan landscapes.
After leaving the skyline of San Gimignano behind, you glide through the gentle hills of Val d’Elsa until you reach Colle Val d’Elsa, a peaceful village where every stone seems to tell a story.
From there, the route becomes even more intimate and contemplative, passing the quiet Pieve di Strove and the Abbey of Abbadia a Isola, a sacred place that seems to emerge naturally from the landscape.
On the horizon, you’ll see the iconic walls of Monteriggioni, crowned with its medieval towers — a view that deserves to be photographed and remembered.
The final stretch brings you to Siena, entering through Porta Camollia, as pilgrims once did.
But don’t rush to leave.
Siena is worth an extra day.
Take time to wander through the contrade, visit the stunning Duomo, and enjoy an aperitivo overlooking Piazza del Campo.
And in the evening? Treat yourself to a traditional dinner: pici all’aglione, cinta senese pork, and a glass of Chianti Classico.
This journey is meant to be savoured — and Siena is the perfect place to slow down, even just for a day.

Day 5 – From Siena to San Quirico d’Orcia

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54 km of pure wonder
If the sun shines on your first day in the saddle, consider yourself lucky: the ridges of the Val d’Arbia offer breathtaking views, especially as Siena fades behind you, nestled among the Tuscan hills. You’ll ride along peaceful backroads that lead to Monteroni d’Arbia, where the imposing Grancia di Cuna stands — a fortified 13th-century granary once used to store grain for the Republic of Siena.
Your journey continues through the Ombrone Valley, following the Via Francigena by bike, across golden fields and rolling landscapes, until you reach Buonconvento. Cross its fortified gate and explore its charming medieval centre — it’s easy to understand why its name means “happy and fortunate place.” This quiet village is perfect for a mid-day pause.
Then the ride becomes even more magical: a mix of white roads and paved stretches leads you into the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is pure poetry — gentle hills, vineyards, cypress-lined ridges, and stone farmhouses that seem painted into the scenery.
At San Quirico d’Orcia, your reward awaits. Admire the portal of the Collegiata, where Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles meet in a fascinating fusion. Then unwind in the tranquil beauty of the Horti Leonini, a stunning Renaissance garden from the 15th century, hidden among perfectly manicured hedges.

Day 6 – From San Quirico d’Orcia to Acquapendente

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54 km of villages, thermal waters, and ancient spirituality
Your journey continues through the enchanting Val d’Orcia, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and postcard-perfect scenery. Just outside San Quirico, take a break at the timeless hamlet of Vignoni Alto. A few minutes downhill, you’ll reach Bagno Vignoni, where thermal water gently steams from the central square’s ancient basin. If you feel like it, enjoy a moment of relaxation in the warm, healing waters — ideal to recharge body and soul.
The road then leads you through peaceful Tuscan countryside, slowly guiding you toward Lazio. Reaching Acquapendente, the first town on the Via Francigena in Lazio, marks a powerful shift in the atmosphere: the air is thick with history and silent reverence.
Don’t miss the Romanesque crypt of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most spiritual places along the route. Legend has it that stones stained with the blood of Christ are kept here. The beautifully carved capitals, the rhythm of arches, and the soft light create an intimate, moving atmosphere that speaks to every traveler’s heart.

Day 7 – From Acquapendente to Viterbo

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52 km of breathtaking views, ancient flavours, and thermal rest
The day begins as you leave behind the fortress of Acquapendente, and with it, the spiritual echoes of the day before. You ride along the ancient Via Cassia, through open landscapes where the silhouette of Mount Amiata rises in the distance, surrounded by olive groves and woodlands.
Soon, you’ll catch your first glimpses of Lake Bolsena, a blue gem nestled in the hills. Then comes Montefiascone, a town rich in beauty, history, and flavour. Here you can walk on the original Roman paving stones of the Via Cassia, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims on their way to Rome. Climb the Pilgrim’s Tower for a sweeping view over the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Before continuing, treat yourself to a glass of the famous Est! Est!! Est!!!, a legendary white wine born right here. And if your legs need a break, stop at the Bagnaccio hot springs, where the warm waters and peaceful setting are the perfect recharge.
Your arrival in Viterbo is like stepping into the past. Wander through the Pilgrim’s Quarter, visit the Palace of the Popes, and find a moment of stillness in the cloister of Santa Maria Nuova. End your day with a local delicacy: the crunchy, golden frittellacce viterbesi.

Day 8 – From Viterbo to Campagnano

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60 km of waterfalls, ancient paths, and timeless nature
This stage leads you deep into the heart of the Lazio countryside, through peaceful landscapes, traces of Etruscan history, and hidden oases. Leaving Viterbo behind, the route takes you to Vetralla, a charming town rooted in ancient Etruscan territory, surrounded by olive groves and tradition.
As you ride through gentle hills, you’ll reach one of the most magical spots of the journey: the Monte Gelato waterfalls. Cool, shaded, and immersed in green, this is the perfect place to stop. Dip your feet in the water and let nature do its work — it’s a moment of true refreshment.
Back in the saddle, a scenic road guides you toward Campagnano di Roma, where peace awaits in the Venturi Park. At its center stands a centuries-old yew tree, locally known as the “Tree of Death”, a majestic and mysterious presence that locals have respected for generations.
Rest in the shade, listen to the silence, and enjoy the feeling of a day filled with nature, culture, and discovery.

Day 9 – From Campagnano to Rome

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41 km to the Eternal City, through nature, history, and the final reward
This final stage has a special flavour: today, you reach Rome, the Eternal City, longed for by pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
Leaving Campagnano, the route winds through the Veio Natural Park, a quiet green escape leading to the Valley of Sorbo. Along the way, stop at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sorbo, surrounded by peaceful hills and history.
In Formello, one of the last historic towns before entering Rome, take a moment to explore the medieval centre. And don’t miss a stop at Pizzangrillo: grab a slice of their perfectly baked pizza and try one of their delicious supplì — the energy boost you didn’t know you needed!
Back on the road, ride through the quiet Lazio countryside, amazed that Rome is just around the corner.
Soon you’ll join the Tiber cycle path, a safe and scenic route leading you right into the heart of the city. And then it happens: after all the climbs, emotions, and kilometres… you arrive in St. Peter’s Square.
Time for a photo, a breath, a smile. You made it. Celebrate the moment with a plate of amatriciana, some crisp puntarelle with anchovies, and a maritozzo with whipped cream. Every great journey deserves a delicious ending.

Day 10 – Rome The Eternal City, to be discovered by bike

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The journey along the Via Francigena ends here, but Rome deserves at least a couple of days to be truly savoured. Speaking as a fellow cyclist: discovering Rome by bike is the best way to capture its soul.
Thanks to the growing network of cycle paths, getting around is easy and safe — and pedalling through the city gives you a unique perspective that most tourists never experience.
If you’re looking for something unforgettable, I highly recommend a ride along the Appian Way. It’s like stepping back in time: you’ll cycle beneath ancient pines, past Roman ruins and open landscapes that have inspired travellers from all over the world for centuries.
Sure, Rome has its flaws — but for me, it remains the most beautiful city in the world. And once you’ve experienced it this way, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Rome is ready to amaze you, and I’m here to make sure every detail of your journey lives up to your expectations — right up to the last pedal stroke.