Via Francigena

Begin your Via Francigena walk here taking the southern road out of town before joining the exceptionally beautiful path into the hills of Val d’Elsa where the castles, forts and abbeys that make the Via Francigena so unique are situated all around. On the Sigeric Path, you encounter two “submansiones”: the Coiano Parish Church with its steep stone steps and the parish of Santa Mariain Chianni, rebuilt in the twelfth century. Soon you will reach Gambassi, known for its hot springs. The end of this leg is the Church of Christ the King in the town. If time permits enjoy the local spa facilities located in the centre of town. Archaeological evidence indicates that Gambassi Terme has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age. However, the first most noteworthy human settlements here were around the seventh century BC when the Etruscans lived in the area. The town is famous for its glass working tradition that flourished between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. More recently, in 1977, the town changed its name to Gambassi ‘Terme’ in order to highlight its other important business – that of its natural spas. The town’s spas (‘Terme’) opened in 1974 and boast waters which are scientifically proven to be therapeutic and curative for many ailments.

A short walk today with a similar beginning on road surface for the first 2km before finding the secluded but well signposted gravel path directly south over typical, undulating Tuscan hillsides with fattorias (working farms) and vineyards in abundance. Stop for lunch at the hamlet of Pancole. Approaching from the valley, the magnificent town of San Gimignano comes into view. Dominated by its old towers, is really breath-taking and truly merits its nickname as the “New York” of Tuscany! Complete the walk into the town where you can enjoy the late afternoon and evening in spectacular medieval settings. Accommodation in a comfortable bed & breakfast in the very center of the town.

A longer distance walking today therefore an early departure is recommended. Stop for some provisions in town as there is very limited food stops along the route. Begin with a quiet road walk for about 5km that takes you south out of the town before entering a mix of woodland and vineyards. Scenic overviews are less in evidence on this section but take time to walk around the tiny hamlet of Strove with its beautiful streets and tiny square before continuing on until you approach Abbadio Isola from where the walled town of Monteriggioni dominates the horizon. This old castle town that dates back to the ninth century is really amazing, especially at night when remaining inside the city walls is an unforgettable experience. It’s like stepping back in the past for many centuries and your accommodation is in a bed and breakfast within these old town walls! The town is a miniature masterpiece of 15th century architecture and contains some beautiful restaurants for evening dining.

Today sees the end point of the walk at the magnificent city of Siena, the undoubted jewel in the Tuscan crown. Begin by departing Monteriggioni by the south on some road walking before transferring to open farmland and sparse woodland. Again be sure to stock up on provisions before departing and choose a shady point to have lunch before ascending the final section of the route into the city. Siena, the town of the Palio, of the Panforte and many other important historical events. Accommodation in hotel in the centre of the town allowing time for visiting the amazing Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral, including Santa Caterina Monastery. Siena is the embodiment of a medieval city where the inhabitants pursued their rivalry with Florence in medieval times. Throughout the centuries, they preserved their city’s Gothic appearance, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries when the city was built around the Piazza del Campo devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape.

Explore the beautiful city of Siena on your inclusive Guided City Tour – discover the fascinating history and wonderful Tuscan culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you take in the city’s important landmarks on a journey of more than 2,000 years of history since its first settlement by the Etruscans. Learn how Siena grew after the Roman Empire and about the Lombards who settled in the town. As you visit Siena’s landmarks—including the Piazza del Campo, the cathedral and the majestic Basilica of San Domenico—your guide divulges historical information as well as fascinating stories about each of these sights, including the Siena Palio horse race held every year.