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This section of the Via, pass though the best Tuscany area as the Garfagnana and the Chianti. The highlight is made by the wild forest of the Garfagnana at the bottom of the Apuan Alps and the hilly countryside of the Chianti region around Siena, considered internationally one of the most amazing landscape of the world. Following the history discovering ancient archeological site, small medieval villages as Lucca, S. Gimignano and Monteriggioni, and appreciating the local wine. The vineyards compose the Chianti region and all the local economy is devoted to the wine production.
Highlights:
- Lucca, S. Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena and their historical and artistic heritage
- The wild limestone range of Apuan Alps
- The excellent local wine

Daily itinerary

Massa-panorama della città e rocca MalaspinaDay 1: Arrival in Massa
Arrival in Massa. Overnight stay in B&B in Massa




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DSC 1681Day 2: Massa - Pietrasanta (5 hours hiking, +450mt -450mt, 16,5 km)
Walking at the bottom of the incredible Apuan Alps, a mountain excavated since the Romans for the excellent marble. The Mediterranean coast of Versilia is very close to your walk. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel*** in Pietrasanta. ( B-D)

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DSC 1712Day 3: Pietrasanta - Camaiore (5h30 hours hiking, +750mt / -750 mt, 13 km)
Following the "mountain Via Francigena" to reach the small village of St. Anna o Stazzema, an important place for the Second World War, where the view can reach the sea and the Tuscany Island National Park. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel***in Camaiore. (B-D)

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DSC 1680Day 4: Camaiore - Lucca (6h30 hiking, +300mt / -300mt, 26 km)
Passing between vineyards and gardens, small villages and churches built during the XII century, you reach one of the most beautiful Italian towns of art: Lucca. The medieval walls surround the town completely and are perfectly conserved. Dinner not included and overnight in B&B in Lucca. (B)
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luccaDay 5: Lucca - Altopascio (4 hours hiking, +90mt / -90mt, 16 km)
In the morning discover the heritage of the town, before leaving for the hike. The landscape has nice shapes and colours , surrounded by fields of wheat and cypress. The arrival into the small fortified village of Altopascio is a dive back into the history: the Tau knights , the oldest order of Europe, founded in Altopascio in the I century. Dinner and overnight stay in B&B in Altopascio. (B-D)
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DSC02604Day 6: Altopascio – San Miniato ( 6 hours hiking , +383 m / -283 m , 23 km )
Today you will follow a lovely trail through woodlands and farmlands with some ups and downs. Along the banks of the Usciana canal, you can cross the ancient swamp that has been drained and go up to the lovely town of Fucecchio. After crossing the Arno, you will come to San Miniato, the once powerful medieval town, today also famous for its white truffles. Dinner not included and overnight stay in San Miniato. (B-D)
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VF4Day 7: San Miniato – Gambassi Terme (6 hours hiking, +400 mt -230 mt; 24km)
Joining the vineyards region you reach the amazing church of "Pieve di Coiano" located in Gambassi Terme, an ancient thermal place, used by the pilgrims to rest during their long journey. Dinner not included and overnight in Gambassi Terme (B)


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pontremoli 0005 02.09.2006Day 8: Gambassi Terme – Colle Val D'Elsa (7 hours hiking, +624 m / -760 m; 27 km)
San Gimignano astonished hikers due to its high towers rising in the hamlet. It's called the "New York" of the Middle Age...The olives fields will lead you to the village of Colle Val d'Elsa, very famous for the artistic glass production. Dinner and overnight stay in Colle Val d'Elsa. (B-D)

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Siena 3 (foto A. Micale)Day 9: Colle Val d'Elsa – Siena (6h30 hours hiking, +650 m / -477 m ; 25 km)
You are walking in the heart of the Chianti region, that mean vineyards for the excellent local wine, known in all the world. Passing the defensive village of Monteriggioni and its perfect "crown walls". The arrival in the majestic "Piazza del Campo" in Siena, will permit you to appreciate one of the most beautiful artistic towns in Italy.
End of the tour.
In Siena you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)


Skill level: medium, 3,30 to 7,00 hours walking each day, well-marked large and paved paths. A prior hiking experience is recommended.

Accommodation: 8 nights in hotel*** or charming B&B , based on twin/triple room with private facilities

Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
 
Included:
- 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast included
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 9
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 hrs Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour

Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items
- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Massa on day 1
- Transfer from Siena to airport or station day 9
- Tourist taxes (about 2€ per day per person)
Published in Pilligrim Way
Welcome in Val d'Orcia. The area is formed by an amazing hilly countryside considered a UNESCO heritage site for the beauty and the right preservation. Farmhouses and vineyards, sunflower fields and tiny forests, will lead you to discover and appreciate this wonderful region in the Centre of Italy. The Via Francigena will cross Tuscany, entering into the Lazio region, in the land that was dominated by the mysterious Etruscan civilization, before the domination of the Romans.

Highlights:
- Siena and the "Piazza del Campo" where the famous "palio" takes place
- The Val d'Orcia landscape, a UNESCO heritage site
- The Etruscan land, tiny villages and volcanic lakes

Daily itinerary

Siena 3 (foto A. Micale)Day 1: Siena
Arrival in Siena and accommodation in your hotel in the heart of the medieval town. Dinner is not included. Overnight stay in Siena.



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DSC 1681Day 2: Siena - Lucignano ( 7 hours , + 327/ -492 m; 23 km )
On a sunny day this path , can be unforgettable thanks to unlimited views from the crests of Val d'Arbia, following never-ending white streets. Siena is behind you on hills in the horizon. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Lucignano . (B)

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DSC 1712Day 3: Lucignano – Buonconvento ( 4 hours , +57mt – 96mt, 13 km)
Today you will follow mainly country tracks, surrounded by the lovely Tuscan hills. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Buonconvento. (B-D)

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DSC 1680Day 4: Buonconvento - San Quirico d'Orcia ( 6 hours , + 513/ -258 m; 22 km )
After an initial flat segment, the trail begins to ascend towards the perfectly conserved village of Buonconvento. Climbing further into the Ombrone valley, you follow a portion of the Cassia towards Montalcino, where Brunello vines cover the hillside. Then you walk on a disused track along Via Cassia, still asphalted, to arrive in San Quirico, welcoming you with a marvellous collegiate church. Dinner and overnight stay in San Quirico d'Orcia. (B-D)
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passo-della-cisa-di-lapaola-su-flickrDay 5: San Quirico d'Orcia - Radicofani (6,30 hours hiking, +908 m /- 532 m; 26 km)
The path is characterized by ascents and descents on bare hills. You will reach the small fortified village of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its monumental tub and ancient thermal springs. The beautiful slope down valley leads to Le Briccole, an old disused hospital. You then follow a long asphalt track and go steeply uphill towards Radicofani, one of the most important strongholds in Italy for centuries. Dinner and overnight stay in Radicofani. (B-D)

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DSC02604Day 6: Radicofani - Acquapendente (4h hours hiking, +250 mt /- 750 m; 15 km)
A fairly long day across lovely countryside enjoying a beautiful panorama on the valley of the Paglia river and Mt. Amiata. The last stretch climbing towards Acquapendente signal the border line between Tuscany and Latium. Dinner and overnight stay in Acquapendente. (B-D)

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Bolsena lake 5Day 7: Acquapendente – Bolsena ( 5,30 hours hiking, +230 m /- 290 m; 23.50 km)
Follow the route to San Lorenzo Nuovo, where you can admire views of Lake Bolsena. Going down the volcanic crater, undertake a pleasant route along excavated streets leading to Bolsena, going up and down among olive groves, fields, and forests in the background. Dinner and overnight stay in Bolsena (B-D)

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montefiascone wiev over bolsena lakeDay 8: Bolsena - Montefiascone (5 hours hiking, + 560 mt – 270 mt; 18 km)
Discovering the volcanic lake of Bolsena, laying in a huge ancient caldera. After passing through oak forest you'll have the unique chance to walk on the original "Cassia" roman road, understanding the ability of Romans as road builder. Dinner overnight stay in Hotel in Montefiascone. (B-D)

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Montefiascone 4Day 9: Montefiascone - Viterbo (4h30 hours hiking, +100 mt - 400 mt.)
Montefiascone was an important and strategic defensive place for the Popes. Walking in the countryside with a lot of sheep and cattle until the medieval hot spring of Baganaccio, where the pilgrim bound for Rome used to stop to rest their bodies in the warm natural water. Above us rises Viterbo, the fortified town of Viterbo is waiting for you. End of tour (B)

In Viterbo you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)


Skill level: easy, 3 to 7 hours walking each day, well-marked paved and unpaved paths.

Accommodation: 8 nights in hotel*** or B&B , based on twin/triple rooms

Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
 
Included:
- 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast included
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 9
- Dinners included as described in the program
- Private transfer from Centeno to Acquapendente on day 6
- 24 hrs Phone assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour

Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items
- All lunches (about 5€ for each pic nic lunch)
- Dinners not included in the program
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Siena on day 1
- Transfer to the airport on day 9
- Tourist tax
Published in Pilligrim Way
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