Compare Francigena Way: Tuscan Hills to Siena by World Expeditions vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia

Day 1 Arrive Lucca

Make your own way to the first hotel in Lucca. If you arrive early enjoy a stroll through the town. You can explore its splendid gardens, visit the impressive Piazza Anfiteatro which is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater, or climb the majestic bell tower. You can also walk around the tree-lined walls around the town which were built in the 16th century.

meals : Array

Day 2 Explore Lucca, afternoon train to San Miniato Alto

This morning you're free to explore the wonderful town of Lucca. You can visit the wooden crucific known as the Holy Face ("Volto Santo"), see the famous statue-reliquary in the Cathedral of Saint Martin that was legendarily carved by Nicodemus. This afternoon you will need to take a public train to Fucecchio (which takes approx 1.5-2 hours) where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in San Miniato Alto.

meals : B

Day 3 Through the Val d'Elsa countryside to Gambassi (7hrs, 25km/12.5mi)

Today you start walking, following a paved road across the spectacular countryside which is typical of the Val d'Elsa region. Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who walked between Rome and Canterbury in 990, you will pass two “Submansiones” (Sigeric’s “stopping places”): Pieve di Coiano and Pieve a Chianne. This afternoon you will arrive at your hotel for the night in Gambassi. Walk: 25km/15.5mi, 7hrs. Ascent: 781m/2562ft. Descent: 654m/2145ft.

meals : B,D

Day 4 Walk to the medieval town of San Gimignano (6hrs, 18km/11mi)

The walk today will lead you through wonderful surroundings and landscapes of the Via Francigena. En route you will visit the tiny villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, as well as the Sanctuary in Pancole where you can learn about its legend. Once you arrive in San Gimignano, your final destination for the day, we recommend exploring the town on foot so you can really appreciate its charming medieval atmosphere. Walk: 18km/11mi, 6 hours. Ascent: 595m/1952ft. Descent: 540ft/1772ft.

meals : B

Day 5 Walk in the Tuscan hills to Gracciano (6hrs, 21km/13mi)

Today the Via Francigena will lead you up and over the Tuscan hills. This picturesque walk will lead you across vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods until you reach your accommodation in Gracciano. Along the way it’s possible to make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Conera from the 11th century. Walk: 21km/13mi, 6hrs. Ascent: 209m/686ft. Descent: 204m/669ft.

meals : B

Day 6 Continue to Monteriggioni (4hrs, 13km/8mi)

Today you will cross Pieve a Elsa, which was once a large, ancient parish frequented by pilgrims. You can also viist the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pools) of Caldane. Later in the day you will reach Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church. From there continue passing the medieval village of Abbadia a Isola before reaching Monteriggioni. You will see its famed towers in the distance as you approach. Once you’ve checked into the hotel in Monteriggioni you can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town. Walk: 13km/8mi, 4hrs. Ascent: 132m/433ft. Descent: 57m/187ft.

meals : B,D

Day 7 Walk to Siena (6hrs, 20km/12.5mi)

Leaving Monteriggioni you will walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area of the district. You will pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia which currently appears to be abandoned. Walking through woods you will reach the Castle of Chiocciola and ascend up to Poggio di Riciano. From here you will start your descent, walking along the river of Pian del Lago. The forest will give way to the beautiful and renowned town of Siena. Overnight in Siena, which you can explore this evening. Walk: 20km/12.5mi, 6hrs. Ascent: 224m/735ft. Descent: 245m/803ft.

meals : B

Day 8 Trip concludes

Trip concludes in Siena this morning, after breakfast.

meals : B

Day 1:  Arrival

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your new friends from Alma Italia. You can relax in the safety and security of a private transfer to your hotel. The next four nights you will be staying in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Chianti Classico producing region. Spend the afternoon taking a swim in the stunning outdoor pool with a panoramic hilltop view overlooking the Chianti scenery, followed by sunset drinks on the terrace before dinner at the hotel. Bliss!

Vineyard sunset

Day 2: Chianti wine and olive oil tasting

Your local English speaking Alma Italia wine guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of the best wine tasting in Tuscany. Indulge your love of Italian food in Tuscany, and enjoy a full-day tour that combines a cooking class and wine tasting. Following the cooking class enjoy lunch at the estate tasting yet more wines and tasting local olive oils.

In the late afternoon visit the village of Fiesole, overlooking Florence admiring the view before driving down the hill to experience the Renaissance capital of Italy up close. The town and its surroundings are full of charm, character, and history. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in a trattoria in Florence adored by locals for generations paired with their wine suggestions.

Florence bridge

Day 3: Relaxing cycle through the Tuscan countryside

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a morning bike ride – Our private rides are tailored to clients’ specific preferences and biking abilities . You’ll cycle at your own pace on peaceful country lanes, through an endless panorama of vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old stone farmhouses. Along the vineyard cycle route enjoy a morning tour and tasting, and you’ll also enjoy a truly delicious Tuscan lunch featuring local products and wine pairings in a stunning Tuscan wine

estate. Relax with private transfers back to your accommodation for a swim in the pool and time to soak up some early evening sun.

Vine bike Tuscany wine tours

Day 4: Explore Siena and the surrounding vineyards

Enjoy a slow morning with a late breakfast and time to relax and enjoy the panoramic outdoor pool with incredible Chianti vineyard views. For those who want to be pampered by different wellness treatments, the hotel offers a range of spa treatments. Private wine tours in Tuscany should be relaxing after all!

Your Alma Italia host and driver will arrive later to take you into Siena for the day! Siena, built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, is filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas, Piazza dal Campo, dominated by the greatest Gothic building in Tuscany, the Palazzo Pubblico.

Siena Duomo Italy wine week

Day 5: Maremma – Tuscany by the sea

In the morning, relax as your private driver whisks you through the beautiful countryside to the Maremma coast in southern Tuscany. You will feel instantly renewed as you see the blue Mediterraean sea stretch out before you. We will stop on the way to visit an esteemed award winning up and coming vineyard run by 2 generations of the same Tuscan family. You will notice how the proximity to the sea impacts on the wine, so different to that of Chianti Classico but no less delicious! The Maremma is now widely regarded as one of the regions to experience the best wine tasting in Ital and is definately a highlight on our private wine tours in Tuscany

The next Four night’s accommodation will be in an elegant, historic and unique small hotel situated on Tuscany’s Argentario peninsula. A former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to the mainland via three narrow sandbars, Monte Argentario is a hidden beach paradise for those looking to mingle sea and mountain fun, all in one place. A special place where the Italian elite seeking out a hidden getaway enjoy the groves of Argentario’s coastline. The two restaurants (one of which is Michelin star) offer unique atmospheres, they share mouth-wateringly good traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, taste bud tingling vintages and stylish surroundings.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 6: Monte Argentario by private boat

A special day today as your Alma Italia guide takes you on a private boat for a day on the water to explore the coastline of Monte Argentario and Isola Giannutri, an incredible small island unspoiled and breathtaking in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Shaped like a half moon , the island of Giannutri will bedazzle you with its unique underwater world and the ruins of imposing Roman villas. It is a simply stunning place to explore and relax with a lunch on the island and swimming in the crystal clear waters to refresh yourself in the afternoon.

Monte Argentario by private boat Italy tours

Day 7: Port Ercole and Morellino di Scansano

A day to explore. Head to 16th century Forte Stella at Porto Ercole, built in the shape of a star and a remnant from the island’s former Spanish invaders. Take a walk along the high-end boutiques of Porto Ercole towards the ‘borgo antico’ or old part of the village, continue towards the ‘la rocca’ fortress for amazing views with lunch in the old town. Or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic Seaview from the pool.

In the afternoon we will continue our wine tasting Italy tour with a visit to vineyard in Morellino di Scansano, now one of the most popular appellations for local Tuscans who consider the small area as offering some of the best wine tasting in Tuscany.

Vineyard san Gimigiano

Day 8: Italian food and wine by the beach

Bike to the Beach!

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of beaches, biking and of course, some of the best wine tasting in Italy. – Our private bike routes have optional extensions, so you can choose the perfect amount of biking to suit your ability. The ride takes you through medieval towns, beautiful vistas and ends at the Tyrrehnian sea with a swim along the way. Enjoy an amazing local lunch to end the trip – A wide range of local flavours ensure a stunning Tuscan lunch paired with wines in a memorable setting. Late afternoon (chauffeured) transfers back to your accommodation.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 9: Time to say Arrividerci

After a final breakfast in the hotel, relax with private transfers to the airport for your flight home.