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Compare Francigena Way: Tuscan Hills to Siena by World Expeditions vs Great Italian Cities (Summer) by Trafalgar

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Duration 8 days 10 days
Price From $ 1,590 $ 2,650
Price Per Day $ 199 $ 265
Highlights
  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
  • Being immersed in the classic Tuscan countryside of vineyards and picturesque rolling hills
  • Visiting the charming UNESCO towns of San Gimignano and Siena
  • Staying in comfortable and welcoming hotels and charming B&Bs
  • Feasting on culinary delights and tasting superb Chianti wines
  • Exploring the round walls of Monteriggioni
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
  • Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums and enjoy an exclusive visit up the spiral staircase designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public.
  • Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
  • Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
  • Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
  • Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
  • Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Pisa: Visit Pisa's Square of Miracles with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of the iconic Leaning Tower and see the ornate Bapistry and Cathedral.
  • Bologna: Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.
  • Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
  • : VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
  • : Explore Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Bologna and Venice with a Local Specialist
  • : Visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Villa Barberini Gardens in Castel Gandolfo, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • : Visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Colosseum, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
  • : View the Colosseum and Forum in Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
  • : Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time
Trip Style Self-guided tour Group tour
Lodging Level Basic Premium
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
  • Education / Learning
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Lucca
  • Siena
N/A
Flights & Transport Ground transport included No
Activities
  • Hiking
  • Independent
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
Meals Included N/A
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Description Journey by foot through Tuscan hills and countryside on the Via Francigena, the Italian Camino, between the charming towns of Lucca and Siena Rome, Florence and Venice are the stars of the show on the most incredible of Italy trips. This unforgettable trio features visits to food markets, ancient Roman ruins and the artistry of great masters. But that’s not all, as you’ll also get to dine with an Italian family in their beautiful Tuscan villa.
Itinerary: Francigena Way: Tuscan Hills to Siena

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

Itinerary: Great Italian Cities (Summer)

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Grand Palatino

Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast

Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals Make Travel Matter

Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Farewell Venice

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.

Breakfast

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"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."
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