The Via Francigena by Bike: From Lucca to Rome

Day 1: Arrival in Lucca
You will arrive in Lucca, a jewel of a town enclosed within perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. Stroll along the ramparts at sunset, where the views stretch across the Tuscan plain, then climb the Guinigi Tower to discover its extraordinary rooftop garden of holm oaks. Treat yourself to a slice of Bucellato, the local sweet bread, before visiting the splendid Cathedral. As evening falls, wander into Piazza Anfiteatro — an elegant ellipse of pastel-coloured houses glowing under the lights, alive with artisan shops and intimate restaurants.

Day 2: Lucca – San Miniato (47 km)
An easy, flat ride will carry you from the walls of Lucca to the historic centre of Altopascio, passing through the ancient Badia di Pozzeveri, where medieval pilgrims once rested and prayed. In Altopascio, taste the celebrated local bread at the foot of the Bell Tower — its chime, paired with a fire lit on the terrace, once guided Francigena travellers through the night. Beyond Altopascio you will pedal along a beautiful stretch of the original Via Francigena cobblestones, shaded by woodland. The wild landscape of the Cerbaie will enchant you before you cross the Arno and continue to San Miniato, where the seminary's striking facade dominates the main square — best admired after dark, perhaps over a risotto dusted with the prized local white truffle.

Day 3: San Miniato – San Gimignano (42 km)
A demanding but scenically rewarding stage awaits. From San Miniato you will descend into the Val d'Elsa valley, then climb towards Gambassi Terme, where you can step through the door of the thousand-year-old Pieve di Chianni and soak in the thermal baths surrounded by ancient trees. You will continue pedalling through splendid natural landscapes until the unmistakable skyline of San Gimignano appears — its medieval towers rising like stone sentinels above the hills. Climb the Torre Grossa for sweeping views over the town and its valleys, or venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli for an even more spectacular panorama.

Day 4: San Gimignano – Siena (51 km)
From San Gimignano the route rolls through Tuscan hills to Colle Val d'Elsa, a town that will transport you back in time with its atmospheric old quarter and narrow lanes winding between stone walls. One of the finest stretches of the Via Francigena opens before you: a meditative path past the silent Pieve di Strove and the serene Abbadia a Isola with its imposing abbey. Your breath will catch as you spot the castle of Monteriggioni, crowned with towers, set upon its hilltop like a guardian of the ancient Sienese Republic. Walk the walls for a sweeping panorama, then continue to Siena, entering through Porta Camollia — the traditional Francigena gateway. Celebrate with a plate of pici all'aglione in the illuminated Piazza del Campo, and do not forget the panforte.

Day 5: Siena – San Quirico d'Orcia (54 km)
Hope for sunshine, because the ridges of the Val d'Arbia offer unforgettable views. After bidding farewell to Siena on the horizon, you will follow quiet secondary roads to Monteroni d'Arbia, home to the imposing Grancia di Cuna — a fortified farmstead that once stored grain reserves for the Sienese Republic. Through the Ombrone valley you will reach Buonconvento, whose name means "happy and fortunate place" — a fitting welcome through its fortified gates. White roads and occasional asphalt carry you onward to San Quirico d'Orcia, through the iconic Val d'Orcia landscape of vineyards and cypresses. Admire the Collegiata's portal, a delightful puzzle of architectural styles, then rest among the sculpted hedges of the Horti Leonini, a charming fifteenth-century garden.

Day 6: San Quirico d'Orcia – Radicofani (37 km)
The dreamlike landscapes of the Val d'Orcia continue. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter the timeless village of Vignoni Alto, and a restorative pause in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni awaits. A challenging climb will then carry you up to Radicofani — persevere, because the panorama from the hilltop fortress, reached tired but triumphant, will repay every effort. Visit the Pieve di San Pietro, a small gem dating from 1200, and take an evening walk through the quiet streets beneath the illuminated Rocca.

Day 7: Radicofani – Bolsena (55 km)
One of the most stirring stages of the Via Francigena begins as you leave the fortress behind and ride along the old Via Cassia, surrounded by boundless hills beneath the profile of Monte Amiata. In Acquapendente you can descend into the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, where carved capitals and graceful arches frame a space of profound silence. The ride continues gently until the first glimpses of Lake Bolsena appear; you will descend into the ancient volcanic crater and follow dirt roads through dense woodland and olive-dotted meadows to reach the lakeside town.

Day 8: Bolsena – Viterbo (33 km)
A shorter stage through woodland and olive groves, with continuous views over the lake. You will ride through a celebrated olive-oil producing area before pausing to walk along the ancient basalt paving of the Via Cassia — the same stones trodden by pilgrims of every century and origin. At Montefiascone, the climb to the Torre dei Pellegrini rewards you with a boundless panorama.

Day 9: Viterbo – Sutri (38 km)
From Viterbo the journey continues towards Vetralla, a town at the heart of the ancient Etruscan territory, before reaching the small but precious Sutri through the green Lazio countryside. The Roman amphitheatre, carved entirely from tufa, is unmissable. Then head to the church of Santa Maria del Parto, whose tufa walls are decorated with well-preserved frescoes — look for the group of pilgrims depicted in prayer, walking sticks in hand.

Day 10: Sutri – Formello (34 km)
From Sutri you will ride towards Formello, passing the Monte Gelato waterfalls — a perfect spot to cool down. A panoramic road leads to Campagnano, where you can rest in Parco Venturi beneath a fourteenth-century yew tree. You will reach Formello, whose historic centre features handsome medieval palazzi.

Day 11: Formello – Rome (34 km)
The final stage to the Eternal City begins. You will pedal through the Lazio countryside — it is hard to believe the metropolis is so close. A brief stretch of busier roads brings you to the Tiber River cycle path, a wonderful slow route that leads you all the way to the gates of Vatican City, where the journey ends in Piazza San Pietro. Do not forget a triumphant photo in front of the Basilica before celebrating the end of your pilgrimage.

Day 12: Rome — End of tour
Your journey ends after breakfast.