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Margaret N
October 2026
Great places to stay and a great app guide. All of it! Accomodation was great but especially in Gambassi Terme and Monteriggioni.
Overview
The Via Francigena predates the Camino de Santiago as a major pilgrimage route and remains one of Europe's great long-distance walks. First documented in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, it has carried kings, crusaders and commoners south across the continent for over a thousand years. Our Auswalk focus on two of the route's most rewarding sections: the classic Lucca to Siena stage through the heart of Tuscany, and the final 100 kilometres into Rome. Both capture the essence of the Via Francigena: ancient paths, medieval hill towns and a profound sense of walking towards something that matters.
Available Walks
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A closer look at Via Francigena
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The Via Francigena Experience
Wonder
Follow Archbishop Sigeric’s ancient pilgrimage through Val d’Elsa hilltop villages
See Lucca’s Volto Santo, then wander to San Gimignano’s medieval towers
Arrive in Rome via Monte Mario Belvedere and Piazza San Pietro
Wellness
Moderate graded trails through Val d’Elsa vineyards, olive fields and forest
Revive weary legs with a dip beneath Monte Gelato waterfalls
Family-run boutique B&Bs, generous breakfasts and Tuscan culinary specialities nightly
Nature
Volcanic ridgelines above Bolsena Lake and the plain below the Cimini Mountains
Streamside paths, shaded forests and serene country trails towards Rome
Etruscan thermal pools at Caldane and wooded Renai Forest approaches
What you'll eat
Tuscan Tables
Simple trattoria cooking with pici, ribollita, cured meats, and good olive oil
Pilgrim Picnics
Bakery lunches, ripe fruit, and panini for long days between villages
Local Wines
Chianti in Tuscany and Est! Est!! Est!!! near Montefiascone after walking
Where you'll stay
Family B&Bs
Small walker-friendly stays with generous breakfasts and an easy local warmth
Country Farmhouses
Rural Tuscan stays among vines and olive groves, wonderfully quiet at dusk
Palazzo Stays
Restored historic buildings with antique touches, high ceilings, and a sense of place
How you'll travel
Pilgrim Paths
Mostly on foot through ridgelines, farm tracks, medieval towns, and quiet lanes
Luggage Shuttles
Your bags go ahead each day, leaving you free to walk lightly
Local Pick-ups
Simple station transfers help you reach hilltop stays without extra hassle
Via Francigena reviews
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Bill K
October 2026
We were very satisfied with the accommodations, (though the Hotel Cisterna room was below ground level with steps to negotiate with suitcases - a bit difficult for an 82 year old). Route instructions on GUIBO were clear and we had no difficulty sticking to the path. Additional information was also helpful.
Carol M
September 2026
Overall our trip was great. The accommodation was all wonderful. Luggage transfers all worked perfectly.
Karen R
September 2026
Description of days walking was spot on - no misinformation or unrealistic expectations of the degree of difficulty. Really well organized- great communication throughout. Bag transfer was seamless and the GUIBO app user friendly. Accommodation was also good standard. It was a fantastic experience and we are already researching our next adventure with Auswalks.
Simone P
September 2026
Very responsive local team Unique local accommodation.
Diane C
September 2026
Everything went smoothly. Beautiful scenery. Fascinating towns.
More About This Destination
There are better times than others to walk the Camino. On almost all of the Caminos spring and autumn is the best time. Mid-summer can be a little warmer. Early winter is possible but the accommodations along the route are less likely to be open.
You will have to check the weather for each destination, especially through the Pyranees. We have provided more detailed information on the specific walk's website page for each destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Via Francigena is one of Europe's great ancient pilgrimage routes, stretching from Canterbury in England to Rome. Auswalk offers several sections of this historic walk, ranging from alpine stages through Switzerland and northern Italy to the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the final 100km into Rome through the ancient Etruscan countryside. Each section is distinct in character — the alpine itineraries involve mountain passes and valley descents, while the Tuscan and Roman sections move through cypress-lined roads, medieval hilltop towns, and open farmland.
A comfortable daypack is essential. Key items include well-worn waterproof walking boots (never use new footwear on this walk), a rain jacket or poncho, warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, at least 1.5 litres of water, snacks and lunch supplies, a personal first aid kit including blister treatment and painkillers, your identification and insurance details, and cash. Walking poles are strongly recommended — two poles are ideal and make a real difference on both ascents and long descents, protecting your joints and improving balance on uneven terrain.
The Via Francigena passes through countless churches, abbeys, and sacred sites that are central to the pilgrimage tradition. Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees are generally expected when entering religious buildings. Speak quietly, be respectful of any services in progress, and follow any posted guidelines about photography.
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy or Switzerland, but a small gesture is always appreciated for good service — rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a few Euros is perfectly appropriate. There are no fixed expectations.
The Via Francigena passes through communities with a strong sense of local identity and pride. Support local businesses where you can — eat at family-run restaurants, buy from local shops, and engage respectfully with the people you meet along the way. The route has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, and many of the communities along it are deeply connected to that tradition. A respectful and curious approach goes a long way.
Flag any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking and remind your hosts again at check-in. The route passes through areas with deeply traditional cuisine where complex dietary requirements can be harder to accommodate. If your needs are specific, bring supplementary snacks from home. Most towns along the route have food shops and supermarkets where you can pick up supplies, and your hosts will always have restaurant recommendations for evenings when dinner isn't included.
Very much so, particularly if your walk ends in Rome. Arriving in the Eternal City after days or weeks on the road is a remarkable experience, and a few extra days to explore properly is highly recommended. Auswalk can arrange additional nights in Rome, Siena, Montefiascone, or other end points depending on your itinerary.
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