> Follow the Via Francigena from San Casciano in Val di Pesa
> Sleep in boutique agriturismos along the route
> Arrive in magical San Gimignano, the tower town
Imagine hearing church bells echo through vineyard valleys as you walk from hilltop town to hilltop town. This is Tuscany in slow motion. The Via Francigena from San Casciano to San Gimignano is the ultimate 5-day reset: think olive groves, gravel trails, and a cappuccino at every stop. The walking is easy, the scenery sublime, and your daily goal always worth the steps.
Starting in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, you walk south through Tavarnelle and San Donato in Poggio before reaching the iconic towers of San Gimignano. Each day brings around 4 to 5 hours of walking, with your luggage waiting for you at the next stop. This is the good life on foot. Let’s go.
Your day begins with a journey from Florence to San Casciano in Val di Pesa. There are direct buses connecting the two towns, and the scenic ride takes approximately one hour. To plan your route, you can use the official Tuscan transport website: www.at-bus.it.
From San Casciano, today’s section of the Via Francigena invites you into the heart of the Tuscan countryside. The trail winds through sunlit fields, shaded groves, and iconic vineyards, delivering the quintessential rural charm of the Chianti region. You’ll follow a varied path of both paved and unpaved stretches, offering a pleasant rhythm of walking that allows you to fully enjoy the sweeping views and tranquil atmosphere.
Your destination, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, welcomes you with its lively village spirit and rich cultural heritage. It’s the perfect place to relax after a fulfilling day of walking through nature, history, and some of Tuscany’s most evocative landscapes.
From San Donato in Poggio, you’ll continue through the Tuscan countryside, passing open landscapes and stretches of shaded woodland. A gentle downhill section brings you alongside the Riserva Naturale del Bosco di Sant'Agnese, offering a peaceful glimpse of local flora and fauna. Eventually, the trail leads you to the town of Poggibonsi.
After reaching Poggibonsi, hop on a 20-minute bus ride to one of Tuscany’s most treasured gems: San Gimignano. With its medieval towers and vibrant atmosphere, the town is a highlight of the Via Francigena. You can check bus stops and schedules here. We recommend starting early today to make the most of your afternoon in this charming destination.
After breakfast in San Gimignano, your Francigena experience will be over. You’ll depart with memories of scenic walks, charming villages, and the flavors of Tuscan cuisine. It’s a pilgrimage that connects you deeply with the spirit of Tuscany.
From San Gimignano, there are bus connections and shuttles that take you back to Florence, or you can continue your journey in Siena.
