Must-see: unique San Gimignano The towers of San Gimignano, perched on a pretty Tuscan hilltop, are one of the most magnificent and unusual views pilgrims will encounter as they make their way along the Via Francigena trail. The medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano are a fascinating reminder of the might and power of local feuding […]
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Claire’s top things to do in Tuscany Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and after having spent a few days cycling in the heart of its countryside from Lucca to Siena, it’s easy to see why. Here are the highlights from my Via Francigena cycling trip in Tuscany. Beautiful scenery
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An Amateur Cyclist in Tuscany I could never be described as an avid cyclist or, any type of cyclist come to think of it. But this October I had the enviable honour of going on a cycling tour through Tuscany along the Via Francigena cycle from Lucca to Siena with two of my work colleagues.
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Our favourite food experiences in Tuscany Three amigos from the CaminoWays.com team recently cycled from Lucca to Siena along one of the most popular routes on the Via Francigena. Myself, Claire and Caroline began this great adventure in the medieval city of Lucca and finished in the Italian capital of Rome. The cycle took place
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It is difficult to estimate the exact number of Via Francigena pilgrims, those walking or cycling any of the sections or the full Camino to Rome each year. According to Cicerone Guides, there was an estimated 2,500 Via Francigena pilgrims in 2012. Taking into account the route stretches across Europe all the way from Canterbury to Rome,
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Most popular routes on the Via Francigena The Via Francigena walking and cycling route spans over 1,700 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome. This famous pilgrimage crosses four countries at different stages: UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. All of the routes on what is commonly known as the ‘Camino to Rome’ offer the opportunity to create
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Truffle season in Tuscany The Via Francigena walking and cycling route passes through the beautiful landscape of Tuscany giving you the ideal excuse to sample their famous local delicacy. To celebrate the truffle season in Tuscany we have come up with a few unique truffle ideas for you to try out at home or even
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FAQ: Types of Via Francigena Accommodation There are various types of accommodation available when walking the route from Canterbury to Rome. You will find a mixture of luxurious hotels, rustic hotels and agriturismo (farmhouses) along the way. Due to the long distance that the route covers we won’t be covering every style of accommodation but
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History of the Via Francigena The history of the Via Francigena pilgrim route dates back to the Middle Ages. The full Via Francigena pilgrimage is from Canterbury to Rome, covering 1,700 km, passing through France and Switzerland along the way. The pilgrimage from northern Europe to Rome was first illustrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury in
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What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? The Via Francigena, or Camino to Rome, is a 1900km-long pilgrimage route crossing most of Europe from the UK to Italy, therefore weather will vary greatly from North to South throughout the year. So what is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? While
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Must-see: 5 things to do in Lucca One of the most popular sections of the Via Francigena, Italy’s Camino, starts in the magnificent walled city of Lucca, in Tuscany, and takes walkers to spectacular Siena. Many walkers choose to start in San Miniato instead of Lucca, avoiding the first couple of walking days, as the
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Glassblowing in Tuscany While walking the Via Francigena in Tuscany, you will be able to discover and appreciate one of Italy’s most traditional crafts: glassblowing. Since this particular skill has started to disappear in our modern world, where could you find this art still alive? It will be in the small and rustic town of Colle
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Planning a walking holiday in Tuscany on the Via Francigena? If you are travelling in July or August, you will have a chance to discover one of the oldest and most spectacular events of the year in Tuscany: the Siena Palio or Palio di Siena. Feel the strong tradition from the crowd, supporting their horse
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