Family Cycling on the Via Francigena in Tuscany

You arrive in San Miniato.

After a hearty breakfast, you are ready to start your adventure! Today’s section on the Via Francigena follows a lovely trail through oak and chestnut woods, olive groves, and vineyards. The trail is predominantly on off-road tracks over small rolling hills, the classic Tuscan landscape. On the way, you will pass Chianni where you should visit the lovely little church. There is a 300m climb to Gambassi Terme, a hilltop town best known for its spa and hot springs, as well as glass manufacturing.

In Gambassi Terme you will find a spectacular public park, where the locals love to gather late in the afternoon. It’s a great place for the children to play, under the shade of the century-old trees.

You will be staying in a country hotel, located within walking distance of the old town. The converted stone house will give you a taste of rural Italian life, where you will be able to relax in the garden or refresh by the pool. The traditional Tuscan home-cooked dinner will be the perfect conclusion to your day.

There are only 14km to the next stage. Your destination is San Gimignano, a wonderful walled medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming old town, full of history, is truly picturesque.

San Gimignano 1300 is a museum that will be enjoyed by the whole family. There, you will find a wonderful reconstruction of what the village looked like in the 14th century. The youngest ones can learn about the history of the town and understand how streets and constructions were designed back then. After an informative visit, we recommend an aperitivo in one of the charming piazzas.

Located on the edge of the old town, your family-run hotel is a perfect place to start your Via Francigena. With a long hospitality experience, you are guaranteed to experience a warm and friendly service. At the restaurant, you will find truly authentic Tuscan dishes for the whole family’s delight.

After a generous Italian breakfast, it will be time for you to start your walk. You will have a pleasant walk through olive groves and cypress avenues up to the village of Montecchio. It is a spectacular stretch of the Via Francigena with breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

The curious ones will enjoy learning about the production of glass at the information Crystal museum. Besides, it is worth making your way to the upper part of the town taking the popular Baluardo, the glass lift accessible via a tunnel. The whole family should enjoy the experience as much as the views from the top.

Your accommodation will be located in the medieval town center, with all amenities on your doorstep. Modern and comfortable, you will be hosted in a converted historic building. Tonight again, you will taste the delicious Tuscan cuisine.

From the Piazza in Colle di Val d’Elsa, you will continue your walk along tree-lined roads, starting with a long descent to Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole. Your walking day on the Via Francigena takes you to the unique hilltop village of Monteriggioni with its circular wall.

Monteriggioni is an open-air playground for the little ones. Its fortifications and castle will be the perfect setting for them to travel to medieval times. We recommend taking the whole family on the wall walk to understand the function of such constructions in medieval times and enjoy the spectacular view over the countryside. The armor museum is an interesting visit to complete their discovery and dress as real medieval knights.

Surrounded by Chianti vineyards, your hotel will be the ideal place for the whole family to relax after a long day of fun. You can spend the last afternoon by the pool or walk in the shade of the landscaped gardens. For dinner, fine Tuscan cuisine will be served at the hotel.

On the following day, if you do not wish to walk the full 20km to Siena, you can ask your hotel to book a taxi to drop you at Chioccola castle. From there, the walk to Siena is 11km. The taxi should cost around 20€.

Today is your final stage to complete your Via Francigena. After a fulfilling breakfast, you will make your way to Siena. Approaching the city, you will pass through Porta Camolia, which is the traditional entrance taken by pilgrims since medieval times. Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Italy.

As you can expect, Siena has plenty to offer for children. On top of the centrally located playgrounds, we recommend taking the whole family to Orto de Pecci, located 5 minutes from Piazza del Campo. It is a delightful park looking up at the city, ideal to offer the young ones some playtime. Apart from the green lawn, you will find a pond, farm animals as well as medieval gardens.

For your last night on the Via Francigena, your accommodation will be located a short walk from the old town.

We recommend an extra night to fully experience what Siena has to offer.