Take a walk on an 8-day self-guided journey along the Via Francigena, from Pontremoli to Lucca, exploring a blend of nature, culture, history, and spirituality. This varied trek through Tuscany starts in the mystical Lunigiana region, famous for its ancient Stele Statues, before leading you to the sandy shores of Versilia. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pietrasanta, a haven for artists, and continue to Lucca, where Renaissance walls and charming streets await. This route combines lush countryside, medieval villages, coastal trails, and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, offering an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s historic pilgrimage paths.
This tour represents Part 5 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
Take a walk on an 8-day self-guided journey along the Via Francigena, from Pontremoli to Lucca, exploring a blend of nature, culture, history, and spirituality. This varied trek through Tuscany starts in the mystical Lunigiana region, famous for its ancient Stele Statues, before leading you to the sandy shores of Versilia. Along the way, you’ll pass through Pietrasanta, a haven for artists, and continue to Lucca, where Renaissance walls and charming streets await. This route combines lush countryside, medieval villages, coastal trails, and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, offering an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s historic pilgrimage paths.
This tour represents Part 5 in the Via Francigena route, offering a journey through Italy's scenic landscapes and historic sites; explore other sections below to complete your pilgrimage experience:
Uncover the mystery of Stele Statues at the Pontremoli Museum, marking the beginning of your journey through Lunigiana.
Walk the sandy coastline of Versilia, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and the open sea as part of your trail experience.
Experience the art scene in Pietrasanta, known as the Italian Athens, filled with marble sculptures and vibrant artists' workshops.
Take in the grandeur of Lucca’s Renaissance walls, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Trip map for Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
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Pontremoli, located in the heart of Lunigiana, is a town of sandstone tower-houses, ancient stele statues, and literary charm. Explore its open-air museum and try the local herb pie to begin your journey on a flavorful note.
Walk through a scenic mix of lush countryside and medieval villages. Highlights include the tower-houses of Ponticello, the hospice of San Jacopo at Filattiera, and the ancient Pieve di Sorano, home to Celtic stele statues. Pass through Villafranca, a medieval village with castle ruins and panoramic views.
From Villafranca, traverse dense forests, Roman roads, and the cycle path along the old railway toward Terrarossa Castle. Explore Aulla’s Abbey of San Caprasio and the medieval walls of Fortezza della Brunella, savoring local focaccia with charcuterie and cheese.
Trek along rewarding paths with the first sea views, passing through lush countryside and medieval villages. Visit the ruins of La Brina Castle and the Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Sarzana. Wander Sarzana's charming squares and taste the local “torta scema.”
Follow flat paths tracing ancient pilgrims’ footsteps from the Roman port of Luni. Visit the archaeological site with its amphitheater and Neptune mosaic before continuing along coastal paths with views of the sea and Apuan Alps.
Arrive in Pietrasanta, with its vibrant old town and stunning Duomo. Enjoy its art galleries before continuing to Camaiore, with its ancient Badia di San Pietro. Indulge in a rice-based chocolate cake, a delicious end to the day’s efforts.
The route meanders over Lucca’s hills before descending to the Contesola valley and crossing the Serchio River. Enter Lucca’s Renaissance walls and explore its old town center, including San Frediano's façade, the Guinigi Tower, and local shops in the circular piazza.
Bid farewell to Lucca after breakfast as your adventure concludes.
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Solo Traveller
Two Single Rooms
Double Room
Triple Room
| Solo Traveller | Two Single Rooms | Double Room | Triple Room | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2025 to May 26, 2025 | $1,675USD | $1,350USD | $1,050USD | $795USD |
| May 27, 2025 to Jun 26, 2025 | $1,750USD | $1,425USD | $1,075USD | $825USD |
| Jun 27, 2025 to Jul 29, 2025 | $1,775USD | $1,450USD | $1,095USD | $850USD |
| Jul 30, 2025 to Aug 31, 2025 | $1,825USD | $1,475USD | $1,125USD | $850USD |
| Sep 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025 | $1,675USD | $1,350USD | $1,025USD | $775USD |
| Optional Extras | ||||
| Physical Documents (1 copy per booking)$50USD | ||||
| Extra Night in Pontremoli or Lucca (Single Room)$125USD | ||||
| Extra Night in Pontremoli or Lucca (Double Room)$175USD | ||||
| Extra Night in Pontremoli or Lucca (Triple Room)$225USD | ||||
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included in your package from Day 2 to Day 7 (1 piece per person, up to 20 kg). Any other transfers are not included.
Also included
- Digital information kit and app
- Taxes
- Via Francigena Guidebook
- Via Francigena Pass
Not Included
- Guide services
- Meals or transfers not mentioned as included
- Entry fees to local objects
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Single Room upgrades
Accommodation for Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Expect to stay in 3-star hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs with breakfasts where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
How hard is the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This itinerary is suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The route features varied terrain with some longer daily distances and occasional elevation changes, primarily on well-marked paths, gravel roads, and some sections on asphalt. While some days can be shortened with transfers, participants should be prepared for a mix of flat and hilly walks.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Pontremoli to start this tour?
The nearest international airports are Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (about 1.5 hours away), Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (about 2 hours away), and Florence Peretola Airport (about 2.5 hours away).
Is the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour in English?
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as helpline phone number.
Where does the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour end?
Mention where tour ends and how they’re getting to the airport with airport code mentioned.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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