What’s included in the Lotus Eaters Travel Planning Service?
🚶🏼♀️Bespoke self-guided itinerary for your requirements – including daily stages, accommodation recommendations and route information
🏋️Advice on training for the Via Francigena
📖An eBook to help you prepare for your adventure
🎒Bespoke advice on packing for the Via Francigena
🏨Optional upgrade to have us arrange all of your accommodation for you
Why pick the Via Francigena Toscana for your next adventure?
Walking from Lucca to Rome might just be one of the best experiences of your life.
The Via Francigena is a unique walking path that runs all the way from Canterbury in the United Kingdom, through France and Switzerland and the length of Italy, before reaching Rome.
Historically, this route was a pilgrimage and today those walking are still referred to as “pilgrims”, but you don’t have to be religious to love the Via Francigena.
The section of the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome (The Via Francigena Toscana) is one of the most popular and it is easy to see why.
With the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, splendid food, incredible scenery and the welcoming towns and villages of Lazio – walking from Lucca to Rome on the Via Francigena is truly a once in a life time experience.
Oh, and did we mention the food?
Key Information about the Via Francigena Toscana
DURATION
The entire Via Francigena is around 2000km! However, we believe that the best section is the Via Francigena Toscana (Tuscany).
This is most popular section and is approximately 400km. We recommend between 18 and 21 nights to complete the walk.
It is possible to walk smaller sections. We can help you find the perfect walk to suit the time you have.
ACCOMMODATION
The Via Francigena has a wide range of accommodation options. Specifically for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena, there are “Ostello” (private hostels) “Ospitales” which are locally run hostels. There are also convents/ monasteries, which are a unique experience.
If you prefer private accommodation, there are plenty of beautiful rural hotels and B&Bs. In Tuscany, it is possible to go as luxury as you desire!
We can help you to find the best accommodation for you.
TERRAIN
On the Via Francigena, you will find some steep climbs, some uneven terrain and some small river crossings. Beyond this, assuming that you are not carrying too much weight in your backpack and you have a reasonable level of fitness, you should not find the walk too much for you.
The route is well marked and easy to navigate. As you would imagine, when walking through the Tuscan hills the terrain can be challenging. Walking the full route is difficult, but it is possible to take it easy and walk shorter distances on some days.
Where could your walk in Italy take you?
Here are some of the most popular sections of the Via Francigena that we could organise for you.
Lucca to Rome
DISTANCE: 420km
DURATION: Between 18 and 21 nights ideally
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
ACCOMMODATION: Hostels or private accommodation
WHEN TO GO: March to October (spring and autumn is ideal)
This route starts in the enchanting walled city of Lucca, where history meets divine gastronomy. From here, the hills of Tuscany await.
The walk is delightfully punctuated by quaint Italian towns, and the stunning city of Siena.
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Arriving in Rome is an experience that is hard to beat. The Via Francigena winds into Rome through a city park high up on the hill. From here you can get a magnificent preview of the Eternal City.
Once in Rome, you will arrive into Saint Peter’s Square and be greeted by the familiar sights of Vatican City.
Ready to start your adventure?
Siena to Rome
DISTANCE: 290km
DURATION: 12-14 nights
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ACCOMMODATION: Hostel or private accommodation
WHEN TO GO: March to October (spring and autumn is ideal)
The route from Siena to Rome is the ideal adventure for someone looking to fit the Via Francigena walk into a vacation schedule.
Along the way, highlights include the mountain town of Radicofani and the beautiful Lake Bolsena.
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Along the way, tuck into wine and delicious pasta. You’ll stay in charming B&Bs or hostels.
You will arrive by foot into Rome, taking time to enjoy the fantastic capital city of Italy.
Ready to start your adventure?
Lucca to Siena
DISTANCE: 130km
DURATION: 6-7 nights
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ACCOMMODATION: Hostel or Private
WHEN TO GO: March to October (spring or autumn is ideal)
A shorter, but equally as beautiful section of the Via Francigena is Lucca to Siena.
These are two fabulous Tuscan cities filled with culture, good food and wine. Any vacation that combines the two is likely to be epic one!
On the route, you’ll find wineries where you can relax and enjoy a tasting.
Along the way you’ll stay in charming towns like San Miniato and San Gimignano.
This is the perfect walk for anyone who wants to dip their toe in the water and enjoy a fabulous week of walking.
Ready to start your adventure?
Our Itinerary Planning Service
We can help you decide which long distance trail in Europe is right for you. And if so, how long to walk each day and where to visit on the way. Whether you want to walk 7 or 14 days, we can tailor your unique itinerary just for you.
What we offer
There are two package options:
Essentials Package:
- Bespoke itinerary for your chosen route – tailored to your exact requirements;
- Recommendations for accommodation;
- Packing Lists;
- Tailored advice to help you prepare for departure.
Platinum Package:
Everything in Essentials Package plus:
- More detailed daily stages guide with information on amenities on route;
- Information on cultural landmarks;
- Recommended culinary highlights on route;
- A eBook to help you to prepare for your chosen route.
What it costs
Our Essentials Package costs between $99 and $139. The Platinum Package costs between $199 and $399.
Our prices depend on how many days you intend to walk.
Want to chat first? Book a 30-minute consultation call to ask any questions and get tailored advice. If you go on to book a package, we’ll give you $20 off your total.
Why choose us
We fell in love with long distance hiking after our first walk—the Camino del Norte – and it changed everything. Our goal now is to help others experience the magic of long-distance walking without the overwhelm of planning.
We’re a small, passionate team of two. We don’t use templates or generic advice. Instead, we offer genuinely tailored support, crafted from experience and a deep love for long-distance hiking in Europe.
Next steps
Get in touch today using our enquiry form.
Walk more in this year – let’s make this happen
