By bike on the Via Francigena between Siena and Gambassi Terme
Three-day self-guided tour cycling along the pilgrims' route in the heart of Tuscany
The Via Francigena runs like a backbone through Tuscany, offering a myriad of perspectives on this land, the cradle of the Renaissance, rich in history, art, and nature.
The route we’ve selected for this bike tour is one of the most beautiful and evocative stretches in Tuscany. San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena are just a few of the destinations we’ll visit, while the countryside—with its rolling hills outlined by rows of vineyards and fields of wheat—provides the perfect backdrop. You’ll cycle along characteristic white gravel roads, passing by rustic farmhouses and ancient Romanesque churches.
General Information:
- Type of trip: Self-guided
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Theme: Cycle tourism
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total distance: 129 kilometers
- Meeting point: Colle Val d’Elsa (SI)
- The route is mostly on white gravel roads, with some sections following ancient paved tracks and only a small portion on asphalt. A few climbs have easy-to-moderate gradients, which are manageable with e-bikes.
- Departure: Available year-round upon request.
Prices include
- 2 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Colle Val d’Elsa, in a double room with private facilities
- 2 breakfasts
- Well-designed itinerary
- Detailed travel documents (maps, route description, points of interest, important contact numbers)
- Telephone assistance service throughout the tour
Supplemental charges
- Meals and drinks
- Tourist tax to be paid directly on-site
- Entrance tickets to museums and extras
- Guide service (available upon request)
- Bicycle rental (available upon request)
- Additional nights upon request
- Anything not expressly listed under the "Prices Include" section
Meeting point
Plan
Day 1: Arrival and Hotel check-in
Day 2: Via Francigena – San Gimignano to Gambassi Terme (around 65 km)
We’ll set off on our tour, primarily on white gravel roads with gentle ups and downs characteristic of the rolling hills of the Sienese countryside, heading toward San Gimignano, one of the most visited destinations in Tuscany. After exploring its historic center enclosed within ancient walls, we’ll continue the journey toward Gambassi Terme. Return to the hotel.
Day 3: Via Francigena – Monteriggioni to Siena (around 64 km)
The day’s tour is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and fascinating stretches of the entire Via Francigena, featuring a series of Romanesque churches, castles, fortresses, roads, and trails through the countryside. Highlights include Monteriggioni, with its 14 towers, and Siena, the city of the Palio, boasting its magnificent cathedral and the stunning Piazza del Campo.
