Explore beautiful Tuscany on this 9-day self-guided cycling adventure
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour takes you through Tuscany on Italy’s famous pilgrimage route, from coastline to rolling hills and all the beautiful scenery in between. You’ll be able to taste the renowned food and wine of the region and explore unique towns and villages as you ride.
The Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour begins in Parma, a city known for its incredible food. Taste as much as you can before cycling to Berceto, a stunning village with great buildings to explore. You’ll ride through the Cisa Pass to Aulla, where you can spend time looking through medieval artifacts at the Abbey of San Caprasio before grabbing hot focaccia for a snack.
The next leg of the Via Francigena from Parma to Siena Tour takes you along the glittering coastline for the first time. Cycle to Lucca, where the charming town centre offers trinkets and food in its shops for you to enjoy.
Stop in San Miniato, where the local delicacy is risotto with white truffle- not to be missed! One of the final trips of the Via Francigena cycling tour from Parma to Siena takes you to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns on the whole route. The views are splendid and there are endless towers and churches to explore.
Then, your cycling tour of Tuscany ends in Siena. Riding through rolling hills and olive groves leads to an exceptionally peaceful portion of the trail, and you’ll end your journey feeling content and accomplished.
Grab a plate of pasta and reflect on the wonderful Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Tour!
Highlights of the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
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Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Parma
The starting point of your Via Francigena cycling tour to Siena is Parma, a city known for its gastronomic tradition. There is so much to taste here, so spend your evening sampling Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and fresh focaccia. Then, take a walk through the towering cathedral and the magical Palazzo Farnese, which was designed by Michelangelo and built with stone from the Coliseum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Parma
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Berceto
Today’s ride is challenging, but you’ll be well rewarded with stunning views as you cycle through the villages of Terenzo and Bardone. Stop to peruse their churches before ascending to Cassio, and then further to Berceto. Rest your legs while you relax with a plate of local mushrooms and pattona, a local cake made from chestnut flour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Berceto
Distance: 74 km, 1,068m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Aulla
Day 2 of your Via Francigena cycling tour starts in the Cisa Pass before a quick downhills ride to Pontremoli. This town is full of bridges and steel statues, so take a moment to walk around and explore. Then, you’ll ride through to Aulla. Visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, where you can see archaeological artifacts from the medieval period. Spend the evening walking along the walls of the Fortezza della Brunella, or stop for a hot focaccia with charcuterie and cheese.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aulla
Distance: 50 km, 370m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Massa
The next trip in your Via Francigena cycling adventure takes you to the coastline for the first time. The glittering sea and green countryside make this portion of the path especially enjoyable. Stop in Sarzana to grab a bite and walk through the Baroque-style Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the oldest building in the town. A final quick push leads to Massa, a town within reach of the sea.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Massa
Distance: 48 km, 716m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Lucca
Ride alongside the ocean to Pietrasanta, where you can spend some time browsing the art galleries and the duomo, which has stunning marble pillars and beautiful frescoes. Then, you’ll ride the rolling hills to Lucca, where the old town centre welcomes you. Snack on spelt biscuits as you wander the shops, or take a trip up the Guinigi tower for views of the town from the hanging garden.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucca
Distance: 52 km, 380m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to San Miniato
Your cycling tour from Parma to Siena continues through Badia di Pozzeveri, where pilgrims have stopped to rest for centuries. The local bread is a real treat, so don’t leave until you’ve tried some! Then, you’ll cross the River Arno and ride through to San Miniato. The seminary in the main square is exceptional, and you can admire it while eating risotto dusted with white truffle. It’s a local treat and definitely worth having seconds!
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Miniato
Distance: 46 km, 228m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to San Gimignano
Today’s ride is tough but very rewarding. You’ll start by riding down through the Val d’Elsa, an area of exceptional natural beauty. San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Via Francigena, and you’ll spot the famous sky-high towers as you approach. It’s worth a trip up Torre Grossa for a complete view of the town, or further up the stairs of the Rocca di Montestaffoli for the best view you can get.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Gimignano
Distance: 41 km, 640m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cycle to Siena
The last full day on your cycling tour on the Via Francigena starts with the rolling hills Tuscany is known for. Stop in Colle Val d’Elsa for a quick cappuccino before tackling one of the most stunning sections of the ride yet, the serene section passing by Pieve di Strove. Take a moment to enjoy the peace in the Abbadia at Isola, or take a walk along the marvelous castle of Monteriggioni. You’ll cycle along dirt roads to Siena, where a plate of pici all’aglione awaits. Dine with a view of the lit-up Piazza del Campo, and then finish with a slice of panforte for dessert.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Siena
Distance: 50 km, 505m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Departure from Siena
After breakfast, your Via Francigena cycling tour through Tuscany ends. Pack up and have safe travels home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,525 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,495 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,375 USD
Departure on April 29th – May 27th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,625 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,850 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,495 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,375 USD
Departure on May 28th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,650 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,895 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,525 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,395 USD
Departure on September 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,525 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,495 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,375 USD
Accommodation on the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour
This tour is based in 3 & 4-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and excellent locations. The standard rooms are of double occupancy.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season and the size of the group (please check Dates and Prices for more info). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Torino in Parma ★★★
Hotel Torino is right in the centre of town, just a few steps from Parma’s famous Regio Theatre. The rooms are clean and offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and TV.
B&B La Casa dei Nonni in Berceto
B&B La Casa dei Nonni in Berceto offers rustic accommodations with comfortable rooms, a welcoming host, and a highly praised breakfast, conveniently located in the town center.
Hotel Bed & Bike in Aulla ★★★
Hotel Bed & Bike is basic and clean, with great proximity for those wanting to visit Cinque Terre.
Hotel Annunziata in Massa ★★★
This hotel is within walking distance of the beach, and the rooms are nice and clean. The staff is helpful and friendly.
Hotel Rex in Lucca ★★★
Hotel Rex*** is 80 m from the main train station and 100 m from the ancient walls of Lucca. Rooms are quiet and well-finished with free Wi-Fi, air conditioned, telephone and fridge.
Hotel San Miniato in San Miniato ★★★
What in the thirteenth century was a severe monastery cloister is now Hotel San Miniato, refined historic home sits on a hill overlooking the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Pisa.
Hotel La Cisterna in San Gimignano ★★★
The hotel is both overlooking the ancient Piazza della Cisterna used to welcome pilgrims from all over the world and charming hills of San Gimignano.
Hotel Chiusarelli in Siena ★★★
Hotel Chiusarelli*** is in the city center of Siena and finds its natural setting in a neoclassical villa built around 1870.
What’s included in the Family Cycling Tour from Parma to Siena?
Meals
8 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes rental bike delivery and pickup, as well as luggage transfers for the biking days. However, you are responsible for any personal transfers.
Also Included
- Route guides and notes
- Maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
- Bike theft insurance
- Via Francigena Passport
Not included
- Bike or bike supplies rental
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes
- Personal equipment
Optional Extras
- Bike and biking equipment rental
- Any additional nights before or after tour
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
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