Walk the authentic Via Francigena on your own pace
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:
Highlights of the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca
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Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Pontremoli
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pontremoli
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk from Pontremoli to Mocrone
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mocrone
Distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk from Mocrone to Aulla
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aulla
Distance: 17.5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk from Aulla to Sarzana
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.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sarzana
Distance: 17 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk from Sarzana to Massa
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Massa
Distance: 18/27 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from Massa to Camaiore
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Camaiore
Distance: 20/25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk from Camaiore to Lucca
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucca
Distance: 23/25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Lucca
Bid farewell to Lucca after breakfast as your adventure concludes.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 15th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on April 16th – May 26th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on May 27th – June 26th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on June 27th – July 29th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure on July 30th – August 31st, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,625 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure on September 1st – 30th, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2025:
- Solo traveller: $1,495 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Accommodation on Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
B&B Chiosi in Pontremoli
B&B Ai Chiosi in Pontremoli offers comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting, featuring rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a garden, all within walking distance of the town center.
Locanda Gavarini in Mocrone
Locanda Gavarini offers cozy, rustic accommodations with an on-site restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine, set in a peaceful countryside location.
Hotel Bed&Bike in Aulla
Hotel Bed&Bike in Aulla provides cyclist-friendly accommodations with modern amenities and bike storage, ideal for exploring the surrounding trails.
B&B In Piazzetta in Sarzana
B&B In Piazzetta offers charming rooms in the historic center of Sarzana, providing easy access to local shops, cafes, and landmarks.
B&B Il Cuore in Massa
B&B Il Cuore in Massa features elegantly decorated rooms with a welcoming atmosphere, located near the town’s cultural and historic sites.
Hotel Locanda Le Monache in Camaiore
Hotel Locanda Le Monache in Camaiore provides comfortable, traditional rooms in a historic setting, perfect for exploring the quaint town and nearby coast.
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.
What’s Included in the Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca Tour?
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Via Francigena 5: Pontremoli to Lucca
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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