Cycling Via Francigena - Parma to Siena

The journey begins in Parma, a crown jewel in the Italian gastronomic heaven. Take time to taste all the delicacies. Also visit Palazzo Farnese, which was designed by Michelangelo and built with stones from Rome's Colosseum.

The first day's cycling is relatively demanding but also very beautiful. You pass the villages of Bardone and Terenzo before you have a climb that takes you to Cassio. After a well-needed break, you cycle onwards towards Berceto, a small gem where you can rest and strengthen yourself with some of the local specialties. Do try their pattona, a cake made from hazelnut flour. 

Accommodation in Berceto 

The first part of today's cycling continues uphill to the Cisa pass where it goes downhill to Pontremoli, the city with stone bridges and steel statues. Here you can take a relaxing walk in the alleys of the old town center. Once in Aulla, you can walk along the ancient wall Fortezza della Brunella before going down towards the historic town center. Here you can enjoy delicious, warm focaccias together with charcuterie and cheese. 

Accommodation in Aulla 

From Aulla, the cycling continues on somewhat challenging but simultaneously beautiful roads with green countryside and medieval towns. Along the way, you get a first glimpse of the sea. When you are in Sarzana, you can admire the baroque interior of the cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and the Gothic facade of Pieve di Sant'Andrea. The cycling continues on flat roads where you follow the ancient pilgrims' footsteps to the port of Luni where they used to board the boat to Santiago de Compostela. Finally, you reach the fine town of Massa a few kilometers from the sea. 

Accommodation in Massa

A beautiful cycle path along the sea takes you from Marina di Massa towards Pietrasanta. Here you can visit the town's many galleries and shops as well as the town's Duomo with its fresco paintings. From Camaiore, you continue in a hilly landscape before arriving in Lucca through its famous city wall. Stroll around the old town center and look into the small shops at the round piazza. Do admire the city from the Guinigi tower. 

Accommodation in Lucca 

A flat and pleasant stretch takes you from Lucca's walls to the old town of Altopascio. On the way, you pass through Badia di Pozzeveri, where pilgrims used to rest and pray. Don't miss the area's local bread which is a delicacy. The cycling continues through the wild landscape of Cerbaie before you cross the Arno river and continue towards San Miniato. Here you can enjoy a risotto with shaved white truffle from the area. 
 
Accommodation in San Miniato 

A slightly more demanding but unique stage awaits today. From San Miniato, you roll down to the Val d'Elsa valley before making your way up to Gambassi Terme. You continue cycling through a wonderful landscape towards San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena. The town's famous towers make its skyline easily recognizable. You get fantastic views over the medieval town and the surrounding landscape from Torre Grossa or Rocca di Montestaffoli. 

Accommodation in San Gimignano

From San Gimignano, you continue alternately up and down among the Tuscan hills to Colle Val d'Elsa which has a charming center with narrow alleys. The cycling continues along one of the most beautiful parts of the Via Francigena. You pass Pieve di Strove with its Romanesque interior and Abaddia di Isola with its impressive monastery church. Visit walled Monteriggioni, which once defended the republic of Siena, before finally arriving in the city of Siena and its famous Piazza del Campo. 

Accommodation in Siena

The journey ends after breakfast.