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Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
Explore beautiful Tuscany on this 9-day self-guided cycling adventure
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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!
Season
Apr-Oct
Activity
E-Bike
E-Bike
Duration
9 days
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Type
Self-guided, Private
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
From €1,121
Got any questions?
Moderate
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will cycle longer distances over varied terrain, but most trails are in good condition.
Trip highlights
Highlights for Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
Cycle the Via Francigena, Italy’s ancient pilgrimage road, and explore unique towns and villages on the way.
Dine on the renowned foods of Parma, including Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.
Explore towns with extensive medieval history, including Pontremoli and Monteriggioni.
Ride along stunning coastline, through vineyards, olive groves, and more of Tuscany’s wonderful scenery.
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Trip map
Travellers love the Via Francigena
Sylvia
Stage 1: Saint Bernard Pass to Ivrea
“Walking the first stage of the Via Francigena on my own this summer was honestly one of the best adventures of my life!”
Andrew & Jaime
Stage 8: Montefiascone to Rome
“We absolutely fell in love with the Italian countryside, and the walk into Rome was an unforgettable experience.”
Davide
Stage 4: Fidenza to Pontremoli
“Crossing the Apennines and looking out across the terrain ahead was a surreal feeling. I can’t wait to plan my next walk along the Via Francigena.”
Day by day itinerary
Day one 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.
- Distance: None
- Meals: None
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Parma
Day two 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.
- Distance: 74 km, 1,068m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Berceto
Day three 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.
- Distance: 50 km, 370m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Aulla
Day four 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.
- Distance: 48 km, 716m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Massa
Day five 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.
- Distance: 52 km, 380m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Lucca
Day six 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!
- Distance: 46 km, 228m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in San Miniato
Day seven 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.
- Distance: 41 km, 640m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in San Gimignano
Day eight 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.
- Distance: 50 km, 505m elevation gain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: Hotel in Siena
Day Nine Departure from Siena
After breakfast, your Via Francigena cycling tour through Tuscany ends. Pack up and have safe travels home.
- Distance: None
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Location: None
Why book with My Via Francigena
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Dates and prices:
Optional Extras:
- Hybrid bike rental (incl. bags, 1 odometer every 2 bikes, phone holder) - €215 EUR
- E-bike rental (incl. bags, 1 odometer every 2 bikes, phone holder) - €306 EUR
- Printed trip documents - €35 EUR
Prices below are per person
Date
Solo guest
Two Single Rooms
Double room
Triple room
Apr 1, 2025 to Apr 27, 2025
€2444 EUR
€1731 EUR
€1388 EUR
€1121 EUR
Apr 28, 2025 to Sep 5, 2025
€2504 EUR
€1791 EUR
€1418 EUR
€1149 EUR
Sep 6, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025
€2444 EUR
€1731 EUR
€1388 EUR
€1121 EUR
*Pay in US, Canadian, Australian Dollars, Euro, or British Pounds.
What’s included
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
Accommodation for Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena
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.
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.
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 offers rustic accommodations with comfortable rooms, a welcoming host, and a highly praised breakfast, conveniently located in the town center.
This hotel is within walking distance of the beach, and the rooms are nice and clean. The staff is helpful and friendly.
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 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.
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.
Frequently asked question
How hard is the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will cycle over the famous Tuscan hills, so each day has some uphill while you cycle moderate distance. Most trails are in good condition.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour?
8 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Parma to start this tour?
You can fly to Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). From FLR, take the bus to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and then take the bus or train to Parma. From PSA, you can take the train to Parma, which changes in Pisa Centrale and Vezzano Ligure. Check train schedules at this website.
Is the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour guided?
No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
Where does the Via Francigena Cycling from Parma to Siena tour end?
The tour ends in Siena, where you can reach your destination airport by train or bus.
Are bike rentals included?
Bike rentals are not included, but they are available as an optional extra. You can rent electric, road, or mountain bikes.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why travellers choose this tour
It’s easy to see why your next 10Adventures experience will be the trip of a lifetime:
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Luggage transfers
Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is included.
Meals
Don’t worry about meals. 8 breakfasts are included.
Transfers
Check out the ‘What’s Included’ tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.
Local Support
Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.
Payments Made Easy
Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.
Route Resources
Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.
Park Entrance Fees
Included where possible! Check the ‘What’s Included’ tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.