
Along the Via Francigena. The Ancient Medieval Road
The Via Francigena has represented over the centuries, since the early Middle Ages (year 476 AD – 1000 AD), the route followed by pilgrims from central-northern Europe, to reach Rome, seat of the Papacy and heart of Christianity. In 2004, this route was declared a “Great European Cultural Itinerary” by the Council of Europe, similarly to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
What is known today as the Via Francigena is the 1800 km route taken by Archbishop Sigerico in the year 990 to return to Canterbury from Rome after meeting Pope John XV.
It is important to know that in addition to the Sigerico route there are many paths, variations, used by pilgrims, merchants, soldiers for convenience, climatic conditions, for minor destinations, or to reduce the distances and difficulties of their journeys.
Riding on the Via Francigena is like going back in time and becomes an opportunity to discover, with a slow and ancient rhythm, places that have a great historical, cultural, and environmental value among the most typical of this part of Tuscany.
Program
Sunday
Meeting at the Equestrian Tourism Center and guest check-in.
At dinner you will meet your equestrian guides, who will explain the trekking program to you.
Monday
Meeting of the riders at the equestrian center at about 9.30 and departure to reach Monteriggioni. In the first part, the route crosses Pian del Lago, where until the mid-18th century there was a lake (or rather a swamp) called Verano which was completely reclaimed by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo.
This stretch of the Via Francigena will lead us to the Castello Della Chiocciola with its cylindrical tower which contains a beautiful ‘spiral’ staircase and then to the Castello di Monteriggioni built between 1214 and 1219.
After the lunch stop and still on the Via Francigena, we meet Abbadia Isola. “Abbadia” stands for abbey, while “Isola” because it stood on the marshy Lake Verano. After Castel Pietraio we reach the stopping point for of this first day.
Tuesday
Departure from the horse stop point to reach the territory of San Gimignano in the Montauto area. This route develops around the Val d’Elsa, a beautiful part of Tuscany between Siena and Florence.
Its origins seem to date back to the Etruscan era (9th century BC), but it is thanks to the Via Francigena that the Valdelsa became an important social, political, and economic center.
Before returning to the horse stop, we will stop for lunch along one of the Francigena paths just like medieval travellers.
Wednesday
Today we will ride along the paths of the Montagnola Senese, one of the most interesting areas in southern Tuscany from a naturalistic point of view.
It is a hilly area with reliefs of about 500 – 600 m a.s.l. which has been populated since Etruscan and Roman times but has preserved its naturalness.
We will meet the remains of the Nagli Chapel from the Romanesque era, the Marmoraia fortified village dating back to the early Middle Ages with its Pieve, and the Borgo di Scorgiano.
Thursday
This part of the journey will take us back to the equestrian center following the paths of the Montagnola Senese, but for a few hours we will leave the Middle Ages to enter the 1900s.
We reach Casa Giubileo which is located on Montemaggio. This is a place to “not forget” because, during the Second World War, it was the scene on March 28, 1944, of one of the most dramatic episodes of the struggle for liberation.
In this place we will find hospitality and we can, for those who wish, visit the Rooms of Memory.
Friday
We travel along the Via Francigena to reach the Hermitage of Lecceto built between 1189 and 1223. The church, known since 1223, was rebuilt in 1317 and enlarged in 1344.
Continuing, we reach the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. news of the presence of a hermit community dates to the year 1112, but its existence seems to date back before the 12th century. Along the way we will find La Piramide, an obelisk in memory of the reclamation of Pian del Lago.
After the lunch stop at the fortified village of La Villa, an official stopping point on the Francigena, we return to the equestrian center leaving the Castello della Chiocciola behind us.
In the afternoon there will be a tasting of typical Tuscan wines.
Saturday
Breakfast and departure
Notes on the trip
Arrival on Sunday – departure Saturday – seven days / six nights in a double room in full board formula.
The journey doesn’t hide any difficulties and is for riders of medium experience; lasts five days with
approx. 4/6 hours in the saddle per day. In case and if possible, we can modify the gait.
The itineraries may vary if circumstances require it. Lunch stops along the routes and dinners include beverages.
A shuttle service will take care of all guests transfer.
Participants: minimum 2, maximum 6 riders. Max. weight 90 kg / 180 lb. Minimum age: 14 years
Departures 2025 : January 12; February 9; March 9; April 6; May 4; June 8; July 6; August 3; September 7; October 5; November 2;
Dicember 7 and 28. Other periods can be agreed.
Upon booking, riders must fill out and send us the equestrian ability form (downloadable from the
contacts section), in order to entrust the horse most suited to their abilities, and provide information on particular dietary needs.
We are not perfect but what we do we do with great passion