The Via Francigena by bike from Parma to Siena

Name: The Via Francigena by bike from Parma to Siena
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 1368 EUR
Availability: InStock

Emilia-Romagna

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Half

Bike Tours, E-bike tours

Duration

9 days

Duration

364Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

4/5 Medium-Easy

Moderate-Difficult, between 50 and 100 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 700 and 1300 meters.

Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Parma
Individual arrival in Parma. The journey starts in Parma, the mecca of Italian gastronomic tradition: the province of Parma boasts the highest number of DOP and IGP food products. Try tasting them and take some time to explore the artistic beauties of the city: from the magnificent interior of its Cathedral and Baptistery, to the enchanting Pilotta Palace, designed by Michelangelo and built with stone from the Colosseum in Rome.

Day 2: Parma – Berceto (74 km; +1068/-322m)
The first section of the Via Francigena by bike is quite challenging, but rich in beauty: along the route you will see the towns of Bardone and Terenzo, with their ancient churches and some bas-reliefs kept inside. From this point you will undertake a climb that will lead you to Cassio, where a short downhill stretch awaits you, before facing another climb towards Berceto. Here you can refresh yourself with local dishes based on mushrooms and pattona, a typical cake made with chestnut flour.

Day 3: Berceto – Aulla (53 km; +370/-1115 m)
From the Cisa Pass you descend to Pontremoli, the city of bridges and stelae statues, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the alleyways of the historic center. Once in Aulla, put down the bike and visit the Abbey of San Caprasio, which contains medieval archaeological finds. Don't miss a walk along the ancient walls of the Brunella Fortress and one in the historic center. If you're hungry, there's nothing better than the delicious local focaccia breads, to be enjoyed still warm accompanied by cold cuts and cheeses.

Day 4: Aulla – Massa (48 km; +716/-770 m)
From Aulla you can expect a challenging but rewarding route: today you will catch sight of the sea for the first time. You will cross lush countryside and medieval villages. Once in Sarzana, you will undoubtedly be amazed by the baroque interiors of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and admire the gothic facade of the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the oldest building in the city. Your journey along the Via Francigena by bike continues along flat routes, following the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims, who used to embark at the Roman port of Luni to Santiago de Compostela, to finally reach the beautiful city of Massa, a few kilometers from the Versilia sea.

Day 5: Massa – Lucca (52 km; +380/-356 m)
A beautiful bike path along the sea takes you from Marina di Massa to Pietrasanta. Before immersing yourself among its art galleries and shops, we recommend a visit to the city's Cathedral, to stroll among its marble columns and admire its frescoed vaults. From Camaiore you will continue up and down the hills of Lucca: enter through the walls that surround its historic center, explore the small shops in the circular square to buy local spelt and biscuits to take home, conquer the Guinigi Tower and admire the city from above.

Day 6: Lucca – San Miniato (46 km; +228/-122 m)
A simple and flat stage will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the historic center of Altopascio, passing through the Badia di Pozzeveri, where anciently, pilgrims used to stop to rest and pray. Don't miss the local bread, a real delicacy! The itinerary of the Via Francigena by bike continues through the wild land of the Cerbaie Hills, before crossing the Arno river and continuing towards San Miniato. The seminary that gives its name to the main square will amaze you, with its peculiar facade: enjoy it illuminated, perhaps after having tasted a risotto dusted with the typical white truffle, pride of the territory.

Day 7: San Miniato – San Gimignano (41 km; +640/-476 m)
From San Miniato you descend to the bottom of the Val d’Elsa, to reascend to Gambassi Terme, where you can cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni, where Archbishop Sigeric himself has slept, on the road to Rome. You will continue your journey by pedaling through splendid natural landscapes up to San Gimignano, one of the most beautiful cities along the Via Francigena, and its famous towers that make its skyline unmistakable. Don't miss the view of the medieval city and the surrounding valleys, from the top of the Torre Grossa. Or venture onto the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, for an even more special panorama.

Day 8: San Gimignano – Siena (50 km; +505/ 470 m)
From San Gimignano you continue, up and down the Tuscan hills to Colle Val d’Elsa, an ancient Tuscan village with a fascinating historic center and narrow alleys that wind through stone walls. The itinerary then continues, in one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena by bike: a meditative route, along which to enjoy the silence of the Pieve di Strove and the peace of the beautiful Abbadia a Isola, with its imposing Abbey. Be sure to take a walk along the wall of the beautiful Monteriggioni castle, once defending the Republic of Siena, before reaching Siena through dirt roads and the ancient medieval village of Cerbaia. An unforgettable way to celebrate your arrival? A dish of pici all’aglione, in the illuminated Piazza del Campo, and don't forget to try the panforte.

Day 9: Siena
After breakfast, end of services. Possibility to add extra nights to continue exploring Siena and its surroundings.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
GPS or navigation APP
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
Bike theft insurance
Via Francigena Passport

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
City tax
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Bike rental
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
Welcome briefing
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 31 days of departure
100%
From 30 to 31 days before departure
70%
From 15 to 30 days before departure
50%
From 8 to 15 days before departure
20%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

The Via Francigena by bike from Parma to Siena

To admire Correggio's masterpieces in the Duomo of Parma and savor the excellent local gastronomic products
To cycle immersed in the mysterious atmosphere of Lunigiana, a borderland rich in ancient archaeological settlements
To reach Lucca by bike and cycle on its imposing walls, up to the famous Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
To immerse in the medieval atmospheres of San Gimignano, with its typical tower houses and the frescoes of the Chapel of Santa Fina
To finally arrive in Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy, with its magnificent Piazza del Campo
To experience the unique emotion of travelling the Via Francigena by bike

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.