Lucca to Rome
Ride the Via Francigena pilgrimage route on the gravel roads of Tuscany and Lazio
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The route, dirt, and paved roads following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, was first documented in 990 by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his diary describing the places he passed through as he returned to Canterbury. The roads that Sigeric followed became known as the Via Francigena (the road from France) or “Via Romea” (the road to Rome) and for centuries were used by merchants, clergymen, soldiers, and pilgrims traveling back and forth from the north of Europe to Rome and Jerusalem, carrying ideas as well as money and produce. These people traveled on foot or on mules and horses and rarely by cart because the road conditions varied continually. The road was not constructed to connect places of great importance and distance like Roman roads but built and maintained by the local nobles as a series of local paths and trails of various widths and materials that linked mountain passes, bridges, ferry boats, and villages.
Tour Essence
- Discover the spirituality of the pilgrimage: no matter what you believe, a route walked by millions of people for more than a thousand years has a special kind of spiritual energy.
- Tuscany and Lazio are among Italy’s most seen regions: with our itinerary, you’ll discover a secret side: closer to nature and little-forgotten artistic masterpieces.
- Experience traveling on a mix of paved and unpaved roads: away from cars and trucks, you’ll be able to focus on the sound of your turning wheels and the rhythm of your body.
- Follow expert guides who know better than anyone off-road cycling and the Via Francigena.
- Several stops to enjoy ancient spas along the way.
- Ride on the basalt of ancient Via Cassia, a 2,000-year old roman road.
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling to mixed terrainStart Location
Lucca, ItalyEnd Location
Rome, ItalyMileage
Average Daily: 32 miles Total: 285 milesElevation
Average Daily: 2,160 ft Total: 19,440 ftOnce you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Service of professional guides throughout the program
- Full van support
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- 3 cultural visits with local guides
- 2 tastings of local specialties
- Group shuttle at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon gravel bike, La Ribelle Gravel (or Equivalent Carbon Gravel Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 7 dinners
The route, dirt, and paved roads following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, was first documented in 990 by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his diary describing the places he passed through as he returned to Canterbury. The roads that Sigeric followed became known as the Via Francigena (the road from France) or “Via Romea” (the road to Rome) and for centuries were used by merchants, clergymen, soldiers, and pilgrims traveling back and forth from the north of Europe to Rome and Jerusalem, carrying ideas as well as money and produce. These people traveled on foot or on mules and horses and rarely by cart because the road conditions varied continually. The road was not constructed to connect places of great importance and distance like Roman roads but built and maintained by the local nobles as a series of local paths and trails of various widths and materials that linked mountain passes, bridges, ferry boats, and villages.
2024
2025
Start Location
Lucca, ItalyFly Into
FlorenceEnd Location
Rome, ItalyFly Out Of
RomeLucca
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
13 milesElevation Gain
340 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with paved and dirt pathsMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Ilaria
Located within the walls of historic Lucca, Hotel Ilaria will help you explore this amazing town while ensuring you unique and high-quality services. When your day of sightseeing is over, come back to Hotel Ilaria to relax. On the terrace, you can savor free snacks and drinks or relax in the hot tub as you admire the view of the rich gardens.
San Miniato
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
31 milesElevation Gain
1,300 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with a hilly end of day on mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Miravalle
The 4-star Hotel Miravalle is set right under the Tower of Frederick in the ancient square of the castle, facing San Miniato Cathedral. Every room has a beautiful view, from the wonderful Tuscan hills to the monuments of San Miniato. It is decorated in a refined Tuscan style, with furniture and drapery selected to enhance the harmony of a warmly colored environment. From Frederick Barbarossa to Pope Clemente VII and Michelangelo, illustrious people who made history came to stay here.
San Gimignano
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
28 milesElevation Gain
2,900 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly on mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel La Cisterna
Housed in an elegant, 14th century building, Hotel La Cisterna is set in the heart of San Gimignano. Most rooms offer views of the Piazza della Cisterna (town square) or of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Each is furnished in a Florentine style.
Siena
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
31 milesElevation Gain
2,300 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly on mixed terrainMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Hotel Palazzetto Rosso
Palazzetto Rosso Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the medieval town of Siena. The red brick walls hotel has been hosting travelers since the Middle Ages when traders from all over the world came to Tuscany. A lot has changed since the hotel’s original days, but the original façade remains the same with its traditional wrought-iron ensigns and flares.
Bagno Vignoni
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
36 milesElevation Gain
2,800 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly on mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Posta Marcucci
The family-run 4-star hotel Posta Marcucci is located in the pedestrian village and spa town of Bagno Vignoni. It has simple, elegant, and cozy rooms, a large outdoor thermal swimming pool, and indoor pools. The Spa offers hydro-massages, a Finnish and bio-saline sauna, and a Turkish bath.
Proceno
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
37 milesElevation Gain
2,800Riding Terrain
Hilly on mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Castello di Proceno
The Castello di Proceno is a serene 12th century fortress with wonderful rooms featuring beautiful art, history, and antique furniture. Visitors will enjoy the park with its outdoor summer restaurant and its elegant wine bar.
Viterbo
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
38 milesElevation Gain
2,700 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
B&B dei Papi
Residenza d’Epoca B&B Dei Papi is an elegant mansion of the 14th century located in the historic center of Viterbo. The B&B takes its name after the famous Palazzo dei Papi, just a minute’s walk from the front door. All rooms have a period charm and offer spacious accommodation, terracotta floors, and classic furniture.
Formello
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
49 milesElevation Gain
3,500 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly with mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Antica Pietrara
The Antica Pietrara B&B is located inside an ancient quarry, where the splendid rock that frames the farmhouse gives an exotic atmosphere to the environment. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool carved into the volcanic rock, surrounded by nature.
Il Vaticano e Roma
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
22 milesElevation Gain
800 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly with mixed terrainMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Isa Design
The 4-star Isa Design Hotel Rome is located in the heart of the city, in a 19th-century historic building, a few steps away from Vatican City, St. Angelo Castle, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The convenient location combined with the interiors’ singularity and high service standard grants you a perfect stay in the Eternal City.