Have you heard of the Via Francigena? (You should have)
Published 17 days ago • 2 min read
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Hi Reader
Most people have heard of the Camino de Santiago. Far fewer have heard of the Via Francigena — and I think that needs to change.
The Via Francigena is one of Europe's oldest pilgrimage routes, which Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury walked in 990 AD on his way back from Rome.
The full route runs from Canterbury to Rome, but the Tuscany section, from San Gimignano to Siena, is 48 kilometers of the most beautiful walking in Italy.
Medieval walled villages. Blue rivers. Wisteria-lined paths in spring. And a trail culture that is warm, safe, and genuinely welcoming to solo female hikers/walkers/travelers (to everyone really!)
I walked it last week. Solo. Three days. I started Day 1 with food poisoning (so thankful I had electrolytes!). I walked through the gates of Siena on Day 3 and cried.
Views of Monteriggioni on Day 2
This week, I published three posts that together give you everything you need to plan and book this trip yourself:
2. The Via Francigena Toscana packing list — every item I carried, what I overpacked, what I wish I had brought, and the exact gear links so you do not have to guess:
3. 2 Day Siena Itinerary: How to Explore Beyond a Day Trip— what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the most of arriving in one of Italy's most extraordinary cities. I have been here twice now, once in October and now in April!
I've been getting this question a lot: Is this doable?
This is the kind of trip that is more doable than it looks and more transformative than you expect. If it is on your list — even loosely — start with the guide, then work your way through it all.
The official Via Francigena organization even has a Hike4all program, dedicated to accessible options!
But if a camino isn't in the cards for you, Siena might be! Read up on what I did, how I saw the marble mosaics, and the two hotels I think you'd love!
The Siena Duomo as seen from the Facciatone
Stay Curious,
Kimberly
P.S. You do not need to be an experienced hiker to walk this route. You just need broken-in boots and a willingness to show up. The trail does the rest.
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That Outdoorsy Gal
Cassie Lentz
Hi, I'm Cassie! Just a girl who fell in love with the outdoors and never looked back. Each week I'll share real stories from my adventures, things going on in my life, highlights from That Outdoorsy Podcast, and a little nudge to help you get outside too.
