Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route - Part 3 : Lucca to Rome - The Reverend Sandy Brown

Walk the rolling Tuscan hills, historic towns, and sacred sites of Italy on Part 3 of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, covering 413km (255 miles) from Lucca to Rome. This central-southern section of the world-famous 2000km route threads through the heart of Tuscany and Lazio, offering medieval villages, vineyards, and iconic landmarks, culminating in the Eternal City. Suitable for walkers of most abilities, this section requires moderate fitness due to hilly terrain and can be completed in under three weeks. The route is presented in 18 stages of 14-33 km (9-20 miles), passing through the walled town of San Gimignano, the historic streets of Siena, the medieval centre of Viterbo, and the ancient temples of Sutri before reaching Rome's magnificent Piazza San Pietro. 18 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering Lucca to Rome along the Via Francigena, including medieval villages, Tuscan landscapes, and Lazio's rolling hillsEach stage includes distance, estimated walking time, ascent and descent, and terrain summary for planning daily sections and managing the hilly terrain1:100,000 mapping for the full route, plus larger-scale town maps for key locations such as Lucca, Siena, Viterbo, and Rome and the Vatican City for precise navigationGPX files provided for the Via Francigena Part 3, compatible with GPS devices and smartphone apps for easy digital navigationDetailed accommodation listings, pilgrim lodging options, and refreshment points along each stage to support comfortable walkingHandy route summary tables and planning advice, including facilities, public transport links, and tips for preparation and packing for your Italian adventure Plan your Via Francigena adventure from Lucca to Rome with confidence, and experience one of Italy's most iconic long-distance pilgrim walks with this comprehensive guidebook.