A PILGRIMAGE THROUGH TUSCANY
Join us on the Via Francigena, part of the ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome. Our pilgrimage takes us through the beautiful landscape of Tuscany, from mediaeval San Gimignano to Montalcino, with glorious scenery, ancient frescoes, hill top mediaeval villages, and a true sense of doing something different.
If you would like us to lead your party on this glorious walk, email using the contact page on the menu.
WHY A PILGRIMAGE?
Most of us, most of the time, long to get away from it all: away from the rush and the stress and the busy-ness of our everyday lives. Time away to spend time with the Lord. Time to get fitter and leaner in every way. AND in a beautiful and special place. A pilgrimage is a vacation with a difference, and many people are now discovering that walking on ancient pathways, surrounded by beauty, in peaceful quiet places, helps you get into a rhythm that makes it easier to hear from God, to shed the burdens, to rediscover who you are and who you are meant to be
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jer. 6:16
THE EXPERIENCE
"Your Pilgrimage was formative for me in so many ways, Penelope…thank you for providing this catalyst for transformation in my life." Shelly
"It truly was a life changing experience for me; and I met with God in a way I’d never done before." Roy
"It was fantastic! I haven't had a group vacation in a long time and now that I know how much fun I had with others, hiking through the hills, I'd be willing to take more vacation time and do a longer or equally long trip/hike again. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have joined you and the others on this trip! Thank you!" Ann
PILGRIMAGE AGENDA
Day One: Arrive in San Gimignano
Spend the evening exploring the ‘Manhattan skyline’ of ancient towers
Day Two: Walk to Colle di Val d’Elsa (8.7 miles)
A pretty walk across low hills of olive groves and vineyards to this historic town renowned for its tunnel streets, old upper town and lower 'new' town
Day Three: Walk to Monteriggioni (11.6 miles)
Pathways lead across farmlands and woods, past a wonderful open air Roman swimming pool, to ascend to the hilltop town surrounded by 14 mediaeval watchtowers
Day Four: Walk to Siena (11.8 miles)
Through woods and meadows, the paths lead to the best preserved great mediaeval city in Europe – where they serve more fabulous gelato!
Day Five: Walk to Lucignano (14.5 miles)
Tracks wind across low open hills through the Crete region
Day Six: Walk to Buonconvento (9.5 miles)
Gravel lanes (strade bianchi) lead along the Arbia valley to Buonconvento – the Museum of the Mediaeval Masters
Day Seven: Walk to Montalcino (10.9 miles)
Paths lead up through the vineyards of the renowned Brunello wine district to the wonderful hilltop town of Montalcino
Day Eight: Depart for home
PLAN YOUR PILGRIMAGE
The cost of the 8 day Pilgrimage will include:
7 Nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
6 Days Fully Guided Walking Tour
Ensuite accommodation in an eclectic range of wonderful hotels, inns and guest houses
Meditations and contemplations each day while walking
Evening worship and Bible teaching
Daily Luggage Transport
Emergency backup
"At Home" Training Guide
Suggested Supply List
Spiritual and Walking Preparation
Additional Costs:
Travel to and from Pilgrimage
Travel insurance
Lunch, purchased at cafes along the route or in local shops
Places are limited to a maximum of 12