Horseback riding along Via Francigena

Horseback riding along the Via Francigena is truly a unique experience: from the Passo di San Bernardo to Rome (over 1,000 km), each leg is an average length of 25 km. 

An information book highlighting the entire horse trail, along the Francigena, features GPS technology, with pictures, maps and 3D projections, and directions, is available from tourist information. It also lists veterinarians in each area, farriers, and equestrian official guides.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

To ensure the best compromise between having good and "natural" roads for hiking and horseback riding, while at the same time limiting the damage of soil erosion, emphasis is placed on permanent agro-forestry roads and runways, or at least dirt roads. In addition to shelter for horses, there are also stables outside of the villages to tie up the horses. This gives riders the chance to visit major cities such as Massa, Lucca and Siena without having to worry about their horse.

THE ROUTE

From Pontremoli, continue along a trail through the woods and to the beautiful medieval parish church of Sorano Filattiera; and then from Aulla to the view of the sea. Continue through fortified towns to Massa and Pietrasanta, in Versilia, on the side of the ridge of the Apuan Alps and arrive in Lucca.

Continuing along the valleys of central Tuscany between Altopascio and Fucecchio, cross the Arno and arrive in the ancient San Miniato. Between hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and cultivated fields in the Val d'Elsa to medieval San Gimignano. And then cross into Siena, along the roads of the Val d'Arbia cross Buonconvento and arrive in Val d'Orcia, to the fortified medieval village of San Quirico.

The journey facilitates contact with nature and with people. We will stop to meditate, to discover, to understand the art, history, culture, nature, religion of these places.