International Retreats
Tuscany Pilgrimage Hike
October 2-11, 2026
Overview of the Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage trail stretching from Canterbury to Rome, a journey that takes about 90 days on foot. Once a vital artery for trade and religion, the route was first traced by Julius Caesar in 58 BC and later made famous by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, who documented his journey along it in 990 AD. Our walk will focus on one of its most iconic sections—40 to 50 miles through the heart of Tuscany—where we’ll meet fellow travelers, cross striking landscapes, and savor the region’s rich cuisine. This immersive experience takes us through authentic Italian villages, alive with medieval piazzas and open-air cafés. Unlike the more traveled Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena offers quieter paths and a sense of solitude, winding through countryside that feels truly off the beaten track. By the time you finish, you just might be tempted to keep walking all the way to Rome.
Early October is an ideal time to walk the Via Francigena in Tuscany. Daily temperatures typically range from 60–75°F (15–24°C), with cool mornings and mild afternoons that are well-suited for walking. Vineyards and olive groves are active with workers picking grapes and preparing for the olive harvest, and local markets begin to feature seasonal foods like porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and truffles. Many towns host small autumn festivals, celebrating regional traditions and ingredients. The countryside takes on deeper tones, and meals reflect the shift in season—hearty, and full of local flavor. It’s a time when the landscape feels especially connected to the rhythms of everyday life.
A Note on Walking Distances
The suggested routes highlight the most scenic and meaningful parts of the Via Francigena. Want more or less? The group leader will tailor each day’s walk to suit your needs perfectly. Each stage is fully customizable based on your energy level and physical ability. Together with the group leader and support driver, you’ll decide how much you want to walk each day — it’s your cammino!
Day 1
Fly to Pisa or Florence
It is recommended to make your flight arrangements early from your hometown to Florence or Pisa airport.
Day 2
Transfer to San Gimignano from Pisa or Florence
A group transportation option (included) will be provided from a central meeting point in Florence at 1:30 PM (exact details to be shared in advance) to take you to our accommodation in San Gimignano. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you prefer to depart from a different location or at a different time, you’re welcome to arrange your own private transfer—recommendations will be provided to assist you. Public transportation is also possible, though service to San Gimignano is limited and may require transfers, especially outside peak travel hours. San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic towns in Tuscany. Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline of tower houses, the town once boasted 72 towers built by rival noble families as symbols of wealth and influence—13 of which still rise above the rooftops today. Perched on a hill and encircled by 13th-century walls, San Gimignano offers spectacular views over the Chianti countryside. Its cobbled streets are filled with artisan boutiques, wine shops, and small piazzas perfect for people-watching. You can climb the 218 steps of Torre Grossa for sweeping panoramic views (ticket required), explore frescoed chapels and the Collegiata cathedral, or simply enjoy a scoop of award-winning gelato from the famed Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna. This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner where you’ll meet the rest of the group and receive an orientation from your trip leader to kick off our journey together. Overnight: San Gimignano–Bel Soggiorno*** or La Cisterna*** Hotel Bel Soggiorno***: Perched just inside San Gimignano’s medieval walls, Hotel Bel Soggiorno offers timeless Tuscan charm with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Housed in a 14th-century building, this family-run hotel exudes historic character and genuine hospitality. The rooms are tastefully appointed and inviting, many featuring windows that frame the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves of the Val d’Elsa. With its central location just steps from the town’s iconic towers and piazzas, it provides an ideal base for immersing yourself in the art, architecture, and atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel La Cisterna***: a welcoming hotel set in a historic 14th-century building on San Gimignano’s main square, Piazza della Cisterna. Its rooms blend classic Florentine style with modern comforts, and many offer sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside or the lively piazza below. With an on-site restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine and a location just steps from the town’s iconic towers, it’s an ideal base for exploring the charm and history of this medieval hill town.
Day 3
Walk Gambassi Terme – Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Celloele (6 miles); can be extended to 8 miles (B/L)
After breakfast at the hotel, a 30-minute transfer will take us to Gambassi Terme, where today’s walk begins. The trail winds through the stunning Tuscan landscape, lined with slender cypress trees, silvery olive groves, and vineyards producing world-renowned Chianti wines. Thanks to the region’s ideal soil and climate, winemaking here dates back to the Etruscan era. Gambassi Terme itself is a charming hilltop town with terracotta roofs, a well-preserved historic center, and sweeping views of the countryside. Once known for its medieval glass production, it has long welcomed travelers—first those heading to Volterra and later the countless pilgrims walking the Via Francigena since the Middle Ages. Our walk meanders through a patchwork of forests and rural estates, dotted with olive groves, Chianti vineyards, and traditional bodegas. Early on, we’ll pass Riparotta and cross a bridge over the Rio Casciani. The trail undulates through the Siene Val d’Elsa, offering views of castle ruins and the solitary Church of San Pietro, once a place of reflection for medieval pilgrims. Midway through the walk, we’ll stop in the small hamlet of Pancole for a coffee break and chance to rest with beautiful vineyard views. We’ll continue on to Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole, a Romanesque church nestled among vineyards and olive trees. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch with views of the Tuscan hills. After time to explore the quiet grounds, we’ll transfer to our hotel. You’ll have the afternoon to explore San Gimignano. Dinner is on your own tonight, and your trip leader or hotel staff will be happy to recommend a nearby restaurant featuring traditional Tuscan fare. Overnight: San Gimignano-Bel Soggiorno*** or La Cisterna***
Day 4
Walk San Gimignano – Camaggiori (6 miles); can be extended to 8 miles; (B/L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off toward Campiglia, a quiet hamlet nestled in the Tuscan countryside. As we leave San Gimignano behind, enjoy sweeping views of its iconic towers fading into the autumn haze. Today’s walk leads us through a classic Tuscan landscape of rolling hills, vineyards heavy with grapes, and early fall colors beginning to touch the trees. The trail winds alongside forests and fertile farmland, with the golden light of October lending a warm glow to the valleys below. The walk concludes in Camaggiori, where a short transfer brings us to Colle di Val d’Elsa, known as the “City of Crystal.” This historic town has been a renowned center of crystal glass production since the 14th century. Set along the Elsa River, it spans three distinct areas: the atmospheric medieval upper town, or “Castle”; the historic “Borgo di Santa Caterina”; and the more modern lower district known as il Piano, where local life hums. We’ll enjoy lunch in Colle di Val d’Elsa, followed by a relaxing afternoon. If the weather is mild, you might still enjoy a stroll by the cool, clear waters of the Elsa River, whose banks we’ll follow on tomorrow’s walk. For those looking to unwind, spa services are available at the hotel. Dinner will be on your own. Overnight: Colle di Val d’Elsa - Palazzo San Lorenzo**** Housed in a 17th-century building, Palazzo San Lorenzo blends historic elegance with contemporary comfort. The public areas feature statues, crystal chandeliers, and a central courtyard flooded with natural light beneath a glass ceiling. Guest rooms are spacious and modern, with parquet floors, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, and hydro-massage baths or showers. A generous buffet breakfast is included, and the on-site restaurant specializes in Tuscan cuisine. For an additional fee, guests can reserve access to the wellness center and indoor jacuzzi pool.
Day 5
Walk Colle di Val d’Elsa – Abbey Island (7 miles); can be extended to 9 miles; (B/L/D)
We’ll begin the morning walking through the Elsa River Park along the scenic Sentierelsa Trail, a shaded riverside path just outside Colle di Val d’Elsa. Since the 11th century, canals here have channeled the river’s waters to power mills, ironworks, and other industries. As we follow the trail, we’ll make a few stepping-stone crossings over the clear river, where you may spot trout swimming below. With its dense greenery, moss-covered stones, and the sound of rushing water, the surroundings feel surprisingly like a tropical rainforest—yet we’re still in the heart of Tuscany. After emerging from the river park, our van will transfer us a short distance ahead to Pieve a Elsa where we will resume walking through the forest. We’ll stop for a coffee break in the small village of Strove, a peaceful hamlet with cobbled streets and Romanesque charm—perfect for a short rest before continuing. From there, we’ll make our way through open countryside to “Abbey Island.” a mysterious cluster of medieval buildings once surrounded by marshland where we will have a picnic lunch. Known as the Badia of Santi Salvatore e Cirino, this former Benedictine abbey dates back to the 11th century and offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Tuscany’s spiritual past. We will transfer back to Colle di Val d’Elsa in the afternoon for time to relax at the spa or pool, visit artisan crystal shops, or stroll the historic upper town. We’ll gather in the evening for a group dinner. Overnight: Colle di Val d’Elsa - Palazzo San Lorenzo****
Day 6
Walk Cimitero dei Renai – Monteriggioni (8 miles); can be extended to 11 miles; (B/L)
Today’s walk begins at Cimitero dei Renai, where we rejoin the Via Francigena and follow a quiet stretch through rolling farmland, stands of oak, and olive groves. The landscape feels deeply rooted in time—broad skies, distant hilltop villages, and the steady rhythm of footfalls on gravel paths. The beauty of Tuscany unfolds step by step as we move through open countryside and into shaded woodlands. We’ll stop midway for a coffee break at Punto Sosta La Villa, a welcoming rest stop for pilgrims and walkers alike. After relaxing under the trees, we continue the final 4 miles to Monteriggioni, a striking 13th-century fortress town perched atop a hill and enclosed by a near-perfect ring of medieval walls. Built by the Sienese between 1213 and 1219 to defend the Cassia Road, Monteriggioni once held the front line in Siena’s struggle against Florence—and still feels like a place where history lives just beneath the surface. Inside the walls, we’ll gather for a group lunch at a traditional restaurant offering regional Tuscan dishes. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore the narrow stone streets, browse artisan shops, and walk a stretch of the castle walls for wide views over the Val d’Elsa. In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer to Siena. You will have the evening to explore the city, and dinner will be on your own. It is recommended to book tickets online or visit the tourist office for any sights you would like to visit tomorrow. For those inclined, the trip leader can help you organize attendance at a local yoga studio this evening or tomorrow during your free day. Overnight: Siena – Albergo Chiusarelli *** Albergo Chiusarelli is a welcoming 3-star hotel set in a restored 19th-century neoclassical villa in the heart of Siena. Just a short walk from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Rooms are tastefully decorated, some with original frescoes or balconies overlooking green spaces, and all equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast in the bright veranda and savor traditional Tuscan dishes at the on-site restaurant, Gli Orti di San Domenico. With its central location, serene garden, and easy access by car or public transport, Albergo Chiusarelli offers an ideal base for exploring Siena’s timeless beauty.
Day 7
Free day to explore Siena (no scheduled walk); (B/D)
Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Italy’s most captivating medieval cities and an essential stop for lovers of history, art, and culture. Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the city is famed for its beautifully preserved Gothic architecture, vibrant traditions, and rich culinary heritage. Siena’s heart is the spectacular Piazza del Campo, a vast, shell-shaped square that hosts the thrilling Palio di Siena horse race each summer. Surrounding the square are architectural masterpieces like the Palazzo Pubblico, home to centuries-old frescoes and civic history, and the slender Torre del Mangia, which offers panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops and countryside. Wander the city’s labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, where every turn reveals ancient fountains, artisan boutiques, and sun-drenched cafés perfect for people-watching with a glass of local Chianti in hand. Today, you’ll have ample time to soak in Siena’s historic charm at your own pace. A visit to the Duomo is a must — this black-and-white marble cathedral is a marvel of Gothic design, with intricate carvings, stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio, and a library decorated with vividly illuminated manuscripts. For the adventurous, climbing the 400 steps of Torre del Mangia rewards you with sweeping views that stretch to the distant hills. Consider joining an architectural walking tour to uncover the stories behind Siena’s noble palazzi and medieval contrade (districts), or take a food-focused stroll through the old town to sample traditional Sienese treats like pici pasta, panforte, local pecorino cheese, and robust Tuscan wines. Siena is also known for its artisanal leather goods—browse the many shops for handcrafted handbags, boots, or jackets. Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the city’s many trattorias or hidden osterias. In the evening, we’ll reconvene for a group dinner to share stories and flavors from this unforgettable city. Overnight: Siena – Albergo Chiusarelli ***
Day 8
Walk Castello Trierchi – Torrenieri (5.5 miles); can be extended to 7 miles; (B/L/wine tasting)
After immersing ourselves in the dignified splendor of Siena, today we return to the tranquil beauty of rural Tuscany. Following a 40-minute transfer to the trailhead near Buonconvento, we’ll set off on foot through the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape celebrated for its Renaissance harmony and balance. This agricultural region, with its gently rolling hills and timeless farmhouses, inspired painters of the Sienese School and preserves an aesthetic that feels untouched by time. Once a vital crossroads during the Etruscan and Roman eras, Val d’Orcia fell into decline during the early Middle Ages before experiencing a resurgence in the 10th and 11th centuries with the growth of feudal villages, monasteries, and renewed use of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Our walk brings us into the heart of one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, home to the renowned Brunello di Montalcino. We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch and wine tasting at a local winery in Torrenieri before continuing by van to San Quirico d’Orcia, a walled hilltop town of exceptional charm. Stroll its narrow lanes to discover the churches of San Francesco and Santa Maria Assunta, the elegant Palazzo Chigi, and the beautifully designed Horti Leonini gardens. From the town’s fortified walls, the views over the Val d’Orcia are vast and unforgettable. Dinner tonight is on your own tonight. Overnight: San Quirico d’Orcia-Villa Liberty**** Boutique Villa Liberty, part of the Borgo Capitano Collection, is a refined Art Nouveau villa nestled just outside the medieval walls of San Quirico d'Orcia. This beautifully restored historic residence offers a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, featuring air-conditioned rooms adorned with bespoke furnishings, rainfall showers, and, in some cases, private balconies or terraces. Guests can unwind in the villa's tranquil garden or indulge in spa treatments, including massages and access to a rooftop hot tub. The on-site Trattoria Toscana al Vecchio Forno serves authentic Tuscan cuisine, enhancing the local experience. With its prime location, just a short stroll from landmarks like Horti Leonini and the Collegiate Church, Boutique Villa Liberty provides an ideal base for exploring the scenic Val d'Orcia region San Quirico d’Orcia –Hotel Palazzuolo*** Set in a peaceful garden setting just outside the historic walls of San Quirico d’Orcia, Hotel Palazzuolo offers a welcoming and tranquil retreat in the heart of the Val d’Orcia. The hotel features 42 well-appointed rooms, many with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Guests can relax in the elegant outdoor gardens, take a refreshing dip in the panoramic swimming pool, or dine at the on-site Tuscan restaurant, known for its traditional regional dishes. A generous daily buffet breakfast is included, and the hotel’s quiet location offers easy access to the town’s charming center and nearby walking trails.
Day 9
Walk San Quirico d’Orcia – Castiglione d’Orcia (7 miles); (B/L/D)
We will continue our walk through the enchanting Val d’Orcia, a landscape marked by rolling hills crowned with fortified towns and quaint villages. The fields are a patchwork of small-scale farms cultivating grains, olives, fruits, and vegetables, while tall, slender cypress trees stand like silent sentinels lining the driveways of elegant villas. Midway, we’ll pause for a coffee break in the unique village of Bagno Vignoni, famed for its ancient thermal waters bubbling through the central piazza. Continuing on, we’ll reach Castiglione d’Orcia, a charming hilltop town boasting breathtaking panoramic views, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. Afterward, we can visit nearby mineral baths, letting the therapeutic waters melt away any soreness. We’ll return to our accommodation and meet in the evening for a farewell aperitivo and a celebratory goodbye dinner. Overnight: San Quirico d’Orcia
Day 10
Tour End – Buon Cammino; breakfast included
Enjoy breakfast before saying arrivederci or extending your stay in Italy. The group transport option (included) will leave our hotel in San Quirico for a central point in Florence (exact details to be communicated) at ~9:00am. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
PRICE PER PERSON:
$2999 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
+$900 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Book your space by filling our Reservation Form below and call Susie Morwick at 317-544-8391.
Payment
Schedule:
* A $500 non-refundable deposit is due per person upon booking. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
* Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation. 3.5% is added for credit card fees. Venmo also an option.
* Cancellation policy: 100% cancelation fee ($500) is charged for cancelling up to 120 days prior to departure.
Checks can be sent to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Susie Morwick
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
TRIP PROTECTION – Trip cancellation insurance is available at an
additional cost and is strongly recommended.
* Travel Guard - 800-826-1300
* i travel insured - 317-655-4500
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Pre-departure briefing to orient you and answer any questions
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Eight (8) nights of accommodations
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Seven (7) days of hiking and sightseeing as described
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Daily breakfast
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Daily snacks
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Group meals as described
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Wine tasting
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Farewell Aperitivo
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Support van
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Pickup and drop-off in Florence (if you take the group option)
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Trip leaders
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare from your hometown
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Airport transfers
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Meals not listed
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Beverages
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to trip leaders
Notes:
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This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
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Where we stay may vary depending on availability but will be of a similar standard to the accommodation listed.
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We have the luggage van to transport your luggage and you, if you feel you need some assistance while on this journey.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, has lived as a nomad for more than 15 years, balancing a career working as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with long distance walking for thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. Pilgrimage routes have a special place in her heart and the fellow pilgrims she has met along these paths have impacted her life in profound ways. Some of the multi-day hikes she has enjoyed include the John Muir Trail in California, backcountry trekking in Denali National Park in Alaska, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Ciudad Perdida and Nevado del Tolima in Colombia, W-Trek in Patagonia Chile, Lakes District and Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cirque de Mafate in Reunion, Drakensburg Circuit in South Africa, Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Rwenzori Central Circuit in Uganda, Mt. Karisimbi in Rwanda, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Ras Dashen and Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Mt. Toubkal and High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Jordan National Trail, Druk Path in Bhutan, Kumano Kodo in Japan, Guguan Seven Heroes in Taiwan, Ma Pi Leng in Vietnam, Mt. Apo in Philippines, Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia, Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia, Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand, Janapar Trail in Nagorno-Karabakh, Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, Lycian Way in Turkey, High Tatras in Slovakia and Poland, Via Dinarica in Croatia, Alpe Adria in Slovenia, Peaks of the Balkans in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanian Coastal Trail, Prague-Viena Greenway in Czechia and Austria, Kaiserkrone in Austria, King Ludwig Way in Germany, GR10 and GR20 in France, Coronallacs Trail in Andorra, Laugavegur Trek in Iceland, Rota Vicentina in Portugal, various Caminos in Spain and Portugal (del Norte, Primitivo, Salvador, Mozarabe, Frances, Portuguese, Espiritual), Alta Via 1, Via Francigena and Via di Francesco in Italy. She is always dreaming about the next adventure. “It's a beautiful world, and I'll be thrilled to explore it with you one step at a time.”
Leticia Troyas Martínez
Leticia Troyas Martínez is from Falces, a small town near Pamplona in northern Spain. Walking is one of the most meaningful parts of her life—a way to connect with herself, others, and the world around her. She has journeyed on foot across Spain, Italy, and Portugal along pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena, drawn by a deep curiosity and a love for both nature and culture. She has also lived in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam at different points in her life. Leticia has worked as a guide on both the Camino and the Francigena, offering transportation, massage services, and stretching sessions to clients. She is currently studying exercise science at the University of Pamplona, with the goal of becoming a physical education instructor for children. Earlier in her career, she worked as a hairdresser in major cities such as London, Madrid, and Milan. But what truly inspires her now is movement—physical, emotional, and spiritual. For Leticia, life is about growing, evolving, and learning—becoming a little more herself with every step.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
