As this chapter of my Via Francigena journey ends and I prepare to return home to the all that awaits me there, I reflect on what I’ve experienced and what I will leave behind. On this pilgrimage, I’ve certainly experienced… Continue reading

I wake up early after a poor night of sleep despite the plan to sleep in a bit longer today as my only task is to make my way from Siena to Florence to catch a flight home tomorrow. I… Continue reading

I begin the day with a quick cappuccino at the B&B in Monteriggioni before stepping out onto the Via Francigena which runs along the back of the property. I just have to navigate the gate and lock to exit onto… Continue reading

Today’s journey begins with a trek backwards to the parking garage of my B&B host to return the keys to their home in the lockbox there. This host, Matteo, I met last year in connection with our visit last summer.… Continue reading

Just after 6:00 a.m., I left Gambassi Terme for the short 8.4 mile hike to San Gimignano. Today’s walk takes me through the scenic rolling hills of Tuscany through vineyards, wineries and an active Monestero di Bose and a nearby… Continue reading

I began today’s journey at 6:30 a.m. leaving the Le Dimore del Seminario for a long day without services. Knowing this, I take the first opportunity in Calenzano to grab coffee and fruit before the trek through the Tuscan hills.… Continue reading

Before departing Altopascio around 7:00 a.m., I fuel up with a cappuccino and pistachio brioche. I enjoy a smooth morning of hiking through woods in the morning and, after stopping for an early lunch in Fucecchio, a hot afternoon in… Continue reading

The morning begins with a walk out of town to the train station through a very familiar part of Lucca in which Karen and I stayed on two previous occasions. Today, I hike the variant route which adds 7 kilometers… Continue reading

My day began at 6:30 a.m. as I leave the hostel before dawn after a horrible night of sleep (not atipical in a dorm hostel) as my neighbor kept the lights on until 10:30 p.m. and made every possible noise… Continue reading