Via Francigena: Stage 5, Pontremoli to Lucca

Your trip starts from Pontremoli, a gem of a village in the heart of mysterious Lunigiana, in the Northern part of Tuscany. Stroll through the tower-houses of the city centre, admire warriors and Goddesses made of stone in the Stele Statues museum - the imposing castle perched at the top of the village, guarding the mystery of these ancient locals. 

If you like the magic of written word, sit on the benches of the old town centre and try to guess the author of the literary quotations that they are decorated with. Or just enjoy a few pages of a book and write the first page of your travelogue. 

To celebrate the beginning of your journey, nothing better than a hearty portion of Testaroli - the local pasta, made in a very unique and traditional way - served with almond pesto, or a very thick slice of delicious "torta d'erbi", a salty pie filled with wild herbs.

Ready to set off? In your first day you're walking in a beautiful scenery, where lush green forests alternate with small Medieval hamlets. The tower-houses in Ponticello, the ancient hospital of Saint Jacob in Filattiera - above all, the Pieve di Sorano, which treasured the statues of ancient Celtic warriors for centuries. 

Villafranca is a Medieval hamlet of great beauty: you can walk up the hill to the walled village of Malgrate and its castle, or glimpse the ruins of the ancient castle of Malnido - home to the rich Malaspina family - among the trees. 

The day is filled with Medieval sceneries, right to the last step: today's destination is Filetto, hosting a yearly Medieval festival that attracts people from all over the region. 

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +250/-300 m

From Filetto you walk right into a thick and fragrant forest, following portions of an ancient Roman road - a fairytale scenery on the way to the Terrarossa Castle, where one would not be surprised to see knights and dragons.

The last part of the itinerary follows the tracks of an abandoned railway, now converted in a walking and cycle path. 

If you are passionate about ancient history, don't miss the museum of San Caprasio Abbey, housing archaeological remains from the Medieval period, nor a stroll along the ancient walls of the Brunella fortress. 

Feeling peckish? Go for the local "focaccette" - fragrant and warm, rigorously served with local cold cuts and cheese. 

Distance: 15,5 km

Elevation gain: +200/-300 m

Have one more focaccetta for breakfast, because in the first section of today's itinerary you will climb and conquer the hills just out of Aulla - your much coveted price is a view so incredible that you can finally glimpse the sea, sparkling and inviting at the horizon. 

Along the way, lush green landscapes and Medieval hamlets: the ruins of Brina Castle to re-build in your mind, and finally Sarzana with its Baroque Cathedral and the Gothic church of Sant'Andrea, the oldest building in town. 

Sarzana is a gem - get lost in the narrow streets of the old town centre, opening in wide "piazzas" with plenty of chances to enjoy a great dinner. Something you must try? The "Torta Scema": despite its name - meaning "dumb cake" - this local specialty is a true delicacy. Have your host tell you the reason of its name, then sink your teeth in the cruncy rice surface to discover its undeniable qualities. 

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +608/-646 m

Today's walk is nice and easy as you follow the steps of the ancient pilgrims, embarking in the Roman harbor of Luni towards Santiago de Compostela. Don't miss a visit to the local archaeological area, with the ancient amphitheatre and the museum housing a splendid mosaic of Neptune, the God of Sea. 

Among country paths and gorgeous views on the sea and the Apuan Alps you will finally reach Massa, today's destination. 

Distance: 27 / 18,5 km

Elevation gain: +586/-544 m

Today's highlight is Pietrasanta, magical city of art and marble. Before wandering among art galleries and artisanal workshops, we suggest a quick visit to the Cathedral - the star of a wide piazza filled with extraordinary art pieces. The interior does not disappoint, with its marble columns and frescoed vaults. 

Pietrasanta is not easy to leave, but today's walk is notover: today's final destination is Camaiore, with its old town centre and the ancient San Pietro church. Looking for a delicious way to recharge? Try the local dessert, a chocolate cake made with rice. 

Distance: 25 / 20 km

Elevation gain: +515/-550 m

From Camaiore, continue with ups and downs in the hills around Lucca, until descending in the valley of Contesola stream and crossing the river Serchio. You are thus arrived in Lucca, the final point of your trip: cross the gates of the high walls and walk into the beautiful old town centre - Lucca is full of wonders, such as shops full of delicacies, frescoed churches and an amphitheatre-square in the heart of the city. 

More ideas? Conquer the Guinigi tower and admire the city centre from the hanging garden - its holm oaks can be glimpsed from above, making the tower and its top one of the symbols of Lucca. If energy is lagging, just sit at a local bar and order coffee and a good portion of buccellato, a local delicacy. You definitely deserved it! 

Distance: 25 / 23 km

Elevation gain: +412/-432 m

Last day is included. Service ends after breakfast.

This section of Via Francigena starts from mysterious Lunigiana and continues through the North of Tuscany and the sea of Versilia to the Medieval walls of Lucca. This is the only section of Northern Via Francigena with portions along the sea! Some stages may result too long for a beginner, but you can choose to shorten them through public transportation. 

For our trips, we always select accommodations with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be included, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation provided for the trip you’re interested in.

We place great importance on the choice of lodging and select hotels with care and attention. We know how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We prefer welcoming and charming accommodations, ideally family-run, that truly embody the spirit of the place and can welcome you with comfort and warmth.

Where, due to the nature of the route, the choice of accommodations is limited, we select the option that best aligns with our standards.