Via Francigena from Aulla to Lucca

On your first day, take a walk around the town and go see the impressive Fortezza Della Brunella before tomorrow’s walk to Sarzana. The Abbey of San Caprasio is another popular tourist attraction, and one of the city’s oldest and most important buildings.

The first day of walking starts with some easy roads. Later the route becomes a bit more difficult to walk as it is steep with rocky paths and loose stones, and also there are no facilities between Aulla and the town of Ponzano Superiore. Despite these obstacles, once you overcome them, you’ll feel a great level of personal satisfaction. From here, pick one of two routes to Sarzana – take the normal route, which is quite hilly and on gravel tracks, or if there’s bad weather take the slightly easier (but noisier) road route alongside the traffic. Once you enter Sarzana, take time to rest and try to visit the incredible Fortezza di Sarzanello and the Cathedral of Sarzana (Santa Maria di Assunta). A glass of wine would also be on the cards after that day of walking.

Today’s walk is as challenging as the day before, but it is certainly doable. The first part jumps between tarmac roads and grassy tracks, traversing hills and crossing over rivers. From walking near the main roads, you will then need to pick between the old route which is shorter and less challenging, or take a route by the fascinating archaeological site at Luni. Following this and going through Avenza, take the direct and flat route to Massa. Pass by a nice public garden on the walk into Massa. If you have the time, visit the wonderful Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis from the 15th Century and the Malaspina Castle, which overlooks Massa from a hill.

Going to Camaiore starts off quite easy on flat roads. There is then some difficulty with steep hills, and then levelling off on tarmac roads and bridges. In Pietrasanta, feel free to stop and have some fritti, and wine, to fuel you for the rest of the walk. Passing through Pietrasanta, take the old route which is very easy to follow, going over roads and crossing bridges over rivers. From here, the walk is a little strenuous, with hills and tarmac roads taking over most of the way, but by this stage you are very close to Camaiore. In this city, rest, have a drink and some great food, and visit the amazing Abbey of Peter and the lovely Church of Michael.

On the last day of walking, the path to Lucca is a mix of hill-walking, tarmac roads, grassy tracks, and stony tracks through woods and gravel lanes. It is quite challenging, but don’t worry, this is all very manageable, particularly when you can stop in Montemagno or Valpromano for a small beer or a nice glass of wine. You are now at the end of your journey in Lucca – great work!

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While you’re in Lucca, there are quite a few things to see. If you have the time, visit the main sights: the Romanesque Church of San Michele in Foro, the Piazza Anfiteatro or the museum, Casa di Puccini. But before all of that, trying some local pizza is must-do!