ATG trips: Tuscan Trail (Original Journeys), Tuscan Classic and Tuscany & Siena (Footloose)

Background: The Via Francigena, the great medieval road to Rome, is a major European Heritage resource, with potential to generate significant sustainable tourism development.

Problem: Industrial development and a new by-pass around Colle Val d’Elsa in Tuscany have reduced the walkable route to a single small river crossing with a broken footbridge.

Project: To conserve this last remnant of a crucial section of the historic route (linking San Gimignano with Siena) by rebuilding the footbridge, re-connecting the route, and establishing this slender fragment of the Via Francigena – walked by millions through the ages - as an area designated for conservation in perpetuity.

Sustainability: A long unbroken section in such an outstanding part of the historic route will attract and retain walkers from all parts of the world, stimulating country tourism and creating wealth within the communities en route.

Project in progress