Cycling the Francis Way: From Florence to Arezzo Along the Arno River

The Francis Way (Via di Francesco) is one of Italy’s most inspiring pilgrimage routes, weaving together nature, history, and spirituality across stunning landscapes. At Out of the Box Florence, we recently explored a key section of this legendary path, cycling from Florence to Arezzo in a single day. This Florence Francis Way cycling guide will help you discover the beauty of Tuscany’s hills, rivers, and charming villages while experiencing a truly authentic journey.

While the entire route stretches all the way to Assisi, passing through spiritual sites like Chiusi della Verna, our adventure focused on this scenic and rewarding section. It is perfect for cyclists eager to experience the essence of the Francis Way within a manageable and memorable itinerary.

A Journey Rooted in History and Nature

Starting in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, the route gently leads you from the bustling city center into the tranquil Tuscan countryside. Riding along quiet country roads and gravel tracks, the first leg guides you through the Mugello region and into the beautiful Casentino area, ultimately reaching the picturesque village of Stia.

This part of the journey offers a perfect blend of paved and gravel surfaces, ideal for gravel bikes and mountain bikes alike. Here, this Florence Francis Way cycling guide highlights Tuscany’s diverse landscapes—from rolling hills and vineyards to dense forests—allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

After a short stop in Stia to appreciate the local atmosphere, we continued along the Arno River cycleway. This safe and scenic bike path closely follows the riverbanks, connecting several small, authentic Tuscan towns. Significantly, the route along the Arno enables riders to experience rural life, peaceful nature, and historic villages, far removed from the typical tourist crowds.

Florence to Stia: A Scenic Passage Through Tuscany’s Heart

The section from Florence to Stia stands out as one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of the Francis Way. Leaving the urban bustle behind, cyclists traverse gentle hills, lush woodlands, and open valleys that showcase Tuscany’s rich natural heritage.

The route gently climbs through the Mugello area, a landscape dotted with ancient villas, olive groves, and iconic cypress-lined roads that embody the quintessential Tuscan scenery. As you ride deeper into the Casentino region, the terrain becomes increasingly forested and mountainous, with the Apennine mountains forming a breathtaking backdrop.

Stia itself is a charming village surrounded by dense forests and famed for traditional craftsmanship, especially wooden furniture and artisan shops. This stop offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine and experience the warm hospitality typical of rural Tuscany.

This combination of quiet paved roads and gravel paths makes this section an excellent choice for gravel bikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a diverse and immersive Tuscan experience—from cultural landmarks to pristine natural beauty—all in one seamless ride.

From Stia to Arezzo: Cycling Along the Arno River

Continuing our journey along the Arno cycleway, we passed through several charming villages, including Subbiano and Capolona. These quiet stops along the route provide a genuine glimpse into everyday Tuscan life, with many opportunities to savor local food and hospitality in family-run cafés and trattorias.

Our final destination for the day was Arezzo, a city rich in art and history, famously associated with the Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. Its medieval streets, lively piazzas, and historic landmarks make Arezzo a deeply rewarding place to conclude your ride. The city’s vibrant atmosphere offers a beautiful contrast to the peaceful countryside left behind, giving cyclists a profound sense of place and history.

The Full Francis Way: Beyond Arezzo to Assisi via Chiusi della Verna

Although our ride covered only the Florence–Arezzo section, it’s important to note that the Francis Way continues northeast through the Casentino National Park, eventually reaching the spiritual heart of the route—the sanctuary of Chiusi della Verna—where Saint Francis famously received the stigmata.

The complete pilgrimage ends in Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, making the Francis Way a unique journey of faith, nature, and discovery for both walkers and cyclists.

For cyclists seeking a longer adventure, the full route offers a varied and immersive experience, combining gravel trails, forest roads, and historic sites. Thanks to the incredible work of Ghiaia Explorers in mapping Tuscany’s gravel trails, detailed routes are available to make navigation easier and more enjoyable.

We warmly thank Ghiaia Explorers for their dedication, which provides an invaluable resource for cyclists exploring this remarkable region.

Hiking the Francis Way: The Slow Way to Discover Tuscany

For those who prefer to explore on foot rather than by bike, the Francis Way offers a wonderfully immersive hiking experience. Walking the route allows you to absorb the landscapes, sounds, and spiritual atmosphere at a slower, more meditative pace.

The trails vary from gentle countryside paths to more challenging forest and mountain sections, especially beyond Arezzo as you approach Chiusi della Verna and the Casentino Forests. The route is well marked and supported by accommodations and pilgrim hostels, making it accessible for multi-day hikes.

Hiking the Francis Way is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a deeply meaningful journey that connects them with Tuscany’s history, nature, and local culture. Whether you decide to hike the full route or just a shorter segment, the experience offers moments of quiet reflection and profound connection with the land.

Why Cycle or Hike the Francis Way?

The Francis Way provides a unique opportunity to discover Tuscany beyond the typical tourist paths. Whether on two wheels or two feet, the route blends:

• Authentic rural landscapes
• Historical towns and rich cultural heritage
• Sustainable travel and meaningful connection to local communities
• Accessible trails suitable for gravel cycling and hiking

This journey invites travelers to experience Tuscany’s beauty slowly and meaningfully—perfect for those looking for an active yet reflective travel experience.

Practical Tips for Your Journey

To help you prepare for your trip, here are some useful recommendations:

• Trail Signage: The official pilgrimage paths are generally well marked. However, for gravel route variants, we recommend using GPS tracks from reliable sources.
• Difficulty: The Florence to Arezzo section is moderate in difficulty, suitable for riders or walkers with some experience and fitness.
• Accommodations: Along the way, numerous agriturismi, guesthouses, and small hotels welcome both cyclists and hikers, offering bike-friendly and pilgrim-friendly services.
• Best Time to Travel: Spring and early autumn provide ideal weather conditions. Summer can also be pleasant, especially in the higher mountainous areas.

Download Our GPS Track

To make your experience even smoother, we offer a free GPS track of the Florence to Arezzo section of the Francis Way that we explored. This detailed track is perfect for gravel bikers and trekking cyclists who want to follow our path and enjoy the same scenic landscapes.

You can download the GPS track here:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2203272836

Feel free to use it as a reliable guide for your own adventure, and don’t hesitate to contact us for any support or questions about the route!

Experience the Francis Way with Out of the Box Florence

At Out of the Box Florence, we specialize in designing tailor-made travel experiences that connect you deeply with Tuscany’s culture and landscape. Whether you want to explore the Francis Way by bike or on foot, we provide personalized support to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Our services include:

• Gravel bike rental and maintenance
• Expert local guides for cycling or hiking
• Accommodation and logistics coordination
• Customized routes and GPS tracks

We take care of every detail so you can focus fully on adventure and discovery.

Contact Us

Ready to experience the Francis Way your way? Whether you want to cycle from Florence to Arezzo, hike through Tuscany’s enchanting trails, or explore the full route to Assisi, Out of the Box Florence is here to help.

Contact us today to start planning your bespoke cycling or hiking adventure on the Francis Way. Let us craft an authentic, sustainable travel experience tailored just for you.

• Email: info@outoftheboxflorence.com
• Phone: +39 3470809904
• Website: www.outoftheboxflorence.com

Useful Links and Resources

• Official Francis Way website: https://www.viadifrancesco.it/
• Visit Tuscany Francis Way itinerary: https://www.visittuscany.com/it/itinerari/via-francesco-d-assisi-toscana/
• Ghiaia Explorers Tuscany gravel trails mapping: https://www.ghiaiaexplorers.it/trails/francesco-trail/
• Italian food journey: https://www.italianfoodjourney.com/

We sincerely thank the Ghiaia Explorers team for their incredible work mapping Tuscany’s gravel trails—an invaluable resource for adventurers and cyclists exploring the region.