A Walking Retreat of Return
Coaching, Camino, and Tuscany
The Via Francigena: A historic journey through
Olive groves, Medieval Towns & Tuscan Vineyards
9 Days | Lucca to Siena | October 13 - 21, 2025
Led by Richara Johnson
the Experience : What Awaits You In Tuscany
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What is this retreat?
This is more than a walk.
It’s a ritual of return.
To your center.
To your clarity.
To your true, wild self.
Over 8 spacious days, we’ll follow the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim path winding through the heart of Tuscany.
You’ll walk beside a small circle of kindred spirits — past vineyards and stone chapels, through medieval villages and golden fields.
This is a soulful guided pilgrimage, where each footstep becomes a conversation with what matters most.
A space to slow down.
To listen.
To remember who you are when the noise falls away. -
Who is this for?
This retreat is for you if:
You feel the whisper: slow down, breathe, begin again.
You’re ready to reflect on your next chapter — gently with beauty.
You crave movement, meaning and a little magic in your days.
You’ve always dreamed of walking the Tuscan countryside.
You’re curious about coaching.
You love a little wine, a warm soak, and a deeper connection (to self and others).
You long for space. For presence. For a soft, wild exhale.
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What’s Included
✦ 7 days of walking (130 km total) through rolling Tuscan hills.
✦ 1 rest day: wine tasting + optional thermal spa soak.
✦ 8 nights of locally owned guest house accommodations.
✦ Daily luggage transfer.
✦ Yoga stretch and warm-up each morning, cool-down at the end of each day.
✦ Packing list - be prepared and know what to bring.
✦ Daily coaching prompts + curated conversations.
✦ 2 pre-retreat group calls for clarity and planning.
✦ WhatsApp group for ease & connection.
✦ Richara as your guide, navigating your self-discovery and the trail.
Not included: flights, meals, and personal expenses. You are required to provide travel health insurance - you need individual coverage to walk with us.
🗺️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lucca, October 13
You depart from Florence for a short, 1-hour bus trip and arrive in Lucca on October 13. The group will meet in Lucca for an orientation session over dinner. If you choose to arrive early in Lucca, you have the day to explore. This is a city rich in history and renowned for its Italian cuisine. Lucca is also a beautiful place to stretch your legs and start walking, a good warm-up for the next day.
Accommodation in Lucca: La Terrazza Del Fotografo
NOTE: Bus to Florence is not included; schedules will be provided to assist with planning. I will meet you in Lucca at the hotel.
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Day 2: Lucca → Altopascio, October 14 (18 km)
Departing from Lucca’s tranquil avenues on the Via Francigena, this path is gentle and mostly flat; passing through sleepy hamlets, parish churches, and the quiet of Tuscany.
Accommodation in Altopascio: Hotel Paola, http://www.hotelpaolalucca.it/home
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Day 3: Altopascio → Fucecchio, October 15 (20 km)
Walk the pilgrim bridge and quiet forests.
Accommodation in Fuecchio: Hotel La Campagnola
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Day 4: Fucecchio → San Miniato, October 16 (10 km)
Shorter day. Afternoon for truffle tasting or gentle pause.
Accommodation in San Miniato: Le Dimore del Seminario
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Day 5: San Miniato → Gambassi Terme, October 17 (25 km)
Rolling views, ancient chapels, vineyards. A long but beautiful day.
Accommodation in Gambassi Terme: Tenuta Sant'Ilario, https://www.tenutasantilario.it/
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Day 6: Rest Day – Wine & Waters, October 18
Wine tasting at a local vineyard + optional hot spring soak in Gambassi.
Accommodation in Gambassi Terme: Tenuta Sant'Ilario
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Day 7: Gambassi → San Gimignano, October 19 (16 km)
A dream walk into Tuscany’s most photogenic hilltown.
Accommodation in San Gimignano: B&B Palazzo Al Torrione 2, https://palazzoaltorrione.com/
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Day 8: San Gimignano → Monteriggioni, October 20 (25 km)
Long, reflective walk to a walled village frozen in time.
Accommodation in Monteriggioni: Borgo dé Brandi, https://www.borgodebrandi.com/
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Day 9: Monteriggioni → Siena, October 21 (15 km)
Final path to Siena. Enter like a pilgrim, leave like the path itself, shaped by every step and still unfolding.
Optional stay in Siena at: Attilio Camere (price not included) or depart for Florence https://www.attiliocamere.com/
Investment
$4,250 CAD / $3,200 USD Per Person (Pay in your local currency)
No Single Supplement Required; all rooms are private.
Includes:
8 nights in handpicked guesthouses and small inns
7 days of guided walking
Wine experience + optional thermal spa
Curated conversation prompts and group coaching support
Pre-departure calls + planning support
Daily yoga sessions, pre and post walk
Daily Luggage Transfer
Packing List
6-week training schedule to get you ready for the longer distances
💫 Limited to 4 participants - ONLY 3 spaces left
💫 $1,500 deposit holds your space
💫 Balance due by September 15, 2025
EARLY BIRD BONUS:
Book and make your deposit by August 31, 2025
Receive two 45-minute 1:1 coaching sessions with me…
✦One session before the walk to set your intention
✦One session after the walk to reflect, integrate, or explore what’s next
Bonus Value $650
These sessions are yours to shape in the way that best serves you.
Whether you’re clearing space, deepening clarity, or planting new seeds
for what’s next.
Spots are limited. We’ll review your application and be in touch soon.
This experience is curated for a small, intentional group.
✈️ Getting There & Away
Fly in/out of Florence, Italy (FLR)
Florence to Lucca: Take a direct bus or short private transfer ~1 hour to Lucca (where we meet to begin)
Siena to Florence: ~1.5 hours by direct bus or private shuttle
Alternative: Pisa Airport (PSA), ~40 minutes to Lucca by train and ~2 hours from Siena to Pisa Airport.
Local transportation in Tuscany is reliable. You’re welcome to book independently or reach out for recommendations.
Ready to sign up?
If you have questions or want to chat about the experience, click in the box below to schedule some time in my calendar.