Vado e Vedo itineraries with GPS track
Category: Hiking
Total duration: full day or 2 days
Season: all year round
Difficulty: (E) hiking route with no technical difficulties (moderate)
Route type: linear
Total ascent: 615 m
Walking time: approx. 8 hours (excluding breaks)
We are in Tuscany, in one of the many lesser-known natural areas of this beautiful region—an area that has much to offer curious hikers.
The Via degli Acquedotti is a 23 km route connecting the cities of Lucca and Pisa, crossing the Monte Pisano at the Campo di Croce mountain pass. Along the way, hikers encounter two aqueducts of major historical and artistic importance: the Acquedotto Nottolini (1823–1851) and the Acquedotto Mediceo (1592–1613).
How long does it take?
The route is relatively short and can be completed in a single day, with about 8 hours of walking (excluding breaks). However, it is important to note that the Via degli Acquedotti is not entirely flat: it includes a climb over Monte Pisano with a total elevation gain of over 800 meters.
Personally, I prefer to walk this route in a day and a half, spending the night in Vorno. For those with more time, I strongly recommend stopping in both Lucca and Pisa to fully enjoy the experience.
Since 2012, thanks to the promotion by the Associazione Piedi in Cammino, the Via degli Acquedotti has gained national recognition, attracting hikers from all over Italy and beyond. Its popularity has been supported by coverage in magazines such as Donna Moderna, In Viaggio, and Camminare.
Starting point: Lucca railway station
The Via degli Acquedotti begins just behind Lucca’s railway station, in Via Lorenzo Nottolini, accessible via the station underpass. The entire route is well marked with signs and arrows, and along the monumental aqueducts it is virtually impossible to get lost. Nevertheless, for safety, it is always advisable to carry a good map and download the GPS track.
Along the Nottolini Aqueduct
After entering Via del Tempietto, you immediately reach the Tempietto–Cistern of San Concordio, where spring water from Monte Pisano arrived via 459 arches. The need to supply Lucca with high-quality water had been discussed since the early 18th century. Construction of the aqueduct, commissioned by Maria Luisa of Bourbon and designed by royal architect Lorenzo Nottolini, began in 1823 and—after several interruptions—was completed in 1851.
The route follows the arches of the aqueduct to the Tempietto–Cistern of Guamo, then continues along the underground pipeline to Serra Vespaiata, a structure that collected water from the Rio San Quirico and Rio di Valle, known as Alle Parole d’Oro.
From Vorno to Campo di Croce
Crossing this area, the trail climbs gently through woodland to the locality of Gallonzora, offering beautiful views over the Lucca plain, the Apuan Alps, and the Apennines. The route then descends to Vorno, a charming valley village historically linked to water resources.
From here, follow Via di Cima Vorno until you reach trail RET 124. This marks the most demanding section of the entire route: through chestnut forests, the trail climbs to the Campo di Croce pass at over 600 meters above sea level.
Towards Pisa and the Medici Aqueduct
After a short stretch along the Via Tobler—an ancient road connecting Agnano to Santallago (trail RET 117)—wide views open over the Calci Valley, the Pisa plain, and the sea. At Foce Pennecchio (note: you must leave the Via Tobler here), the trail descends into the Valle delle Fonti.
Following trail RET 119 downhill, hikers cross the narrow and steep Zambra stream valley (extra caution is required after rainfall). Here, you will encounter the bottinelli, the water capture and regulation structures of the Medici Aqueduct, which still supplies water to Pisa today.
Arrival in Pisa
Descending further, you reach the small village of Asciano, historically linked to water like Vorno. From here, follow Via Italo Possenti and take a short detour to the Bottino di San Rocco, where the elevated aqueduct of 934 arches begins.
Returning to the main route, continue along the Medici Aqueduct built between 1591 and 1613 thanks to the visionary idea of Ferdinando I de’ Medici, until you reach the city walls of Pisa at Piazza delle Gondole.
An optional extension
For the most curious hikers, it is also possible to continue along a route linking the Medici fountains scattered throughout the city, all the way to Piazza dei Miracoli—bringing the journey full circle, from mountain springs to monumental city squares.
