The Tour of Tuscany by Bike

Tuscany, with its picturesque landscapes and exceptional cultural heritage, is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Our route will take you pedaling through verdant hills, quiet countrysides, charming medieval villages, and cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca, whose very names inspire dreams of culture and dolce vita.

This iconic region of Italy, which is also the birthplace of the Renaissance, will also enchant you with its colors, winding paths, twisted olive trees, generous vineyards, and fragrant cypress trees.

Our route, "The Cradle of the Renaissance", an 8 day loop conceived to discover the most exciting parts of Tuscany, is a mix of culture and nature, and stays mainly in the beautiful Arno Valley.

Throughout the trip, you will stay in charming places and have enough time to wander through the streets of the many villages you will pass through, taste local specialties, and visit historic sites. Discover the details of the itineraries in the "Detailed programme" tab.

Enjoy!

You will find the day-by-day program below. The number of kilometers is indicated for each stage. When there are two different distances, it means that on that day you will have a choice between two routes (one "relaxed" and one "sporty") to reach the next hotel.

Day 1: Pisa

Arrival on site. The city of Pisa is world-famous for its enchanting Piazza dei Miracoli and its famous leaning tower. The bell tower of the city's cathedral is also unique. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the city offers, in addition to a large number of monuments, the lively and friendly atmosphere of a university town.

Day 2: Pisa – Lucca (25/45 km, 16/28 mi)

Today, you will pedal to the north along the Serchio river. This first stage is quite peaceful and is a perfect warm-up for your tour of Tuscany! For the most excited, a slightly longer route is offered, which passes by Lake Massaciuccoli before reaching Lucca.

Day 3: Lucca – Montecatini (45 km, 28 mi)

By a scenic road, you reach the small village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can visit the famous Pinocchio Park and the Villa Garzoni, a magnificent baroque-style villa surrounded by its splendid gardens. In Pescia, you can enjoy a leisurely walk among the churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions, and the local flower market.

Day 4: Loop around Montecatini (60 km, 37 mi)

Today's itinerary offers you two options. You can relax in one of the most famous spa towns in Europe and walk through the narrow streets of the old town, located on a hill and accessible by a funicular. Alternatively, if you can't get enough of your bike, a scenic loop will take you through the Medici family's villas, olive groves, vineyards, and beautiful historic farms, passing through Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci (museum visit possible).

Day 5: Montecatini – Florence (50/60 km, 31/37 mi)

Today, you can choose to start pedaling directly from Montecatini or shorten the journey with a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (especially churches) and home to one of Italy's most evocative squares: Piazza del Duomo. From here, you will continue on your way to the mythical cultural city of Florence.

Day 6: Florence

Free day. It will be up to you to decide how to spend your time in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! The capital of Tuscany is known for its wealth of culture, architecture, and art, and is considered the cradle of the Renaissance.

You might start your day by exploring the city's iconic sites, such as the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, with its famous dome designed by Brunelleschi (the largest masonry dome in the world with an exterior diameter of 45.5 meters). Then, you could lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, discovering artistic treasures around every corner, from Renaissance palaces to churches adorned with frescoes.

For a more immersive cultural experience, you could choose to visit Florence's world-renowned museums, such as the "Galleria degli Uffizi" (Uffizi Gallery) housing masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, or the "Galleria dell'Accademia" (Accademia Gallery) where you can admire Michelangelo's iconic sculpture, the David.

If you prefer to soak up the city's lively atmosphere, you might opt for a walk along the Arno river, admiring Florence's famous bridges, such as the Ponte Vecchio, with its traditional artisan shops. Then, why not settle at an outdoor café on Piazza della Signoria, watching the world go by while enjoying an authentic Italian coffee?

Finally, for a relaxing break, you have the option of escaping the city's hustle and bustle by going to the magnificent Boboli Gardens, offering an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of Florence.

Day 7: Florence – Empoli – Pisa (40/65 km by bike + 65/40 km by train, 25/40 mi by bike + 40/25 mi by train)

Today, you can choose to start cycling directly from Florence and reach Pisa with a train transfer from Empoli or take a train to Empoli and cycle to Pisa along the Arno. If you are bursting with energy, you can, of course, do it all by bike, but be warned, it will be a sporting challenge!

Day 8: Pisa

End of the tour after breakfast.

1. Seasonality: between late March and early October.
   
   

   Tuscany enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers.

   Spring brings a welcome mildness after the winter months. Temperatures begin to gradually rise from March, with increasingly sunny days. April and May see this trend strengthen, with average temperatures generally ranging between 15°C and 25°C. Rain can still be frequent in early spring, but it gradually decreases, giving way to green and blooming landscapes.

   In summer, the days are warmer and sunnier, ideal for enjoying the coastal beaches after your bike tour. June, July, and August are the hottest months, with maximum temperatures often exceeding 30°C and sometimes even surpassing 35°C. Precipitation is rare during this period.

   As autumn approaches, Tuscany experiences a subtle but significant change in its climate. Temperatures begin to gradually decrease, offering mild and pleasant days in September. Precipitation increases as the season progresses, but the landscapes take on a beautiful autumnal palette.

   Finally, winter brings a calm and tranquil atmosphere to the region. Although generally mild, the climate can vary significantly depending on altitude. On the coast, winter temperatures remain moderate, ranging between 5°C and 10°C. In contrast, in the inland and mountainous regions, temperatures can drop below zero, sometimes covering the highest areas with snow. These conditions make cycling less conducive. Many accommodations also close for their annual break during this time.

   Be aware that, given Tuscany's popularity, accommodation prices fluctuate depending on the tourist season, which is partially reflected in our low season, mid-season, and high season prices (see booking form).

   Note: The weather can vary greatly from year to year. The information described above is only averages.

2. Arrival on site: Saturdays
   
   On Saturday evening, you spend your first night in Pisa. On Sunday morning, you start the bike tour.
   


3. Arrival and return:
   
   
   • Start of the stay: Pisa
   
   
   • End of the stay: Pisa
   
   Both cities are connected by train.
   
   
   Train +

   • From Brussels / Paris / Lyon: TGV to Turin (about 7h from Paris). Then a local train takes you to Pisa (about 4h). Note, in Turin, you need to go from Torino Porta Susa station to Torino Porta Nuova station (about 20 minutes on foot).
   • More information: www.sncf.com and https://www.trenitalia.com/fr.html/
     
   Car +

   Count 4 to 4.5 hours of driving to Pisa from the southeastern border of France.
   
   Plane +

   Many airlines serve the airports of Pisa and Florence from all over Europe.
   
   
   
4. Parking:
   
   If you go there by car, we will provide you with all the necessary information on where to leave your car during your stay.


5. Type of route:
   
   Touring. Loop from Pisa.


6. Guidance:
   
   Self-guided, with an emergency number in case of trouble. To navigate, you will have a roadbook and GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. Navigation is by satellite, so no internet connection is required.


7. Level: fairly easy to intermediate
   
   The distances to be covered are generally relatively short to intermediate (25-30 to 50-60 km per day, 16-19 to 31-37 mi per day), allowing time for some sightseeing along the way.
   
   Some days, you will have the choice between different options. These variants allow you to adjust the travel time according to your desires or the weather. Whichever options you choose, you won't miss any "must-sees."
   
   
   • Elevation: The route is sometimes flat and sometimes hilly. However, the itinerary remains largely accessible for amateur cyclists. It is also possible to opt for an electric bike.
   
   
   • Stage length: about 25 to 60 km per day
   
   
   • Terrain: paved roads over 90%. Some compact gravel tracks, not requiring suspension or mountain bike tires.
   
   
8. Accommodations:
   
   Two categories of accommodations are offered on this route:
   
   Standard Category: charming 3* hotels or equivalent bed and breakfasts (and one night in a 2* bed and breakfast in Lucca)
   
   Comfort+ Category: charming 3* or 4* hotels or equivalent bed and breakfasts.

Regardless of the chosen option, the accommodations have all the necessary comfort for a good night's sleep! All rooms have a private bathroom, and the accommodations all have a place to store and recharge the bikes.


9. Meals:
   
   Breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are not included. During the day, you can eat in local restaurants (you will find suggestions in the roadbook) or have a picnic by stocking up in the small grocery stores on the way. Half-board is not available on this trip, but you will always have some restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation if it does not already have its own restaurant.


10. Luggage transport:
    
    You only carry your belongings for the day during the bike stages. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by our team, and you will find it at your accommodation at the end of the day. It is also possible to carry your belongings with you in side panniers, like long-distance cyclists do. In this case, you will benefit from a discount (see booking form).


11. Travel documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook, a topographic map of the route, and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure. In the roadbook, which you will also receive in paper format, you will find, in addition to a description of the itinerary, many tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions, and places to stock up along the way.


12. Bikes:
    
    We offer the rental of high-quality bikes, fully equipped and suitable for the type of terrain.
    
    The equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof rear bag, a lock, a repair kit, and (on request) a helmet.
    
    It is possible to rent an electric bike for this trip.
    
    If you wish to use your own bike, make sure to check all parts of the bike in advance (brake wear, tires, cogs, chain, etc.) to ensure it is technically ready for a long-distance trip.
    The bikes suitable for this trip are trekking bikes (or hybrid bikes), gravel bikes, and electric bikes. Road bikes have tires that are too thin for gravel sections. As for city bikes, they can do the job, but having only 6 or 7 gears in total is not always ideal.
    


13. Insurance:
    
    To ensure reimbursement of expenses in case of trip cancellation or problems on site (health, accident, loss/theft of luggage, civil liability, ...), you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer - cancellation) or assistance (CAP Explorer - assistance). To learn more about the insurance, click here.

The price for the trip and rental bikes is given below.



The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook, which includes all points of interest
• GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• A topographic map
• Accommodation in 2-3* or 3-4* hotels (depending on the chosen category) or equivalent guesthouses
• Breakfasts at each accommodation
• Transport of your luggage between accommodations
• Luggage tags
• Assistance line in case of problem on the road
• Tourist taxes (except accommodation taxes to be paid on-site, approx. 20-25€)
• Registration fees

The possible options:

• On-site rental of a bike with or without electric assistance
• Single room supplement
• Comfort+ category supplement (accomodation)
• Additional night in Pisa
• Optional insurance: "CAP Explorer - cancellation" and/or "CAP Explorer - assistance" (more info)

The price does not include:

• Trip from your home to the meeting point
• Train journeys
• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees to tourist sites
• Anything not listed in “the price includes”

Discounts:

• If you wish to carry your own luggage from one accommodation to another, you will receive a discount (see booking form). An extra pannier will be provided.
• A 'solo traveler' supplement may be charged for those traveling alone if no one else is traveling on the same dates.

This tour was added in 2024 and has not received reviews yet.