Tuscany, the "Cradle of the Renaissance", by bike
- From 859 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From end of March to October
- Departures: Saturdays
- Level: fairly easy / moderat
- Average: 44 km/day
- Electric bike rental available
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- The cultural cities of Pisa, Florence, Siena, … cradles of the Renaissance
- The bucolic landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, scattered with cedars, cypresses, olive trees, and vineyards
- The gastronomy and wine of Tuscany, whose reputation precedes them
- The picturesque villages, with their red tiles and typical tower houses
- A great density of things to discover, where everyone will find their happiness
Highlights :
- The cultural cities of Pisa, Florence, Siena, … cradles of the Renaissance
- The bucolic landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, scattered with cedars, cypresses, olive trees, and vineyards
- The gastronomy and wine of Tuscany, whose reputation precedes them
- The picturesque villages, with their red tiles and typical tower houses
- A density of things to discover, where everyone will find their happiness
From 859 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From end of March to October
- Departures : Saturdays
- Level: fairly easy / moderate
- Average: 44 km/day
- Electric bikes available
- Luggage transfer included
THE TUSCANY CYCLING TOUR
Tuscany, with its picturesque landscapes and exceptional cultural heritage, is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. This iconic Italian region, also known as the cradle of the Renaissance, will enchant you with its colours, winding paths, twisted olive trees, generous vines and fragrant cypress trees.
YOUR ITINERARY
The itinerary we propose here, “The cradle of the Renaissance”, is an 8-day loop. During your tour, you will mainly stay in the Arno Valley, home of rolling green hills, endless vineyards, charming medieval villages, and cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca, whose very names already evoke a thousand-year-old culture and the Italian dolce vita.
Throughout the trip, you will stay in charming accommodations and have plenty of free time to wander through the streets of the villages you pass through, taste local specialities, and visit historical sites. Discover the details of the itinerary in the “day-by-day” tab.
Have a wonderful trip!
💡 Alongside this “Cradle of the Renaissance” itinerary, we also offer a circuit “The Rolling Hills of Tuscany”. While both combine culture and nature, the “Cradle of the Renaissance” itinerary focuses more on cultural towns and villages and mainly stays on the plains, whereas “Winding Tuscany” is a bit more adventurous and takes you through the rolling countryside. Both itineraries pass through Pisa and Florence. The “Cradle of the Renaissance” itinerary also includes Lucca, while “Winding Tuscany” includes the hilltop town of San Gimignano and Siena, with its famous Piazza del Campo.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in 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 cathedral is also unique. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the city offers not only many monuments but also the lively and friendly atmosphere of a university town.
Day 2: Pisa – Lucca
25 km | 
+130 m
Today you cycle north along the Serchio River. This first stage is quite easy and a perfect warm-up for your Tuscany tour.
🚲 Long option (45 km, elevation gain: 325 m):
For the most motivated, a slightly longer route is available, passing by Lake Massaciuccoli before reaching Lucca.
Day 3: Lucca – Montecatini
45 km | +460 m
Along 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 Villa Garzoni, a magnificent Baroque villa surrounded by splendid gardens. In Pescia, enjoy a peaceful walk among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local flower market.
Day 4: Loop around Montecatini
60 km | +530 m
Today’s route offers two options again. You can relax in one of Europe’s most famous spa towns and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town on the hill, accessible by funicular. Alternatively, if you can’t stay away from your bike, a scenic loop takes you past Medici villas, olive groves, vineyards and historic farms, passing through Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace (museum visit possible).
Day 5: Montecatini – Florence
50 / 60 km | +240 m
Today you can choose to start cycling directly from Montecatini or shorten the journey with a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments and home to one of Italy’s most striking squares: Piazza del Duomo. From here, you continue towards the mythical cultural city of Florence.
Day 6: Florence
Free day. It is 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 renowned for its culture, architecture and art, and is considered the cradle of the Renaissance.
You could start by exploring iconic landmarks such as the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), with its famous dome designed by Brunelleschi (the largest masonry dome in the world, with a diameter of 45.5 metres). Then wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre, discovering artistic treasures at every corner.
For a more immersive cultural experience, you may wish to visit world-famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, stroll along the Arno River and admire the bridges of Florence, such as the Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy a coffee on Piazza della Signoria, watching the world go by.
Finally, unwind in the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a green oasis in the heart of Florence.
Day 7: Florence – Empoli – Pisa
40 km | +360 m
Today you cycle directly from Florence and return to Pisa with a train transfer from Empoli.
🚲 Long option (65 km, elevation gain: 300 m):
From Florence, you can take a train to Empoli and cycle to Pisa along the Arno. If you are full of energy, you can do the whole route by bike (over 100 km), but be aware it is a sporty challenge!
Day 8: End of the trip
Departure after breakfast, taking with you unforgettable memories.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort level you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale accommodation that offers comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also ensure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2 / 3★ Hotels
Simple but welcoming accommodation, chosen for its hospitality and location.
3 / 4★ Hotels
A selection of accommodation combining modern comfort and authenticity.
Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Good location
BIKE SELECTION
Whether you choose a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that suits both the route and your personal needs.
BIKE RENTAL
We offer trekking bikes and/or high-quality electric bikes equipped with all essential accessories. Children’s equipment is also available.
Trekking bikes
Versatile bikes with 27 gears, ideal for handling the occasional climbs with ease.
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
Bikes equipped with a Bosch motor, 9 gears and puncture-resistant tyres.
Photos for illustration only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Waterproof rear pannier
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request (15 €/person)
IF YOU TRAVEL WITH YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check your bike’s condition: brakes, tyres, gears, chain, derailleur…
You may be far from help in case of mechanical issues.
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking / Touring bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Gravel bikes
- E-bikes with good autonomy
- Road bikes
- City bikes
LEVEL: FAIRLY EASY TO MODERATE
➡️ Daily stages are moderately long (around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5).
This pace suits most people: it combines cycling enjoyment with discovery along the way.
➡️ Terrain is mostly gentle and accessible, though some sections are slightly hilly.
➡️ On some days, a longer alternative route is available, which you can decide on the day. These variants do not skip any highlights.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even on the climbs, you can opt for an electric bike.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION GAIN:
TYPE OF ROUTE:
Most of the time, you cycle on quiet country roads with little to no traffic. More than 85% of the route is paved, with the remainder on well-maintained compact gravel. Racing bike tyres are therefore not recommended. No technical difficulty.
💡 Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over effort. We adapt stage lengths according to terrain, route type and points of interest so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to the unexpected. We also try to avoid busy roads as much as possible to ensure a calm and safe itinerary.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
8 days and 7 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 cycling days + one free day in Florence.
📅 DEPARTURE DATES
Every Saturday, from late March to mid-October
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Loop tour starting from Pisa.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start of the trip: Pisa
End of the trip: Pisa
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
Weather is generally favourable from late March to October.
The best seasons to explore Tuscany by bike are April to June and September to October. July–August is also possible, but it can be very hot.
In spring, temperatures are ideal and nature is in full bloom. In summer, Mediterranean heat is at its peak. The late season is also generally very pleasant.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners not included.
During the day, you can eat in local restaurants or have a picnic using supplies from small shops.
For dinner, you will always have several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless your hotel already has one!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported between accommodations by our provider. You only carry your daily essentials during cycling stages. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
There are direct TGV trains to Turin from Brussels, Paris or Lyon. A regional train (Trenitalia) then takes you to Pisa. In Turin, you must change stations from Torino Porta Susa to Torino Porta Nuova (around 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by metro).
More information: https://www.sncf-connect.com/ and https://www.trenitalia.com/fr.html
BY PLANE
Many airlines serve Pisa and Florence airports from across Europe.
BY CAR
Allow 4 to 4.5 hours’ drive to Pisa from the south-east border of France.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
So that you can fully enjoy your adventure, we will provide you with a range of practical and easy-to-use materials:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- A description of the itinerary
- All necessary tourist information
- Cultural information and anecdotes
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Custom routes between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL & ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (unguided), with 7/7 telephone assistance in case of any issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement of costs in case of cancellation of your trip or issues on site, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Find out more about insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, a bike lock, a repair kit, a phone mount and a waterproof rear pannier bag make up the basic equipment. If you have hired a bike, these are included (helmet available on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific items:
Rain overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models also include gaiters covering the shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation is power-intensive, even in flight mode.
Recommended unless you have a very high-capacity battery.
Expect €10–20.
Cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded cycling shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, you can use a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and durable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to double insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside summer, mornings can be chilly—you will be glad to have brought them!
2026 PRICES
The price is calculated based on a room for 2 people. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.| Package | Standard Range | Comfort Range | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||||
| In a double/twin room | 859 € | 1059 € | 1109 € | 969 € | 1169 € | 1219 € | |||
| Single room supplement | + 380 € | + 380 € | + 380 € | + 400 € | + 400 € | + 400 € | |||
| Child discounts (* in the same room as 2 people paying full price) |
0-3 years: - 80% | 4-11 years: - 35% | ||||||||
| Group discount | 6 - 11 people: - 5% | 12+ people: - 10% | ||||||||
| Extra nights (optional) | Standard Range | Comfort Range | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||
| Pisa | In a double/twin room | 75 € | 75 € | 75 € | 75 € | 75 € | 75 € |
| In a single room | 130 € | 130 € | 130 € | 130 € | 130 € | 130 € | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 28/3 - 11/4 & 26/9 - 10/10
- Mid season: 12/4 - 8/5 & 5/9 - 25/9
- High season: 9/5 - 4/9
| BIKE HIRE - includes equipment, delivery and collection - | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 305 € |
| Trekking bike | 120 € |
| Child's bike (-12 years) | 120 € |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight hotel stays in the chosen comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Transport of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed PDF roadbook in Italian, French or English, produced by our partner
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- Luggage tags
- 7-day-a-week telephone support
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Hire bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Pisa
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to Pisa and way back
- Tourist taxes to be paid at the hotels (25-30 €/person in total)
- Meals not mentioned above
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not included in "THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES"
SPECIAL CASES
- If you transport your own luggage, a discount will be applied (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you hire a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistics supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Thierry and Pascale, 63 and 58 years old"Just back from Tuscany where we had an excellent stay. Thanks to Cyclodyssées for the great organisation." September 2025
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