Best of Tuscany Bike Tour
Italy Bike Tours
Bike across Tuscany from Lucca to Florence!
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€2110 Rates
Overview
Tuscany is what postcards are made of! Rolling green hills dotted with hill-top towns like San Gimignano, contrasted with the medieval architecture of cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, set the scene for this guided bike tour. Visit the best spots in Tuscany as you cycle across this breathtaking region, from the medieval town of Lucca in the north to the Tuscan capital of Florence in the south.
If the countryside doesn’t charm, then the quaint villages, stately castles, and gourmet food and wine will. Local and seasonal cucina contadina (farmer's kitchens) paired with Tuscany's world-class Chianti and Vernaccia wines will entice your tastebuds.
The Tuscany art scene is also alive and well. Famous painters, sculptors, and architects, from da Vinci to Giovanni, blossomed during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Admire their works visible in the many churches, galleries, and museums dotted across the countryside, alongside the local artists painting and sculpting in the piazzas for a modern-day display.
Highlights
- Walled city of Lucca
- The challenge of the Tuscan hills
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Chianti wine region
- Medieval towers of San Gimignano
- Scenic Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
- Siena, the city of the Gothic
- Renaissance art of Florence
- Art, cuisine, wine and culture
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lucca, 2.5 mi. or more (4 km or more)
Day 2: Lucca - Pisa - Lucca, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 3: Lucca - Vinci, 38 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Vinci - Colle de Val d'Elsa, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 5: Ride to San Gimignano, 22.5 mi. (36 km)
Day 6: Colle de Val d'Elsa - Siena, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 7: Siena and Florence (rest day)
Day 8: FlorenceAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Arrival in Lucca, 2.5 mi. or more (4 km or more)
A short train or bus ride from Florence or Pisa airports will land you in the Renaissance town of Lucca. You will be met by your guide between 2 and 4pm. After a bike fitting, you can take a test ride around the town’s fortified walls. If you have time to spare, explore the historical city center and cobblestone streets, and visit the amphitheater (built by the Romans for spectacles and gladiator games), the unique Torre Guinigi (with a tree growing on top of the medieval tower), and the marble-faced Gothic Duomo. Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Italian trattoria with the rest of the group. Overnight in Lucca. Two-course dinner (dessert, two glasses of wine, and tea/coffee) included.Sample accommodation: Hotel La Luna or similar
Day 2: Lucca - Pisa - Lucca, 41 mi. (65 km) | Elevation gain: +330 m
A roundtrip ride to Pisa following the nearby river will land you in the center of this fascinating city. Your day will not be complete without a visit to the medieval “Square of Miracles", built to represent the main stages of human life. The Romanesque Baptistery, the Cathedral, the "'civic" bell tower (which began to lean and now is the most famous building in Pisa), and, at life's end, the Monumental Cemetery. Shop as you walk through markets, admire sculptures, paintings, and art, or indulge in some refreshing gelato, as you explore the rest of Pisa. Take a relaxing ride back to Lucca. Overnight in Pisa. Breakfast included.Sample accommodation: Hotel Luna or similar
Day 3: Lucca - Vinci, 38 mi. (60 km) | Elevation gain: +500 m
Today you will leave Lucca for the small village of Vinci, birthplace and home to the world-famous genius Leonardo da Vinci. A highlight here is a visit to the small town centre, including the town's museum with full-scale models of Leonardo’s inventions (many of which were never built in his lifetime). Not only a painter, Da Vinci was also an engineer, modeling flying machines, bicycles, and even weaponry, which show how ahead of his time he was. Tonight you will sleep in a Tuscan farmhouse or “agriturismo" in Italy, set on the Montalbano hills in the Chianti wine region. You will get a taste of the rural farming life and how the olive oil and wines of the region are produced. Overnight in Vinci. Breakfast & dinner included.Sample accommodation: Agriturismo il Piastrino or similar
Day 4: Vinci - Colle di Val d'Elsa, 45 mi. (72 km) | Elevation gain: +1030 m
Today cycle from the province of Florence and enter its historic rival's territory: Siena. On the way, you will pass through the charming ceramics town of Montelupo Fiorentino. Quintessential Tuscany will charm as you ride through rolling terraces carpeted with vineyards, olive trees, and green cypress trees. A climb takes you to a ridge road which you will follow to the medieval Tuscan hill-top town of Colle de Val d’Elsa. Behind its walls, cobble-stoned streets lined with museums - including the Crystal Museum - gelateria and ancient buildings are waiting to be explored. Overnight in Colle di Val d'Elsa. Breakfast included.Sample accommodation: Palazzo Renieri or similar
Day 5: Ride to San Gimignano, 22.5 mi. (36 km) | Elevation gain: +580 m
Today you'll ride to the nearby ‘Town of towers’ - San Gimignano. Centered around Piazza della Cisterna, with a skyline of medieval towers, this it one of the loveliest hill-top towns in Italy. Climb the Torre Grossa (the tallest tower of 54 meters) for spectacular views over the countryside, browse the shop-lined streets or taste its signature white wine, Vernaccia. Dine at one of the favorite osterie, or local restaurants, before you return to your own medieval town of Colle di Val d'Elsa. Overnight in Colle di Val d'Elsa. Breakfast included.Sample accommodation: Palazzo Renieri or similar
Day 6: Colle di Val d'Elsa - Siena, 30 mi. (48 km) | Elevation gain: +843 m
Today pedal south to reach Siena, considered by many to be the most striking Tuscan city in Italy (even more so than the Renaissance capital, Florence). After cycling through classic Tuscan scenery and plenty of rolling hills, settle into your hotel and then enjoy some of the famous sights – like the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, which twice a year becomes a tightly-packed horse race field for the annual "Palio". You’ll want to explore the countless alleys and tight streets that bring surprises at every turn. If you prefer to take a break from the bike today, transfer by public bus directly to Siena. Overnight in Siena. Breakfast included.Sample accommodation: Hotel Italia or similar
Day 7: Siena and Florence (rest day)
Spend a few hours exploring the historical contrada (districts) and piazzas of Siena. Streets lined with artisanal boutiques, Gothic architecture and alfresco restaurants will keep you captivated, before your public bus ride, with the option of an organized private transfer, to the Tuscan capital of Florence. An informal walking tour in the city center will take you through iconic landmark sights, such as the Piazza Santa Croce, the Palazzo della Signoria, and the stately and magnificent Duomo. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby art galleries and world-famous museums. Enjoy a group farewell dinner. Overnight in Florence. Breakfast & dinner included.Sample accommodation: Villa Vasari or similar
Day 8: Florence
Today marks the end of your tour. After breakfast, take your connection to the airport or continue your stay in Tuscany, with a few extra nights in Florence. This provides the perfect base to explore Italy further.You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in charming 3- and 4-star hotels during your tour. For a treat, you will stay in a family-run Tuscan farmhouse ‘Agriturismo’ for a night. Located in the Chianti wine region of Italy, on the Montalbano Hills, you will experience the slower rural life of Italy, as well as their “slow-food”. With surrounding slopes of vineyards and silver olive groves, it goes without saying you will get to taste their extra virgin olive oil and famous red Chianti DOCG wine. Their white wine and the local vin santo (a sweet wine enjoyed with dessert), together with local dishes prepared on the farm, will be a highlight.
Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the preferred accommodation that is used. Of course in the event of a lack of availability, a comparable alternative will be offered.Bicycles
Electric bicycle
The e-bike fleet is made up of mostly Cannondale Mavaro and Tesoro, and Fantic 7 Days Living Easy models, with 625Wh batteries providing plenty of kilometers. With state of the art technology, our pedal-assist bikes are a fantastic option for cyclists who desire a little extra push. Although you still have to pedal, the e-bike drive gives a nice boost for your efforts – when your pedal stroke increases to go up a hill, for example, so does the amount of power the electric motor outputs. Less effort on your part translates to less power assist. The ladies/unixex version has step-through frame for easy mounting/dismounting. Equipped with rapid-fire shifters that operate the gears the just like a regular bike.
- Frame: Aluminum frame and front suspension fork
- Gearing: rapid fire Shimano Deore with 10 speed drivetrain
- Tires: e-bike specific Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus, 47-622 Bosch Performance Line, 250W, 65Nm, 25km/h Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
Titanium standard or road
- Van Nicholas Amazon 3AL/2,5V titanium standard/mixte frame and VN Slx carbon fork
- Continental Contact 700×25 tires with an anti-puncture layer
- Solid rear rack for panniers or trunk bag
- Fenders
- Chain-guard and kickstand
- Ergon GP2 grips
- 3×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain (standard)
- Shimano 2x11 or Gear Sram Rival 1x 42 drivetrain
- Step-through frame available (standard)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast
- Bike fitting and welcome meeting at tour start
- 3 dinners with local wine
- Luggage transfers
- Entrance to Pisa Leaning Tower
- 10-speed standard touring bike (Shimano with straight handlebars) with pump, rear rack bag, lock and under-seat repair pack
- Bilingual English-Italian cycling guide
- Support vehicle and driver every cycling day
- Private transfer Siena-Florence on non-cycling day
- Informal walking tour of Florence
- App with routes and digital roadbook
What’s Not Included
- Transport to and from start/end
- Bus ticket on day 6 (if you do not cycle)
- Meals not mentioned
- Helmets
- Clipless / SPD pedals
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily departures from March 1 through October 31, 2024
Confirmed departure: September 16, 2024
*Minimum of 6 participants required. If you are interested in joining an existing group departure date, please contact us for details.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Twin/double $ 3551 £ 1807 $ 3,258 € 2110 Ft 878104 kr 321062 ₪ 8771 ¥ 356363 Mex$ 47005 NZ$ 3909 kr 25786 zł 9376 S$ 3094 kr 25019 CHF 2030 $ 2,340 High season surcharge (May, June, Sep, Oct 1-8) $ 168 £ 86 $ 154 € 100 Ft 41616 kr 15216 ₪ 416 ¥ 16889 Mex$ 2228 NZ$ 185 kr 1222 zł 444 S$ 147 kr 1186 CHF 96 $ 111 Single supplement $ 404 £ 205 $ 371 € 240 Ft 99879 kr 36519 ₪ 998 ¥ 40534 Mex$ 5347 NZ$ 445 kr 2933 zł 1066 S$ 352 kr 2846 CHF 231 $ 266 * Pricing is based on a minimum of 6 people. Please request a quote for other group sizes.
Extra Options
Rental options
Electric bike rental $ 168 £ 86 $ 154 € 100 Ft 41616 kr 15216 ₪ 416 ¥ 16889 Mex$ 2228 NZ$ 185 kr 1222 zł 444 S$ 147 kr 1186 CHF 96 $ 111 Titanium standard/road bike upgrade $ 50 £ 26 $ 46 € 30 Ft 12485 kr 4565 ₪ 125 ¥ 5067 Mex$ 668 NZ$ 56 kr 367 zł 133 S$ 44 kr 356 CHF 29 $ 33 Tandem (per person) $ 168 £ 86 $ 154 € 100 Ft 41616 kr 15216 ₪ 416 ¥ 16889 Mex$ 2228 NZ$ 185 kr 1222 zł 444 S$ 147 kr 1186 CHF 96 $ 111 Tag-along or trailer $ 101 £ 51 $ 93 € 60 Ft 24970 kr 9130 ₪ 249 ¥ 10134 Mex$ 1337 NZ$ 111 kr 733 zł 267 S$ 88 kr 711 CHF 58 $ 67 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a great tour for active people (who regularly run, bike, or work out) without much bicycle touring experience. Also great for intermediate to advanced cyclists who want a fun vacation, enjoying some hills every day. You will ride 35-68 km per day, on rolling to hilly terrain, with a few steeper or longer climbs, using paved backroads with little traffic (on some shorter stretches we may share the road with cars), as well as on hard-packed gravel roads with very little traffic. Experienced cyclists who want longer, optional rides at the end of the programmed ride will have these available most days. There are two days with optional loop rides, for those who prefer to stay in town to explore or relax during the day. BUT do not be discouraged. If the terrain is just a bit too daunting, ask for an electric bike.
Vehicle support is provided on most cycling days. With a group of 8 or more participants, vehicle support is provided everyday (no additional cost).Airport Info
You have three options for your arrival/departure depending on your own personal travel plans.
- Option A: Flying into Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA)
- Option B: Flying into Florence Airport (FLR)
- Option C: Flying into Rome International Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
Local Travel
Arrival in Pisa:
Lucca is an approximately 1-hour train ride (including transfer time) from Pisa. From Pisa Airport take the tram or PisaMover Bus to Pisa Centrale railway station. Trains to Lucca depart hourly and tickets can be purchased at the station or online at www.trenitalia.com (one-way tickets start from €3.60).
Arrival to Florence:
From the airport by shuttle bus to Florence’s main train station, Firenze S. Maria Novella. Tickets may be purchased on board (one-way ticket: €6; round trip ticket: €10). Taxi from bus station to hotel (costs about €10 plus €1 per piece of luggage).
Arrival to Rome:
The train (Leonardo Express) takes you to Stazione Termini, Rome central station (€14/32 minutes). There are direct trains from Stazione Termini to Florence. The ride takes 1.5 - 2.0 hours depending on the type of train. Taxi to first hotel.Climate
The climate in Tuscany is generally mild with differences depending on the geography of each area. The coast and valleys tend to have hotter summers than the hills or mountains although the coast benefits from breezes off the sea for cooler temperatures even in those warmer months. Please check local conditions before your arrival. A good website to explore weather-related facts including average high/low temperatures and average rainfall is weatherbase.com.
Day of Rest
Day 7 is a rest day. You have the option of joining an informal walking tour or exploring on your own.
Remarks
Bikes either come with flat pedals with cage (but no straps) or with cage and straps. You can choose the type you prefer during the bike fitting. If you prefer clipless pedals, you will have to bring your own with you. These will be mounted on the bike during the bike fitting.
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycle Europe.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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