This journey takes you through Tuscany’s best-ofs, from iconic landmarks to hidden hamlets that inspired so many artists. Over the course of 8 days, you’ll pedal your way from the historic city of Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, to the enchanting streets of Florence. The best part? Most of the logistics are sorted out for you—airport and luggage transfers, hotels, breakfasts, detailed route maps, all of that is handled. Take your time discovering Tuscan treasures, stop for pics whenever you like, and enjoy your Italian adventure to the fullest!
Today is your arrival day in Pisa, located on the Arno River and home to the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) — all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Explore the city on your own and get ready for your week of cycling!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
Time for your welcome meeting and also your bike fitting (if renting). Now is the perfect time to ask your representative any questions you might have.
Today is your first day in the saddle as you meander through Pisa, along the river towards the northern outskirts. The path follows an ancient water duct to the hills that separates Lucca from the fertile plains of Pisa. As you skirt around the hills, you’ll ride through Asciano and St. Giuliano Terme on your way to the Serchio River. Once you’ve crossed the river, a quiet country road will take you past cultivated fields and after a short cheeky climb, a fabulous descent will lead you back to the river. Don’t forget to stop and admire the quaint castle of Nozzano. Once back on the Serchio, the cycle path will lead you to the fortified city of Lucca. Ride around the defensive walls of Lucca – these walls represent one of the best preserved city fortifications in Europe. There’s plenty of time to explore the hidden gems of Lucca or simply relax in one of the squares watching the bustle of Italian life.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 44 km/ 27 miles
Ascent: 350 m/ 1150 ft
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
You’ll start the day riding alongside the Serchio river again, heading north out of town. You’ll cycle through the Lucchese hills, immersing yourselves in the stunning countryside dotted with superb Renaissance villas and olive groves. Meandering through the countryside you’ll eventually reach Montecarlo, a little hamlet perched on the top of a hill, with narrow cobbled streets and alleyways overlooked by a fortress. With a lovely selection of rustic trattorias serving traditional Tuscan food, including bruschetta dipped in fresh local olive oil, and great hospitality, this is a great place to spend the night.
An additional, optional loop ride is available if you wish to visit Collodi (around15 km/ 9 mi), where Carlo Collodi, the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood. Here we recommend visiting the famous park and adjacent Villa Garzoni.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 35 km/ 22 miles
Ascent: 500 m/ 1640 ft
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
Today’s route is relatively short, offering the possibility to spend some time exploring the most famous thermal city in Italy and taking a stroll down the narrow lanes of Montecatini Alto.
Setting off from Montecarlo, the narrow lanes meander through cultivated fields and along small canals. The first part of the ride will lead you to the lower hills of Buggiano. Here the riding becomes a little bit more challenging as the route gradually weaves itself up to Castello di Buggiano and Massa. There is plenty of time to stop and wander through these charming hamlets, admiring the view of the rolling hills and expanses of olive groves. The reward is a fun descent that will lead you straight into Montecatini Terme. From here, you can head up to Montecatini Alto by taking the short cable car. Alternatively, enjoy some of the spa facilities that are available in town (best to book in advance).
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25 km/ 15 miles
Ascent: 350 m/ 1150 ft
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
Today you’ll head south, cycling among the villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful farmland. The route will take you south of Pistoia, edging Monte Albano. A short detour near Lamporecchio will take you to Villa Rospigliosi, once belonging to Pope Clement IX, and now a luxurious estate. Moving on, you’ll soon reach the small hamlet of Vinci, a place Leonardo da Vinci’s grew up in. There should be plenty of time to visit the museum and absorb the atmosphere of this small town before heading to your accommodation which is a short cycle away.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25 km/ 16 miles
Ascent: 200 m/ 660 ft
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
A slightly more challenging day awaits on your way to Florence. Leaving Vinci, the route will take you over the rolling hills of Carmignano, riding through small villages and gradually climbing to the highest point on this trip, 400mt/1312ft. The views of Florence are stunning. What goes up must come down, and the rewarding gradual descent will lead you down to the Arno river, first cycling through the narrow streets of the charming town of Signa. From here, the riverside Arno cycle path will lead you all the way into Florence. Florence is the gem of Italian Renaissance, so once you have checked into your hotel you should head out to explore!
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km/ 27 miles
Ascent: 500 m/ 1640 ft
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
The Renaissance city of Florence is bursting with culture, and worthy of a full day of sightseeing. Leave your bikes behind as you explore the city on foot, winding your way through cobbled streets. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and must-see sights include il Ponte Vecchio, il Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi. This evening you’ll be free to dine in one of the city’s many restaurants; Tuscany is famed for its wine and fresh produce.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs
Time to head back to the airport for flights home, after a final delicious breakfast of course!
If you’d like to extend and explore Florence for another couple of days, please do let us know and we can help organize this for you.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
This leisure self-guided biking tour is suitable for those who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads (around 85% on asphalt roads and around 15% on unpaved roads). However there will be some days and sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc).
Distance varies generally between 15-30 miles / 22-48 kms per day. Day 5 will prove the harder of the days with a 9km gradual climb. The tour is suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps.
A member of the local team (or local service provider) will:
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
If you are taking your own bikes, it is imperative that they are in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bikes to a local bicycle dealer for a service.
A basic packing list will be sent to you with your booking confirmation. Please feel free to contact us if you would like any further information.
Yes, you can rent a bike from your tour organizer. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump and a phone mount.
Typically you will ride a Giant Roam or Giant Rove hybrids (or equivalent), for $205. You can also rent electric bikes on request ($355) if you’re wanting to spend more time exploring the towns and villages along the way and cover the miles a little quicker. An e-bike would also help those in need of a little boost to cover some of the longer distances and climbs towards the end of the week. E-bikes will typically be Giant Explore E+ or Liv Amiti E+ Ehybrid bikes (or equivalent). It may take a few days to confirm availability so please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to take this option.
Note that the price for rental bikes is for 6 days only (delivery on day 1, and pick up at the end of day 6), so you generally won’t have access to the bike on your free day in Florence. If you’d like an additional day of rental please do let us know!
If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.
Helmets can be provided locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.
There is no vehicle support on this tour, however your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation.
You will have a 24-hour emergency contact number for you to call if you encounter any problems during the trip. Please note that this may incur additional charges depending on the nature of the action required.
Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack. Your main luggage should preferably be either a backpack / rucksack or a duffle. The day pack may be useful for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing, camera and snacks.Please note there may be additional charges for transferring additional bags.
Comfort and convenience are always in mind when selecting accommodation. You’ll stay in centrally located, comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs, all with en-suite facilities. You can also upgrade your accommodation if you’d like to stay in a selection of both 3- and 4-star hotels. Please select this option at the time of booking.
Regarding food, this trip is available on a B&B basis only. For lunch you can stop at local shops and pack up a picnic or stop at a cafe or restaurant en-route, and you can take your evening meals either at your accommodation or in a local restaurant. Recommendations for places to eat will be included in your route notes.
Like most regions in Italy, Tuscany has its own unique regional cuisine that reflects the influences from the past and the climate. Part of the joy of a self-guided tour is the flexibility to explore and enjoy the local cuisine at your leisure.
People with specific dietary requirements can generally be catered for – please let us know your requirements when you book.
Group sizes and pricing
This tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your starting point for this trip is Pisa. To get there, most people fly into the Pisa International Airport or Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to your accommodation.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!