
Italy
Italy - Cycling tour through Tuscany
Italy - Cycling tour through Tuscany
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Florence/Pisa
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
Your cycling trip starts in Florence, rich in art and history, and leads via Vinci, Leonardo's birthplace, through gentle hills with vineyards and olive groves. Via medieval Barga and the Garfagnana you ride on to Lucca and Pisa – with a support vehicle always on hand.
Your active holiday begins in the heart of Tuscany, in the impressive city of Florence, rich in art, history, and sights. From there, you'll travel to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci – here you can walk in the footsteps of the genius and discover his world. On your bike you ride through gentle hills, past vineyards and olive groves, through the medieval town of Barga to the town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where typical Tuscan cuisine awaits you in one of the cozy restaurants. Crossing the Apuan Alps offers spectacular views before you arrive in Lucca. Here, the charming old town with its winding streets and historic squares invites you to explore at length. Your tour ends in Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower. Here you can relax and unwind in one of the many bars or restaurants – with one last look at the beauty of Tuscany.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Florence
Hotel
Buongiorno! Your adventure in Italy begins today around 6 pm with a welcome meeting. Look for a notice in the hotel lobby or ask at reception for the exact location and time. If your flight doesn't allow you to arrive on the same day, it might be worth arriving earlier. We can gladly book an additional night for you, subject to availability. If you are going to be delayed, please inform the hotel reception. Since the tour spends only a short time in Florence, it is worth arriving earlier to explore the famous sights: the historic Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, or the Piazzale Michelangelo – just a few highlights that you should definitely not miss.
Florence
Day 1
Hotel
Buongiorno! Your adventure in Italy begins today around 6 pm with a welcome meeting. Look for a notice in the hotel lobby or ask at reception for the exact location and time. If your flight doesn't allow you to arrive on the same day, it might be worth arriving earlier. We can gladly book an additional night for you, subject to availability. If you are going to be delayed, please inform the hotel reception. Since the tour spends only a short time in Florence, it is worth arriving earlier to explore the famous sights: the historic Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, or the Piazzale Michelangelo – just a few highlights that you should definitely not miss.
Day 2
Florence - Vinci
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 35 km, ascent: 140 m
After breakfast, you'll adjust your bike and take a short test ride to ensure everything fits perfectly. A private transfer will then take you to nearby Signa, where your Tuscan cycling adventure officially begins. You follow the Arno River out of Florence, cycling mostly on flat, quiet roads and small lanes towards Empoli. Along the way, you'll pass the Church of Sant'Andrea before turning north into the rolling hills of Tuscany and reaching the enchanting town of Vinci, the birthplace of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the climbs are gentle and manageable for everyone. Upon arriving in Vinci, you'll cycle briefly past Leonardo's Casa Natale before checking into your hotel. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure: perhaps you'll visit the Museo Leonardiano with its fascinating machine models, or simply savor a gelato on the charming main street.
Florence - Vinci
Day 2
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 35 km, ascent: 140 m
After breakfast, you'll adjust your bike and take a short test ride to ensure everything fits perfectly. A private transfer will then take you to nearby Signa, where your Tuscan cycling adventure officially begins. You follow the Arno River out of Florence, cycling mostly on flat, quiet roads and small lanes towards Empoli. Along the way, you'll pass the Church of Sant'Andrea before turning north into the rolling hills of Tuscany and reaching the enchanting town of Vinci, the birthplace of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the climbs are gentle and manageable for everyone. Upon arriving in Vinci, you'll cycle briefly past Leonardo's Casa Natale before checking into your hotel. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure: perhaps you'll visit the Museo Leonardiano with its fascinating machine models, or simply savor a gelato on the charming main street.
Day 3
Vinci - Barga
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 37 km, ascent: 460 m
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the province of Lucca in about an hour. From there, you'll start your bike ride towards the medieval town of Barga, picturesquely situated on a hilltop. Your route will take you along the Serchio River through the valley to Borgo a Mozzano, where your guide will tell you the legend of the impressive Devil's Bridge. After that, the route climbs gently until the last two kilometers to Barga become quite steep. Those who wish can tackle this section with the support of the support vehicle. All others who manage the climb on their own will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the imposing Pania della Croce, which majestically towers over the landscape. After such an active day, an optional traditional Tuscan dinner invites you to pamper your body and mind and let the day come to a relaxed end.
Vinci - Barga
Day 3
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 37 km, ascent: 460 m
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the province of Lucca in about an hour. From there, you'll start your bike ride towards the medieval town of Barga, picturesquely situated on a hilltop. Your route will take you along the Serchio River through the valley to Borgo a Mozzano, where your guide will tell you the legend of the impressive Devil's Bridge. After that, the route climbs gently until the last two kilometers to Barga become quite steep. Those who wish can tackle this section with the support of the support vehicle. All others who manage the climb on their own will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the imposing Pania della Croce, which majestically towers over the landscape. After such an active day, an optional traditional Tuscan dinner invites you to pamper your body and mind and let the day come to a relaxed end.
Day 4
Barga - Garfagnana
Hotel
Variant 1: approx. 20 km · approx. 450 metre altitude / Variant 2: approx. 20 km · approx. 520 metre altitude
The day begins with a pleasant three-kilometer descent into the valley floor. You then follow a winding road of about 20 kilometers, passing through numerous small villages, before climbing and descending again into the next valley to the historic 13th-century town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Situated at the confluence of the Serchio and Turrite Secca rivers, Castelnuovo is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a gelato or tackle the famous Fronte della Roccaanten fortress, Castello di Verrucole, in San Romano. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across the Garfagnana region. The descent back to the hotel is a thrilling experience, and in the evening you can fully enjoy the charming atmosphere of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
Barga - Garfagnana
Day 4
Hotel
Variant 1: approx. 20 km · approx. 450 metre altitude / Variant 2: approx. 20 km · approx. 520 metre altitude
The day begins with a pleasant three-kilometer descent into the valley floor. You then follow a winding road of about 20 kilometers, passing through numerous small villages, before climbing and descending again into the next valley to the historic 13th-century town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Situated at the confluence of the Serchio and Turrite Secca rivers, Castelnuovo is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a gelato or tackle the famous Fronte della Roccaanten fortress, Castello di Verrucole, in San Romano. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across the Garfagnana region. The descent back to the hotel is a thrilling experience, and in the evening you can fully enjoy the charming atmosphere of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
Day 5
Garfagnana - Lucca
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 85 km, ascent: 600 m
Today the day starts with a change of pace: A 25-kilometer climb into the Apuan Alps takes us to the long-abandoned white marble quarry of Henraux to see the marble deposits that Michelangelo used for many of his masterpieces. From the quarry, you get back on your bike and ride the short distance to the summit before the long, winding descent to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio begins. Afterwards, you continue along the flat coastal roads to the famous fortified city of Lucca. In Lucca, you'll cycle around the ancient city walls and stop for a picnic right on the ramparts. The evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure – perhaps you'll end the day relaxing in a local bar with a refreshing glass of Prosecco.
Garfagnana - Lucca
Day 5
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 85 km, ascent: 600 m
Today the day starts with a change of pace: A 25-kilometer climb into the Apuan Alps takes us to the long-abandoned white marble quarry of Henraux to see the marble deposits that Michelangelo used for many of his masterpieces. From the quarry, you get back on your bike and ride the short distance to the summit before the long, winding descent to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio begins. Afterwards, you continue along the flat coastal roads to the famous fortified city of Lucca. In Lucca, you'll cycle around the ancient city walls and stop for a picnic right on the ramparts. The evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure – perhaps you'll end the day relaxing in a local bar with a refreshing glass of Prosecco.
Day 6
Lucca
Hotel
Today you have a free day in Lucca. Use the time to explore the city's sights at your leisure. Stroll to Via Fillungo, where a Roman amphitheater once stood, and admire the medieval houses that now occupy its site. Sit down in the charming Piazza dell'Anfiteatro Foro (Foro Square) and you can admire the imposing church of San Michele in Foro.
Lucca
Day 6
Hotel
Today you have a free day in Lucca. Use the time to explore the city's sights at your leisure. Stroll to Via Fillungo, where a Roman amphitheater once stood, and admire the medieval houses that now occupy its site. Sit down in the charming Piazza dell'Anfiteatro Foro (Foro Square) and you can admire the imposing church of San Michele in Foro.
Day 7
Lucca - Pisa
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 36 km, ascent: 140 m
You leave charming Lucca by bicycle and follow the flat, green cycle paths downstream along the Serchio river to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. After cycling through Pisa's bustling streets, you'll have time to explore the city on foot. Stroll through the shopping streets, soak up the Italian atmosphere, and perhaps treat yourself to an aperitif in one of the many cafes or bars to relax and enjoy the end of your bike tour.
Lucca - Pisa
Day 7
Hotel
Distance traveled: approx. 36 km, ascent: 140 m
You leave charming Lucca by bicycle and follow the flat, green cycle paths downstream along the Serchio river to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. After cycling through Pisa's bustling streets, you'll have time to explore the city on foot. Stroll through the shopping streets, soak up the Italian atmosphere, and perhaps treat yourself to an aperitif in one of the many cafes or bars to relax and enjoy the end of your bike tour.
Day 8
Pisa
Your cycling adventure ends in Pisa, and you can plan your departure flexibly. Take the opportunity to visit the impressive Pisa Cathedral or end your trip with some local gelato.
Pisa
Day 8
Your cycling adventure ends in Pisa, and you can plan your departure flexibly. Take the opportunity to visit the impressive Pisa Cathedral or end your trip with some local gelato.
Services
What's included
7x mid-range hotel
7x breakfast, 2x lunch
Picnic in Lucca
Picnicking in Garfagnana
Support vehicle and transfers by public bus
English-speaking tour guide
Rental bike (trekking bike)
Visit to the Devil's Bridge
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Bicycle helmet (please bring your own!)
Meals and drinks not mentioned (budget approximately 200 euros for this)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Balanced
This cycling tour is designed for cyclists with a good level of fitness who ride regularly. The daily stages range from 20 to 85 km and involve ascents of up to 600 meters through hilly terrain, including some longer climbs, such as those in the Apuan Alps. A support vehicle is always present and can provide assistance if needed.
An e-bike is also available for an additional charge, subject to availability.
Dates and prices
Group dates
You will stay in double and multi-bed rooms; solo travelers will be accommodated with fellow travelers of the same gender – single room accommodation is also available for an extra charge, except in Pisa and subject to availability (2027: 660 euros).
Notes on the trip
Cycling trip
Not on a bicycle, but on modern, well-maintained trekking bikes, you'll discover remote regions with us and gain an authentic glimpse behind the scenes of your travel destination. Always by your side: a support vehicle and an experienced, local guide.
Rental bike, helmet & luggage
Please provide your height when booking so we can supply a suitable bicycle for you. The cost of the rental bike is already included in the tour price. If you prefer an e-bike, you can rent one for an additional fee, subject to availability – please also indicate this when booking. Bringing your own helmet is mandatory. Please also note the luggage allowance: maximum 20 kg per person.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
