Classic Tuscany E-Bike tour
Italy Bike Tours
Bike from Florence to Lucca (including Pisa) on an electric bike
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1645 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bicycle tour starts in the heart of Tuscany, Italy's most famous region. If Tuscan hills have intimidated you in the past, take heart! We are offering this itinerary as an electric bike tour, the perfect solution to provide a slow travel experience, biking the terrain with ease, with energy to spare to experience the art, history, food, and wine.
For those up to the challenge, you can request one of the quality hybrid bikes available and bike under your own steam.
Bike and stroll through living history in Italy's most famous region, from Piazza della Signoria in Florence to Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, through Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca.
Highlights
- Renaissance Florence
- Wines and vineyards of Chianti
- Majestic Piazza del Campo in Siena
- San Gimignano and its medieval towers
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Walled Lucca
- Castles, villages, art, and history
- Incredible views from world-famous hills
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Itinerary
Day 1: Florence
Day 2: Florence - Radda in Chianti, 38 mi. (61 km)
Day 3: Radda in Chianti - Siena, 31 mi. (51 km)
Day 4: Siena - San Gimignano, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: San Gimignano - Vinci, 46 mi. (74 km)
Day 6: Vinci - Lucca, 36 mi. (59 km)
Day 7: Lucca - Pisa - Lucca, 19-45 mi. (31-72 km)
Day 8: End of tourAll 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: Florence
Arrive in Florence and take in the city's rich history! Climb up Giotto's tower for a stunning view of the city and the Duomo, visit the Uffizi Gallery, or walk the Ponte Vecchio bridge for a striking view of the city. Welcome meeting and bike fitting is offered on this day. Please provide your arrival information once arranged.Accommodation: Hotel Silla or similar
Day 2: Florence - Radda in Chianti, 38 mi. (61 km)
As you leave Florence you'll climb some of Chianti's famous hills. You will want to stop in Greve for a short visit of the main square and the famous Macelleria Falorni, producer of local salumi. Radda is a delightful, small town and was an important junction for travelers heading to the north and south.Option: Snack at very traditional “macelleria” in Greve (1 glass of wine, local cold cuts, and cheeses)
Accommodation: Hotel San Niccolò or similar
Elevation gain: +1273 m
Day 3: Radda in Chianti - Siena, 31 mi. (51 km)
Cycle the south part of the Chianti Region, then take the afternoon to explore Siena. Italy's best-preserved medieval city rivaled Florence for dominance in Tuscany during the 1300s. You'll be transported back in time as soon as you enter the city walls.Option: Guided tour in Sienna (on request)
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Caterina or similar
Elevation gain: +957 mDay 4: Siena - San Gimignano, 31 mi. (50 km)
Your bike ride today takes you into the heart of Tuscany. You will pedal past vineyards, 17th-century villas, and small towns on your way to San Gimignano, one of the best preserved medieval villages in Italy and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Gimignano is famous for its many towers, remnants from the 13th and 14th centuries.Accommodation: Hotel Bel Soggiorno
Elevation gain: +774 mDay 5: San Gimignano - Vinci, 42 mi. (68 km)
Your ride takes you through the rolling hills peppered with small towns along the way. Your destination is Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo. Here you'll have a chance to visit the house where he was born and a museum with scale models of his inventions.Option: Wine tasting in Vinci
Accommodation: Hotel Monna Lisa or similar
Elevation gain: +936 mDay 6: Vinci - Lucca, 36 mi. (59 km)
Climb the stairway to the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi today for a great view as you continue west to Lucca, where you'll stay the next two nights. Lucca was a Roman town and one of medieval Italy's most prosperous city-states. Today, Lucca retains its medieval charm with its small shops and sidewalk cafés, as well as the beautiful 17th-century wall that surrounds the town.Option: Dinner in Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel La Luna or similar
Elevation gain: +439 mDay 7: Lucca - Pisa - Lucca, 19-45 mi. (31-72 km)
Your last day of cycling takes you to Pisa, where you can visit the Leaning Tower and the Piazza of Miracles. There are two options for your ride today - a shorter cycle to Pisa and a return by train (with your bike aboard). Or a longer loop ride, through lovely Tuscan hills, vineyards, and stately villas. After a stroll through Pisa, head back to the less-touristy town of Lucca to enjoy an evening passeggiata along the main pedestrian way.Option: Cooking class*
Accommodation: Hotel La Luna or similar
Elevation gain: +143/460 m*Cooking class available in either Florence, Siena, or Lucca (includes tasting meal at the end). Since you spend two nights in Lucca, this is a great location for the experience. or perhaps the evening of your arrival in Florence? You decide. Classes are offered through Le Cesarine, a company that organizes culinary experiences in the homes of locals. Your class will last about 3 hours, during which you will help the Cesarina prepare 3 courses. In the 4th and final hour, you will enjoy a meal (lunch or dinner) consisting of the courses you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine for every 3 people are included.
Day 8: End of tour
After a breakfast buffet in your hotel, you're ready to continue your adventure, wherever it may lead. Buon viaggio!View all our bike trips, specials, and news along with hundreds of other bike tours in Europe.
Hotels & Bikes
Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the accommodations that are generally used. Of course in the event of a lack of availability, you will be offered a hotel of equal quality. Most of the accommodations are in 3 and 4-star establishments. Upgrades are possible in some hotels. Just ask.
Bicycles
Electric bike
The bikes included for this tour are Cannondale Mavaro, Fantic or Tesoro e-bikes. These bikes feature state-of-the-art technology and are a fantastic option for cyclists who need a little push. Although you still have to pedal, the electric drive provides a nice boost for your efforts. For example, when your pedal stroke increases to get up a hill so does the amount of power the electric motor outputs. Less effort on your part translates to less power assist. These bikes come with rapid-fire shifters that operate in the same way as a regular hybrid bike. Important to keep in mind that an electric bike is heavier than a regular touring bicycle.
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Deore 10 speed
- Hydraulic disc brake
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus tires
- Selle Royal Viento saddle
- Bosch Performance Cruise 36V 250W engine
- 625Wh battery pack
- Bosch stancard charger 4A
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 3 to 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts
- High-quality electric bike (Cannondale Mavaro, Tesoro, Fantic). Weight: 23 kg.
- Accessories: Map holder, rear rack bag, helmet, cyclometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
- Bike fitting and tour briefing
- Roadbook and maps
- Preloaded GPS (one per two cyclists)
- Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook
- Luggage transfer
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners
- Beverages
- Entrances to museums or other activities
- City taxes (€2-5 per person per night)
- Touring, road, or tandem bike (can be requested!)
- Water bottle (€3) - pay on site
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Weekly departures: Every Friday between March 1 through October 31, 2023
Confirmed departures:
April 1, 6, 16, 21
May 9, 12, 24
July 28
September 1, 4*Minimum 2 people required
**Other weekday departures may be possible on request. A supplement may apply. Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits (such as museums or tastings) impossible. Most museums in Florence are closed on Mondays, so we discourage starting on Monday.
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
2023
Twin/Double: $ 2763 £ 1451 $ 2,449 € 1645 ₪ 6675 ¥ 251724 NZ$ 2978 NOK 20137 kr 19567 $ 1,801
High-season supplement (May, June, Sep, until Oct 8): $ 168 £ 88 $ 149 € 100 ₪ 406 ¥ 15302 NZ$ 181 NOK 1224 kr 1189 $ 109
Single supplement: $ 529 £ 278 $ 469 € 315 ₪ 1278 ¥ 48203 NZ$ 570 NOK 3856 kr 3747 $ 345
Solo traveler: $ 1419 £ 745 $ 1,258 € 845 ₪ 3429 ¥ 129305 NZ$ 1530 NOK 10344 kr 10051 $ 925
Extra Options
Florence
Twin/double (mid-July to end August), from: $ 227 £ 119 $ 201 € 135 ₪ 548 ¥ 20658 NZ$ 244 NOK 1653 kr 1606 $ 148 Twin/double (rest of the year, special events not included), from: $ 311 £ 163 $ 275 € 185 ₪ 751 ¥ 28309 NZ$ 335 NOK 2265 kr 2201 $ 203 Single (mid-July to end August), from: $ 210 £ 110 $ 186 € 125 ₪ 507 ¥ 19128 NZ$ 226 NOK 1530 kr 1487 $ 137 Single (rest of the year, special events not included), from: $ 260 £ 137 $ 231 € 155 ₪ 629 ¥ 23719 NZ$ 281 NOK 1897 kr 1844 $ 170Siena
Twin/double, from: $ 244 £ 128 $ 216 € 145 ₪ 588 ¥ 22188 NZ$ 263 NOK 1775 kr 1725 $ 159 Single supplement, from: $ 185 £ 97 $ 164 € 110 ₪ 446 ¥ 16833 NZ$ 199 NOK 1347 kr 1308 $ 120Lucca
Twin/double: On request
Single supplement: On requestExtra nights do NOT include extra day bike rental (see bike rental below).
Snack at traditional “macelleria” in Greve (1 glass of wine, local cold cuts, & cheese): $ 34 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 81 ¥ 3060 NZ$ 36 NOK 245 kr 238 $ 22 Guided visit of Florence (per group, up to 12 ppl. sharing cost): $ 420 £ 220 $ 372 € 250 ₪ 1015 ¥ 38256 NZ$ 453 NOK 3060 kr 2974 $ 274 Wine tasting in Vinci (local bistro/wine bar): $ 30 £ 16 $ 27 € 18 ₪ 73 ¥ 2754 NZ$ 33 NOK 220 kr 214 $ 20 Cooking class, minimum of 2 (incl. tasting meal and wine): $ 202 £ 106 $ 179 € 120 ₪ 487 ¥ 18363 NZ$ 217 NOK 1469 kr 1427 $ 131 Guided tour of Sienna, per group up to 12 ppl.: On request
Florence airport - Florence:
*Recommended to take a taxi at the airport. Private transfers rates are below.
1 - 3 ppl: $ 126 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 ₪ 304 ¥ 11477 NZ$ 136 NOK 918 kr 892 $ 82 4 - 7 ppl: $ 160 £ 84 $ 141 € 95 ₪ 386 ¥ 14537 NZ$ 172 NOK 1163 kr 1130 $ 104
Lucca - Florence airport:
1 - 3 ppl: $ 218 £ 115 $ 194 € 130 ₪ 528 ¥ 19893 NZ$ 235 NOK 1591 kr 1546 $ 142 4 - 7 ppl: $ 235 £ 123 $ 208 € 140 ₪ 568 ¥ 21423 NZ$ 253 NOK 1714 kr 1665 $ 153Discount aluminum hybrid: $ 202 £ 106 $ 179 € 120 ₪ 487 ¥ 18363 NZ$ 217 NOK 1469 kr 1427 $ 131 Discount premium titanium road or hybrid: $ 134 £ 71 $ 119 € 80 ₪ 325 ¥ 12242 NZ$ 145 NOK 979 kr 952 $ 88 Discount on tandem: $ 168 £ 88 $ 149 € 100 ₪ 406 ¥ 15302 NZ$ 181 NOK 1224 kr 1189 $ 109 Extra day hybrid bike rental: $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2295 NZ$ 27 NOK 184 kr 178 $ 16 Extra day titanium road/hybrid bike rental: $ 34 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 81 ¥ 3060 NZ$ 36 NOK 245 kr 238 $ 22 Extra day e-bike rental: $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 ₪ 122 ¥ 4591 NZ$ 54 NOK 367 kr 357 $ 33 Tag-a-long or kid trailer: $ 134 £ 71 $ 119 € 80 ₪ 325 ¥ 12242 NZ$ 145 NOK 979 kr 952 $ 88
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Rating a tour is one of the most difficult things that we do. One person’s easy may be another’s moderate. Generally, a tour in Tuscany would be rated moderate to difficult. However, we are offering this favorite itinerary as an electric (battery-assisted) bike tour in which you will tackle Tuscany’s famous hills on your terms! It can be as easy or difficult as you want, depending on the level of assistance you use. It is your choice! You will cycle a total distance of 348 - 352 km (217 - 220 miles) with a daily distance of 48 - 68 km (30 - 42 miles). The terrain is hilly and there are good climbs daily, sometimes with an elevation gain of about 500 m (1500 feet). Please note that electric bikes are not meant for those who never cycle or cycle only occasionally. Battery-assisted bikes are heavier and require good balance and good control. For those who prefer to ride this tour on a regular bicycle, you will be provided with a lightweight titanium hybrid bike (approximately 11 kg) or a high-quality titanium road bike (approximately 8 kg).
Airport Info
You have three options for your arrival depending on your own personal travel plans.
- Option A: Flying into Florence Airport (FLR)
- Option B: Flying into Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei(PSA)
- Option C: Flying into Rome International Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Local Travel
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 Pisa:
There are frequent departures of the PisaMover Bus, which takes you to the central station in Pisa, train to Florence, and then taxi to your first hotel.
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 you travel.
Remarks
Your luggage will be collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and delivered to the following hotel by 15.30. Each piece of luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly for a local taxi for the service.
Important to know
A few things to consider before you book your E-bike tour
- Pedal-assist e-bikes give you a constant nudge on your ride and conform to your pedal cadence and torque – up to 25 km per hours, they are a solid help on the climbs and they increase your average speed
- Electric bikes are heavier than a regular bike so they handle differently
- Bikes come with 700×40 Schwalbe Energizer Pro tires that are made specifically for e-bikes. The tires feature an anti-puncture layer, good grip, and minimal rolling resistance.
- Though the bikes are very quiet the electric engine does produce a light but constant noise.
- The bikes can be ridden without assist though as mentioned above they are much heavier than a regular bike.
- Operating range depends on many factors such as the assistance level, gear switching behavior, route profile, headwind, temperatures but in general the average range of the battery packs is 110km (68 miles).
Travel 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.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Of course you will want to stay longer! Just ask us for extra night information.
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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