Tuscany - Pisa & Florence
Italy Bike Tours
Bike the landscape & highlights of Tuscany in the heart of the Renaissance
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€855 Rates
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Overview
Tuscany needs no introduction! To bike Italy in its most famous region is to explore this favorite destination in a unique way.
Your tour begins and ends in Pisa, with its famous tower, and includes all of Tuscany's highlights, including Lucca, Montecatini, and Florence.
Let the sights, scents, and tastes of the region entice you as you pedal the Tuscan landscape.
Highlights
- The Square of Miracles architectural wonders
- Lucca's Renaissance walls with its promenades
- Medieval Montecatini Terme, with its spas, Viale Verde, and fountains
- Funicular to Montecatini Alto
- Florence and all its artistic and architectural wonder
- Italian cuisine
- Italian wine featuring Chianti
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Pisa
Day 2: Pisa - Lucca, 16 or 28 mi. (25 or 45 km)
Day 3: Lucca - Montecatini, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Montecatini, round tour, 36 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Montecatini - Florence, 30 or 36 mi. (50 or 60 km)
Day 6: Rest day in Florence
Day 7: Florence - Empoli - Pisa, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km) + train ride
Day 8: Departure from PisaAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival in Pisa
Your tour begins in Pisa. This city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the unique leaning tower, and the bell tower of the city cathedral. Part of Unesco's World Heritage sites and is an important center of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. Besides a large number of monuments, this piazza also offers a friendly and lively atmosphere for a university city.Day 2: Pisa - Lucca, 16 to 28 mi. (25 or 45 km)
Pedaling north along the Serchio River, you cycle from Pisa and out, and through the impressive countryside, you arrive in Lucca. For those who wish for a slightly longer itinerary, there is the option of going towards Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching Lucca. The route is not difficult and is mainly on side roads and a bike path along the Serchio River. You will encounter some traffic as you leave Pisa.Elevation gain: 20 or 100 m
Day 3: Lucca - Montecatini Terme, 28 mi. (45 km)
Along an undulating route, first, on the river path and then via country roads, you ride through ancient patrician villas and villages until you reach the crossroads for Collodi, the town of Pescia, and Montecatini. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you could visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia, you could enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions, and the local flower street market.Elevation gain: 280 m
Day 4: Montecatini, round tour, 36 mi. (60 km)
Today’s route offers two possibilities. You can relax in Montecatini, one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe, and stroll down the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable railway. Otherwise, a picturesque itinerary will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards, and beautiful historical farms. You will also pass Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, where a visit to the museum is possible. The beginning of the stage is mostly flat and for a short section, on unpaved road through the nature reserve of Padule del Fucecchio. At the foot of the hills of Cerbaie, you will encounter a climb of 4 km to Massarella. You will climb back up to the valley of the river San Pantaleo and after a few kilometers, you will arrive at Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo. The frame of the final stage will be the typical Tuscan landscape: rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves.Elevation gain: 310 m
Day 5: Montecatini - Florence, 30 or 36 mi. (50 or 60 km)
Today you can choose to start cycling directly from Montecatini or to shorten the trip through a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (in particular churches) and having one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From here, you begin cycling again, immersed in the Tuscan flatland, en route to Florence.The longer itinerary is for those who have trained and are up for a challenge. You will cycle directly from Montecatini, climbing Monsummano among olive trees. This is a 6 km incline but is a very scenic climb. You can shorten the stage by taking a short train ride to Pistoia. From Pistoia, you will cycle along country roads between crops and plant nurseries. In Signa, you will encounter the Arno River that will accompany you in the heart of Florence, in front of the famous “Ponte Vecchio”. After Signa, the route continues entirely on an unpaved bike path along the river Arno.
Transfer: about 20 minutes by train (ticket not included in the tour price) from Montecatini to Pistoia.
Elevation gain: 150 or 400 m
Day 6: Rest day in Florence, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Today is a free day allowing you to decide how you want to spend your time in this beautiful city. Or you can hop on your bike for a 12 km ride along a beautiful road to enjoy splendid views of the city and the surroundings.Day 7: Florence - Empoli - Pisa, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km) + train ride, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km)
Today you can choose to start directly from Florence and then reach Pisa by taking the train from Empoli or taking a train to Empoli and riding to Pisa along the river Arno.After leaving Florence, you cycle back in the path of the Parco delle Cascine. A 4 km climb takes you to the highest point of the stage, 286m above sea level. From Empoli, the route follows mainly the lower valley of the Arno River up to the so-called plain of Pisa. The final part to Pisa will be on unpaved path along the bank of the river Arno.
Transfer: about 30 minutes by train (ticket not included in the tour price) from Florence to Empoli or about 30 minutes by (ticket not included in the tour price) from Empoli to Pisa.
Elevation gain: 100 or 300 m
Day 8: Departure from Pisa
Your tour will officially end at normal check-out time.If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You have a choice of accommodation level on this tour:
Category A: Mainly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels and a family-run 2-star hotel in Lucca
All rooms have private facilities and air conditioning.Bicycles
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- Trip computer
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)
Supplemental accessories
See pricing.
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in chosen category
- Welcome briefing
- Breakfast buffets
- Luggage transfer
- 27-speed unisex touring bicycle with accessories
- Bike protection
- Route descriptions & maps
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Drinks
- Bike helmet
- 2023: Local hotel taxes (approx. €10-€15 per person)
- 2024: Local hotel taxes (approx. €20-25 per person)
- Train transfers on days 2, 3, 5, & 7 (total cost approx. €16 per person)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Saturday departures
April 8 up to & including October 7, 2023
* Special departure days can be arranged for groups of 6 or more
Season 1: April 15 - April 21 & September 30 - October 7, 2023
Season 2: April 8 - April 14 & April 22 - May 12 & September 9 - September 29, 2023
Season 3: May 13 - September 8, 2023Twin/double Category A Category B Season 1 $ 1616 £ 844 $ 1,398 € 955 kr 142123 ₪ 3923 ¥ 152128 Mex$ 18380 NZ$ 1725 NOK 11173 kr 11297 $ 1,020 $ 1447 £ 756 $ 1,252 € 855 kr 127241 ₪ 3512 ¥ 136198 Mex$ 16455 NZ$ 1544 NOK 10003 kr 10114 $ 913 Season 2 $ 1803 £ 942 $ 1,559 € 1065 kr 158493 ₪ 4375 ¥ 169650 Mex$ 20497 NZ$ 1923 NOK 12460 kr 12599 $ 1,137 $ 1633 £ 853 $ 1,413 € 965 kr 143611 ₪ 3964 ¥ 153721 Mex$ 18572 NZ$ 1743 NOK 11290 kr 11416 $ 1,030 Season 3 $ 1887 £ 986 $ 1,632 € 1115 kr 165934 ₪ 4580 ¥ 177615 Mex$ 21459 NZ$ 2014 NOK 13044 kr 13190 $ 1,191 $ 1718 £ 897 $ 1,486 € 1015 kr 151052 ₪ 4170 ¥ 161685 Mex$ 19535 NZ$ 1833 NOK 11875 kr 12007 $ 1,084 Single Supplement $ 491 £ 256 $ 425 € 290 kr 43158 ₪ 1191 ¥ 46196 Mex$ 5581 NZ$ 524 NOK 3393 kr 3431 $ 310 $ 423 £ 221 $ 366 € 250 kr 37205 ₪ 1027 ¥ 39824 Mex$ 4811 NZ$ 451 NOK 2925 kr 2957 $ 267 Category A: Mainly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels and a family-run 2-star hotel in LuccaSaturday departures
March 30 up to & including October 12, 2024
* Special departure days can be arranged for groups of 6 or more
Season 1: March 30 - April 19 & September 28 - October 12, 2024
Season 2: April 20 - May 10 & September 7 - September 27, 2024
Season 3: May 11 - September 6, 2024Twin/double Category A Category B Season 1 $ 1836 £ 959 $ 1,588 € 1085 kr 161469 ₪ 4457 ¥ 172836 Mex$ 20882 NZ$ 1959 NOK 12693 kr 12835 $ 1,159 $ 1667 £ 871 $ 1,442 € 985 kr 146587 ₪ 4046 ¥ 156906 Mex$ 18957 NZ$ 1779 NOK 11524 kr 11652 $ 1,052 Season 2 $ 2057 £ 1074 $ 1,779 € 1215 kr 180816 ₪ 4991 ¥ 193545 Mex$ 23384 NZ$ 2194 NOK 14214 kr 14373 $ 1,297 $ 1887 £ 986 $ 1,632 € 1115 kr 165934 ₪ 4580 ¥ 177615 Mex$ 21459 NZ$ 2014 NOK 13044 kr 13190 $ 1,191 Season 3 $ 2141 £ 1118 $ 1,852 € 1265 kr 188257 ₪ 5197 ¥ 201509 Mex$ 24346 NZ$ 2284 NOK 14799 kr 14965 $ 1,351 $ 1972 £ 1030 $ 1,705 € 1165 kr 173375 ₪ 4786 ¥ 185580 Mex$ 22421 NZ$ 2104 NOK 13629 kr 13782 $ 1,244 Single Supplement $ 559 £ 292 $ 483 € 330 kr 49110 ₪ 1356 ¥ 52568 Mex$ 6351 NZ$ 596 NOK 3861 kr 3904 $ 352 $ 508 £ 265 $ 439 € 300 kr 44646 ₪ 1232 ¥ 47789 Mex$ 5774 NZ$ 542 NOK 3510 kr 3549 $ 320 Category A: Mainly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels and a family-run 2-star hotel in LuccaExtra Options
Electric bike rental: $ 254 £ 133 $ 220 € 150 kr 22323 ₪ 616 ¥ 23894 Mex$ 2887 NZ$ 271 NOK 1755 kr 1774 $ 160
Helmet rental: $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 kr 2232 ₪ 62 ¥ 2389 Mex$ 289 NZ$ 27 NOK 175 kr 177 $ 16
Extra nights:
Pisa Category A+B Twin/Double $ 125 £ 65 $ 108 € 74 kr 11013 ₪ 304 ¥ 11788 Mex$ 1424 NZ$ 134 NOK 866 kr 875 $ 79 Single $ 178 £ 93 $ 154 € 105 kr 15626 ₪ 431 ¥ 16726 Mex$ 2021 NZ$ 190 NOK 1228 kr 1242 $ 112 Discount:
3rd person in a triple room:
Category A: $ 305 £ 159 $ 264 € 180 kr 26788 ₪ 739 ¥ 28673 Mex$ 3464 NZ$ 325 NOK 2106 kr 2129 $ 192 Category B: $ 254 £ 133 $ 220 € 150 kr 22323 ₪ 616 ¥ 23894 Mex$ 2887 NZ$ 271 NOK 1755 kr 1774 $ 160Electric bike rental: $ 271 £ 141 $ 234 € 160 kr 23811 ₪ 657 ¥ 25487 Mex$ 3079 NZ$ 289 NOK 1872 kr 1893 $ 171
Helmet rental: $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 kr 2232 ₪ 62 ¥ 2389 Mex$ 289 NZ$ 27 NOK 175 kr 177 $ 16
Extra nights:
Pisa Category A+B Twin/Double $ 125 £ 65 $ 108 € 74 kr 11013 ₪ 304 ¥ 11788 Mex$ 1424 NZ$ 134 NOK 866 kr 875 $ 79 Single $ 196 £ 103 $ 170 € 116 kr 17263 ₪ 477 ¥ 18478 Mex$ 2233 NZ$ 209 NOK 1357 kr 1372 $ 124 Discount:
3rd person in a triple room:
Category A: $ 339 £ 177 $ 293 € 200 kr 29764 ₪ 822 ¥ 31859 Mex$ 3849 NZ$ 361 NOK 2340 kr 2366 $ 214 Category B: $ 288 £ 150 $ 249 € 170 kr 25299 ₪ 698 ¥ 27080 Mex$ 3272 NZ$ 307 NOK 1989 kr 2011 $ 182Please 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
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided Tuscany bike tour is considered an easy to moderate self-guided tour. The routes are mainly flat but there are some hills to contend with. After all, you are in Tuscany! In 6 cycling stages, you will cover 140 to 174 miles (225 to 280 km). You can shorten your cycling distance by taking a train on days 2, 3, 5, and 7. Most of the route is on asphalted rural roads with little traffic, however, some parts of the itinerary lead on an unpaved dirt bike path (12%). When entering and exiting villages and cities, you will encounter traffic. On each day’s details, you will find the elevation details. The total vertical distance is 950 to 1190 m.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start in Pisa is Pisa International Airport (PSA), also known as Galileo Galilei Airport.
Local Travel
The Pisa Airport is about 1 km from Pisa Centrale railway station. At less than 40 meters from the Passenger Terminal at the Pisa Airport, you can find the new, high-speed, fully automatic People Mover service for direct connections between the Pisa Centrale railway station and the airport. The service is available every day from 6:00 am to 00:00 am at 5 or 8-minute intervals.
Climate
Please check local weather conditions prior to your departure. Tuscany has relatively little rainfall and has an average of 2300 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest period is in July and August but can be very hot. The best time to visit Tuscany is from May-June or September-October with much more pleasant weather.
Day of Rest
You may choose not to bike on Day 4 and/or on Day 6. You can also take a shortened route by taking the train on days 2, 3, 5, and 7.
Recommended
Extend your stay with an extra night(s) in Pisa.
Important to know
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.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
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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