This holiday lets you explore all aspects of Tuscany. Visit the art cities of Lucca and Pisa. Discover charming country villages and seaside towns. Pedal from the elegant beaches of Versilia to the wild Maremma. It’s a unique chance to savor the delights of the Etruscan coast while crossing Tuscany from north to south. You’ll follow routes once traveled by this ancient people.
The Etruscans were a peaceful and cultured civilization. They lived in harmony with nature and loved good food and beauty. They left behind a rich legacy of refined furnishings, especially black-red ceramics, exquisite jewelry, and smiling sarcophagi. Imagine following in their footsteps, inspired by their lifestyle for a timeless journey.
Pedal slowly on your bike and soak in the atmosphere of peace, freedom, and joy. Travel along the rural roads between the sea and hills that we have carefully selected for you. Don’t miss this opportunity: dive into this sweet adventure!
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Historical center of Pisa, distance km. 13
After arriving at the hotel, you will begin your tour of the city of Pisa. You’ll travel through charming alleys, vibrant squares, and the scenic Lungarni. Enjoy cycling along the beautifully maintained public garden of Fortezza Sangallo and across bridges that offer breathtaking views. Don’t miss the modern art mural “Tuttomondo” by Keith Haring and a glimpse of the ancient medieval walls of the city.
The entire excursion will take place on dedicated cycling paths. You’ll make a quick stop at the iconic leaning tower before continuing your ride to discover the rich history and culinary traditions of Pisa. For a break, you can enjoy a delicious coffee paired with rice pudding or the famous “cecina.” Conclude your day with a lovely dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Day 2 – Marina di Pisa, distance Km. 30, altitude difference m. 30
“Trammino” cycling path starts near the railway station and will lead you directly along the seafront of Marina di Pisa, the tourist port and the beach. During the summer, take a break at the beach, enjoy a swim or a delicious ice-cream or cycle along the seafront towards Tirrenia and immerse yourself in the thick woods of Tenuta del Tombolo. Don’t miss the sunset before resuming pedalling on the track immersed among corn and sunflower fields.
Day 3 – Pisa / Lucca, distance km. 33, altitude difference m. 30
Depart towards Lucca, crossing the countryside along the Medici aqueduct, dating back to the early 17th century, built by Ferdinand I de’ Medici. The path follows the aqueduct with its arches, continues along the countryside towards Monti Pisani and then along the Serchio river, through Puccini cycling path (which takes its name after the famous composer Giacomo Puccini who was born in Lucca).
Surrounded by the green, among the towers that mark the border between Lucca and Pisa and the Rocca di Ripafratta, you will reach the Medioeval walls of Lucca where you can pedal and enjoy the city from another perspective, and then continue through the alleys and taverns, with their typical products.
Day 4 – ride in the Lucca countryside, distance km. 30, altitude difference m. 80
This tour highlights the historic walls of Lucca. They create a circular park of 4 km around the city. You’ll enjoy a beautiful terrace view over Lucca. After crossing the historic center, you will pedal past medieval buildings, churches, and monuments.
Next, as you ride through the residential area, you will see the Serchio River and its park. This park features two scenic white paths along the shores. Importantly, these paths are reserved for bicycles and pedestrians. Therefore, you can enjoy a peaceful ride away from the city’s noise.
From this spot, you can admire the picturesque Tuscan countryside. It is characterized by rolling hills, narrow roads, and charming buildings with grating (‘mandolate’). Moreover, the landscape is dotted with fields of flowers, olive groves, and vineyards. Along the way, you will also have the chance to visit an organic farm and taste some of its delicious products.
Day 5 – The Villas of Lucca ring tour of km. 38, altitude difference m. 120
The villas of Lucca. We leave Lucca, along the cycling path that runs along the Serchio river going north, and we arrive in Ponte a Moriano. The first villa that we see is Villa Oliva, located in San Pancrazio, and after a few metres, we will see Villa Grabau and Villa Reale.
You can visit all the villas by purchasing the ticket and cycle along the magnificent Park of Villa Reale. Then you will continue towards Villa Torrigiani, one of the most interesting examples of 17th century architecture in Lucchesia.
The garden is characterised by flower parterres and large pools inspired by the projects of the Palace of Versailles, with caves and water fountains still functioning today. Near the villa, there is Bordocheo agricultural farm that you can visit and taste the wines and oil, upon reservations.
Day 6 – Lucca / Viareggio, distance km. 40, height difference m. 160
Also today, you will start on the cycling path along the Serchio river, this time travelling in the opposite direction. Immersed in a natural and extremely relaxing landscape, you will suddenly see the lookout towers on the border between the cities of Lucca and Pisa, ancient rivals, and the Castello di Nozzano. Then you will enter the Massaciuccoli park, cycling along the homonymous lake until reaching the dock, to start navigating towards Torre del Lago Puccini, then you will resume cycling along the coast where the path continues along pine groves and pristine beaches, with some sandy sections, and you will end the tour in Viareggio.
Day 7 – Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi, ring circuit of km. 35, altitude difference m. 50
The coast of Versilia boasts a stunning seafront and a beautiful pine grove. Its main town, Pietrasanta, is the undeniable cradle of sculptural art, filled with workshops and foundries. This land, nestled between mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, offers diverse landscapes within just a few kilometers.
You can explore the pine groves along the beach, the chestnut woods of the hills, and the majestic marble mountains of the Apuan Alps, which rise to 2000 meters.
Pietrasanta, once under Florentine control, rivaled Camaiore, which was governed by Lucca. Both towns lie along the Via Francigena, a historic route we will cycle along, exploring its most beautiful sections. One stretch of the old Via Francigena follows the river from Camaiore, leading us to Viareggio and the sparkling sea
Day 8: Individual departure
After enjoying the morning in Viareggio, you can easily return to Pisa, your starting point, by train or car. Alternatively, if you prefer, you might extend your holiday for a few more days. This way, you can fully enjoy the beautiful Versilia beaches.
