Italy

Tuscany Bike Tour: Pisa to Florence

8 days

Bike tours

Departure days: Saturday

290km

Easy

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About this 8-Day Tuscany cycle tour

Discover Tuscany by bike on this 8-day round trip starting and ending in Pisa. Ride through the historic walls of Lucca, past olive groves and vineyards to the spa town of Montecatini Terme, and on to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Along the way you’ll pass through Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, with a free day built in to spend however you like.

This route suits most fitness levels: mostly flat terrain with a few rolling stretches, and train shortcuts available on the hillier days.

Also, check out our other bike tour in Tuscany.

Cycle through Tuscany, where every mile tells a story of vineyards, villages and timeless Italian beauty

Church and historic buildings in Montecatini Alto overlooking the green Tuscan hills at sunset in Tuscany, Italy.

Panoramic view over Lucca with medieval towers, orange rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills in the background, Tuscany, Italy.

Highlights of this Tuscany bike tour

Historic cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence
The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and Florence’s Ponte Vecchio
Gentle stages along the Serchio River and through olive groves
Two nights in Florence, with a free day to cycle or explore the city
Optional visit to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Welcome to the city famous for its Leaning Tower. Visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the tower, cathedral, baptistery and Camposanto, together a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A nearly flat stage (25 km) following the Serchio River through the Pisan countryside to Lucca. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Lucca’s remarkable architecture and gardens, including the Cathedral and the tree-topped Guinigi Tower. Shorten the route: take the train to Lucca from Ripafratta station.

The route follows the Serchio cycle path before winding through quiet Tuscan countryside dotted with hills, vineyards and olive groves. Pass historic villas (Villa Reale, Villa Grabau, Villa Mansi) and the village of Collodi, birthplace of the author of Pinocchio. The day ends in the spa town of Montecatini Terme. Shorten the route: take the train to Montecatini from Pescia station.

Today you choose: relax in one of Europe’s best-known spa towns, or get back on the bike for a loop past Medici villas, olive groves and vineyards to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci — with a visit to the Museo Leonardiano.

A slightly more demanding stage that includes the climb to Monsummano. For an easier day, take the train to Pistoia. From there, ride across the Tuscan plain and along the Arno River to reach Florence, where you’ll stay two nights. Shorten the route: take the train to Pistoia (recommended given the steep opening kilometers).

Take a short loop past Renaissance villas, Romanesque churches and centuries-old olive trees, or explore the city itself: the Duomo, Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery.

After breakfast, there’s time to visit the Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Lungarno Mediceo before departure.

After breakfast, your unforgettable Tuscany cycling holiday comes to an end. Over the past eight days, you’ve experienced the rolling hills, historic towns, vineyards and Renaissance cities that make Tuscany one of the world’s most iconic cycling destinations.

You will depart independently from Pisa, or choose to extend your stay and explore more of Tuscany. Consider spending additional time along the Tuscan coast, revisiting Florence’s world-class museums, or discovering other charming towns in the region.

Whether you return home or continue your Italian adventure, this self-guided Tuscany bike tour leaves you with lasting memories of scenic rides, authentic cuisine and timeless landscapes.

Sights along the route

Scheve Toren van Pisa met de kathedraal en doopkapel op het Piazza dei Miracoli, startpunt van een fietsvakantie door Toscane

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the ultimate symbol of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. Together with the Cathedral and the Baptistery, it forms the remarkable Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Pisa and the surrounding Tuscan hills — a breathtaking way to begin your Tuscany cycling holiday. This unforgettable landmark sets the perfect tone for your bike tour through one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

Fietser door Toscaanse heuvels met wijngaarden onderweg van Pisa naar Casciana Terme tijdens een fietsvakantie in Toscane

Tuscany hills

The Tuscan hills create a picture-perfect backdrop of vineyards, olive groves and iconic cypress trees. As you cycle, the landscape gently rises and falls, revealing rustic villages and sweeping panoramic views at every turn. A day of riding through the heart of Tuscany is pure enjoyment, a harmonious blend of nature, tranquility and authentic Italian charm that defines a true Tuscany cycling holiday.

Lucca

Lucca is one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities and radiates authentic Tuscan charm. Its impressive Renaissance city walls fully intact and wide enough to walk or cycle along create a unique green ring surrounding the historic center. Inside the walls, you’ll discover inviting piazzas, centuries-old churches and winding cobblestone streets that transport you back in time. The remarkable Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater, is a true architectural highlight and one of the most distinctive squares in Tuscany. Lucca feels intimate, authentic and wonderfully relaxed making it a perfect stop on your Tuscany cycling holiday.

Montecatini Alto

Montecatini Alto is a medieval hilltop village perched high above the valley, offering one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Tuscany. To reach it, you can take the historic funicular railway — the “Funicolare,” operating since 1898 — which slowly ascends the hillside and delivers you to the charming central piazza.

At the top, you’ll find an intimate and authentic atmosphere: cozy terraces, quiet stone streets and centuries-old buildings that reflect Tuscany’s rich heritage. Small trattorias, traditional stone houses and sweeping views over olive groves, vineyards and rolling green hills create an unforgettable setting.

Montecatini Alto is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo at sunset and an ideal highlight of your Tuscany cycling holiday, a unique blend of tranquility, history and breathtaking landscapes.

Vinci

Vinci is a charming Tuscan village, world-renowned as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, it offers a peaceful and authentic slice of Tuscany, far from the crowds of larger cities.

In the historic center, you’ll find the Museo Leonardiano, where you can explore Leonardo’s ingenious inventions, sketches and models. Just outside the village lies the farmhouse where he was born, offering fascinating insight into his early life and the landscape that inspired his genius.

As you wander through narrow stone streets or relax with an espresso in the village square, you’ll feel the atmosphere of creativity and history that has defined Vinci for centuries.

Vinci is an inspiring and unexpectedly beautiful highlight of your Tuscany cycling holiday — a perfect blend of culture, countryside and tranquility.

Florence

Florence, the artistic capital of Tuscany, is a true highlight of your cycling holiday in Italy. In this Renaissance city, you can cycle or stroll past world-famous landmarks such as the Duomo, the iconic Ponte Vecchio and the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Florence feels like an open-air museum — a city overflowing with culture, architectural beauty and centuries of history at every turn. It’s the perfect grand finale to your Tuscany cycling holiday, where art, atmosphere and Italian elegance come together.

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include breakfast, luggage transfer, travel guarantee (covered by a guarantee fund), seasonal supplements and VAT.

2026

Period	Price p.p.
September 5 – September 25	€1,170
September 26 – October 10	€970

2027

Period	Price p.p.
March 27 – April 16	€990
April 17 – May 7	€1,190
May 8 – September 3	€1,240
September 4 – September 24	€1,190
September 25 – October 9	€990

Departures every Saturday from March until October.
Alternative dates available for groups of 6+ travelers.

Included

• 7 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels, all with private bathroom and air conditioning
• Daily breakfast in each hotel
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person, max. 44 lbs / 20 kg)
• Digital route app with GPS tracks, offline maps, roadbook and highlights along the route
• Travel documents by email including hotel list, vouchers, Tour Notes and final tour details (PDF)
• Bike-friendly support with emergency telephone assistance during your Tuscany cycling holiday

Not Included

• Travel to and from Pisa
• Lunches, dinners and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
• Local tourist tax (€25–30 per person, payable locally)
• Bike rental and accessories (optional)
• Additional nights before or after the tour
• Travel and cancellation insurance

Optional extras

Prices per person, including VAT.

Service / Extra	Price p.p.
Comfort Touring Bike (27 gears)	€132
E-bike	€320
Helmet Rental	€20
Extra nights	On request

Practical information

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Type: Self-guided bike tour (round trip Pisa–Florence–Pisa)
Level: Easy-moderate — mostly flat with some rolling stretches
Distance: approx. 285 km total (shortened version possible: approx. 160 km)
Included: 7 breakfasts, luggage transfer between hotels, hotel accommodation, route maps and GPS app
Bikes: rental available (touring or e-bike), or bring your own
Please note: this is a self-guided bike tour — a guided version is available on request only

Getting to Pisa

Pisa is the starting point of the tour and can easily be reached independently.

By plane

There are two airports that are convenient for reaching Pisa. Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is located approximately 5 km from the city, while Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport is about 90 km away.

From Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA)

The easiest way to continue from Pisa Airport is by taking the PisaMover shuttle to Pisa railway station. The journey takes around 10 minutes.

If you prefer a direct journey to your hotel, you can arrange a private transfer yourself. Possible transfer providers include Limousine Oritour and Autonoleggio Berrugi.

From Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)

From Florence Airport, take the GEST tram to Alamanni – Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s main railway station. The tram journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From there, trains run regularly to Pisa, with the journey taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Another option is to arrange a private transfer directly from the airport to your hotel in Pisa. CO.A.VE. offers this service.

For an overview of flight options, airlines, prices and schedules, you can consult Rome2Rio or Google Maps. These services can also help you find suitable train and bus connections, including options for the final part of your journey.

For a reliable and secure booking, we recommend booking your flight directly through the official website of your chosen airline.

By train

Travelling by train is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to reach Pisa. The main railway station is Pisa Centrale, which provides connections with various destinations in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.

Trainline can be used to compare timetables, fares and international rail connections from different European railway operators.

By car

If you choose to travel to Pisa by car, you can leave your vehicle there for the duration of the tour. Some hotels offer private parking, while others require you to use nearby public or alternative parking facilities.

Parking cannot be reserved in advance and fees must be paid locally. Full details about parking options will be provided in the final tour information.