Tuscany Bike Tour: Lucca, Vinci & Valdinievole Countryside

Art & Culture

Bivacco Viaggi

A cycling journey through the Tuscan countryside connecting Lucca, Vinci, and the Valdinievole region, featuring historic villages, Renaissance heritage, olive groves, and scenic rural landscapes.

Tuscany

Apr – Oct

6 nights / 7 days

Difficult: 3.0

ABSTRACT

The Tuscany Bike Tour explores the landscapes between Lucca, Vinci, and the Valdinievole region, revealing a slower and more authentic side of northern Tuscany through countryside roads, olive groves, and historic villages.

This itinerary connects Renaissance heritage, rural landscapes, traditional Tuscan villages, and scenic cycling routes, offering a balanced experience of culture, history, gastronomy, and relaxed riding.

From the elegant city of Lucca and the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci in Vinci to the peaceful countryside of Valdinievole, travellers experience Tuscany through places where local identity, art, and everyday life remain deeply connected to the territory.

The journey reveals an authentic Tuscan atmosphere shaped by vineyards, olive groves, historic villas, and panoramic rural landscapes, combining cultural discovery with relaxed cycling through one of Italy’s most iconic regions.

This tour is ideal for:

Travellers interested in Tuscan culture, Renaissance heritage, and rural landscapes
Leisure cyclists looking for a balanced mix of history, nature, and relaxed cycling
Couples, small groups, and FIT travellers seeking authentic Tuscan experiences
Clients wanting scenic cycling routes through villages, vineyards, and countryside roads
Travellers looking to discover Tuscany beyond the region’s most traditional tourist routes

Bivacco Viaggi and it’s affiliated agency Self-Guided Toscana, is a pioneering tour operator based in Tuscany. Operating since 2015, the agency is first of its kind, specializing in hiking, biking and outdoor adventures …

Tour Start

Lucca

Tour End

Montecatini Terme

Best start day

N/A

Tot. distance

114 mi / 183 km

DETAILS

DAILY PROGRAM

Upon arrival in Lucca, meet a Bivacco Viaggi representative for your bike fitting and briefing.

The first day offers a gentle introduction to your adventure as you get familiar with the city and its surroundings. Begin by cycling along Lucca’s iconic city walls and the historic Nottolini Aqueduct, an ideal route to test your bike setup. This short yet rewarding ride leads to the foothills of Monte Pisano, where spring waters have been collected for over 250 years to supply the town. The route takes you through charming hamlets and fresh, green landscapes, making for a pleasant warm-up loop before returning to Lucca via its southern side.

Daily Distance: 4 mi / 6 km
Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Lucca
This mostly flat yet scenic route introduces you to the grandeur of Lucca’s countryside. Begin by cycling along the Serchio River on the River Park cycle path, heading towards the elegant villas of the Lucca hills, once home to noble families. Highlights include Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Grabau, and Villa Torrigiani, each offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. Midway, treat yourself to a delightful refreshment featuring local cured meats and wines, a hallmark of the area. The return route winds through peaceful canals, providing a serene end to the day back in Lucca.

Daily Distance: 17 mi/ 27 km
Elevation gain: +295/-279 ft / +90 /-85m
Accommodations: TBD
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s ride offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and a touch of adventure. Departing from
Lucca, you cycle through the picturesque Compitese area, entering Pisa’s countryside. With growing confidence in your bike handling, tackle rolling hills and some steeper climbs and descents as you explore both the northern and southern sides of Monte Pisano. Highlights include cycling beneath the arches of the 18th-century aqueduct and arriving at the stunning Certosa di Calci, a former Carthusian monastery rich in history and architecture. It’s a rewarding day of varied terrain and cultural discovery.

Daily Distance: 28 mi/ 45 km
Elevation gain: +951/-853 ft / +90 /-85 m
Accommodations: TBD
Meals: Breakfast
A shorter but impactful ride awaits as you begin with a visit to the Certosa di Calci. Take time to explore its monumental architecture and the fascinating Natural History Museum. Then, cycle through scenic countryside roads, tracing the route of the Medici Aqueduct, which still supplies water to Pisa today. Arrive at the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower and other iconic landmarks await. After some free time to explore and enjoy lunch, continue to the serene San Rossore Park, where you’ll find accommodation amid tranquil, natural surroundings.

Daily Distance: 11 mi / 18 km
Elevation gain: +/-16 ft / +/-5m
Accommodations: TBD
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s ride is a captivating mix of diverse landscapes, from coastal beauty to mountain vistas. Within San Rossore Park, cycle through lush forests between Cascine Vecchie and Cascine Nuove before reaching the banks of the Arno River. Here, cross the river by boat and ride along the historic "via del Trammino," the former railway line connecting Pisa and its marina. Enjoy a seaside lunch and, if weather permits, a refreshing dip in the sea. In the afternoon, return to Pisa, passing through San Giuliano Terme before arriving at your charming accommodations, the 18th-century Villa di Corliano.

Daily Distance: 26 mi / 42 km
Elevation gain: +/-16 ff +/-5m
Accommodations: TBD
Meals: Breakfast
The final full day brings new surprises as you ride the Puccini Cycle Route, which introduces you to the enchanting landscapes that inspired the famous composer from Lucca. Visit the Massaciuccoli Lake Reserve, where you’ll take a boat excursion to Torre del Lago Puccini. Explore the serene Lipu Oasis before following the Serchio River back to Lucca. The easy ride concludes with a return to your accommodations in Lucca, where you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable journey.

Daily Distance: 28 mi / 45 km
Elevation gain: +/-295 ft / +/-90m
Accommodations: TBD
Meals: Breakfast