Art & Culture
Bivacco Viaggi
Lucca to Valdinievole
Discover the hidden gems of northwestern Tuscany: from Lucca’s villas and Montecarlo’s wines to Vinci’s Renaissance charm and Montecatini’s elegant thermal spas.
Central
Apr – Oct
6 nights / 7 days
Difficult: 3.0

ABSTRACT

Northwestern Tuscany is a hidden gem filled with charming treasures, all within a short distance of each other. This region offers a less conventional but deeply authentic Tuscan experience, perfect for those who love to explore. Begin your journey in Lucca, with its historic villas, and ride through the gentle hills of Montecarlo, a medieval village renowned for its local wines. Continue to Vinci, crossing the serene Fucecchio swamps, and discover the birthplace of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci. Conclude your adventure in Valdinievole, where Montecatini Terme, with its elegant Art Nouveau thermal spas, welcomes you at the foothills of the Apennines.
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

  • Day 1: Arrival in Lucca and Compitese Valley

    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

  • Day 2: Via delle Ville Lucchesi to Montecarlo

    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

  • Day 3: Around Montecarlo – Medieval Hamlets in Valdinievole

    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

  • Day 4: From Montecarlo to Vinci via the Fucecchio Marshes

    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

  • Day 5: Vinci Loop through Montalbano to Artimino

    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

  • Day 6: Vinci to Montecatini Terme – Renaissance to Liberty

    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

  • Day 7: Montecatini Hills Loop & Departure

    The tour wraps up with one last chance to savor Lucca’s charm. After breakfast, take a relaxing walk through the city’s historic streets, perhaps with an optional guided tour, before saying farewell to this captivating region. Enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere before departing with memories to treasure.

    Meals: Breakfast

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Highlights

• Noble villas in the hillside outside of Lucca
• Ride alongside the arches of the Medici Aqueduct
• Leonardo’ s birthplace and museum
• Montecatini Thermal baths

Includes

• Accommodations 3* hotels
• Daily Breakfast
• Baggage transfer
• Bike fitting & briefing
• GPS tracks and navigation app
• Support line / assistance (8 am – 7 pm)

Signature Experience:
• Olive oil and wine tasting in Vinci

Excludes

• Bike rentals (see extra costs)
• Local hotel taxes (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
• Cycle guide
• Beverages and meals not specified as included.
• Entrance to museums/sites or other activities not specified as included.
• Insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental)
• All not expressly mentioned under the item ”Included services”

Pricing

• Starting at €1040/person price per person, double occupancy.
• Single supplement: €210

Bike Options

• E-MTB (electric mountain bike) with pedal-assist and electric recharging

Extra Costs

Bike Rentals:
• E-MTB: €350

Services:
• Facility upgrades
• Guide
• Van support
• Private transfer (upon request)

Additional Experiences:
• Wine Tasting in Vinci or Montecarlo