Art & Culture
Bivacco Viaggi
Mount Pisan Explorer: From Lucca to Pisa
Lucca and Pisa: two cities of art separated by history and united by nature.
Tuscany
Apr – Oct
7 days / 6 nights
Difficult: 2.0

ABSTRACT

Mount Pisano, nestled between the cities of Pisa and Lucca near the Tuscan coastline, is a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace, characterized by its lush forests, olive groves, and scenic trails offering panoramic views. Seperated by Mount Pisan, which Dante humously referred to as “the Mount so that the Pisans cannot see Lucca”, this route is a treasure chest of surprises best to be discovered at the easy and pleasant pace of a pedal stroke.
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

Lucca

Best start day

none

Tot. distance

113 mi / 181 km

DETAILS

DAILY PROGRAM

  • Day 1: Arrive in Lucca

    Upon arrival in Lucca, a Bivacco representative will meet you for a bike fitting & briefing. Then ease into the day with a relaxed ride to acquaint yourself with the city, your starting and ending point for this tour. The city walls provide an ideal route to test your bicycle setup. This panoramic tour will highlight the key features of the city and include time to explore the Botanical Garden. This refreshing and scientifically significant green space offers insight into the environment you'll pedal through in the coming days.

    • Daily distance: 4 mi / 6 km
    • Accommodation: ***B&B in Lucca

  • Day 2: The Via delle Ville Lucchesi

    First full day on the bike on a mostly flat but engaging route. Leaving Lucca along the cycle path skirting the Serchio River, you'll head towards the hills of Lucca. Here you'll discover a sampling of eighteenth and nineteenth century villas, linked to the noble families of Lucca. We suggest visits to Villa Reale di Marlia, or Villa Grabau and Villa Torrigiani, among others. At the foot of the Pizzorne, in the middle of the countryside, we suggest a refreshment break where we recommend tasting the local cured meats accompanied by the excellent local wine production. From here, the route returns to Lucca following the canals, for a simple and pleasant end to the day.

    • Daily distance: 16 mi / 27 km
    • Elevation gain: +295 ft / -278 ft | + 90 m / - 85 m
    • Accomodation: ***B&B in Lucca
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 3: Around Mt. Pisano, from Lucca to Calci

    Depart Lucca crossing the Compitese area and entering the Pisan province.
    Having built some confidence in your bike, treat yourself to a longer day with some more challenging climbs and descents for a varied ride that leads to the foot of Mount Pisano skirting along the northern Lucca side and making your way to the southern Pisan side.
    Riding in the shadows of the arches of an eighteenth-century aqueduct, arrive in one of the most characteristic places of this area: the Certosa di Calci, which you'll have an opportunity to visit the following morning.

    • Daily distance: 28 mi / 45 km
    • Elevation gain: +950 ft / -853 ft | +290 m / - 260 m
    • Accomodation: ***B&B in Calci
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 4: From Calci towards Pisa and the San Rossore Reserve

    Today's ride takes you to Pisa, where you'll pedal under the most famous tower in the world and some of the city's hidden nature spots.
    The morning begins with a dutiful visit to the Certosa di Calci and it's significant Natural History Museum. Mid-morning leave for Pisa, traveling along country roads that lead you first to intercept the arches of the Medici Aqueduct, which brings water from Mt. Pisano to the city, even to this day!

    Find yourself at the "Piazza del Miracoli" under perhaps the most famous tower in the world and marvel at its leaning stature. Though today's ride is short, we've build in time for you to stretch your legs with some free time to enjoy the city.

    In the afternoon set off towards San Rossore Park, to check in for your evening accomodations.

    • Daily distance: 11 mi / 18 km
    • Elevation gain: +0 ft / -60 ft | +0m / -5 m
    • Accomodation: ***B&B near the San Rossore Reserve
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Pisa between mountain and sea

    Enjoy a great journey on two wheels today, thanks to the diverse landscapes you'll traverse: from seaside views to mountain vistas, with a thorough exploration of an art-filled city along the way. All on an almost entirely flat route.

    Within San Rossore Park, journey between the Cascine Vecchie and the Cascine Nuove, reaching the banks of the Arno River. Here, you'll ferry bikes across the river, embarking on the historic "via del Trammino" route that once linked Calci with Pisa and the Marina.

    Depending on weather, seize the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the sea and enjoy lunch on the beach, before heading back to Pisa, passing through San Giuliano Terme. Reach your final destination by late afternoon, the 18th-century Villa di Corliano nestled on the slopes of Monte Pisano, and your accommodation for this evening.

    • Daily distance: 26 mi / 42 km
    • Elevation gain: +0 ft / -16 ft | +0 m / -5 m
    • Accomodation: Villa di Corliano
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 6: Massaciuccoli and Torre del Lago in the Puccini lands

    This last day of this tour still holds many surprises not to be missed. The Puccini Cycle Route introduces you to the landscapes that inspired the famous composer. Immerse yourself in the pure nature of the Lipu Oasis with a boat excursion to Torre del Lago; after which, the return to Lucca is easy pedal following the Serchio river

    Settle into your comfortable accommodation in Lucca for a celebratory conclusion to your Tuscan bike adventure.

    • Daily distance: 28 mi / 45 km
    • Elevation gain: +0 ft / -295 ft | +0 m / -90 m
    • Accomodation: ***B&B in Lucca
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7: End tour in Lucca

    Your tour ends this morning after breakfast with option to extend your stay in Lucca or add on a guided tour of the city.

    • Meals: Breakfast

Request information

I consent to the processing of my personal data I confirm that I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy. I authorize the processing of my personal data so that you can provide me with the best possible support. Your security is our priority, and we are committed to protecting the information you provide to us.

Highlights

• Noble villas in the hillside outside of Lucca
• Ride alongside the arches of the Medici Aqueduct
• Certosa di Calci – a 14th century monastery and home of a prominent natural history museum
• Massaciuccoli Lake Reserve with a boat excursion to Torre del Lago Puccini
• Overnight stay in 18th century Villa di Corliano.

Includes

• Accommodation in three star B&Bs with daily breakfasts
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Welcome meeting, briefing and bike fitting
• Gpx tracks and navigation app with mini hiking guide of the route

Signature Experience:
• Wine or olive oil tasting on day 2

Excludes

• Bike rental
• Local tourist taxes (where applicable)
• Meals not specified as included in program
• Entrance fees to nature parks, museums, etc.
• Tips and personal expenses

Pricing

Starting at €745 per person in double occupancy room (minimum 2 pax)
• Single supplement: +20%

Rates vary by season, inquire for more details.

Bike Options

• E-MTB

Extra Costs

Bike Rental:
• E-MTB – starting at €250
• Panniers and other equipment upon request

Services:
• Cycle guide: €250/day
• Van support: €300/day

Experiences:
• Naturalist guided hike in Parco San Rossore
• Private guided tour in Lucca and Pisa