Cycle Tuscany

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
Cycle Tuscany
8 Days
From AUD $3510
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Cycle Tuscany

Cycle Tuscany

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the rolling hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this eight-day cycling adventure from Florence to Pisa. Cycle through small, traditional villages backdropped by mountain views in Barga, then ride the pulsing streets of Pisa to the famed lopsided tower.

Highlights

  • Pedal through the rolling green hills and vineyards of Tuscany, stopping to sample the local cuisine and indulging in a glass (or two) of vino along the way.
  • From Lucca's tree-lined city walls, you’ll follow the gentle Serchio River on your bike to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – take the classic shot in front of the tower or hunt down the best local cafe and people-watch.
  • Retrace the steps of Leonardo da Vinci around his home city, Vinci. Surrounded by olive groves, your cycle will take you past Casa Natale di Leonardo then returns you to the village where you can explore at your own pace.
  • Stay in picturesque Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where you’ll spend your day cycling up and down the valleys, maybe stopping at the famous Fronte della Rocca for one of their cakes and coffees that have been enjoyed since 1885.
  • Get away from tourist crowds and experience the authentic Italy – on two wheels and two feet, you’ll have the best chance to connect with locals, ride through rural areas you otherwise wouldn’t visit and have the insights from a local leader who knows all the best spots.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle,Local bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Florence, Italy

Finishes

Pisa, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Florence
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Florence with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. The trip spends very little time in Florence, so it’s strongly recommended that you arrive a few days early if you want to see all that this amazing city' has to offer. If you do arrive early, maybe take a stroll around the historic Florence cathedral or visit Uffizi gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo. After your meeting tonight, perhaps head out with your new group and local leader and hunt down the best slice of pizza, your favourite Italian wine or a plate of bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled Italian steak cooked on the bone).

Optional Activities:

  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery (29 EUR)
  • Florence - Accademia (20 EUR)
  • Florence - Medici Chapels (17 EUR)
  • Florence - Bargello Museum (16 EUR)
  • Florence - Ghiberti 3 days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo and Santa Reparata (15 EUR)
  • Florence - Giotto 3 days pass - Giotto Bell Tower, Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, and Santa Reparata (20 EUR)
  • Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure (89 EUR)
  • Florence - Pitti Palace, Gallery of Modern Art & Palatine Gallery (19 EUR)
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio (12 EUR)
  • Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days Pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Cycle Signa to Vinci
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out for your bike fitting and then take a short test ride. After, take a private transfer with your bikes to nearby Signa, where your Tuscan cycling adventure officially begins. Follow the Arno River out of Florence and ride the mostly flat small roads and trails to Empoli. Pass by the Church of Sant'Andrea before turning north towards the Tuscan hills and the town of Vinci – the birthplace of legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the climbs are relatively gentle. When you arrive in Vinci, ride past Casa Natale di Leonardo then return to the village to check into your hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit Museo Leonardiano, the home to a collection of machines and models devoted to Leonardo da Vinci.

Included Activities:

  • Signa to Vinci Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

  • Vinci - Museo Leonardiano Birthplace of Leonardo Combo Ticket (12 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Cycle Lucca to Barga
This morning after breakfast you’ll take a private transfer to the Province of Lucca. From here, you’ll cycle to the medieval hilltop town of Barga, climbing gradually along the banks of the Serchio River and up the valley to Borgo a Mozzano. Your leader will reveal the legend of the beautiful Devil’s Bridge when you arrive. Continue the gentle climb until the last two kilometres, when the road towards Barga becomes steep. For those not wanting to do the last climb, the support vehicle is always there to assist you. Those willing to conquer the hill will be rewarded with incredible views of the imposing Pania della Croce Mountain towering above the landscape. Tonight, why not relax after a big day's ride with a traditional Tuscan dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Lucca to Barga Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Devil’s Bridge visit

Optional Activities:

  • Barga - Dinner (25 EUR)
  • Barga - Fondazione Pascoli (7 EUR)
  • Barga - Cathedral - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Cycle in the Garfagnana
Start the day with a pleasant downhill ride to the valley floor, following the winding road through the small local villages. You’ll climb, then descend into the next valley to the 13th century town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Situated at the confluence of the Serchio and the Turrite Secca Rivers, this is a great place to sit back and tuck into a refreshing gelato or maybe visit the famous Fronte della Rocca – this historic cake and chocolate-maker has been around since 1885 and they’re also known for their excellent coffee! This afternoon, head out again for your second ride, stopping in one of the villages along the way for a picnic lunch of authentic Italian dishes. Remount your bike for the final climb up to the imposing Verrucole Castle in San Romano – a medieval fortress with spectacular views over Garfagnana. Enjoy a freewheeling descent back to the hotel and the ambience of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.

Included Activities:

  • Garfagnana - Picnic
  • Barga to Garfagnana Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

  • Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Cathedral - Free
  • Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Fortezza dell'Este - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Cycle the Apuan Alps to Lucca
Today there will be a change of pace, starting with a climb up the Apuan Alps in the support vehicle. Stop at the long abandoned white marble quarry of Henraux to view the same marble seams that Michelangelo used in creating many of his masterpieces. Mount up and ride the short distance to the top of the mountain range before starting the long and winding ride downhill to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio. From here, head along the flat seafront roads to the famous Tuscan walled city of Lucca. When you arrive, circle the ancient city ramparts by bike and stop to enjoy an afternoon picnic on the walls. Tonight, you’re free to explore the city – maybe end the day at a local bar with a glass of Prosecco.

Included Activities:

  • Lucca - Picnic
  • Garfagnana to Lucca Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Free day in Lucca
Today is a free day off the bike in Lucca. Take the opportunity to see all the sights this city has to offer – maybe wander the former Roman amphitheatre off Via Fillungo and visit the medieval houses now standing in its place. Grab a seat at one of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro's many outdoor cafes and watch the world go by with a coffee or stop by Foro Square and see the San Michele church, which was built over the top of an ancient Roman forum. If you’re looking for the best spots to eat, your local leader will always have the best recommendations!

Optional Activities:

  • Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb (3 EUR)
  • Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens (7 EUR)
  • Lucca - Puccini concert (20 EUR)
  • Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb (8 EUR)
  • Lucca - Torre delle Ore Climb (8 EUR)
  • Lucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi (5 EUR)
  • Lucca - Cathedral Museum (4 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Cycle Lucca to Pisa
Leave Lucca by bike this morning and follow the flat leafy bike paths downstream along the banks of the Serchio River to Pisa – home to the legendary leaning tower. After cycling through Pisa's frenetic streets and taking your classic Pisa photo, maybe take some time to wander the shopping streets here or indulge in an aperitif at one of Pisa’s many cafes and bars. Later, maybe head out for a final dinner with your group and indulge in an Italian feast one last time.

Included Activities:

  • Lucca to Pisa Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa (27 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Pisa
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,510
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore the rolling hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this eight-day cycling adventure from Florence to Pisa. Cycle through small, traditional villages backdropped by mountain views in Barga, then ride the pulsing streets of Pisa to the famed lopsided tower.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Jun 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Dennis
Traveled, October 2023

10/14/2023

Great ride great guides great food great trip??

4.5
Chloe
Traveled, September 2023

09/23/2023

Overall a great trip, due in large part to the leader (Andrea) and support driver (Dav). There are some parts of the route that I would strongly recommend Intrepid change to ensure a higher level of safety - I was very grateful for the efforts of the guide and driver to ensure our safety during these instances (the route is out of their hands). Some of the hotel options could be improved as well. Overall, biking through such a beautiful part of Italy and visiting the small countryside towns was an unforgettable experience. Thanks Andrea and Dav!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989