Cycling In Tuscany

Italy is established as one of Europe’s top cycling destinations. The Italians love cycling and they love cyclists – and this is particularly the case in Tuscany.

Here, the team at Europe Active – the adventure holiday specialists - consider why Tuscany is such an attractive destination for bicycle holidays:

Destination for all

Tuscany is a great destination for cyclists of all levels. Beginners or leisure cyclists will love tours around Lucca as it has no cars. Whereas more experienced cyclists might want to enjoy the playground that is the Apuane Mountain routes with their steep hills and valleys along with their mountain bike trails.

Glorious weather

If you cycle Tuscany, you’ll see that the Tuscan weather is generally good. Although it is very warm in July and August, the early mornings and late afternoons are cooler and cycling itineraries can be moulded to suit.

Food

Italian food is known for being delicious. It is simple and Italy enjoys fabulous produce. In Tuscany, this is even more the case. You’ll also be able to enjoy the fabulous wine that Tuscany offers. In many cases, your cycle route might even be totally focused on the olive groves and vineyards in and around Tuscany.  

Culture

Cycling in Tuscany means that you will be best placed to really enjoy the cultural hotspots it is blessed with. Florence is perhaps foremost amongst these and a visit to this beautiful city is not to be missed. The beautiful city of Pisa should also be on your ‘to do’ list – but make sure you take in the town itself and not just its infamous tower.

Hospitality

When cycling Tuscany you’ll become aware of the unique Tuscan hospitality. What’s more, they are kind to cyclists, particularly in rural areas, where locals will always acknowledge you. 

Stop and take in your surroundings

Perhaps the most amazing thing about cycling in Tuscany is that you are close to some beautiful and stunning surroundings. It really is a beautiful part of Italy, and the world. So when you are on your bike, you can stop and rest our legs and drink in the views. And when you and your bike complete a climb, you will always we rewarded with views of the sweeping Tuscan countryside.

So, here are some suggestions for the best way to experience Tuscany on a bike:

If you are looking for a comfortable route, then Europe Active’s ‘Olive and Wine tour of the LucchesiHills (comfort version)’ could be ideal. You’ll experience authentic Tuscan hospitality and its beautiful scenery. Or perhaps the luxury version of the ‘Apennine Mountains to Pisavia Florence’ route is the perfect cycling holiday in Tuscany for you? It takes in the heart of the region and has been crafted to ensure you get to experience every spot this part of the country has to offer.

For those amongst you who are looking for an intermediate route, there’s the ‘self-guided bike tour aroundTuscany, via Pisa and Vinci’. You’ll be cycling from Lucca to Pisa and Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace as well as taking in the beautiful Chianti vineyards.

And for the more advanced and expert cyclists, there’s Europe Active’s own ‘original Giro de Toscana’.Designed by a professional cyclist, you will see every part of Tuscany from your bike. It’s a completely unique trip!

If you cycle Tuscany, you are sure to experience on of the best cycling holidays Italy has to offer.

If you are planning your cycling holidays, take a look at the Europe Active website at europe-active.co.uk for more information on Tuscany bike tours and the very best cycling tours and destinations in Europe  - some of them as yet very undiscovered!

For more handy guides and informative reads like this one on how to repair a puncture, have a look at the Europe Active blog for a whole host of cycling information from insider information on the best destinations in Europe for adventure cycling holidays, thoughts about what to pack for a cycling holiday through to how choose the best cycling helmet or cycling shoes. Our blog is a cycling goldmine!