Cycle tourism: Tuscany by bike

Info and Description

Tuscany is one of the most appreciated regions for cycling holiday lovers for the variety of landscapes and the possibility of combining culture, sport and cuisine . All areas of Tuscany can be visited by bike, offering itineraries and routes for all tastes that cross the most beautiful places and the most fascinating landscapes, from beaches to mountains, from cities to the countryside.
Here we suggest some cycling routes of various kinds and difficulties: from the one suitable for families with children, to the one in the Tuscan mountains up to those that pass through the cities of art.

Tuscany by bike: when to go

More or less all year round is good to visit Tuscany by bike , but the best months for cycling holidays in Tuscany are spring and autumn, so March-June and September-October. These are the perfect months to stay in a farmhouse immersed in the Tuscan countryside, choosing between different types of structure: Bed and Breakfast, Apartments, Holiday Homes and Villas.

Tuscany by bike: recommended itineraries

To discover the historical beauties of the hills of Florence, all you have to do is take the Ring of the Renaissance . An itinerary of naturalistic and historical-artistic interest along 172 km and divided into 16 short-distance stops that surround Florence with departure and arrival at the Castle of Calenzano and views of the Mugello and the Apennine mountains. The route is of medium difficulty and crosses dirt and asphalted roads.

If you want to combine the sea and the bicycle, the Grand Tour of the Maremma is a 360-km loop in the heart of the Maremma that will let you discover the landscapes and villages of southern Tuscany , from Monte Amiata to the coast. A fascinating itinerary with some challenging stretches on paved and unpaved roads.

Another itinerary to do by bike is the ' Ring of Montalbano' , a small hilly group of Appennino about 23 kilometers long that divides the plain of Florence - Prato - Pistoia from that of Valdinievole and the Arno valley. The route makes a ring around the Montalbano passing through numerous centers and abbeys characteristic of the area. Most of the roads are secondary but paved and characterized by numerous ups and downs.

Along the ancient roads of the hilly area of Chianti and the Crete Senesi winds the path of the Eroica , a re-enactment with old bicycles that leaves and arrives in Gaiole in Chianti . Perfectly marked, the itinerary runs largely along the white roads of the Sienese Chianti on paths of varying difficulty with distances ranging from 38 to 200 km through uncontaminated landscapes, picturesque villages, vineyards and castles to be admired by riding. It is worth making a stop in the cellars and farmhouses that meet along the path where you can taste wine and typical products of Tuscan gastronomy.

In Val d'Orcia , an enchanting naturalistic area, you can walk the ancient streets of the Via Francigena starting from Siena and arriving in Buonconvento . From here you reach the medieval village of Montalcino , then the area of Monte Amiata and the villages of Pienza and Bagni San Filippo , a town famous for its thermal baths .

Beautiful views also meet on the Path of reclamation of the Canale Maestro della Chiana , which connects Arezzo to Chiusi to discover wineries, oil mills and artisans that are not part of the traditional tourism routes. A path of about 60 kilometers equipped and protected for those who travel by bike, without gradients and particularly suitable for families with children , thanks to the proximity of two railway lines that facilitate the return.

Look at our offers of Farm Holidays, B & B, Holiday Homes and Apartments and choose the most suitable ones for your cycling holiday in Tuscany!