Tuscany by bike: a journey of taste, culture and nature

Exploring Tuscany by bike: routes of taste, culture and nature

Embark on a captivating journey through Tuscany on two wheels, where the gentle breeze accompanies your path through unparalleled taste, culture, and nature.

Given the diversity and beauty of the landscapes, the charming medieval villages, the art cities, and the rich culinary tradition, it's no wonder Tuscany is one of the most beloved destinations for cyclists from around the world.

The region offers bike itineraries and routes to suit every preference: you can traverse the majestic art cities or explore the small medieval villages that stand with charm. You can ride along the famous white roads of the prestigious cycling event 'Eroica,' follow the wine and food routes through vineyards, or along the splendid Etruscan coast. 

For more experienced enthusiasts, there are epic bike routes like the formidable Apuan Alps, numerous Apennine passes, or the challenging ascent of Mount Amiata. On every route, Tuscany offers a cycling experience like no other, capturing the magic of its land through the rides.

 

THE TOUR OF 4 D.O.C.G. WINES

An unmissable cycling experience in Tuscany is the TOUR OF 4 D.O.C.G. WINES, crossing the renowned vineyards of Vernaccia, Chianti, Nobile, and Brunello. Traverse paths immersed in the green hills, exploring Tuscan culinary excellence among fascinating historic villages and majestic art cities like San Gimignano.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano affectionately preserves the atmosphere of a fourteenth-century village. Its unmistakable towers dominate a landscape worthy of exploration. Amid vineyards, wheat fields, and ancient villages, San Gimignano dignifies the Chianti and Val D'Orcia Tuscany, where distinctive flavours and traditional high-quality cuisine prevail.

In this charming village, immerse yourself in culinary delight at Ristorante Magnino, offering authentic Tuscan dishes in a cosy atmosphere, allowing you to savour history and culinary excellence in every bite.

Continue your gastronomic adventure at Risto Wine Bar di San Gimignano, where you can taste local wines and Tuscan delicacies, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of the region.

Continuing the journey to discover Tuscan wines, we cross the Crete Senesi to Val di Chiana, where you can explore the wonderful village of Montepulciano and taste the third D.O.C.G. wine, Nobile di Montepulciano. The last stop will lead us to one of the most beloved areas for cyclists in Tuscany: Val d'Orcia, with characteristic villages like Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, and Montalcino, known primarily for producing one of the world's most renowned wines, Brunello di Montalcino. During your visit to Pienza, a must-see is Nannetti & Bernardini, a shop offering artisanal delicacies and typical products, narrating the culinary history of Tuscany.

 

EXPLORING FLORENCE BY BIKE: A JOURNEY THROUGH ART, CULTURE, AND INNOVATION

Exploring Florence by bike, the cultural gem of Tuscany, offers a unique experience. Even for those who are not avid cyclists ready to tackle challenging routes in the Tuscan countryside, Florence proves to be the ideal place for a relaxed ride through its historic streets.

Thanks to well-developed bike paths and innovative rental services, exploring Florence by bike is a unique experience because it offers the opportunity to explore the city with a different perspective and breathe the vibrant air of its history as well as its modernity.

For those who prefer the convenience of starting their city exploration from a facilitated point in the centre, we recommend staying at the Boutique Hotel in Piazza della Signoria. It’s a place of luxury and sophistication in the heart of the city. From here, you can embark on your bike tour through the city's bike paths that branch out in different directions, allowing you to move comfortably and safely.

A bike tour to discover Florence's main monuments becomes a simple, comfortable, and immersive experience.

If you don't have your bike available or prefer to rent one on-site, Florence offers numerous rental options. Among public services, the innovative bike sharing stands out, available by downloading the Mobike application on your smartphone, covering the entire city centre of Florence. If you want to explore Florence by bike more thoroughly, we suggest contacting Local Guides Tour, local experts who will lead you to discover hidden corners and tell fascinating stories about the city's history and culture.

For a sweet break, stop by Gelateria Perché No, renowned for its original and authentic gelato delights. Choose from a wide range of flavours, savour the freshness of the ingredients, and indulge in a moment of pure pleasure. 

If you love challenges or rides that take you further, there are a series of bike routes around Florence that allow you to venture outside the Tuscan capital and reach other cities, such as Sesto Fiorentino, through a 3 km mixed pedestrian and cycle path.

Among natural areas and Etruscan tombs, Sesto Fiorentino is known above all for its ceramic tradition and the numerous artistic testimonies present in the area. Despite not being a tourist destination, we strongly recommend stopping by: the city centre dates back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, while in the surroundings, you will find valuable villas and numerous opportunities to spend days outdoors.

Walking through the centre historic and artisanal shops will capture your attention, like Maria Sapio Knitcouture, a refined tailoring and knitwear atelier in Sesto Fiorentino. Here, bridal or ceremonial dresses, tailor-made clothes, and other women's clothing are personally created by Maria Sapio: each creation is a unique and precious piece of high fashion.

In Tuscany, every ride bike stroke is a journey through taste, culture, and nature - an unforgettable experience that leaves its mark on the hearts of those who venture into these fascinating lands.