About this trip.
From Piazza dei Miracoli to the Arno
Most cyclists know Pisa for one tilting bell tower, but the Piazza dei Miracoli — cathedral, baptistery and all — is the proper draw, and it is where this eight-day ride begins. The route then follows the Serchio River north through the fertile Pisan plains towards Lucca, a working Tuscan city wrapped in pristinely preserved Renaissance walls. Lucca's old centre is shady, walkable and built for a slow aperitivo at the end of a day in the saddle.
The character of the riding here is leisurely rather than testing. It is graded 2 out of 5 — quiet country lanes, gentle climbs, the kind of pace that leaves time for a long lunch. Pedal-assist e-bikes are available if you would rather not labour over the climbs, and confident riders will get a useful boost on the warmer afternoons.
The route through Tuscany
Day two is the first proper leg, 47km from Pisa to Lucca with 335 metres of ascent, threading along an old water duct through Asciano and San Giuliano Terme before crossing the Serchio. From Lucca, the route bends east into smaller Tuscan towns: Montecarlo, a hill town with a quiet wine reputation; Montecatini, a 19th-century spa town that feels rather more dressed-up than rustic; and Vinci, the village that gave Leonardo his name and runs a small museum to him.
The riding stitches together a varied stretch of country — Renaissance palaces and villas glimpsed from the lanes, olive groves, the occasional castello on a ridgeline. By the time you roll into Florence, the contrast lands hard: from village squares to one of the most concentrated collections of art and architecture in Europe. A free day is built into the itinerary for the city, which you will need.
Bookings, bikes and what to expect
The trip is self-guided over eight days, with luggage moved between hotels and route notes provided in advance. Prices start from £1,295 per person. Bike hire — regular or pedal-assist e-bike — is arranged at the time of booking rather than on arrival, and the welcome meeting and bike fitting take place on the morning of day two in Pisa.
It suits cyclists who want a genuine route through Tuscany without long distance days or steep grading — riders comfortable with 30-50km on the flat to gently rolling, with the option of an electric boost when needed. Those after a more rural ride through the Crete Senesi might be better served by Saddle Skedaddle's Classic Tuscany trip instead. This one is really about the corridor between Pisa and Florence and the towns that link them, with the two cities themselves as the bookends.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
