Via Francigena Gravel Ride: Tuscany by Bike

Arrive in the heart of Tuscany, where your journey begins in the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Take your time to settle in, soak up the atmosphere and let the anticipation build. This is your moment to switch into holiday mode. Wander the charming streets, grab a coffee in a lively piazza and get ready for your ride to begin tomorrow.

If you would like an airport transfer from Pisa (PSA) or Florence (FLR), just ask our team and we can help arrange this for you.

Today you roll out onto the Via Francigena. After meeting our local suppliers for your bike and luggage handover, set off through Lucca’s historic streets before heading into the Tuscan countryside. The route flows gently at first, guiding you past beautiful churches and timeless towns like Capannori and Altopascio. As you follow the ancient pilgrimage path, the landscape opens up, leading you towards the Arno River. A final climb wakes up the legs before you arrive in San Miniato, where you can unwind and reflect on a strong start to your adventure.

Today's ride is 50km/390m (31 miles / 1,280ft)

You begin the day riding into the Val d’Elsa, where long, smooth stretches invite you to find your pace. Castelfiorentino comes and goes before the road starts to rise, drawing you towards Gambassi Terme. This is your chance to pause, recharge and, if you fancy, dip into the thermal waters that have soothed travellers for centuries. Then it’s time to push on. The final climb rewards your effort with something special as San Gimignano appears on the horizon, its iconic towers rising above the Tuscan hills. You’ve earned this view and the feeling that comes with it.

Today's ride is 43km/820m (27 miles / 2,690ft)

San Gimignano is a wonderful place to spend an extra night, giving you time to relax, explore its medieval streets and soak up the Tuscan atmosphere. Enjoy a well earned rest day or, if you're keen to keep cycling, choose one of the following optional excursions.

Optional Excursion 1: Colle di Val d'Elsa and Poggio Imperiale
Cycle through Ulignano towards Poggibonsi, where the impressive Fortezza di Poggio Imperiale overlooks the town. Continue to Colle di Val d'Elsa and climb to Colle Alta, the charming medieval quarter, perfect for a coffee stop with panoramic views. Return along scenic Tuscan roads, enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way.

Optional Excursion 2: Certaldo, Birthplace of Boccaccio
Cycle through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, passing neatly planted vineyards and olive groves on your way to Certaldo Alto. Explore this wonderfully preserved medieval hilltop village, birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, author of The Decameron. Wander through its atmospheric brick paved streets before returning along some of the region's most picturesque back roads.

Leave San Gimignano behind, riding through rolling vineyards and postcard perfect scenery. The road keeps things interesting as you flow through Poggibonsi and climb towards Colle di Val d’Elsa. History surrounds you here, from the ancient monastery at Abbadia a Isola to the perfectly preserved walls of Monteriggioni. As the terrain shifts to the gravel roads of the Montagnola Senese, the ride takes on a new character before guiding you to Siena’s northern gate. Enter the city and feel it instantly. Siena welcomes you in with open arms. Spend your time exploring its medieval streets, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a well earned Tuscan dinner.

Today's ride is 52km/790m (32 miles / 2,592ft)

Ride one of Tuscany's most celebrated gravel routes, following many of the legendary Strade Bianche that have made L'Eroica famous. Leaving Siena, the route winds through the rolling Crete Senesi, quiet country lanes and white gravel roads, passing vineyards, cypress lined hills and picturesque villages before returning to the city. This classic Tuscan ride offers a rewarding mix of gravel and paved roads, steady climbs and spectacular scenery throughout.

Today's ride is 89km/1,536m (55 miles / 5,039ft)

Your journey may be coming to an end, but the memories are just getting started. After breakfast, check out and enjoy your final moments in Tuscany. If you need an airport transfer to Pisa (PSA) or Florence (FLR), just ask our team and we can help arrange this for you.

If you're not quite ready to leave, why not extend your stay and explore more of Tuscany? Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your bike hire and enjoy one last ride before departing, just let us know.

Please note that all distances and elevations are approximate and based on stays in town centres. Your routes may be slightly longer or shorter depending on the accommodation included in your quote.