At last, the moment has arrived, and my excitement is growing. My Team Member on Tour journey is about to begin. It didn’t take long for me to decide that Tuscany, with its beautiful cycling routes, would be my destination. It’s one of my dream locations, and I’ve always wanted to experience the “Tuscany Loop Tour.” My partner Leo and I are both eagerly anticipating the stunning landscapes, charming cities, and delicious local specialties that lie ahead.
We’re eagerly counting down the moments until our journey begins! In the afternoon, we arrive at our comfortable accommodation, the Grand Hotel Croce di Malta in Montecatini Terme. The weather isn’t on our side at the moment, as it’s raining and the sun is hardly showing itself. But we refuse to let it dampen our spirits and start our active vacation with a leisurely walk through the charming town of Montecatini Terme.
On the evening of our travel day, we attend an informational meeting followed by bike distribution, led by my colleague Alex. Fully informed, we eagerly begin our first stage the next morning with excitement and anticipation. Passing through numerous small villages, typical olive groves, and the Valdenievole Valley with its rolling green hills, we reach the town of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. We’ve opted for e-bikes on this tour—a decision I’m glad we made. This allows us to easily navigate the hilly terrain with its challenging inclines. After about 60 kilometers, we return to Montecatini Terme, where we explore the town once again in the evening and unwind with a glass of wine, reflecting on the day before we set off for Pisa the following morning.
The adventure continues as we hop on our bikes in the morning, with our packed panniers ready. A quick stop in Lucca to explore the city center and its historic walls is highly recommended. We're thoroughly impressed and decide to take a longer break—there's so much to discover in this charming town!
In the late afternoon, after about 65 kilometers, we finally arrive at our destination: the iconic city of Pisa. We’re completely captivated by the Piazza dei Miracoli. After enjoying a delicious dinner and some sightseeing, we head back to our hotel, Soggiorno Athena, to rest up for the next leg of our journey. It’s hard to believe, but after just two days of cycling, every muscle in our bodies feels the strain by evening!
After a delicious breakfast, we set off the next day toward the spa town of Casciana Terme. Olive trees, flowers, and fruits stretch as far as the eye can see, and we’re captivated by the beauty of the Tuscan landscape. With the new Eurobike on Tour app guiding us, navigation is effortless, and we cycle leisurely from one kilometer to the next.
In the early afternoon, after about 50 kilometers of ups and downs, we reach our destination, the Albergo Roma hotel, and still have plenty of time to explore the small but charming town. All the cities we've visited so far exude that unmistakable Tuscan charm.
The stage from Casciana Terme to San Gimignano is without a doubt one of my favorites on our self-guided tour. The scenery along this route is simply breathtaking and unforgettable. Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, we experience the true essence of Italian living. After several climbs, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy a glass of Aperol Spritz and a delicious plate of pasta. Unfortunately, we spot dark, heavy clouds gathering outside the restaurant, and our ride to the next hotel, Albergo Le Colline, ends up being a rainy one. But as the saying goes—there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.
Our next stage to Siena is packed with unforgettable highlights. It begins with a stop in the fairytale village of Monteriggioni, which we explore on the recommendation of the friendly staff at our hotel in San Gimignano. We continue through the charming wine town of Castellina before arriving at our destination: the enchanting and vibrant city of Siena. Completely captivated by its timeless beauty, we check in at Hotel Italia Spa in the late afternoon and soon head out for a stroll through the city—a walk that will stay with us forever. Narrow alleyways and quaint shops guide us to our dinner spot, where we wrap up the day with a delicious meal and a warm dose of Italian hospitality.
On our second-to-last day, the weather still isn’t on our side—it pours throughout the night, and a glance out the window in the morning shows no sign of change. Over breakfast, we decide—like many fellow cyclists—to skip the final stage and travel to Florence by train instead. Thanks to Tuscany’s excellent rail connections, it’s an easy choice, with trains running nearly every hour. Florence greets us with a wealth of sights we’re eager to explore. Fortunately, the weather begins to shift, and by late afternoon, the first rays of sunshine break through the clouds. After a delicious dinner and a full dose of culture, we collapse into bed at our hotel, De La Pace, content and tired. The next morning, right on time, Alex picks us up for our return transfer to Montecatini.
Where to even begin! In both the cities and along our cycling route, there are countless small, charming restaurants. Antipasti, pizza, pasta, fish, and seafood as far as the eye can see – it’s almost impossible to choose just one dish, let alone a single restaurant. Naturally, wine plays a big role in our journey, and we’re delighted to explore a wide range of varieties. It's no surprise that we end up bringing a bottle or two home with us!
Ich stehe Ihnen bei der Planung Ihrer Radreise entlang der Loire gerne mit Rat und Tat zur Seite.
