By bike from Pisa to Florence | Eurobike CyclingBlog

Leaning Tower of Pisa Here We Come!

Done and booked – we hit the road and headed south. Driving turned out to be the best choice, getting us from Salzburg to our parking spot in Pistoia in just seven hours. Upon arrival, Alex, our Tuscany station manager, gave us a quick tour before taking us to our first hotel in Pisa. After the welcome briefing at the hotel, we received all the essentials for our cycling tour – including our rental bikes. That evening, we made our way to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and, of course, took in Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower from every angle – complete with all the classic (and slightly acrobatic!) photo ops.

Following our noses, we wander through the charming streets of the heart of Pisa, making our way to the lovely Francesco Lenci restaurant at Piazza dei Cavalieri. For those visiting Tuscany for the first time, the "Picci" are a must – a regional pasta, tossed in butter and the finest truffles, then finished off with Pecorino cheese. Simply divine!

Goodbye Pisa and Ciao Lucca Let’s Go!

As stunning as the Leaning Tower looked illuminated the night before, we were eager to see the city’s highlight once again in daylight, its white marble shining brightly. But the crowds of tour groups pushing past us signaled it was time to leave the hustle behind. We hopped onto our bikes, and with each kilometer, the city’s noise faded, replaced by a quieter, more vibrant landscape. We cycled through the breathtaking beauty of the Valle del Serchio.

A short detour leads us to a church with a stunning view over reed beds, ponds, and ancient ruins. We continue along the Serchio River, making our way into the historic center of Lucca. The city is encircled by an impressively wide wall – ideal for a leisurely bike ride from one side to the other. Captivated by the scenery, we cycle along the wall, soaking in the views of Lucca’s rooftops before heading to our charming hotel just outside the city.

In the evening, we wander through the enchanting streets of Lucca’s old town, savoring the mild temperatures. We indulge in delicious truffle pasta at Piazza dell'Anfiteatro – and, of course, enjoy a well-deserved glass of Colline Lucchesi Rosso. Cheers – or should I say, Salute!

Two women sitting in a restaurant with delicious dishes

Photo Stop at Villa Torrigiani on the Way to Montecarlo.

I had to double-check the description myself – but no, we’re not making a spontaneous detour to the French Riviera – there’s actually a Montecarlo in Tuscany. As we arrived at the entrance gate of the vibrant yellow Villa Torrigiani, a furry, friendly companion greeted us by the ticket booth. After a friendly paw shake, we explored the stunning English garden, curious about why such a garden would be planted in the heart of Tuscany. A kind young woman shared the fascinating explanation, along with the tragic history of a noble family, during our guided tour.

Next, we continue on our journey with the practical and convenient Eurobike on Tour app to Montecarlo. This place will stay with Monika and me for a long time, as time seems to stand still here. The colorful facades and the cozy ambiance that drifts through the narrow streets make it the perfect spot to pause and take it all in. Before we know it, we’re seated at the charming Osteria La Buca del Norcino, ordering fresh ravioli with even fresher truffles, and a local delicacy – dried wild boar bacon called Lardo di Cinghiale.

Purple flowers in front of Villa Torrigiani

Selfie from the road with towers in the background

Fresh ravioli in cheese sauce and breads garnished with wild boar meat

Yellow facade of a restaurant in Tuscany

An Adventure is Shaped by Spontaneous Changes in Plans.

Unfortunately, our visit to Vinci was washed out as a storm swept through Tuscany. With heavy rain and a sudden cold snap, we had to quickly rethink our plans. And what would a cycling adventure be without a few spontaneous changes? So, we decided to stay in Montecatini Terme and explore this historic spa town, which was especially vibrant in the 1980s. We toured the Terme Tettuccio, renowned for its four healing springs: Leopoldina, Regina, Rinfresco, and Tettuccio. Sirio Tofanari’s architectural masterpiece is not just a marble monument but one of the city’s most important thermal baths, a UNESCO World Heritage site, complete with the magnificent Galleri Turelli.

Admittedly, the town has aged a bit, and the shine of its past has dulled somewhat. In the afternoon, the sun breaks through for a moment, and on a whim, we take a charming funicular up to Montecatini Alto for a city stroll. We savor the sweeping views of the countryside, enjoy a cappuccino, and indulge in a delicious antipasto. As evening sets in, the streets are filled with the irresistible aroma of truffles. After a few moments of deliberation over which restaurant might enchant us most, we settle on the Antica Osteria Toscana.

Ancient thermal fountains at Terme Tettucio

Ancient outbuilding of the Terme Tettucio

Da Vinci, Chianti & Picci: The Ride to Pistoia

Since we had originally planned to visit Vinci on a rainy day, but the weather had other ideas, today, under a cloudy sky, we’re feeling determined. On a whim, we combine the route to the birthplace of the renowned Leonardo da Vinci with the scheduled leg to Pistoia. After just a few days on the bike, we’ve gained a real sense of both the bike and the distances, so we decide to go for it—and we have no regrets. For history buffs and curious minds, a visit to Vinci is an absolute must. This day stands out as one of the most physically challenging—and certainly one of the proudest—moments of our multi-day cycling adventure. And of course, we still had time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town. With little expectation, Pistoia’s charm pleasantly surprised us.

Cyclist riding her bike past large cypress trees

Conclusion

The cycling tour from Pisa to Florence has a lot to offer. It provides deep insights into the land and its people, and in addition to the must-see highlights that are staples of any visit to Tuscany, it also uncovers many hidden gems and true culinary delights. If you want to experience the region in a truly flavorful way, this journey is perfect. With a moderate difficulty level, this tour offers manageable daily stages and climbs that are easily tackled. However, those who enjoy cycling from city to city should also be prepared for stretches along busier roads. My conclusion: This tour strikes a balance between both aspects, but it's important to keep that in mind. In return, you're rewarded with so much more.

My Favourite Spot

As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words!" And so, my favorite place remains our destination city, Florence. We extended our stay by a day to fully immerse ourselves in this breathtaking city. Known as the city of art or the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence reveals new wonders at every corner – whether it’s the Ponte Vecchio, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, or even a simple pasta shop serving fresh homemade pasta.

On our last day, we climbed the many steps to Piazzale Michelangelo just in time for sunset and were rewarded with this breathtaking view. Pictured here: my personal favorite spot!

Curious to know what my first "Team Members on Tour" cycling journey was? Find out more here!

Breathtaking view of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

Woman sitting on a bridge and looking at the famous Ponte Vecchio

Old man in pasta shop in front of counter with fresh pasta

Picturesque sunset with a view of the Ponte Vecchio

Delicious tomato bruscetta with a basil leaf