Active Full Day Tuscan Bike Tour With Wine Tasting and Lunch

If you’re dreaming of truly experiencing Tuscany beyond the typical sightseeing bus, this Active Full Day Tuscan Bike Tour might be just what you need. Promising a mix of scenic cycling, delicious wine and olive oil tastings, and a hearty Tuscan lunch, it’s designed for those who want a more active way to take in Italy’s countryside.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a genuine taste of local life—away from crowded tourist spots—and how small group sizes mean you get more personalized attention from your guide. The chance to upgrade to an e-bike is also a thoughtful touch, making the ride more accessible if you’re concerned about the hills.

A word of caution: this is a challenging ride, with several hilly sections, so it’s best suited for those with good physical fitness or who are comfortable on more demanding bikes. If you’re unsteady or prefer a very leisurely pace, the electric upgrade might be worth considering. This tour works best for active travelers, food and wine lovers, and anyone eager to see Tuscany in a hands-on way.

Key Points

• Active and scenic: Perfect for those who want a workout with beautiful views.
• Small group experience: Just 10 people, so you get more attention.
• Includes tastings and lunch: Enjoy local wine, olive oil, and a multi-course Tuscan meal.
• Upgrade option: Electric bikes available for an extra fee, making hills easier.
• Rich scenery and authentic stops: Cycling through Chianti’s famous roads and vineyards.
• Weather-proof: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

An Overview of the Tour

This full-day adventure is designed to take you off the typical tourist trail and into the heart of Tuscany’s countryside. Starting in Florence, you’ll spend approximately 7 hours exploring the Chianti region by bike—an excellent way to combine exercise, sightseeing, and tasting.

The tour kicks off at Via del Campuccio in Florence and heads out onto the famous Chiantigiana road (Strada Statale 222). You’ll pedal through rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and scenic farm landscapes, all while being guided by knowledgeable locals. The route is full of outstanding views, and many riders describe the experience as both invigorating and inspiring.

The Highlights of the Experience

What makes this tour stand out is the balance of activity and relaxation, plus the chance to enjoy some of Tuscany’s best local flavors. You’ll get to sample wine and olive oils at a charming farm, which is a highlight for many, as one reviewer puts it: “The wine, olive oil and food were the absolute treasure.” After that, a hearty multi-course Tuscan lunch caps off the day, allowing you to recover and indulge.

The small group size—strictly capped at 10 travelers—means you’re not just another face in a large crowd. Instead, you’ll get more interaction with your guide, who’s usually praised for being informative, engaging, and safety-conscious. Several reviews highlight guides like Dri, Jaco, and Frederico, who add a warm, personal touch to the day.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Cycling the Chianti Roads

Once you leave Florence, the route takes you onto Chiantigiana, where you’ll enjoy outstanding views of Tuscany’s iconic hills. The terrain involves some hills and challenging sections, which can be demanding but rewarding. Expect to be cycling for around 6 hours, with plenty of stops to take photos, relax, and take in the scenery.

Stops and Tastings

Your first major stop is at a farm where you’ll enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting. The farm visit is not only delicious but also provides insight into local farming traditions. The tastings include authentic Chianti wines and freshly pressed olive oils, which many describe as tasting like “a treasure.”

Lunch in the Mountains

Midday, you’ll settle into a rustic Tuscan restaurant for a multi-course lunch. The meal usually features local ingredients, and vegetarian options are available if requested in advance. Reviews mention that the lunch is both hearty and flavorful, rounding out a day of activity with satisfying local cuisine.

The Cycling Experience: Challenges and Rewards

The bike ride is described as challenging by many, with several steep climbs that give the workout a well-deserved sense of accomplishment. One review notes, “A few steep climbs give one a sense of a workout deserving of the lunch,” which shows how active this tour truly is. If hills aren’t your thing or you’re concerned about fitness, you’ll be pleased to know that electric bikes are available for an extra $30—a thoughtful option for making the ride more manageable.

The bikes provided are 24-speed gear bikes, suitable for tackling various terrains, and come with helmets and a small water bottle. The bikes are generally well-reviewed, with travelers appreciating the quality and ease of use.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want to see Tuscany from a different perspective. It’s ideal for those comfortable with physically demanding activities, given the hills and length of the ride. If you’re passionate about wine, food, and scenic landscapes, you’ll love the stops and tastings along the way.

It’s not recommended for younger teens under 14 or those with mobility issues, as the minimum height requirement is 150 cm. Also, since it operates in all weather, be prepared for rain or sun—dress sportily and comfortably.

Price and Value

At approximately $149.78 per person, this tour offers a lot—scenic cycling, authentic tastings, and a substantial lunch—all in one day. Considering the small group size and personalized attention, this feels like a fair price for a comprehensive Tuscan experience. Plus, the inclusion of quality bikes and the optional e-bike upgrade adds flexibility and value.

What the Reviews Say

Praise for the tour is consistent across reviews. Roxanne and her husband highlight the professionalism of guides like Dri, noting, “Our guide Dri was informative, engaging and safety conscious.” Others mention how the views and food exceeded expectations, with one noting, “The scenery looking down towards the city was beautiful,” and “Getting away from the common touristy offerings was a nice change.”

Several travelers appreciated the balance of physical challenge and culture. One review describes it as “the best bike tour of my life,” emphasizing the memorable combination of exercise, scenery, and local flavors.

The Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so proper clothing is advised—think layers, rain jacket if needed, and sunscreen. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for changing plans.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys active experiences and wants a genuine taste of rural Tuscany, this bike tour offers a memorable day out. It’s perfect for those eager to combine physical activity with cultural and culinary delights, and who appreciate small, intimate groups for a more personalized experience.

While it’s a bit demanding physically—especially with the hills—it’s well worth it for the stunning views, flavorful tastings, and the chance to feel like a local for a day. If you’re fit and ready for a challenge, this is a fantastic way to spend a full day exploring Tuscany’s countryside.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 14 years old, and the minimum height is 150 cm, making it suitable for teens who are comfortable on bikes and fit for challenging rides.

Can I upgrade to an electric bike?
Yes, you can request an e-bike for an extra $30 when booking, which makes tackling hills much easier and less strenuous.

How long is the cycling portion of the tour?
You’ll be cycling for about 6 hours, including stops for tastings and sightseeing, with a total duration of approximately 7 hours.

What should I wear?
Dress in sporty, comfortable clothing suitable for cycling. Weather can vary, so layers and a rain jacket are advisable depending on the forecast.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a 24-speed bike and helmet, water bottle, wine and olive oil tastings, farm visit, and a multi-course Tuscan lunch.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged—just be sure to inform the tour provider when booking.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately, and be prepared for rain or sun. Should there be severe weather, check with the provider for any updates.

This bike tour balances adventure, delicious food, and scenic beauty—perfect for those who want to see Tuscany in a more intimate, active way. Just be sure you’re ready for a bit of a workout, and you’ll come home with stories and tastes to remember.