From Pisa to Lucca along Puccini cycling path

Exploring Tuscany by Bike: A Self-Guided Ride from Pisa to Lucca along the Puccini Cycling Path

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Tuscany away from the usual crowds, this self-guided cycling tour from Pisa to Lucca offers a fantastic way to soak in the landscape and local charm at your own pace. Riding along the Puccini cycling path, you’ll enjoy peaceful river views, medieval city walls, and scenic countryside—all while avoiding the busy tourist spots.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. We love how smoothly the ride flows through the Serchio river valley, showing off a quieter, more authentic side of Tuscany. Plus, the breathtaking views from the city walls of Lucca make this experience memorable. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the total distance—at 50 km round trip, it’s manageable but might be a stretch for very casual riders or those with limited cycling experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy independent exploration, have a bit of cycling stamina, and appreciate combining outdoor activity with cultural sightseeing. If you’re after a flexible, scenic day that takes you through charming towns and stunning landscapes, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Self-guided experience provides flexibility to explore at your own pace
• Stunning river and countryside scenery along the Serchio river valley
• Historic sights and views of Lucca’s medieval walls and towers
• Bike rental included with a user-friendly app for navigation
• Option to take the train back to Pisa with your bike for convenience
• Suitable for those over 13, with a focus on comfortable, scenic cycling

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Ride

The tour kicks off at a designated meeting point, where you’ll be provided with a quality touring bike, a smartphone-compatible app with your route, and a phone holder. The first part of your day involves pedaling along the picturesque Puccini cycling path, which traces the Serchio river. This part of the ride is a real treat for nature lovers: broken river beds, jumping waters, and bushy terraces filled with birds create a peaceful backdrop that makes the physical effort worthwhile.

The route takes you over a river via a dedicated cycling path, offering a delightful view of the water below and the surrounding greenery. It’s not just a ride through nature but also a journey into the heart of Tuscany’s rural charm. We’ve heard from travelers that even though the ride covers about 25 km to reach Lucca, the scenery and tranquility make it feel less like exercise and more like a discovery.

As you approach Lucca, the path leads you to the medieval city walls, where you’ll have the chance to admire the fortress’s impressive ramparts and panoramic views of the city. Once inside, you’ll find that Lucca’s narrow streets, towers, and squares are excellent for wandering at your leisure. You can visit highlights like the Guinigi Tower with its hanging garden or explore the charming via Fillungo, filled with quaint shops and cafes.

For a delicious local treat, Lucca offers specialties like cecina, necci (chestnut pancake) with ricotta, buccellato, and traditional Lucchese soups—perfect for a break after your ride. When it’s time to head back, travelers can choose to take the regional train, which carries bikes for a small extra fee, or leave their bikes in Lucca and return later.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Know

The cost of $39 per person might seem modest for a full five-hour adventure, but considering that bike rental, an app-guided route, and a phone holder are included, it’s quite reasonable. It’s worth noting that food and drinks aren’t included, so packing some water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you’re riding in the warmer months or with children.

This experience doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off—so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point. The tour is not suitable for children under 13, which makes sense given the distance and self-guided nature.

You can choose private or small group options, adding a touch of personalized service if you prefer. Cancellation is flexible, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff at the bike shop and the overall quality of the bikes, which makes the ride comfortable and smooth. One traveler mentioned, “They were friendly and made sure we were prepared for our ride,” highlighting the helpfulness of the team.

Another review from Suzanne notes, “We really enjoyed the change of pace from our tour-heavy trip to Italy.” She appreciated the great directions and accommodating service from Smile & Ride, which helped her and her family opt for a shorter ride to the beach instead of Lucca, demonstrating the flexibility of the experience.

The views along the river and the ancient city walls are often described as breathtaking. That top-notch scenery, combined with the ease of self-guiding, makes it a memorable way to see Tuscany from a different perspective—more relaxed, more personal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ride suits active travelers who enjoy cycling, want to explore Tuscany at their own pace, and aren’t concerned about covering a fair distance. It’s a great choice for those interested in combining outdoor activity with cultural sights. While families with children over 13 can participate, the tour isn’t designed for very young children, mainly because of the distance and self-guided format.

If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends who appreciate scenic routes and a bit of adventure, you’ll find this a rewarding experience. Those who love off-the-beaten-path spots and are comfortable with basic cycling will get the most out of this tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

For just $39, this self-guided bike tour from Pisa to Lucca offers a chance to enjoy Tuscany’s natural landscapes and historic charm at your own pace. The route along the Serchio river is both scenic and peaceful, and the inclusion of a quality bike and navigation app makes the day accessible and convenient.

While not suitable for very young children or anyone unsure about cycling 25 km one way, this experience strikes a nice balance between independence and support. You’ll love the beautiful views from the city walls of Lucca, as well as the chance to explore the less crowded countryside that’s often missed on busier tours.

If you appreciate a mix of outdoor activity, cultural sights, and flexible scheduling, this tour is a solid choice that could easily become a highlight of your Tuscany trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children under 13?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 13 due to the distance and the self-guided nature.

Can I take the train back to Pisa with the bikes?
Yes, there’s the option to take the regional train carrying your bikes for a small extra fee, which offers a convenient way to return without cycling the entire distance.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a passport or ID, a credit card, comfortable clothes, and plenty of water. A smartphone is also required to access the route app.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or plan to stop in Lucca for a local treat.

How long does the entire tour take?
The total riding time is about 5 hours, covering approximately 25 km each way, but this can vary depending on how long you spend exploring Lucca.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
It’s a self-guided experience, with an app providing the route and instructions, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

What’s the scenery like?
Expect peaceful river views, broken river beds, bushy terraces with birds, and stunning vistas from the medieval city walls of Lucca.

Can I leave my bike in Lucca?
Yes, it’s possible to leave your bike in Lucca for an additional fee, making it easier if you prefer to explore on foot or plan to return later.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day in Tuscany that combines nature with culture, this bike tour from Pisa to Lucca might just be what you’re looking for. Just remember to pace yourself, bring all the essentials, and enjoy the peaceful ride through one of Italy’s most charming regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: