But what makes Tuscany so unique and desired by bike travelers?
The answer comes from the very people who countless choose it, from how it feels to pedal through the textures of lesser-known territories or rediscover the most iconic places, being able to authentically ‘touch’ and experience the territory, the lifestyle, and from how the trip, vacation or simple experience gives a deep sense of belonging.
The combination of the natural, scenic and artistic heritage, which has always been protected and enhanced, together with the many motivations that move the traveler, puts Tuscany on the podium of the most popular cycling destinations in which to meet and find two-wheelers.
Bicycling allows you to discover the essence of the region in a slow mode, leaving only the imprint of your wheels and taking the time to get to know through trails and tours, the hilly contours and curves of the coastline. By bicycling, one encounters the most human part of an area, creates relationships and bonds in a privileged dialogue between those who pedal and those who live places.
The dream of cycling in Tuscany is linked to roads, flavors, seasons, events and personal challenges, and each motivation finds an answer to meet its own tailored journey.
The Atlas of Bicycle Routes
Tuscany is the first and only region to have created the Atlas of Bicycle Touring Routes, the continuously updated digital tool that facilitates travel organization and combines the current 15,000 km of routes and itineraries with facilities and themed vacation proposals. The Atlas of Tuscany’s Bicycle Touring Routes, produced by Toscana Promozione Turistica with the collaboration of experts in the field, is a valuable resource for travel planning, an essential reference point for all those wishing to organize a bicycle tour of the region.
A wide range of routes complete with detailed descriptions, interactive maps, elevation profiles and useful directions to points of interest can be accessed through the dedicated web portal.
So an increasingly bike-friendly Tuscany full of tourism operators who accompany the bike tourist for a carefree stay, complete with dedicated services. Accommodation facilities, from campgrounds to five-star hotels, wineries, restaurants, experience providers, tour operators and specialized guides, are the ambassadors who welcome the traveler. Often among winery and hotel owners or those who run agritourism, it is easy to find true two-wheel enthusiasts as allies and fellow riders.
La Grand Départ
The Grand Départ of the Tour de France from Florence is an event that will make history, give us indelible images and memories and, thanks to Florence, turn the spotlight on Italy. In fact, the 111th edition of the Tour de France will start from Florence on Saturday, June 29 as a tribute to Gino Bartali in the same year of the 110th anniversary of his birth.
Champion named the Righteous Among the Nations, winner of two Tour de France, will somehow be present among the spectators of this extraordinary event, perhaps from the Museum named after him, which will see the most important race in the world pass right through Ponte a Ema, continuing on to Bagno a Ripoli, Pontassieve, Pelago, Rufina, Dicomano, San Godenzo up to the Valico Tre Faggi before crossing the border.
Tuscany, already in the weeks leading up to the start, will be packed with training professionals, enthusiasts and amateurs who wish to experience the atmosphere of the anticipation of a major event. They will ride on the roads of the heartland, perhaps even on the characteristic Tuscan white roads that since last year have landed in the Tour de France with the inclusion of dirt sections. Attending the presentation of the teams on June 27, experiencing the village’s widespread events and eagerly awaiting the departure for an unparalleled yellow parade will be a true celebration of everyone.
Grand Tours of Tuscany
There is a Grand Tour philosophy that permeates the air, a call to seek knowledge and experience through travel. Here, among the art cities steeped in history and the countryside immersed in tranquility, you can encounter the traces of the great masters of the Renaissance, breathe art and culture in every corner. Bicycle travel thus becomes a journey through time, an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in a culture that has shaped the modern world. The Grand Tour by bicycle to deepen knowledge of the region, traditions and find, as in the past, that enrichment made of freedom, understanding of the place, to return changed and improved.
The Grand Tours to explore are diverse and doable with e-bikes but also with the bikepacking approach for a sense of adventure that perfectly fits the spirit of modern travelers.
The advice is to go through all the Grand Tours, trying to organize multiple trips, to be sure to discover all the territories of Tuscany.
But what are the identified routes?
Grand Tour of Tuscany by bicycle – from Siena to Pisa and Florence
With nearly 400 km to discover the unexplored places of the best-known cities. Paved and white roads to experience the hinterland and reach the sea, encountering iconic places, crossing several bicycle paths and the Via Francigena.
Grand Tour of Tuscany by bicycle – from Siena to Camaldoli and Arezzo
The eastward tour is perfect for exploring areas such as the Val d’Orcia, Chianti, and for cycling in the Aretine area, with plenty of unmissable cultural stops, abbeys, castles, the hermitage of Camaldoli, and the sanctuary of La Verna.
Grand tour of the Maremma
The southernmost Grand Tour unfolds along about 350 km and six stages among nature reserves and medieval villages among the most beautiful in Italy. People stop to taste local products but also to relax and rejuvenate in the many thermal waters.
Tuscany by bike for more sustainable tourism
Tuscany has long been a pioneer in theeco-friendly approach and respect for the environment. The Tuscan hills are dotted with agritourisms and organic farms that offer hospitality to conscious travelers eager to experience rural life and reduce the environmental impact of their travels. Each ride thus becomes a small step toward more sustainable and responsible tourism.
Those who love cycling also like to find dedicated accommodation, with the possibility of moving by combining bike and train and intermodality. It is a way of travel that promotes a perfect balance between love for the land and for oneself, a form of sustainable tourism that contributes to the preservation of the landscape and cultural heritage around us.
Dreamers in search of inspiration, explorers thirsting for knowledge, cyclists looking for challenges, and sports and culture enthusiasts will always find open roads and hidden treasures to discover in Tuscany.
Have a good trip!
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