Discovering Tuscany by bike is a journey that blends mental well-being, culture, food and wine, and a deep connection with nature. Pedaling through gentle hills dotted with vineyards and historic villages, you’ll cross enchanting landscapes, slow down the hectic pace of everyday life, and let yourself be guided by the sense of wonder and discovery that only a bicycle can offer.
Every route of the Atlas of Cycling Itineraries offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with yourself, embracing the most authentic side of Tuscany. Well-being is the common thread of every ride, making the journey truly immersive and transformative.
In Tuscany, cycling is a feast for the senses. From ribollita and lampredotto to pappa al pomodoro, cacciucco, and the sweet notes of panforte and cantucci, Tuscany boasts the largest number of wineries and Wine and Flavors Routes in Italy. Those who combine cycling with local food and wine tastings will discover extraordinary bike routes through wine-growing areas with special hospitality for cycling enthusiasts—an unforgettable sensory experience full of flavors and aromas.
Exploring Tuscany by bike means savoring traditional products, discovering local customs, delving into art and culture, and perhaps following the footsteps of Michelangelo and Boccaccio, celebrating two special anniversaries.
A cycling journey in the footsteps of Michelangelo: 550 years of the Genius
This year marks the 550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest geniuses in art history. To honor his legacy, we present three itineraries across Tuscany that reveal the places that shaped his life and inspired his immortal works—a journey through nature, art, and history, immersed in Renaissance landscapes and the sites where the master’s talent was born and nurtured.
Michelangelo’s childhood places: unspoiled nature and Renaissance history
Begin in Caprese Michelangelo, a charming village in the Valtiberina named after Michelangelo, who was born here on March 6, 1475. Follow L’Intrepida, a permanent route featuring white roads, dirt tracks, and paved sections. Every autumn, this area hosts a vintage cycling event that draws cyclists from across Italy for an authentic experience steeped in tradition.
In the heart of Carrara marble: the raw material of masterpieces
In the Apuan Riviera, Michelangelo personally selected the blocks of white marble that would become timeless masterpieces. Cycling among these majestic marble mountains and along the white roads of the marble basins is an extraordinary journey where art and nature blend into a unique experience.
In the Cradle of the Genius: Florence, squares and masterpieces
A loop itinerary reveals Florence’s most beautiful squares, enchanting viewpoints, and iconic monuments. You’ll be glad to step off the bike to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia for the magnificent David, the Church of Santo Spirito where young Michelangelo left his mark, and other gems such as the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of San Lorenzo, and the Cathedral.
These routes pay tribute to Michelangelo and the Tuscany that nurtured him. Cycling through these places means immersing yourself in his art, inspirations, and creations while celebrating the 550th anniversary of his birth in a unique and evocative way.
In the footsteps of Giovanni Boccaccio: events and celebrations
On the 650th anniversary of Giovanni Boccaccio’s death, discovering his places by bike is an exciting and sustainable way to honor his cultural legacy. It is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the atmospheres and traditions narrated in the Decameron—a unique experience combining literature, gastronomy, and ancient crafts, bringing to life the medieval Tuscany that inspired his tales.
Two itineraries will lead you through the settings of the Decameron, one of the cornerstones of Italian literature. From the heart of Florence, starting at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella where the young protagonists of the Decameron gather to escape the plague, to the hills of Fiesole and charming medieval villages, you’ll be transported to 14th-century Tuscany.
The Fiesole Loop: essence of Tuscany
Ride from the Monastery of Montesenario to Villa Demidoff Park, crossing rolling hills and ancient villages before reaching Fiesole. This village, renowned for its panoramic views over Florence and its Etruscan-Roman ruins, is described by Boccaccio as a serene refuge from the tribulations of the plague-stricken city in 1348.
Cycling through the medieval Valdelsa
Between San Gimignano and Certaldo, you will ride among landscapes dominated by olive groves and vineyards, with unmissable stops such as the iconic towers of San Gimignano and Boccaccio’s House in Certaldo Alta, which today houses a museum dedicated to promoting the writer’s legacy.
Discovering Tuscany by bike is a timeless adventure blending well-being, flavors, art, and culture, creating an authentic and unforgettable experience.
