Departing from the heart of Villa Basilica, we easily reach Collodi, pedalling leisurely along the 7-kilometre downhill falsopiano. Having crossed the via Pesciatina, we find ourselves immersed in the surrounding countryside until the beginning of the demanding climb that leads us to the centre of Montecarlo, which lies quietly on the top of the hill overlooking the vineyards and the numerous surrounding wineries. From the ancient medieval village, after about ten kilometres we reach the swamp where we can admire the beauty of the lake in the centre of this protected area. After twenty substantially flat kilometres, we find ourselves cycling through the hills of olive groves and vineyards near Collodi before returning to the centre of Villa Basilica.

This challenging tour starts in the centre of Villa Basilica and after a seven-kilometre climb immersed in the nature and silence of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, it reaches the top of the Pizzorne plateau. The climb is spectacular but tough and once at the bottom, we can stop to enjoy some well-deserved rest knowing that the most difficult part of this tour is now behind us. From the top of the Pizzorne, we begin to pedal down the steep descent that leads us first to Matraia and then to the Villa Reale of Marlia where a stop is a must. The next ten kilometres to Leccio take us pedalling along a pleasant up-and-downhill stretch through the green surrounding hills and discovering some of the most beautiful historic and monumental villas in the Lucca area. Before returning, a pleasant three-kilometre climb to Il Colle and a light uphill from Collodi to Villa Basilica await us.