The Grand Tour of the Strade di Lucca bike hub stands as an exceptional route that seamlessly integrates cycling, nature, and the rich tapestry of art and culture. This journey invites cyclists to traverse a diverse landscape, where sprawling plains give way to undulating hills and majestic mountains. Originating from the bustling main squares of each of the six municipalities within the Piana di Lucca area, cyclists embark on a secure and captivating expedition, navigating along well-marked cycle paths and lesser-known yet enchanting secondary roads. Amidst the verdant hills adorned with olive groves and vineyards—a hallmark of the region—riders are treated to vistas adorned with historic villas, imposing castles, and quaint villages straight out of a fairy tale. As they pedal through this evocative terrain, cyclists are transported through time, retracing the footsteps of the illustrious maestro Puccini, seeking out the very places that once stirred his creative genius. The Grand Tour of the Strade di Lucca bike hub promises an immersive and unforgettable experience, blending adventure, cultural exploration, and the sheer beauty of the Italian countryside.

A bike tour between sea and hills

An evocative itinerary for cycle tourists and nature lovers

The Via Francigena, one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe, connects Canterbury to Rome. The section from Massa to Lucca, about 60 km long, offers cycle tourists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, between sea and hills.

Cycling along the Tuscan coast

Starting from Massa, a seaside town with an evocative historic centre, you pedal along the Versilia coast, admiring golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. The route then continues to Viareggio, a renowned seaside resort, and Lido di Camaiore, where you can visit the characteristic wooden pier.

Gentle climbs and breathtaking views

Moving away from the coast, the route climbs among the hills of Lucca, offering breathtaking views of Versilia and the Plain of Lucca. We pass through medieval villages such as Pietrasanta and Camaiore, immersed in the green Tuscan countryside.

An experience rich in history and culture

Along the way, one encounters Roman archaeological sites, such as the Amphitheatre of Lucca, and Romanesque parish churches, such as the Pieve di Camaiore. You can also visit museums and castles, such as the Castle of Pietrasanta, that hold works of art and historical testimonies of great value.

A fascinating itinerary for pilgrims and cycle tourists

The Via Francigena, one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe, connects Canterbury to Rome. The section from Lucca to San Miniato offers cycle tourists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, culture and spirituality of this millenary route.

Cycling through medieval villages and Tuscan landscapes

Starting from Lucca, the city of a hundred churches, we pedal along the ancient city walls, skirting the river Serchio. The route then winds through the Tuscan countryside, among cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves, offering panoramic views of great beauty.

In the footsteps of medieval pilgrims

Along the way, you come across medieval villages such as Altopascio, with its charming Romanesque parish church, and Santa Maria del Giudice, immersed in the green Tuscan hills. You will also cross lush forests and unspoilt natural areas, such as the San Rossore nature reserve, an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

The Lucca-Gualdo route, with a loop of about 40 km offers a complete and fulfilling mountain biking experience. Passing through medieval villages, lush forests and breathtaking views, this route gives strong emotions to bikers.

Between history and nature

Starting from Lucca, you leave the city admiring its monuments and evocative squares. You then continue to Ponte San Pietro, a medieval village nestled in the Tuscan countryside, where you can visit the ancient Roman bridge.

Challenging climbs and enchanting views

The route climbs on dirt paths and white roads, providing striking views of the valley below. The climbs, challenging but not impossible, test bikers’ skills, while the fun descents allow them to fully enjoy the mountain biking experience.

A dip into the Middle Ages in Gualdo

When you reach the medieval village of Gualdo, perched on a hill, you have the chance to immerse yourself in its evocative atmosphere. You can visit the Romanesque parish church of San Lorenzo and enjoy the panoramic view from the medieval tower.

Return to Lucca amidst woods and views

After a stop in Gualdo, the route returns to Lucca, skirting Mount Ghilardona and Fibbialla. The route winds through lush forests and green meadows, offering panoramic views of great beauty.

A must-ride ring for mountain bikers

Anello Vorno is a mountain bike trail that winds through the hills of Lucca, offering bikers an exciting experience among lush forests, breathtaking views and ancient rural villages.

Discovering unspoiled landscapes

Starting from Lucca, the route winds through the Tuscan countryside, crossing oak and chestnut forests, olive groves and vineyards. It climbs to Monte della Conserva, from which there are spectacular views of the city of Lucca and the Piana di Lucca. You then continue to Monte Le Corna and Colle di Dreon, immersed in the quiet of unspoiled nature.

Among medieval villages and views

When you reach the village of Vorno, you have the opportunity to visit its ancient Romanesque parish church and taste typical local products.

Leaving from the heart of Lucca, this captivating route unfolds as we depart the city walls through Porta San Jacopo, guiding us into the picturesque hills to the north. Crossing the San Quirico bridge, we pedal through serene plains along the Serchio River, enveloped by verdant countryside. As we embark on the first ascent towards Arsina and Maulina, we traverse through vineyards and olive groves, emblematic of these tranquil locales. Reaching the vantage point near Villa Lenzi, offering breathtaking panoramas of the rolling hills, we delight in a thrilling descent back to the Morianese plain, providing a rejuvenating interlude before our ascent towards the castle of Mammoli and the village of Aquilea. Enjoying a leisurely downhill ride, we arrive at Ponte a Moriano, a pivotal centre in the northern reaches of Lucca. Continuing along the scenic Via delle Ville, we arrive at the majestic Villa Reale di Marlia, graced by its splendid parkland. Our return journey to Lucca unfolds along the river park cycle path to Ponte San Quirico, ensuring a serene conclusion to our memorable ride.

Starting from Piazza Napoleone, this scenic route guides us into the enchanting hills nearest to the city, offering a glimpse into its breathtaking beauty. After tracing the historic city walls, our journey leads us beyond the confines of the old town through Porta Sant’Anna, veering northwestward. A few kilometres along the cycle track usher us into the serene countryside bordering the city, eventually leading us to the San Pietro bridge. Crossing this bridge, we enter a charming hidden road winding its way to the base of the Sala delle Nubache. From here, we embark on a picturesque ascent along a secluded road that meanders through the heart of this captivating hilly region, adorned with vineyards and ancient olive groves. Upon reaching San Martino in Vignale, a church steeped in ancient origins likely dating back to the 10th century, we descend towards Mutigliano. Our return journey to Lucca spans 12 kilometres of tranquil country roads, guiding us back to the city centre. Along the way, we pass by the serene Guglielmo Petroni terrace, offering panoramic views of the distinctive district of Monte San Quirico and the lush Serchio River Park.

Embarking from the elegant Piazza Napoleone at the heart of Lucca, this route winds through the countryside west of the city, unveiling some of the region’s most notable scenic and cultural landmarks. After a 4.2-kilometre warm-up atop Lucca’s renowned city walls, cyclists exit the historic centre through the charming passage beneath the Baluardo Santa Maria. Following the cycle path along Viale San Concordio, riders swiftly transition into the tranquillity of Lucca’s picturesque countryside. Pedalling along winding roads flanked by ancient dry-stone walls, the route leads first to Pieve di Sant’Andrea, then onwards to Gattaiola, offering panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. Continuing along the Serchio River park cycle path to Ripafratta, cyclists journey towards the fortified village of Nozzano Castello, passing by the solemn site of the Certosa di Farneta, marked by the tragic events of the 1944 Nazi massacre. The final 15-kilometre stretch, leading from the Certosa back to Lucca’s centre, offers a leisurely ride along flat roads with minimal traffic, allowing cyclists to relax and soak in the surroundings.