Via Francigena Bike Tour

As your journey begins, our dedicated team will welcome you at either Pisa or Florence Airport, ensuring a smooth transition to your hotel in the charming city of Lucca. In the afternoon, it’s time to prepare for an exhilarating week of cycling. We’ll start with a bike tune-up and an initial ride, affectionately known as the “sgambatella” in the colourful slang of the Italians. This ride will help awaken your legs and set the tone for the days ahead. From the heart of Lucca’s historic downtown, it takes mere minutes to reach some of the most captivating hills in the region. These hills, adorned with ancient olive groves and vineyards, create an idyllic backdrop for your cycling adventure. After this invigorating ride, we’ll come together for a refreshing aperitif at one of the most delightful local enotecas, where we’ll raise our glasses to the incredible week that lies ahead. Before the day concludes, we’ll indulge in a delectable dinner at one of Lucca’s finest restaurants, setting the stage for a week filled with unforgettable culinary experiences.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 400 meters

Pick-up location: Florence or Pisa International Airport

As the sun paints the Tuscan landscape with its golden hues, we embark on a captivating journey to our first destination, the iconic San Gimignano. The initial leg of our route unfolds over flat terrain, offering a gentle start to the day’s adventure. We’ll make our way towards San Miniato, a town renowned for its exquisite wines and the prized white truffles it shares with the world. Here, at the heart of this culinary haven, we’ll pause for a delectable lunch. Our taste buds will dance with delight as we sample local wines and savour the tantalizing flavours of the famed white truffles that have bestowed fame upon this charming town. The Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrim route, becomes our guide as we journey through the Val D’Elsa. Along this historic path, we’ll approach the medieval jewel of San Gimignano, graced by the imposing La Rocca di Montestaffoli and the towering Torre Grossa. You’ll have a moment to unwind, soaking in the ambience of this enchanting town before we gather for a traditional dinner that promises to be the perfect culinary crescendo to our day.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 1400 meters

Rising to a fresh Tuscan morning, we fuel up with a hearty breakfast, ready to embark on the next leg of our journey, leading us to the magnificent city of Siena. The day’s route offers a mix of exhilarating ups and pleasant downs, ensuring an exciting ride. Our first ascent takes us to Colle Val d’Elsa, a charming village with a history that dates back to the 6th century. Here, we’ll pause for a brief rest, allowing ourselves to recharge and take in the surroundings. Continuing along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route, we’ll traverse the remarkable historical hamlet of Monteriggioni. This picturesque stop provides the ideal setting for a light lunch, where we can savour local flavours and relish the unique charm of this place. Next, we journey along the Cassia road, the route that will guide us to the splendid city of Siena. As we approach our destination, you’ll have a leisurely afternoon to unwind and explore the captivating treasures of Siena. With the day’s adventures behind us, we reconvene for an evening of delightful discoveries in the realm of Sienese cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 1300 meters

The day starts with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for a challenging yet utterly rewarding journey through the heart of Tuscany. As we mount our bikes and embark on the ride ahead, the stunning vistas that unfold before us are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Cycling toward our destination of San Quirico, we’re treated to a pause where we can take in the iconic skyline of Siena, perched gracefully atop the rolling hills. The sight is one to savour, and we relish every moment. Beyond Buonconvento, we encounter a gradual uphill stretch that adds an exciting layer to our route. The second part of our ride guides us into the realm of wine aficionados, Montalcino and Val d’Orcia. Here, we traverse kilometre after kilometre of gravel roads, surrounded by lush vineyards, experiencing the sheer beauty of this legendary wine country. Upon reaching the welcoming town of San Quirico, nestled amidst rolling hills, you’ll have some well-deserved time for personal exploration. It’s a chance to unwind and absorb the enchanting surroundings before we reunite for an evening of culinary delights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 1800 meters

The morning sun heralds a new day of discovery as we prepare to explore the enchanting realm of Val d’Orcia, with our sights set on the captivating Bagno Vignoni. Our journey leads us from Bagno Vignoni along an asphalted road, guiding us up a long but invigorating uphill stretch toward Radicofani. Upon arriving in Radicofani, we’re greeted by a truly marvellous landscape, and the path ahead unfolds with a descent into Val di Paglia. As we venture onward and draw near to Pitigliano, the charming town of Bolsena beckons, just a few kilometres away. The route takes us through a brief downhill stretch toward Acquapendente, followed by San Lorenzo Nuovo, and along the way, our senses are captivated by the breathtaking expanse of Lake Bolsena. It’s a mesmerizing sight that ushers us to our welcoming hotel in the picturesque town of Bolsena. Here, we’ll have some time to relax and unwind before coming together for an evening of gourmet delights—a fitting end to another remarkable day in Italy.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 85 km, elevation 1500 meters

Today promises another captivating adventure as we set our sights on the historic town of Sutri, renowned for its remarkable archaeological site perched on the hill opposite the town. Our journey begins with a delightful cycle along the renowned Via Cassia road, guiding us toward the charming town of Montefiascone. From there, we’ll rejoin the Via Francigena, cycling through fields adorned with vibrant blooms that create a breathtaking tapestry of colours. An extraordinary highlight awaits us—a stretch of ancient paving that has witnessed centuries of travellers. Along this storied road, we’ll continue our journey until we reach the town of Viterbo. Our route from Viterbo to Sutri unfolds amidst a landscape that alternates between gentle ascents and descents, leading us through cultivated lands and tranquil woodlands, primarily on asphalted roads. As the day draws to a close, we’ll convene for a delectable dinner at our favoured restaurant, nestled in the charming square of Sutri. It’s a splendid way to cap off yet another day of exploration in this wondrous region.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 800 meters

Our journey today embarks on a magnificent route, commencing with a picturesque ride across the enchanting countryside. We’ll gracefully pedal past the charming locales of Monterosi and Monte Gelato, with the lush landscapes of Veio Park unfolding around us. Along the way, a panoramic unpaved road will guide us to Formello, our gateway to the final stretch of the Via Francigena. As we traverse this verdant Lazio countryside, our path leads us to a brief venture along secondary roads that wind through the outskirts of Rome. Before long, we’ll find ourselves on a beautiful cycle path tracing the course of the Tevere River, ensuring our safe passage into the heart of the Vatican City, Rome. Our exploration continues as we visit the awe-inspiring Piazza San Pietro, and from there, we’ll reach our comfortable hotel. Here, you’ll have ample time to unwind and rejuvenate before we come together for an unforgettable dinner in the charming district of Monteverde Vecchio. It’s the perfect culmination of our journey along the Via Francigena, offering a fitting tribute to the rich experiences of our cycling adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 2033 meters

The curtain falls on our remarkable journey, and it’s time to say our farewells. Following a hearty breakfast, it’s with mixed emotions that we bid adieu to our dedicated Backroads team, whose unwavering support and expertise have made this adventure truly unforgettable. As we part ways, we look back on the memories and experiences we’ve shared and carry them with us to our next destination. Arrivederci, until we meet again on another incredible Pedalitaly journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Florence or Pisa International Airport