Lucca to Assisi Bike Tour

Your adventure begins as our dedicated guides greet you at Pisa International Airport and whisk you away to your charming Lucca hotel. After a refreshing and welcoming lunch, we’ll prepare to embark on our first ride—a warm-up journey that will help you ease into the exhilarating week that lies ahead. Departing from the heart of Lucca, we’ll promptly find ourselves amidst the stunning hills that embrace the city, where ancient olive groves and vineyards paint a picturesque landscape. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a renowned local enoteca, raising our glasses to the extraordinary week awaiting us. Returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to freshen up before indulging in a culinary masterpiece at one of Lucca’s finest restaurants, setting the stage for a week of unforgettable experiences.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 400 meters

Pick-up location: Pisa International Airport

Our journey along the historic “Road to Valour” commences today. We’ll set out on tranquil roads that wind their way through endless vineyards and age-old olive groves, bound for our first stop, San Miniato. The initial leg of our route remains pleasantly flat, allowing for a gentle warm-up as we soak in the breathtaking surroundings. As we continue, we’ll encounter slight inclines that lead us to the medieval town of San Miniato, nestled halfway between the iconic cities of Pisa and Florence. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent cathedral and the renowned Matilde Tower, recognized for its distinctive asymmetrical clock. Lunch is a true highlight as we gather at the region’s finest winery, savouring the exquisite wines and indulging in the culinary treasures that have earned San Miniato its reputation throughout Italy. White truffles, in particular, are a speciality not to be missed. After our delectable dining experience, we’ll proceed to our hotel, granting you some free time to explore at your own pace. Following a delightful aperitif, we’ll come together for a sumptuous dinner, continuing our exploration of this captivating region.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 600 meters

After a leisurely Italian breakfast that energizes us for the day ahead, we’ll embark on our ride, pedalling along tranquil roads that wind their way through the picturesque landscape, flanked by enchanting olive groves and vineyards. Our journey takes us to Ponte a Ema, where we’ll visit the renowned Gino Bartali Cycling Museum—a must-see attraction, particularly for cycling enthusiasts. With our spirits lifted and our passion for cycling further ignited, we’ll mount our bikes and continue our adventure through the rolling and awe-inspiring countryside. Along the way, we’ll make a delightful stop at the finest enoteca in the region, treating ourselves to a lunch filled with culinary delights. Once back in the saddle, we’ll encounter a series of gradual slopes as we approach our day’s destination: Grassina, a charming ancient village that seems to have preserved its sense of remote authenticity over the years. As evening descends, we’ll gather for a gourmet dinner at one of our preferred local restaurants. The old streets and squares of Grassina, steeped in history, invite us for a leisurely post-dinner stroll, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 61 km, elevation 950 meters

As the day unfolds, we’ll embark on our morning ride, following the less-travelled and peaceful byways that wind through the captivating Tuscan countryside. Our journey will lead us to a gentle ascent of approximately 4 kilometres, where we’ll take in the sights and serenity of the landscape before us. A delightful descent will guide us through charming, small villages that seem to have been plucked from a storybook. We’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch at an elegant country retreat, savouring the flavours of local delicacies prepared to perfection. Resuming our adventure, we’ll pedal through lush pastures and idyllic green farmland as we approach Arezzo, an ancient town that once played a vital role during the Etruscan era. Arriving at our hotel, we’ll be treated to a rejuvenating massage, offering a blissful respite for our journey-weary bodies. With the afternoon at our disposal, we can opt for relaxation or venture out to explore the sights of Arezzo. Come evening, we’ll regroup for a remarkable dinner experience. We’ll dine amongst the locals at the most renowned restaurant in Piazza Grande, a magnificent square framed by splendid historic buildings, creating a memorable ambience that enriches our culinary journey.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 1.150 meters

With a sumptuous breakfast setting the stage for our day, we’ll gear up for an exhilarating ride that promises to challenge and inspire. Our journey unfolds along remarkable roads, each bearing the storied imprints of legendary climbs that have etched their place in the annals of the Giro d’Italia. As we conquer the high mountain pass of the Scopetone, we’ll revel in the dramatic peaks and exhilarating descents that greet us along the way. We’ll descend through a landscape adorned with enchanting hamlets, nestled amidst meadows of vibrant wildflowers, as we traverse the border between the idyllic regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Our path leads us through the historic town of Città di Castello, a place where art and history intertwine, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Here, we’ll pause to indulge in a wine tasting, sampling local delicacies that serve as a tribute to the region’s culinary heritage. With renewed vigour, we’ll mount our bikes once more, pedalling onward to the town of Umbertide, renowned for its stunning fortress and captivating surroundings. Our hotel in Umbertide awaits, but before we rest, we’ll pay a visit to the Terontola train station—a place that bears witness to the secret exchanges of documents orchestrated by Gino Bartali, a heroic act that aided countless Jews during a dark period in history. As the sun begins to set, we’ll come together for a gourmet dinner in the heart of Cortona, a fitting end to a day filled with epic cycling and profound historical resonance.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 60 km, elevation 900 meters

As the golden light of a relaxed Italian morning bathes the landscape, we embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Umbria, often referred to as Italy’s “green heart.” The day unfolds as a tapestry of rolling countryside, each mile beckoning us to discover the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Our wheels spin along roads that wind through this breathtaking terrain, offering up vistas that will imprint themselves upon your memory. We pause for a memorable lunch at one of the area’s most prestigious wineries, savouring the flavours of the local land and vine. Continuing our ride, we encounter some of the tiniest and loveliest villages that punctuate this unique landscape. These hamlets, each with its own story to tell, create a mosaic of authenticity that’s a hallmark of Umbria. Our journey culminates in the final 20 kilometres, leading us to the medieval town of Assisi, an illustrious place that was rightfully recognized by UNESCO, earning its place on the World Heritage List in 2000. Here, we are welcomed by an artistic and historical treasure trove, including the awe-inspiring Basilica of San Francesco adorned with stunning frescoes by the great Giotto. As we soak in the rich tapestry of art and history, the day transforms into an unforgettable evening of celebration. We’ll gather for a dinner that marks the culmination of our extraordinary week together, a feast of flavours and camaraderie that encapsulates the spirit of our journey.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 50 km, elevation 400 meters

The final day of our journey begins with a breakfast filled with the bittersweet taste of goodbyes. It’s a time for fond farewells, gratitude for the unforgettable memories created, and a promise that the road will always welcome you back. With our guides by your side, we’ll ensure your seamless transition to your next destination. As you step away from this adventure, you carry with you not only the physical souvenirs but also the lasting echoes of laughter, camaraderie, and the boundless beauty you’ve witnessed along the way. Until our paths cross again on another incredible adventure, “arrivederci” – goodbye for now, but never farewell to the memories we’ve shared.

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Perugia Airport/Train Station or Pisa International Airport/Train Station