As cycling spots go, Tuscany is more blessed than most. It’s a place that’s geared up for everything you could possible want from a holiday on two wheels. Rolling hills? Check. Jaw-dropping views? Check. Winding roads that snake their way up to idyllic hilltop towns where you can relax with a glass of exceptional wine. Check, check check.
Yup, Tuscany is cyclist’s heaven. But for most of us, organising our own cycling holiday in a place like this isn’t easy. You can’t just turn up and hop in the saddle. You need to know where the best routes are, and how to see the best of Tuscany while you’re at it. It takes local know-how.
That’s where Lucca Cycle Club comes in.
Take the Cycling Tours that take in the Best of Tuscany
Founded by former pro-cyclist Alison Testroete, Lucca Cycling Club provides a curated selection of guided, self-guided and bespoke tours that can help you explore the best of Tuscany.
From serene Siena to magical Val D’Orcia these tours give you the chance to explore the length and breadth of the Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, these tours are straight off the top shelf, with choices of gentle, scenic rides to more intense routes that challenge even the most experienced cyclists, all in the company of expert riders.
And if you’d rather do it yourself the there’s a selection self-guided routes that have been carefully curated for all levels of riders – with videos, photo galleries and precise information about distances and elevation.
“Based in Lucca, Tuscany, we’re here to inspire unforgettable cycling experiences in Italy. My small team and I guide rides in Lucca and host turnkey cycling trips across Italy.” Alison Testroete
The website in itself is a wonderful resource of inspiration for cycling in Italy. A quick flick through the blog throws up some truly tantalising ideas for cycling in Tuscany. Imagine riding though the spectacular winelands of Bolgheri – home to the famous Supertuscan wines. How about a route that takes you around the island of Elba? Or a trip back in time between San Gimignano and Volterra. It’s enough to make your heart beat a little faster, before you’ve even got on a bike.
A view of Lucca
What can you expect from a Guided Tour with Lucca Cycling Club?
Alison has been riding in Italy for 20 years and her knowledge and experience is part of what makes a guided trip so attractive.
You can opt for a day or half day trip in the Lucca area with Alison. Or venture further afield with rides from Lucca to Siena, Florence or Bologna. There’s even the option to create your own one-of-a-kind bespoke trip with the help of their team.
The carefully planned routes have been put together to be the perfect hybrid of cycling and sight-seeing. With stops at charming villages, vineyards, and historic landmarks, that give riders a chance to experience the local culture and heritage.
Don’t have your own bike? Not to worry. The club offers high-quality bike rentals, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. These bikes are carefully maintained and suitable for all types of cycling adventures in the region.
A Guided Tour from the Pisan Hills to the Umbrian border.
This bike tour of Tuscany that captured our imaginations takes riders from Pisa through Chianti, the Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia and Maremma. It’s a 570-kilometer route that traverses the heart and fringe of central and southern Tuscany, with the Cima Coppi at 940 meters. Following the tracks of pro cycling legends, from Gino Bartoli to Strade Bianche victors, in a territory that lives and breathes cycling.
“Alison’s knowledge of the best routes is astonishing. We experienced breathtaking views, beautiful little villages, and delicious lunch and cafe stops along our tour – the only thing we had to do was ride. It’s the perfect Italian adventure for every bike enthusiast! The trip exceeded all expectations.” Bernadette Berry: British Columbia, Canada
About Lucca Cycling Club
Lucca Cycling Club is more than just a place to ride—it’s a community that brings together cycling enthusiasts to explore Italy, improve their skills, and engage in a shared passion for cycling. It was founded by Canadian Alison Testroete in 2010 an ex-pro cyclist who now calls Italy home.
