Cortona: Guided E-Bike Tour of Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

Explore Tuscany on an Easy-Going E-Bike Tour from Cortona

This 3-hour guided e-bike tour departs from Via Dardano, 54 in Cortona, offering a smooth ride through some of the most scenic spots in Tuscany. The tour is priced with a focus on comfort and accessibility, featuring power-assisted e-bikes that make cycling effortless even over moderate elevation changes. With a maximum group size of just 2 to 3 bookings, the experience remains intimate and relaxed, ideal for those who want to explore without feeling rushed.

The tour highlights stunning views, historic landmarks, and the chance to discover lesser-known corners of Cortona. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the area’s key sights without strenuous effort, thanks to easy-to-ride e-bikes. While it requires a basic level of confidence riding a bicycle, this small-group adventure emphasizes safety, comfort, and storytelling.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours with about 12-14 km (9 miles) covered
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Val di Chiana, visits to Hermitage “Le Celle”, Villa Bramasole, and other landmarks
• Bike type: Eco-friendly e-bikes with powerful assistance for a comfortable ride
• Start point: Via Dardano, 54 in Cortona, at the EpicBike shop
• Group size: Limited to 2-3 bookings for a cozy experience
• Languages: Conducted in English and Italian

Starting at Cortona’s Historic Center

The tour begins at the EpicBike shop on Via Dardano, 54, where you’ll meet your guides and get fitted onto your e-bike. The ride then takes you through the charming streets of Cortona, a town made famous by the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The initial pedal through the cobbled alleys offers a gentle introduction to the area’s vibe, with the electric assistance helping navigate the historic pathways comfortably.

Within about 20 minutes, the ride transitions from Cortona’s streets to the surrounding countryside, opening up breathtaking views. The guided experience ensures you learn about the area’s local history, culture, and architecture as you go. The small group size guarantees personalized attention and safety.

Visiting the Hermitage “Le Celle”

One of the tour’s prominent stops is the Hermitage “Le Celle”, a historic monastery built in the 13th century. The 20-minute ride from Cortona takes you to this peaceful site, where St. Francis of Assisi once stayed. The Hermitage offers a glimpse into medieval religious life amid serene surroundings, with views across the Tuscan landscape.

The e-bike makes it easy to reach this location without fatigue, and the guide shares engaging stories about its significance. Visiting Le Celle is particularly appealing for those interested in history and architecture, and the peaceful grounds provide a relaxing break during the ride.

Admiring the Basilica of Saint Margaret of Cortona

Next, the tour heads toward the Basilica of Saint Margaret of Cortona, an important religious site that honors the town’s patron saint. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the basilica, which features a striking façade and a tranquil interior.

Guides explain the story of Saint Margaret, and the basilica’s architecture and artworks are points of interest. This stop combines spiritual reflection with scenic views, making it a meaningful addition to the tour. Its location offers vistas over Cortona and the surrounding countryside.

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Exploring the Fortress of Girifalco

The Fortress of Girifalco is a prominent defensive structure perched on a hilltop, providing some of the best panoramic views of the Val di Chiana. The 20-minute e-bike ride to this fortress is smooth, with the power assistance helping to manage the slight elevation gain comfortably.

Once at the fortress, visitors can take in sweeping vistas and learn about the area’s military history from the guide. The fortress’s commanding position makes it an ideal spot for photos and to appreciate the landscape that stretches out below.

Visiting Villa Bramasole

The Villa Bramasole, famously associated with the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” is another highlight of this tour. Located just outside Cortona, the 20-minute ride takes you to this charming villa. While the interior is not accessible, the exterior views and the villa’s lush gardens are captivating.

The guide shares stories about the villa’s role in the film and its significance in the town. Visiting Bramasole offers a chance to appreciate the quintessential Tuscan villa architecture and the peaceful environment that inspired many stories.

Return Ride Through Cortona

After exploring Villa Bramasole, the tour makes its way back to Cortona, completing a full circle through the town and its scenic surroundings. Another 20-minute ride allows for additional sightseeing, with opportunities to admire the views, learn more about local landmarks, and enjoy the easy ride on your e-bike.

The tour concludes back at the EpicBike shop, where safety tips are reiterated, and you can unwind after your adventure.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Parking, and Group Size

The meeting and ending point is at the EpicBike shop on Via Dardano. For parking, options include Park Porta Colonia (paid), Park Porta Colonia Inferiore (free), or Park Santa Maria Nuova. Visitors are advised not to drive cars inside the gate, as the shop is inside a restricted area.

The small group size—limited to 2/3 bookings—ensures a comfortable experience with personalized attention. This setup also helps the guides manage safety, especially for those less confident on a bicycle.

Physical Requirements and Safety Tips

This shared tour requires participants to feel confident riding a bicycle, with the e-bike assistance making riding easier. The total distance is approximately 12-14 km (9 miles), with a 300-meter (900 feet) elevation change, which is always adapted based on guest comfort.

Travelers should bring sunglasses and wear sportswear for comfort. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed, and loose clothing is discouraged for safety reasons. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Guided Tour Experience and Multilingual Support

The tour is led by live guides who communicate in English and Italian. Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like Valentin, Harry, Chiara, Robbie, and Matteo, known for their friendly demeanor and detailed commentary. They ensure safety, explain the sights, and share stories that bring the experience to life.

The e-bikes are praised for being easy to ride, even for those unfamiliar with cycling, thanks to the power assistance. Guides also help riders with when to use the high boost, ensuring everyone feels secure.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it easy to plan your visit to Cortona without stress.

The tour runs at different start times, and availability can be checked easily online. It is suitable for most travelers who meet the confidence and safety requirements outlined.

Final Thoughts on the Cortona E-Bike Tour

This guided e-bike tour offers a relaxed way to experience the highlights of Cortona and its surroundings. The combination of breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and engaging guides creates a memorable experience that doesn’t require intense physical effort. The small group size and personalized attention add to its appeal, making it suitable for those who want a comfortable, informative, and scenic ride.

While the distance and elevation are moderate, participants should feel comfortable riding a bicycle, as the e-bikes do most of the work. The stops at Bramasole, Le Celle, and the Fortress of Girifalco add meaningful touches, blending scenery with history.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a gentle exploration of Tuscany’s beauty with expert guides who share stories and insights along the way. It provides a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and comfort in a compact, enjoyable format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable riding a bicycle, the e-bike assistance makes the ride manageable for beginners.

Can I join if I don’t speak Italian?
Absolutely. The tour is conducted in English and Italian, and guides are skilled at helping guests understand the sights and stories.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses and wear sportswear. It’s best to avoid sandals or flip flops and loose clothing for safety.

How long is the ride and how difficult is it?
The ride covers about 12-14 km (9 miles) with a 300-meter elevation change, which is always adjusted for guest comfort. It’s considered a short, moderate ride.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the EpicBike shop on Via Dardano, 54 in Cortona.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan your trip flexibly.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby