Florence: Tuscany Bike Tour with Wine & Olive Oil

Experience the beauty of Tuscany with the Florence: Tuscany Bike Tour with Wine & Olive Oil offered by We Like Tuscany. This 4-hour guided adventure takes place in the hills surrounding Florence, blending scenic cycling with delicious local tastings. At a cost of around 70 euros, it provides a relaxing yet active way to explore the countryside, perfect for those who enjoy a moderate ride and a taste of Tuscany’s culinary delights.

The tour is highly rated at 4.9 out of 5, based on 174 reviews that praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning panoramic views, and the quality of the wine and olive oil tastings. It suits travelers looking to escape the city crowd, appreciate beautiful landscapes, and enjoy a laid-back experience with manageable physical demands.

While the ride covers 7 miles (11 km) with four hills, the option to request an E-bike for an additional 20 euros makes it accessible for a range of fitness levels. The family-friendly tour is best for participants aged 14 and up, with private options available for younger children. Expect a well-organized, informative outing that highlights Tuscany’s countryside and culinary richness.

Key Points

• Guided bike tour exploring Tuscany’s hills outside Florence
• 4-hour experience including scenic riding and local tastings
• Includes wine, olive oil, cold cuts, and fresh bread at a countryside venue
• Option for E-bikes available for an extra fee to ease the hills
• Experience breathtaking panoramic views from San Miniato al Monte
• Suitable for moderate cyclists, with four hills and 1 hour of riding

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point in Florence and Meeting Details

The tour departs from the We Like Tuscany office in the Oltrarno area of Florence. Travelers find the meeting point at a grey gate, where they are asked to ring the ‘We like Tuscany’ bell. The exact coordinates are 43.76612854003906, 11.243185043334961, making it easy to locate. The guide greets you here, ready to lead you out of the city toward the peaceful Tuscan hills.

The initial part of the ride takes you through a prestigious residential area, before reaching the outskirts of Florence. This setup helps avoid the crowded streets, offering a more relaxed start to the day’s adventure.

The Scenic Route and Countryside Access

Once outside Florence, the tour quickly transitions into quiet, country roads, perfect for cycling. The first 1.3 km (0.8 miles) uphill climb rewards you with views of Villa Poggio Imperiale, a historic Medici residence and UNESCO site. From here, the route leads into the Tuscan countryside, where rolling hills, olive groves, and historic villas dominate the landscape.

The guide’s route is designed to showcase hidden country lanes and olive groves, giving a true sense of Tuscany’s rural charm. The moderate elevation changes make it accessible but engaging, especially if you opt for an E-bike.

The Highlight Stop: A Tuscan Vineyard or Trattoria

After about 45 minutes of scenic riding, the tour pauses at a family-run venue, either a Renaissance villa or a local trattoria, depending on availability. Here, guests enjoy a glass of Chianti wine, paired with organic extra-virgin olive oil, local cold cuts, and fresh handmade bread.

This tasting experience offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s culinary richness. The quality of the wine and olive oil is consistently praised, with many noting the generous portions and authentic flavors. The setting provides a peaceful environment, away from tourist crowds, with opportunities to appreciate the local craftsmanship and traditions.

San Miniato al Monte: Breathtaking City Views

On the return leg, the guide leads you to San Miniato al Monte, one of Florence’s most scenic vantage points. Here, you can stretch your legs and take stunning photos of the city’s rooftops, domes, and spires. This stop is often highlighted as a highlight for its breathtaking panoramic views of Florence.

From San Miniato, the route continues downhill, taking you back into Florence’s San Niccolò neighborhood, completing the ride. The descent offers a mix of gentle downhill through lush scenery and some moderate hills to keep the ride engaging.

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The Riding Experience and Physical Demands

This is considered an easy to intermediate level tour, with approximately 7 miles (11 km) of riding and four hills to climb at a leisurely pace. The longest climb is 0.6 miles (1.2 km). The tour is suitable for those who cycle regularly but can be enjoyed even by those with limited experience thanks to the availability of E-bikes.

Participants should have comfortable shoes and be prepared for sun exposure with sunscreen. Rain gear is recommended in case of weather changes. The tour includes frequent stops, making it manageable for most fitness levels, and the guides are known for being patient and accommodating.

E-bike Options and Accessibility

For travelers concerned about the hills, E-bikes can be requested for an extra 20 euros, payable on the day. These are particularly helpful given that four hills are part of the route. Participants must be at least 14 years old and 150 centimeters tall to rent an E-bike.

The tour is not suitable for children under 14 years or pregnant women, ensuring safety for all participants. The route is paved and out of town for the first 15 minutes, with minimal traffic afterward.

The Food and Drink at the Tasting Stop

The central tasting at the countryside venue allows guests to sample excellent local wines and olive oils, complemented by cold cuts and bread. Many reviews highlight the quality and authenticity of the products, often describing the lunch as a substantial and delicious meal.

The wine tasting typically involves Chianti, a well-known Tuscan red, while the olive oil is described as organic and extra virgin. The stops are designed for relaxation and enjoyment, with guides offering insights into the production process and regional traditions.

The Guides and Their Impact

The tour features live guides who speak English and Italian. Reviews frequently praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly manner, interesting stories, and willingness to accommodate specific needs. Guides like Giuseppe, Calin, Luca, and Jacopo Dri earn particular praise for their personality and expertise.

They are also noted for their safety-conscious approach and their ability to balance riding time with informative stops, making the tour both fun and educational.

Booking, Cancellation, and Additional Details

Bookings can be made with flexible cancellation policies—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour reserves spots with no upfront payment required, and participants can reserve now and pay later.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and rain gear. The tour lasts 4 hours, with live guides available in English and Italian. It is advisable to contact the provider in advance if traveling with children under 14 for private arrangements.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This bike tour is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a relaxed outdoor activity that combines cycling, scenic views, and local food. It suits moderate cyclists, especially those who want to avoid Florence’s crowded streets and experience the countryside from a different perspective.

Families with teens over 14, couples, and small groups will find it a well-organized, enjoyable outing. The option for E-bikes makes it accessible for a broader range of participants, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning vistas and delicious tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children under 14?
No, the tour is designed for participants 14 years and older. Private tours are recommended for younger children.

Can I request an E-bike?
Yes, E-bikes are available for an additional 20 euros, payable on the day of the tour. They are recommended for those concerned about hills.

What is the difficulty level of the ride?
The tour is easy to intermediate, with about 7 miles (11 km) of riding and four hills to climb at a slow pace. It’s suitable for regular cyclists and those comfortable on a bike.

What should I bring?
Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and rain gear in case of weather changes.

Where does the tour start and how do I find the meeting point?
The meeting point is at the grey gate of We Like Tuscany in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood. Look for the ‘We like Tuscany’ bell to ring, with precise coordinates provided for easy navigation.

Are the guide services available in English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Italian, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour.

This Tuscany Bike Tour with Wine & Olive Oil offers a balanced mix of scenic cycling, cultural insights, and delicious tastings, making it a highly recommended way to explore the Florentine countryside. Thanks to the knowledgeable guides and spectacular views, it promises a memorable experience that complements any trip to Florence.

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