Self-Guided Ravenna to Pisa Italy Coast-to-Coast Bike Tour
Cycle across Italy from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian on this relaxed yet rewarding nine day self guided adventure. Beginning in Ravenna, you’ll explore glittering Byzantine mosaics before pedaling through orchards to Faenza and climbing into the dramatic Apennines. A thrilling descent leads to Florence, where Renaissance art, lively streets, and unforgettable food invite you to slow down and soak it all in.
Rolling Tuscan hills carry you to Vinci, Lucca’s medieval walls, and finally to Pisa, with the option to continue to the sea. Distances are manageable, support is seamless, and the pace is entirely your own. Expect scenic countryside, charming villages, and daily moments that feel authentically Italian. This journey blends culture, cuisine, and cycling into one memorable coast to coast experience.
It’s ideal for curious riders who want challenge without pressure and freedom to explore at their own rhythm each day with scenery that never feels rushed.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Ravenna
Lucca
moderate
56 km / 35 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 12
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Pisa International Airport (PSA)
Highlights

Ravenna’s Byzantine Masterpieces
Discover Ravenna’s glittering mosaics and UNESCO-listed landmarks, offering a rich historical beginning to the journey.

Renaissance Florence and Tuscan Countryside
Enjoy Florence’s art and architecture, then cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and rolling Tuscan hills.

Pisa and the Tyrrhenian Coast
Finish with a visit to Pisa’s iconic square and the chance to reach the sparkling western coastline.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Ravenna | Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi | |||
| DAY 2 | Faenza | Hotel Vittoria (4 Star) | B | 53 km / 33 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Ronta | Hotel La Rosa | B,D | 64 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Florence | Hotel Silla | B | 42 km / 26 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Florence | Hotel Silla | B | ||
| DAY 6 | Vinci | Agriturismo Il Piastrino | B | 42 km / 26 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Lucca | Hotel La Luna | B | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Lucca | Hotel La Luna | B | 77 km / 48 mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ravenna
Arrive in Ravenna, a refined Adriatic city once serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and settle into your centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of the historic center. Spend the afternoon gently exploring quiet streets, elegant piazzas, and extraordinary Byzantine monuments famous for their luminous mosaics, including San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Visit Dante’s Tomb, enjoy a relaxed café stop, and ease into the Italian rhythm. This calm first day allows recovery from travel while building anticipation for the cycling journey that begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Faenza
Meet the local team in the morning for detailed bike fitting, route explanations, and practical touring advice before beginning your first ride across the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna. Pedal along peaceful rural roads lined with orchards, cultivated farmland, and small villages, with the option to detour to Sant’Apollinare in Classe for a final glimpse of Ravenna’s Byzantine heritage.
Arrive in Faenza, a lively Renaissance town celebrated worldwide for artistic ceramics, animated market squares, and welcoming cafés that create a warm and engaging introduction to life on the road.

Day 3: Ronta
Today delivers the tour’s most dramatic scenery and greatest physical challenge as you cycle toward the Apennine Mountains through the picturesque medieval village of Brisighella. Long, steady climbs unfold through changing landscapes of vineyards, forests, and open ridgelines, revealing expansive mountain views that reward every effort.
Riders may shorten the steepest section by train if preferred, though completing the climb offers deep satisfaction. Arrive in the tranquil mountain town of Ronta, where crisp alpine air, quiet surroundings, and a hearty included dinner provide a memorable and restorative end to an unforgettable day.

Day 4: Florence
Begin the morning with a measured ascent toward Vetta le Croci, followed by a sweeping descent into Fiesole, an ancient Etruscan hill town offering magnificent panoramic views across Florence’s skyline. From here, glide downhill into the Renaissance capital itself, where grand palaces, domes, bridges, and lively streets create an immediate sense of arrival.
The afternoon and evening are free for unhurried discovery of museums, artisan workshops, historic churches, and Tuscan cuisine, allowing you to absorb Florence’s artistic and cultural richness at your own pace.

Day 5: Florence
Enjoy a full, unstructured day in Florence to explore the city’s extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage without the demands of cycling. Visit masterpieces in the Uffizi or Accademia, admire Brunelleschi’s Duomo, climb Giotto’s Tower for sweeping views, or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio above the Arno River.
Hidden workshops, neighborhood trattorias, and lively piazzas reward slow wandering. This restorative pause balances cultural immersion with physical recovery, preparing you comfortably for the scenic Tuscan riding that lies ahead.

Day 6: Vinci
Depart Florence along the gentle corridor of the Arno River valley and ride into the quintessential landscapes of rural Tuscany, where vineyards, olive groves, stone farmhouses, and softly rolling hills define the scenery. A steady climb over Mount Albano reveals wide countryside views before a rewarding descent into Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.
Explore his childhood home and the museum presenting models of his remarkable inventions, then enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and slower rhythm of village life in this beautiful rural setting.

Day 7: Lucca
Cycle westward through classic Tuscan countryside marked by vineyards, orchards, quiet hamlets, and gently undulating terrain. Pause near the Medici villa at Cerreto Guidi for sweeping rural views before continuing along tranquil backroads toward Lucca. Surrounded by impressive Renaissance walls and filled with narrow lanes, lively piazzas, historic churches, and welcoming cafés, Lucca offers one of Italy’s most atmospheric medieval settings.
Settle in for a relaxing two-night stay and enjoy an evening discovering the city’s timeless charm.

Day 8: Lucca
Ride from Lucca to Pisa to witness the Leaning Tower and the grand Piazza dei Miracoli, arriving in a uniquely memorable way by bicycle. Choose between a short, mostly flat ride, longer scenic countryside loops through vineyards and historic villas, or an optional extension to the Tyrrhenian Sea that completes a symbolic coast-to-coast journey.
Return to Lucca for a final evening stroll along elegant streets and atop the famous city walls, celebrating the final night of your cycling adventure.

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, your remarkable cycling journey across Italy concludes in Lucca. Depart easily via nearby Pisa Airport, continue onward by train to Florence, Rome, or northern Italy, or extend your stay in Tuscany to explore further.
As you leave, carry lasting memories of mountain ascents, Renaissance masterpieces, quiet countryside roads, and the deeply rewarding experience of traveling from one Italian coast to the other under your own power.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Accommodation
Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi

Hotel Vittoria

Hotel La Rosa

Hotel Silla

Agriturismo Il Piastrino

Hotel La Luna
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Van Nicholas Amazon or similar
Included in your trip price

Cannondale Mavaro Neo 5+ or similar
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
ARRIVAL
Your tour begins in Ravenna, Italy. The most convenient way to arrive is by flying into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), located about one hour from Ravenna. From the airport, you can take a direct train from Bologna Centrale station to Ravenna, which runs frequently and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Taxis and private transfers are also available outside the arrivals terminal for a more direct journey to your hotel. If traveling by train from other Italian cities, Ravenna’s central station is within easy walking distance or a short taxi ride from most accommodations.
DEPARTURE
Your tour ends in Lucca, Italy. The nearest and most convenient airport for departure is Pisa International Airport (PSA), approximately 30 minutes away. Regular trains connect Lucca to Pisa Centrale station, followed by a short transfer to the airport via the PisaMover shuttle. Taxis and private transfers can also be arranged from your hotel for a direct trip to the terminal.
For travelers continuing onward in Italy, Lucca has frequent rail connections to Florence and other major cities.
Weather
The best weather for cycling this Italy coast to coast route is in spring and early autumn, when temperatures are mild and scenery is vibrant. From April to June and September to October, daytime temperatures usually range between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), ideal for long rides and climbing days. July and August can feel hot, often 28 to 34°C (82 to 93°F), especially in Tuscany.
Winter months are cooler and wetter, with averages around 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), making cycling less comfortable.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Best
May
Best
June
Good
July
Mixed
August
Mixed
September
Best
October
Best
November
Mixed
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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