Florence Hills E-Bike Tour with Gelato Tasting

Climb Florence's hills without climbing them yourself.

An electric bike tour from central Florence that crosses the city's neighborhoods and climbs into the surrounding hills on pedal-assist bikes, stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte before returning for gelato tasting. The 2-hour route follows bike paths to make the ascent manageable, and you can add a three-course Tuscan lunch at a trattoria in the city center. Children from age 3 ride free in rear seats; a live English-speaking guide leads groups of any size.

Step-by-step itinerary

E-bike tour of Florence hills and gelato

• Start electric bike tour in Florence
• Ride through city neighborhoods
• Follow bike paths to Florence hills
• Enjoy Tuscan countryside views
• Visit Arcetri historic area
• Explore small village on Impruneta road
• Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo terrace
• Admire San Miniato al Monte basilica
• Taste gelato in historic center

The Experience

The tour starts in central Florence and follows your guide through the city's neighborhoods on electric bikes, using established bike paths to reach the hills without the strain of a standard bicycle. The motor kicks in as you pedal, which means the steep climbs that would exhaust you on a regular bike become manageable. You'll cross into the Tuscan countryside—olive groves, small vineyards, cypress-lined roads—and stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace overlooking the entire city, then continue climbing to San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque basilica perched on one of Florence's highest points.

The route also passes through Arcetri, a hillside village south of the center where Galileo was confined, and smaller hamlets that have stayed largely unchanged for centuries. Because the e-bikes handle the gradient, you spend the ride taking in the landscape and the views rather than managing the effort. Rain coats are provided if the weather turns, and you can refill a water bottle at a station before departure.

Back in the city center, the tour ends with gelato tasting at one of Florence's best gelaterie. If you book the morning option with lunch included, you'll sit down at a typical trattoria for a three-course Tuscan meal; drinks are paid separately on the spot. Children ages 3 to 8 travel free in rear seats (up to 47 lbs), and specialized infant seats are available on request. Helmets are provided and required for everyone.

What’s included

• Use of an electric bike with helmet.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• stops at Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte.
• gelato tasting in the city center.
• rain coat if needed.
• water refilling station.
• and if you book the morning option with lunch, a three-course Tuscan meal at a trattoria in the city center (drinks paid on the spot).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence

Is this one for you?Book the 9:00 am or 11:00 am departure if you want the standard ride with gelato; choose the morning option with lunch if you'd rather sit down for a full meal after the tour. The 5:00 pm slot works if you prefer an afternoon ride and want to keep the evening free. Children ages 3 to 8 travel free in rear seats, so families with younger kids can ride together without buying extra tickets.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the morning tour and the afternoon one?

The 9:00 am and 11:00 am departures are the standard 2-hour tour ending in gelato; the 5:00 pm tour is the same route at a later hour. The morning option with lunch includes a three-course meal at a trattoria in the city center after the ride, with drinks charged separately.

How steep are the hills, and will the electric motor do all the work?

The e-bikes are pedal-assist, meaning the motor provides help only while you're pedaling—they don't move on their own. The tour is easy in terms of effort, but you need to be confident riding a regular bicycle; the motor makes the climbs to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte manageable rather than strenuous.

Can my young child come on this tour?

Children ages 3 to 8 ride free in rear seats on the bike, up to 47 lbs; specialized infant seats are available on request. Infants under 3 cannot join. Children over 8 or taller than 4.9 feet need their own bike and ticket.

What happens if it rains?

Rain coats are provided free if needed, so the tour runs in light rain. You'll still ride the same route and see the same stops; the gear keeps you dry.

Is there a water station, and can I bring my own bottle?

Yes—there's a water refilling station available before the tour starts, and you're welcome to bring your own bottle to fill it with fresh water.

What are Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte?

Piazzale Michelangelo is a famous terrace on Florence's south side with a panoramic view of the entire city; it's one of the main photo stops on the ride. San Miniato al Monte is a Romanesque basilica standing on one of the city's highest points, also with sweeping views over Florence and the surrounding countryside.