Florence: Tuscany Bike Tour with Wine, Oil & Farm Lunch

Summary

Cycle Florence’s hills for Chianti wine olive oil & rustic farm flavors

You’ll pedal from Florence into rolling Tuscan hills with a local guide, tasting fresh olive oil and Chianti wine at a family-run farm. Expect warm bread, salty cold cuts, laughter over mispronounced Italian words, plus sweeping views from San Miniato al Monte before coasting back toward the city. It’s a day for simple pleasures that linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the sound of bikes clinking together in the Oltrarno — not the busy side of Florence, but quieter, a little sleepier. Our guide Marco was already grinning at us by the gate (he actually rang the bell twice because someone forgot their water bottle). The city felt close behind us as we rolled past an old wooden door in the ancient walls — I could smell bread baking somewhere, or maybe that was just wishful thinking. It’s weird how quickly you leave Florence and suddenly you’re just out there among olive trees.

The first hill nearly got me — I’ll admit it. Marco kept chatting about Medici villas while I tried to pretend I wasn’t out of breath (he noticed, handed me a canteen, winked). There’s this tiny village up there where Galileo used to live; I didn’t expect much but it’s all narrow lanes and old shutters and a dog barking somewhere behind a fence. We stopped at a farm that makes its own olive oil — warm bread with that grassy green oil drizzled on top, plus salty cold cuts and a glass of Chianti wine. Honestly? That snack might’ve been the best part. The air smelled like rosemary and dust.

After that we coasted downhill for ages (thank god), passing rows of vines and kids waving from a garden. Marco pointed out San Miniato al Monte — apparently it’s over 1000 years old, which feels impossible when you’re standing there looking at Florence spread out below. The light was soft and gold over the rooftops. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “grazie” properly; everyone laughed except Marco who said it perfectly deadpan.

It wasn’t always easy — four hills is no joke if you’re not used to biking — but sharing bread and wine with strangers on a Tuscan hillside is something I still think about weeks later. You know? It just felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence bike tour with tastings

• Meet at Oltrarno meeting point
• See ancient Florence city entrance
• Visit Medici Villa on hill
• Explore Tuscan village where Galileo lived
• Taste Chianti wine and olive oil
• Enjoy local cold cuts and bread
• View Florence from San Miniato al Monte

Top questions

How long is the Tuscany bike tour from Florence?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included on this bike tour?

A light snack is included: fresh bread with olive oil, local cold cuts, and one glass of Chianti wine.

Are e-bikes available for this tour?

E-bikes may be available in limited numbers if requested in advance; standard touring bikes are provided by default.

How many hills are on this bike ride?

The route includes four hills; fitness level should be considered before booking.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age required is 14 years old.

Where does the tour start in Florence?

The meeting point is in the Oltrarno area of Florence; details are provided after booking.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, the tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Is San Miniato al Monte visited during the tour?

You’ll see San Miniato al Monte and enjoy panoramic views of Florence during the ride.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a geared touring bike (not electric), helmet, water bottle, guidance from a professional local guide throughout your ride into Tuscany, plus stops for one glass of Chianti Classico wine and farm-made extra virgin olive oil with fresh bread and local cold cuts at a countryside venue before heading back to Florence together.