Pisa to Lucca bike ride: Puccini Trail self-guided

The Puccini Trail is a flat 28 km cycle path, not a mountain route.

Ride from Pisa to Lucca along the Puccini Trail, a self-guided 28 km cycle route following the Serchio River through Tuscany's countryside. You choose your bike type (e-bike, touring bike or mountain bike), and navigate using an app with a repair kit, lock and phone holder included. The route passes the Medicean Aqueduct, San Giuliano Terme spa town, and ends at Lucca's Renaissance Walls and historic centre. You can cycle back the same day or take the regional train to Pisa (bike supplement €3.50). Children from age 14 are welcome. A minimum height of 145 cm applies for e-bikes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Church of Santa Maria della Spina5m
2. Piazza dei Miracoli15m

Cycle from Pisa to Lucca and explore

• Visit Tuttomondo mural
• See Church of Santa Maria della Spina
• Explore Piazza dei Miracoli
• View Medicean Aqueduct
• Pass through San Giuliano Terme
• Cycle along Puccini Cycle Path
• Ride on Lucca Renaissance Walls
• Follow the Puccini trail

The experience

The route starts in Pisa and follows quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths along the Serchio River, keeping you on flat terrain the whole way. You'll pass the Medicean Aqueduct (a 16th-century engineering feat with over 900 brick arches stretching across the Tuscan countryside), and roll through San Giuliano Terme, a spa town known since Roman times. The app guides you turn by turn, and you carry a repair kit and pump in case you need them on the road.

Once you reach Lucca, you ride onto the famous Renaissance Walls that encircle the city, then explore the historic centre on foot or by bike. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Guinigi Tower and Via Fillungo are all within the walled town, and you'll have time to taste local specialties before deciding how to return. The round trip is 56 km if you cycle back. If you prefer to ride one way, the regional train takes your bike to Pisa for a €3.50 supplement per bike. Bike drop-off in Lucca costs €80 if you want to leave it there.

You pick your bike type at checkout: e-bikes suit riders who want motor assistance on any headwind, touring bikes are built for comfort over distance, and mountain bikes handle rougher sections if you want them. All three come with the same app navigation, lock, repair kit and phone holder. The ride takes between five and eight hours depending on your pace and how long you linger at stops. A security deposit is required at check-in, and you'll need to bring your passport or ID card and a physical credit card.

What’s included

• Use of bicycle (e-bike, touring bike or mountain bike, your choice at checkout).
• app-guided self-guided navigation.
• repair kit and pump.
• lock.
• phone holder.
• option to return by regional train with your bike (train ticket and €3.50 bike supplement purchased separately) or cycle back to Pisa the same day.

Options for this experience

3 options

Pisa to Lucca by touring bike6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 12:00Touring bike with 27 gears, puncture-resistant tires and disc brakes

Pisa to Lucca by mountain bike6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 12:00Mountain bike

Pisa to Lucca by e-bike6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 12:00E-bike

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 12:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 89 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 338

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Smile & Ride

Is this one for you?Choose the e-bike if you want motor assistance and less physical strain over the 28 km; pick the touring bike for comfort on a longer day; go for the mountain bike if you prefer a lighter, more responsive ride. The flat Puccini Trail suits riders from age 14 with moderate fitness who want to set their own pace and explore two cities in one day without a guide or fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride the Puccini Trail if I've never cycled long distances before?

The route is flat and follows cycle paths and quiet roads, so it suits moderate fitness rather than experience. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The distance is 28 km one way, and you control the pace with breaks as needed. E-bikes make the ride easier if you're concerned about effort.

What is the Medicean Aqueduct and why does it matter on this ride?

The Medicean Aqueduct is a 16th-century engineering structure commissioned by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, stretching over 6 kilometres from San Giuliano Terme into Pisa. Its 900+ brick arches create a visual landmark across the countryside that you'll cycle past on the Puccini Trail, marking the route's connection to Tuscany's Renaissance history.

Do I have to ride back to Pisa, or can I take the train?

You can cycle back the same day if you want the full 56 km loop, or take the regional train from Lucca to Pisa with your bike for a €3.50 supplement per bike on top of the train ticket. Alternatively, you can arrange bike drop-off in Lucca for €80.

What's included with the bike rental, and what do I need to bring?

The rental includes the bicycle, app-guided navigation, a repair kit, pump and lock. A phone holder is also provided so you can follow the route. You need to bring your passport or ID card and a physical credit card for the security deposit at check-in.

Are there age or height limits for this ride?

Children are welcome from age 14. E-bikes have a minimum height requirement of 145 cm. Touring and mountain bikes may suit younger or shorter riders depending on frame size. The bicycle frames are rated for riders up to 130 kg.

What happens if I get a flat tyre or my chain breaks on the trail?

You carry a repair kit and pump with you, so you can fix minor issues on the road. For more serious problems, you're on a well-travelled route with public transport nearby, and the operator's support is available through the app.