Self guided Half Day Florentine hills & Florence bike tour

The best half-day bike ride for exploring the Florentine hills at your own pace – with tips for snacks in the countryside and spots for relaxing out of town

This is our most popular tour, now rebuilt as a self-guided experience—perfect for those who want the freedom to explore at their own pace while still discovering the best of Tuscany and Florence surroundings in just half a day. It’s the ideal blend of scenic cycling, quiet countryside, and delicious Tuscan flavours.

You’ll start from our office in the charming and less touristy Oltrarno neighbourhood of Florence. Before you head out, we’ll provide you with everything you need for a smooth and fun ride: a detailed briefing, a 27-gear quality bike, helmet, and a custom-designed digital map you can easily follow on your phone. The map includes turn-by-turn navigation and curated suggestions for food and wine tastings, scenic stops, and photo ops along the way.

If you want a full day experience with an option for E-bike (this one doesn’t have an option for E-bike), please check out our full day self-guided tour.

From there, you’ll leave the city behind as you follow a beautiful 8-mile ride along the rolling Tuscan hills.

Early in the ride, you’ll pass through Porta Romana—the only remaining gate still surrounded by Florence’s original 13th-century walls. Then, a gentle climb (1.3 km / 0.8 mi) takes you through a peaceful residential area and into the countryside, where Florence slowly fades into the background.

The route winds along narrow, ancient roads, with plenty of recommended stops for photos and moments to soak in the scenery. Along the way, we’ve included suggestions for optional tastings—like a visit to a local olive oil estate (when available), with a walk through the orchard and a tasting of handmade extra virgin olive oil, Chianti wine, and classic Tuscan bites like salumi and fresh bread.

If that venue isn’t available (especially on Mondays), we’ll suggest alternate stops in either the countryside or back in the Oltrarno neighbourhood—rest assured, the quality and flavours are always top-notch!

You’ll also pass by an ancient village where Galileo Galilei once lived, and where you can spot the tower he used as an observatory. Near the end of your ride, take a moment at San Miniato al Monte for one of the most iconic views over Florence—a perfect photo opportunity.

The final stretch brings you downhill back into the historic center. Before returning your bike, treat yourself to a gelato at one of our favorite local spots (we’ll mark it for you!).

This self-guided ride is a refreshing escape from the city crowds—an unforgettable way to connect with the beauty, history, and flavors of Tuscany at your own rhythm.

What’s included

27 gear touring bike (not an E-bike)
helmet
custom map
suggestions on great local stops

What to bring

– dress according to weather
– you have to be proficient at riding a bike – on refunds in case of non proficient riders
– you will be asked to deposit by card 100 euros per bike rented, to cover in case of damage / theft