THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cycle through Tuscany’s rugged backcountry on a five-day mountain biking adventure with Smile & Ride. Navigate historic trails like the Via Francigena and immerse yourself in the raw landscapes around Pisa.
Cycle through Tuscany’s rugged backcountry on a five-day mountain biking adventure with Smile & Ride. Navigate historic trails like the Via Francigena and immerse yourself in the raw landscapes around Pisa.
Book with Smile & Ride
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Smile & Ride · Pisa, PI
In the heart of Italy’s storied Tuscany region, just a short ride from Pisa, Smile & Ride offers a five-day mountain biking journey that shifts gears on the region’s rugged dirt roads and historic trails. This is not your typical Tuscan tour; instead of vineyards or city squares, riders engage with the raw countryside, tracing routes like the Via Francigena—a pilgrimage path dating back to medieval times—and the lesser-known segments of the Tuscany Trail that thread through rolling hills, ancient oak groves, and timeworn farmsteads. The terrain is a mix of gravel climbs and fast descents, pushing muscles and mind alike while rewarding with wide vistas over the Arno valley and glimpses of the Apennine foothills in the distance.
Smile & Ride’s curated itinerary flexes between adventure and cultural immersion, with options to pack light bikepacking gear, letting riders camp under open skies or stay at charming agriturismos along the way. Each route demands solid riding skills but rewards with natural features unique to this part of Tuscany: steep limestone outcrops, scrubland dotted with wildflowers in spring, and occasional views of white stork nests perched on ancient towers.
Pisa isn’t just a jumping-off point; its rich medieval roots blend with modern outdoor recreation, allowing visitors to absorb local history alongside the thrill of the ride. Smile & Ride's commitment to integrating sustainable travel practices helps protect the delicate trails and surrounding ecosystems.
For riders ready to leave the pavements behind and meet Tuscany in its rawest form, Smile & Ride offers an authentic, adrenaline-fueled connection to this iconic landscape. The combination of historic paths, challenging terrain, and thoughtful trip design makes it a standout adventure in the Italian outdoor scene.
challenging.
5 days.
Good cardiovascular fitness and endurance are recommended to handle daily mileage and elevation change.
You should bring a mountain bike suited for off-road conditions, but some rental options may be available—check with Smile & Ride.
These trails are best suited for intermediate to advanced riders due to varied terrain and distances.
Yes, the trip offers options for bikepacking with camping gear to stay at designated sites or agriturismos.
Riders typically cover 30-50 kilometers per day depending on route choices and rider ability.
Smile & Ride provides route guidance and GPS tracks to assist with navigation along the way.
Weather varies with season, from mild and wet in spring to hot and dry in summer; dressing in layers is recommended.
The Via Francigena was a crucial medieval pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury to Rome, passing through Pisa’s ancient landscapes.
Smile & Ride promotes sustainable trail use by encouraging riders to stay on designated paths and minimize environmental disturbances.
Smile & Ride is a bike and electric scooter rental company based in Pisa, Toscana. Specializing in short-term and multi-day rentals, Smile & Ride offers a broad fleet that includes mountain bikes, e‑mountain bikes (E‑MTB), e‑bikes, e‑road bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, carbon road bikes, foldable bicycles, city bikes, e‑fat bikes, kids' e‑bikes and tandems. Rentals and self-guided tours range from one-day hires to week-long packages, plus app-based tours and audio guide itineraries for routes such as Pisa to Lucca, Monte Serra and the Parco di San Rossore. The rental fleet includes models equipped with an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain and suspension forks on some E‑MTB options; essentials such as locks and basic repair kits are listed with several E‑MTB products. Family-friendly options include multiple sizes of children's bikes and kids' e‑bikes, as well as tandem and foldable bicycles suitable for train travel. Smile & Ride publishes guided and autoguided experiences, app tours and curated itineraries like La Via del Mare and the Via dell'acquedotto. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and presents clear, bookable trip listings with varied durations and gear choices including bikepacking-ready setups. Third‑person descriptions, equipment details, location and the extensive catalog of rides allow visitors to compare options, plan routes, and select appropriate bikes for both urban sightseeing in Pisa and off-road adventures across Tuscan white roads and long-distance trails. Reservation details include flexible durations, clear equipment lists, pick-up in Pisa, and optional accessories such as helmets, panniers, and bikepacking bags for extended routes too.
Book with Smile & Ride