Mountain Biking Tuscany’s Trails with Smile & Ride

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.