On the foothills of the Apennines up to Pariana

Starting from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in the historic center of Villa Basilica, face 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) as a warm-up to easily reach the hamlet of Biecina, where the long and challenging 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) climb to the Pizzorne begins.

Along the way, you’ll pass the locality of Recard on your right before beginning the climb along the narrow Via della Torbola, winding through the woods of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. During the ascent, you then pass through Pariana, the only town encountered before reaching the summit. At the signpost, take Via San Bartolomeo, which leads you through the heart of a dense forest of chestnut and fir trees, typical of this area, to the fountain in the Pizzorne Park.

After a well-deserved and much-needed break, begin your descent towards the gentle hills along the slopes of the Apennines. The route takes you first to Matraia then on to the village of Collodi, after about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). Upon reaching the village of Pinocchio, prepare to tackle the last 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) of a slight uphill, which takes you back to Villa Basilica.

Itinerary by Strade di Lucca Bike Hub.