The Brancoleria

Our itinerary starts from the beautiful garden piazza in the center of Porcari. After crossing the Via Pesciatina, connecting Lucca to Pescia, you come to the heart of the hills on the slopes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Tackle the first climb, up a path of some 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) that leads you from the majestic Villa Torrigiani all the way to Valgiano. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular panorama that stretches all around you. Afterwards, begin the descent that takes you down the picturesque Via delle Ville, plunging into the plains and traveling along tranquil hidden roads.

You then reach the foot of the second hill, ready for the ascent to the Brancoli area. From the top of the hill, you can admire the fascinating beauty of the Serchio River as it winds through the valleys below. Back to the plains, you pedal along a section of the Serchio Bike Path, leading nicely towards the return to Porcari, after around 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) of plains.

The route is almost entirely on asphalt, except for the 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) of dirt cycle path along the Serchio River.

Itinerary by Strade di Lucca Bike Hub.