The Villas of the Lucca area

Start your cycling tour from the center of Capannori, after a necessary energizing breakfast. Traveling along low-traffic back roads for about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), you reach the beautiful Villa Reale of Marlia. Continue along Via di Matraia, an uphill road lined with cypress trees, vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. After just over 3 miles (5 kilometers), you will get to one of the most fascinating viewpoints in the area, from where you can admire the surrounding lush hills, the city of Lucca and its plain, Monte Serra, as well as the Gherardesca Lake spanning out before you.

The route continues with a roller-coaster of enjoyable ups and downs, taking you first to the belvedere of Valgiano, known for the production of fine wines, then to the village of San Gennaro. You finally reach the majestic Villa Torrigiani, where a stop to take a souvenir photo is a must.

From here, you are ready to return to Capannori, passing through the hamlets of San Colombano and Segromigno in Piano.

The route is all on asphalt except for a short stretch on dirt spanning just 656 feet (200 meters).

Itinerary by Strade di Lucca Bike Hub.