Tags
Bagni di Lucca, bike riding, Cicli Bizzarri, italy, Lucca, Photography, Ponte a Serraglio, Riscio Piccolo, Toscana, Tuscany
We visited Lucca several times while staying in Bagni di Lucca. It is only a short trip to Lucca from the village where our apartment is in Ponte a Serraglio, by car or by bus. I always enjoyed the bus trip as there was so much to see on the way. When we drove the car we made sure that we left early so we could easily find a parking space in the walled city.
On 2 of our visits to Lucca we rented the Riscio Piccolo from Cicli Bizzarri. This style of bike was so very easy for us to use, we were able to take all our purses, back packs, cameras etc with us. And the bike was really easy for us to operate, not hard work at all.
O, and you do not need to know how to ride a bike to operate this one.
The first time we rented the Piccolo we stayed down in the centre of the walled city and rode all around. It is a perfect and easy way to see the entire city. The cost was 12 euros per hour. We didn’t need to commit to a specific time and paid for the time we used the bikes on return. This system suited us perfectly cause you really have no idea how long you will be as once you start exploring this delightful city you can easily lose track of time. Well, we sure did.
We rented our 2 seater bike each time from Cicli Bizzarri, which is just inside the walls at the north end / top of the town. They are open daily, and there’s no need to reserve a bike in advance unless you are booking bikes for a large group. Rental rates are a few Euros an hour, and they’ll keep your ID while you take the bike out. They also rent helmets but they’ll tell you they’re not necessary.
Riding one circuit on the walls will take you about 25 minutes at a relatively slow pace (it’s a park, with people walking, lots of bikes etc. so don’t expect to race around), we stopped many times to take photos and chat with people. If you’d like to go for a longer ride, ask the people at Cicli Bizzarri – they have plenty of nearby route suggestions. One of the owners is Aussie and of course speaks English
As you can see from the Google maps screen shot below, the walls (and hence the path) completely circle the city, but you’re not balancing on a narrow wall, as many people first imagine. The path is very wide (wide enough that it was once used as a racetrack), and it is also completely flat and full of great picnic spots
You can take hour or you can take all day. There is so much to see from the wall and of course there is so much to see and do in Lucca.
We met several people who return to Lucca every year to rent an apartment for 2 – 4 weeks. There are lots to see in Lucca and naturally so much to experience in the surrounding Tuscan area.
What a fantastic way to see such a beautiful city. And a bit of exercise to work off the necessary food and vino for lunch.. It looks like so much fun. xxx
Thanks Donna. You and Stew would really enjoy it plus you can have a few vini safely xxx
I love this idea:-) I am not a great bike person but think I could handle one of those. A fab way to discover this beautif place. Thank you. Xx
Thanks Leah. It was so easy and relaxing. It actually was much easier for me than walking xx
I absolutely loved the bikes. Even I could probably handle the two seater!
Yes Kay. Easy and relaxed
On Friday, October 24, 2014, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote: >
I like the style of the bikes! How fun it must have been for you!!
Definitely fun Linda. I would love to do it again
On Saturday, October 25, 2014, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote: >
lyn Great idea for me as I don’t ride a bike. Good suggestion – another idea for the lonnnnnnnnnnnnng list of Italian adventures.
Thanks Gail. The more I think about it the more I want to go back and do it all again
On Saturday, October 25, 2014, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote: >
Great post Lyn-we had planned on getting bikes but somehow just ended up walking on the wall daily. It’s pretty hard to leave this wonderful town but I am happy to get out before the Comic convention starts next week. There are huge white tents set up all over town in the piazzas and even up on the wall. It’s going to be a mad house!
Thanks. I really did enjoy the bike. I would be heading out of town also if there was a big convention coming to town.
On Saturday, October 25, 2014, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote: >
Now,that’s my sort of bike! Great idea and you would feel quite safe and have a good look around while exercising!
Yes Mary. Very safe and lots of fun
On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote: >
Maybe the BEST way to see Lucca! Sounds great :)
I think it is the best way and it is a lot of fun. Thanks Gina
Wow..what a beautiful way to discover a city!! I would love to do that!! :)
I can highly recommend it. Thanks Lyn
Hi Lyn – I agree with you – seeing Lucca by bike is the best!! I’ve been working and visiting Italy for the last 35 years (an embarrassing length of time). I run a travel business http://www.grand-tourist.com and I’m taking a small group of ladies to Sicily in October. I shall follow your blog with interest. I’d love you to follow mine – educated-traveller.com
Thanks Janet. 35 years. Sounds pretty good to me. I will follow you also
I am not a bike person at all :( But I think after seeing this post maybe I should get rid of my fears. I fell once from the bike and never got over it ;)
I don’t think that you will fall off this kind of bike. It really was a lot of fun