Leaving Lucca behind, the route heads west through Nozzano, dominated by its imposing medieval fortress, once a strategic outpost marking the boundary between Lucca and Pisa.

The landscape quickly changes as you approach Lake Massaciuccoli: the road enters the WWF nature reserve, surrounded by water, reed beds and unexpected silence. It is one of the most evocative sections of the day, where the ride becomes smooth and immersive, far from traffic and urban rhythm.

Continuing towards the coast, the air opens up and the light becomes brighter until reaching the Versilia shoreline. Arrival in Viareggio, facing the sea, marks a clear shift in scenery — from the Tuscan countryside to the coast — in a stage that is both easy-flowing and rich in atmosphere.

The day in Versilia unfolds along a loop route, allowing you to explore different landscapes while always keeping the sea as a reference point.

The ride heads inland towards Camaiore, one of the most charming historic villages in the area, with its intimate centre and authentic atmosphere. From here, the route continues to Pietrasanta, an elegant town of art, known as the “Little Athens” of Versilia for its workshops, galleries and open-air sculptures.

In the second part of the day, the route returns towards Lake Massaciuccoli, this time along the Torre del Lago side. The scenery changes once again: water, reed beds and quiet surroundings accompany the ride through a unique natural environment, deeply connected to the figure of Giacomo Puccini.

A varied and harmonious loop, combining sea, culture and nature, offering a complete and inspiring day in the heart of Versilia.

The ride begins in Viareggio, heading north along the coast, with an initial smooth section on cycle paths and seaside roads — ideal for finding a steady rhythm and enjoying the ride. You pass through Forte dei Marmi, a symbol of Versilia’s elegant side, with its tree-lined avenues and relaxed atmosphere.

Continuing along the coastline, the landscape flows seamlessly towards the Ligurian border, where the character of the stage begins to change. The climb to Montemarcello introduces one of the most spectacular sections of the day, with wide-open views over the Gulf of Poets.

The descent leads to Lerici, one of the most charming seaside villages in the area, with its castle overlooking the water and its harbour marking one of the most iconic moments of the route.

A varied and progressive stage, combining fast-flowing sections with more scenic passages, guiding the journey into Liguria through a ride rich in contrast and atmosphere.

From La Spezia, the route climbs immediately, quickly entering the core of the day. The road gains elevation steadily, leaving the sea behind and leading towards one of the most spectacular sections of the entire journey.

The route continues at altitude, without passing directly through the Cinque Terre villages, but overlooking them from above, suspended between sea and land. It’s a unique and striking perspective, where the ride becomes steady and the scenery accompanies every kilometre. Volastra is one of the most distinctive highlights of the stage, a small village linked to terraced viticulture, set within a landscape shaped over centuries by human effort. From here, the route continues along panoramic rolling terrain before the long descent to Monterosso, marking the entrance into the heart of the Cinque Terre.

For those wishing to extend the ride, it is possible to reach Portovenere, adding a scenic coastal section before the main climb.

An intense and memorable stage, where the effort is fully rewarded by some of the most iconic views along the Ligurian coast.

The final active day of the journey is designed to experience the Cinque Terre at a personal pace, after the demanding stages of the previous days. The villages, intentionally left in the background during the cycling stages, become the main focus today.

Those who choose to walk can follow the trails that connect the villages, along ancient paths suspended between the sea and terraced vineyards. It’s a scenic trek, never monotonous, offering direct contact with the landscape and the history of this unique area, shaped over centuries by human effort.

Alternatively, it is possible to move at a more relaxed pace by using the local train, stopping in each village to explore freely, without constraints of distance or time, among small harbours, narrow lanes and seaside squares.

For those who prefer to get back in the saddle, a coastal ride towards Levanto, Bonassola and Framura is offered. A smooth and panoramic route, ideal as an active recovery ride, allowing the tour to conclude with the pleasure of fluid riding and the sea always in view.

A free day, yet fully in line with the spirit of the journey: experiencing the Cinque Terre in an active, mindful and personal way.