3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
  • Optional upgrade available
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1120GBP

Overview

Trip Code: CPF

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through the beautiful Tuscan countryside
  • Exploring the renowned cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence
  • Enjoying the fantastic cuisine of the region
  • Discovering the historical monuments of the region

Discover the magic of the Tuscan countryside as you cycle over rolling hills and through vineyards between Pisa and Florence. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the beauty of the Tuscan landscape has influenced artists, sculptors and painters including Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. Wind your way through delightful and enchanting Renaissance cities including Lucca, Pescia and Pistoia. You will cycle through vineyards and olive groves, along the Arno River, and among the villas of the famous Medici family.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Pisa

Finishing Point:

Pisa


Make your own arrival to Pisa, famous for its magical Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the characteristic Leaning Tower. UNESCO World Heritage listed since 1987, Pisa has a large number of monuments as well as the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.

Meals:  Nil

Today’s route can be almost completely flat with an easy stage that will take you north, cycling along the Serchio river and through the Pisan countryside until you reach the village of Ripafratta and then the city of Lucca. Or there is a slightly longer and more challenging ride along the eastern side of Monti Pisani and via Lake Massaciuccoli. Elevation +130m/426ft, -115m/377ft or +325m/1066ft, -305m/1000ft

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle along a panoramic road to the village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can visit the famous Pinocchio's Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you can enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local street flower market. Continue to Montecatini Terme where you will stay overnight. Elevation +460m/1509ft, -450m/1476ft

Meals:  B

Today offers two possibilities. You can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe, strolling the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable-railway. Alternatively, a picturesque cycle will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful historical farms, and past Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo, where you can visit the museum dedicated to him. Return to Montecatini and your hotel. Elevation +-530m/1771ft

Meals:  B

Today you can choose to start cycling from Montecatini or to shorten the trip with a short train ride to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments. On today's cycle you will be immersed in the Tuscan flatlands en route to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Overnight in Florence. Elevation +540m/1771ft, -520m/1706ft or +240m/787ft, -250m/820ft if taking the train

Meals:  B

Free time to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities. There are many things to see and do here: visit the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery (pre-book tickets), the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Pitti Palace and Michelangelo's statue of David in the Accademia Gallery. There are also good markets and plenty of great places to eat. Overnight in Florence.

Meals:  B

This morning you can either cycle from Florence to Empoli then take the train to Pisa, or take a train to Empoli and cycle to Pisa. If cycling from Florence (40km), you cycle back to the path of the Parco delle Cascine. A 4km climb takes you to the highest point of the stage, 286m above sea level. From Empoli (65km) the route mainly follows the Arno River which is very scenic and on flat terrain. The final stage into Pisa is on an unpaved path along the bank of the river Arno. Elevation from Florence +360m/1181ft, -385m/1263ft, from Empoli +300m/984ft, -320m/1050ft Train travel: 65 or 40km/40.5 or 25mi (approx 30-50mins dependent on the service) - ticket not included, payable locally. Note: bikes are only allowed on trains that have a bike icon listed on the timetable. Or take the train the whole distance if you prefer not to cycle - up to 1.5hrs travel time.

Meals:  B

After breakfast the trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - varied buffet breakfasts are served at each hotel
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels (Category B) on a twinshare basis with private facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels Category A - supplement applies). Hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €20-25
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps, navigational App (can be used offline), GPS Tracks and travel guide per room booked
  • Luggage transfers - 1 bag per person weighing a max of 20kgs.
  • Rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, puncture resistant tyres and gel saddle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Rental bike insurance against theft and damage (not valid for e-bike rentals for ages 14-17)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Pisa
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Train on day 7 - allow approx eur6-10pp
  • Excess luggage
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
  • Local hotel taxes - payable locally directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This trip involves 5 days cycling with daily cycles of 25-60km/15.5-37.5mi. The route is mostly on flat areas with some hilly sections that are not too difficult. Much of the cycle is on asphalt roads with low traffic. There are some sections on dirt paths. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. There are train connections among the overnight stays each day and the possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: on day 2, 3, 5 and 7. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates

Every Saturday from 29 Mar to 11 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 10 May to 5 Sep, Mid season is from 19 Apr to 9 May and 6 to 26 Sep. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
Note:
Train transfers extra - allow €25.
Note:
Due to logistics this trip is not suitable for solo travellers. It is possible for single travellers to book on a date which already has travellers. Contact our team for more details.
Note:
Other departure dates are available for groups of 6 or more.

Priceper person from

£1120GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade to Cat A (3-4*) hotels - ppGBP£90
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£130
  • Single Supplement - Cat B hotelsGBP£340
  • Single Supplement - Cat A hotelsGBP£350
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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