Finally!The Coast to Coast is a National Trail
3
moderate
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights boat
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 1 Lunch
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£2750GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TSC

Trip highlights

  • Be immersed in the local culture, history and beauty of the Tuscan coast and islands
  • Cycle around Elba, the third largest island in Italy
  • A hands on opportunity to learn about sailing a tallship in the Mediterranean
  • Soaking up the hospitality on board the comfortable sailing boat

Images of Tuscany bring to mind rolling hills, epic architecture, the aromatic scents of herbs and citrus fruits and tasty cuisine and wine. Add to this a journey on a resplendent tallship to discover the islands of Elba,Giglio and the dramatic Tuscan coastline and daily cycles to explore the sights and you have the essence of our Tuscany Bike and Sail trip. Cycle in the footsteps of the Etruscans, and enjoy the Italian 'Dolce Vita!'. Cypress trees, vineyards and olive trees spread across the rolling hills characterising the typical Tuscan landscape. Picturesque medieval towns with small cobbled streets and colorful houses feature as you cycle between ports. Beautiful sandy beaches and remote bays beckon for a swim in the glistening blue water. Aboard the tallship Atlantis with its giant sails, provides a true seafaring ambience. There is nothing better than to jump into the sea directly from the deck of the boat in a quiet bay, help out with hoisting the sails and relax on deck with a cold drink as the sun dips below the horizon.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Porto Santo Stefano

Finishing Point:

Porto Santo Stefano

Carbon Footprint

19kg of CO2-e PP per day

(130kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in Porto Santo Stefano, a wonderful, lively harbour town on the northern side of the Monte Argentario peninsula. Boarding takes place at 6.00pm. Should you arrive earlier, you are welcome to leave your luggage on board from 2.00pm. Taking a short stroll through the medieval old town, painted in a wash of pink and beige, you will quickly realize that you are now on holiday. We also recommend a walk to the Fortezza Spagnola, built in the 17th century, on the hill above the old town. The first evening meal on board is a great way to get to know your fellow travellers, guides and crew. Overnight in Porto Santo Stefano.

Meals:  D

From Porto St Stefano our first bike tour takes us to the historic town of Orbetello. With a little luck you can admire the spectacular swarm of flamingos in the WWF natural oasis Laguna di Orbetello. Afterwards we will cycle to the ruins of the fortified Roman town of Cosa and later through the Duna Feniglia nature reserve, whose beautiful pine forest will enchant. We cycle mostly on cycle paths and return to Porto Santo Stefano where the Atlantis awaits our arrival for a crossing to Talamone. Cycling: 200m/660ft of elevation

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, it’s time for a sailing voyage! A long crossing to Elba awaits us. If the winds are favourable, guests receive a briefing on sailing and can help set sail together. After Sicily and Sardinia, Elba is the third largest island in Italy and it impresses with its charm, lush nature and rich history. Lunch will be served on board and guests have time for a swim before we arrive in the sheltered bay of Porto Azzuro. In the evening, you can explore the charming harbour town.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s tour of the multi-facetted island of Elba takes us to the lively town of Capoliveri, where we soak up the Italian charm and enjoy a delicious ice cream and coffee. The tour continues along a beautiful panoramic road, followed by a lunch break, before taking us back to Porto Azurro. In the evening, we have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting. Cycling: 400m/1325ft of elevation

Meals:  B,D

A somewhat longer ride today, from Porto Azzuro to the north of the island of Elba. After a coffee break in Rio nell' Elba we will arrive at one of the most impressive viewpoints of the trip. From Voltereio we can look out over the beautiful bay of Portoferreio, the capital of the island. After lunch it is only a few kilometres to the bay of Enfola. Cycling: 600m/1970ft of elevation

Meals:  B,D

Today we cross the island by bike. After visiting the mountain villages of Marciana we reach the highest point of the tour at Monte Perone. We're rewarded with a descent to the village of San Piero in Campo, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the boat. After the tour you can take a refreshing swim – directly from the deck. Then the sails are set for our destination, Isola Giglio, located in the very south of the Tuscan Archipelago. This Italian jewel is home to mountains, forests, untouched nature, crystal clear sea! Cycling: 700m/2300ft of elevation

Meals:  B,D

We go ashore in Campese, in the west of the island. Our cycling destination today is the medieval town of Giglio Castello, enthroned high on the island of Giglio like an impregnable castle. A fast descent takes us to Giglio Porto. Enjoy the last cruise on board as we set sail towards Porto St Stefano. A celebratory evening meal in the company of fellow travelers, crew and guides offers a great atmosphere to enjoy our last evening together on board. Cycling: 500m/1650ft of elevation

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, tour concludes. Disembark at 9.00am.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches or dinners* (does not include drinks) - meals are provided on a half board basis meaning that breakfast and either lunch or dinner is provided each day - or some days no warm meal is provided while others both lunch and dinner is provided. Usually dinner is provided and lunch is free for you to sample a restaurant along the cycle route. The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals
  • 7 nights accommodation in a standard twin cabin with private bathroom on a tallship. The spacious cabins are configured with two lower beds. Supplement applies for single use - limited availability
  • Bed linen and towels
  • E-Bikes rental or a gravel bike (discount applies for gravel bike)
  • Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
  • Overview maps on board for daily cycle tours

  • Travel to and from Porto Santo Stefano (Monte Argentario Peninsula)
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks onboard
  • Special Diets: Special dietary requests (lactose free / gluten free / vegan) will require an additional payment of 70 euro (must be communicated in advance, payment on board)
  • Tips for guide and crew
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Optional bike insurance - Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages. Ask for details
  • Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Electric Bike

During the tour, you will be provided with an Electric or E-bike. These bikes are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less fit cyclists to take on routes that they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capability. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. The bikes do not have water bottle holders. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.

Road or Gravel Bike

You have the option to hire either a road or gravel bike. (request at time of booking). These are 21 speed bikes with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - The trip requires an advanced level of fitness from participants, acquired from steady cycling. The terrain is as diverse as the landscapes: the hilly and sometimes mountainous terrain, with some steeps climbs. The roads are mostly asphalted and there is little traffic. On the islands of Elba and Giglio, some short sections lead over unpaved gravel and field tracks. There are very few designated bike paths on this tour. The standard bike days range between 20 to 45km/12.5 to 28mi. Ascents will be up to 200-700m / 660-2300ft in elevation. Participants will also have to master extended climbs and hairpin turns. Traffic is to be expected in and around coastal towns. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike tour.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.
Note:
Fuel surcharge may apply.

Priceper person from

£2750GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Gravel bike discountGBP£-35
  • Bicycle insurance - e-bike, gravel bike (pp)GBP£31
  • Single Supplement - Low seasonGBP£1020
  • Single Supplement - High seasonGBP£1130
*Prices listed are per person

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