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

8 Days£1120GBP

View Inclusions

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 on this loop cycle 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. Discover Montecatini Terme with its rich thermal springs enjoyed since Roman times. You will cycle over rolling hills, 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

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way 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

What's included

  • 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)
  • 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, allow €20-25
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Standard Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. Available with a unisex or high cross bar in various sizes, with the size based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. As e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, they should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 18 years (or 14 -17 years on request - note the insurance is not valid for e-bikes under the age of 18) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.

Suitability

moderate

3

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 28 Mar to 10 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 9 May to 4 Sep, Mid season is from 18 Apr to 8 May and 5 to 25 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 on request for minimum 6 people. Groups of 6 or more may add extra nights during the itinerary.

Priceper person from

£1120GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade to Cat A (3-4*) hotels - ppGBP£100
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£150
  • Single Supplement - Cat B hotelsGBP£350
  • Single Supplement - Cat A hotelsGBP£360
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.