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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£1060GBP

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 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

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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 you will cycle northwards along the river Serchio, across the Pisan countryside and arrive in Lucca. For those wanting a longer cycle, there is the option of going towards Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching Lucca. The medieval city of Lucca will welcome you with its charm. +20 or 100m/65.5 or 328ft

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. +280m/919ft

Meals:  B

Today there are two possibilities to choose from. You can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe and stroll down 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 cycling itinerary will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful historical farms, and past Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, where you can visit the museum dedicated to him. Return to Montecatini. +310m/1017ft

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. +150 or 400m/492 or 1312ft

Meals:  B

Free time to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities. We recommend not missing the Duomo, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, and Michelangelo's statue of David. Overnight in Florence.

Meals:  B

This morning you can choose to either cycle from Florence to Empoli then take the train to Pisa, or take a train to Empoli and ride to Pisa. Or you can take the train the whole distance if you prefer not to cycle today If cycling from Florence, 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. Or from Empoli the route mainly follows the lower valley of the Arno River up to the so-called plain of Pisa. The final stage into Pisa is on an unpaved path along the bank of the river Arno. +100 or 300m/328 or 984ft Train travel: 40 or 65km/25 or 40.5mi (approx 30-40mins, ticket not included, payable locally). Note: bikes are only allowed on trains that have a bike icon listed on the timetable.

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). 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 by taxi or public transport if you need to shorten a stage
  • 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

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

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 30 Mar to 12 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 11 May to 6 September, mid season is from 20 Apr to 10 May and 7 to 27 Sep, supplement applies. Note: limited availability in June due to events in Florence.
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 available for groups of 6 or more.

Priceper person from

£1060GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade to Cat A (mainly 4*) hotels - ppGBP£90
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£130
  • Single Supplement - Cat B hotelsGBP£270
  • Single Supplement - Cat A hotelsGBP£300
*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.