Easy cycling trip on peaceful roads, cypress tree-lined country lanes and lovely bike paths
Explore the great Renaissance art cities of Florence, Pisa and Lucca
Discover the historic town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
Cycle through the Padule di Fucecchio nature reserve; Italy’s largest inland wetlands
Enjoy delicious Tuscan cuisine and a wine-tasting visit to a traditional wine-producing farm
Cycling from Pisa to Florence: self-guided cycling holiday in Tuscany
This is a varied and flexible cycling holiday, showcasing many different aspects of Tuscany with a choice of routes each day. Starting in the lively university town of Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, you will cycle through quintessentially Tuscan landscapes and explore towns and cities of immense historical significance. As you approach the charming town of Lucca its imposing Renaissance walls can’t fail to impress. You will also discover numerous magnificent and historic villas dotted around the surrounding hills. Continuing along country lanes to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, you can visit the two museums dedicated to the life and mind of this great artist. Your trip finishes in the enchanting city of Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance” – a fitting way to end your exploration of Northern Tuscany.
Difficulty
This trip is rated as easy overall. Each day you have a choice of routes. The shorter routes are on average easy with a longer day from Lucca to Vinci. The longer/steeper routes are more demanding and a reasonable level of fitness is required.
The rides follow mostly well asphalted country roads and secondary roads, as well as cycle paths along the Serchio river. There are some dirt roads around Pisa and Lucca. Near larger towns, you can expect more traffic. E-bikes available for this trip, if you wish to make the cycling a little easier.
| 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €775 per person sharing*
*Discounts available for groups of 3 in triple room. Please enquire for prices. |
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| BIKE RENTAL | If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a bicycle from us. You will find it waiting for you in the Hotel’s storage room, fitted to your requirements. Our adult hybrid-bikes are provided with comfortable seats, reliable components, 21 gears and Shimano Alivio components. All bikes are cleaned and overhauled before delivery.
All bikes are equipped with a padlock and key that must be used at all times when not riding the bike, as well as luggage pannier attachments at the rear, mobile phone holder, front and back lights, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube, all of which you should know how to use. One rear pannier bag is included for each bike. One of every 2 bikes has a KM distance counter. PRICES FOR 5-DAY BIKE RENTAL
Prices include bike delivery, collection and theft insurance. |
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| ACCOMMODATION | All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. You will stay in comfortable family run 3 star hotels or equivalent agriturismo (farm houses). They are all different in style and all rooms have private bathrooms. Two of the accommodations have a swimming pool.
The standard hotels of this trip are listed below. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way. |
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| AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between March and November. | ||||||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arrive in Pisa
Check in at your hotel before exploring the narrow streets of this vibrant university town. Sit down for a glass of the excellent local Chianti in one of the elegant Renaissance piazzas and watch the world go by. Before calling it a night, take a peaceful and relaxing stroll past the chapels and pastel houses lining the banks of the Arno River.
Your accommodation is in the Podere San Paolo, a family-run B&B in the countryside of Pisa. It is located in Asciano Pisano, a small suburb in the municipality of San Giuliano Terme (Pisa).
Overnight: Pisa (San Giuliano Terme)
Day 2: Short or long circular route from Pisa
Short route: 25 km | Ascent: 120 m | Descent: 120 m | 1½ hrs approx.
An easy warm up ride along small roads and bike paths leads you into the heart of Pisa where you can visit the Piazza dei Miracoli and its world-famous leaning tower. Admire the many palaces, churches, towers and town squares. Take a break in the Piazza dei Cavalieri as you gaze at the architecturally stunning historic buildings that surround you.
Long route: 33 km | Ascent: 90 m | Descent: 90 m | 2½ hrs approx.
Begin your day cycling through the inspiring countryside between Pisa and the mountain of Monte Serra, stopping for a visit to the grandiose Certosa of Calci monastery. It was founded in 1366 and houses a magnificent Natural History Museum. As with the shorter route, the second part of the day is spent in Pisa, visiting its many outstanding monuments.
Overnight: Pisa (San Giuliano Terme)
Day 3: Cycling from Pisa to Lucca
Short route: 24 km | Ascent: 80 m | Descent: 80 m | 2 hrs approx.
Long route: 33 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 100 m | 3 hrs approx.
Today’s cycling route follows the Serchio river. It is very scenic and nearly all flat. Upon reaching the charming town of Lucca, you will have ample time to explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro; a 2nd century Roman amphitheater. Don’t miss a ride along the tree-lined walls of its perimeter. Once again, you have the option of a shorter or longer route.
Your accommodation is in a charming family-run farmhouse situated in the hills of San Alessio, 4 km from Lucca.
Overnight: San Alessio, Lucca
Day 4: Circular route from Lucca
Flat route: 33 km | Ascent: 170 m | Descent: 170 m | 2½ hrs approx.
Hilly route: 39 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m | 3½ hrs approx.
Choose between two trips of varying difficulty on today’s tour of characteristic Renaissance villas on the outskirts of Lucca. Both trips are similar in length, but the easy route is almost entirely flat whereas the hilly route has more height variation and offers wonderful panoramic views. You will have the opportunity to visit assorted prestigious villas and stroll around their luxurious gardens.
Overnight: San Alessio, Lucca
Day 5: From Lucca to Vinci via the Fucecchio wetlands
Short route: 29 km | Ascent: 250 m | Descent: 250 m | 3 hrs approx.
Long route: 54 km | Ascent: 270 m | Descent: 270 m | 4 hrs approx.
Today’s cycling route takes you through the town of Altopascio, known as the “city of bread” because of its long-standing bread making tradition. Further along, you enter the Fucecchio nature reserve – Italy’s largest inland wetlands. This national treasure is a bird watcher’s paradise, with a great variety of nesting and migratory birds. Finally, you reach the town of Vinci, situated in the hills of Montalbano, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The town is also the birthplace of the greatest genius of the Italian Renaissance – Leonardo da Vinci.
Your accommodation is in a beautiful renovated farmhouse just outside the town.
Overnight: Vinci
Day 6: Vinci round trip and then on to Florence
Short route: 8 km | Ascent: 175 m | Descent: 175 m | 1 hr approx.
Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m | 2 hrs approx.
Gain insight on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci as you explore his birthplace and two remarkable museums dedicated to him. Gain an insight into the mind of the great artist by viewing his original designs and inventions. When you’re ready, leave your bike at the accommodation in Vinci. A pre-arranged taxi transfer will take you to the train station in Empoli to board a local train to Florence, for a night in the jewel of the Renaissance.
You will stay in a beautiful and historic Florentine villa with outdoor terrace and swimming pool.
Overnight: Florence
Day 7: Arrivederci Florence!
Your cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services. We highly recommend an additional night in Florence to fully appreciate its many artistic and architectural masterpieces.
Getting to San Giuliano Terme (Pisa)
Departure from Florence
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