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Tuscany - Pisa to Florence Cycling Holiday

4.5
(8 reviews)

This self-guided cycling holiday of Tuscany explores some of the most exquisite, Romanesque locations of this delightful region. Visit Pisa’s famous leaning tower, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, the most famous spa town in Italy and of course the Renaissance delights of Florence. In between you will ride through breathtaking Tuscan countryside.

This picture post-card part of Italy presents numerous opportunities for you to stop and immerse yourself in the region’s rich Renaissance history. Start from Pisa, a lively city situated on the right bank of the estuary river Arno, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Cycle onwards passing picturesque towns and villages, visiting the charming town of Montecatini Terme, home to the largest thermal spa in Tuscany.

Flexitreks Cycling HolidayLucca

En route you can absorb the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, cycling through olive groves, vineyards and historical farms. Of course Tuscany is renowned for sensational wine and mouthwatering cuisine making cycling breaks along the route a sensory delight.

Itinerary

Upon arrival, make your way to your first hotel. After check-in you are free to relax or explore Pisa. The town is located on the banks of the River Arno and is home to the world’s most famous case of subsidance! There is much more to this bustling University town than just the leaning tower however. Wander the ancient narrow streets of the compact old town, browsing the stalls and shops on the Borgo Stretto and Corso Italia. The Museum of the Works of the Cathedral is very interesting and you also get a great view of the leaning tower from its balcony.

Your first day in the saddle leads you northwards along the Serchio river. This easy section eases you into the cycling routine, enabling you to relax and soak up the Pisan countryside. For those willing to take on a slightly longer itinerary it is possible to bolt on a 15km loop out to Lake Massaciuccoli before arriving in Lucca where you will spend the night. This ancient city contains marvellous examples of Roman architecture. The impressive defensive walls, designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, were never breached.

Having had a relaxing start to your tour, you will be eager to get today’s adventure underway. The day starts with a lovely ride along a panoramic road to the charming little village of Collodi, the childhood home of Carlo Lorenzini who wrote the book The Adventures of Pinocchio. You could visit Pinocchio Park, created in 1962 or the baroque style, Villa Garzoni with its magnificent gardens. Afterwards visit the town of Pescia where you can explore Renaissance mansions or wander through the rather wonderful flower street market before riding on to Montecatini, a charming spa town in the hills.

 

Today’s route is a circular one so you can, if you wish, have a cycle-free day and relax in the most famous thermal spa town in Italy.

If you do opt to cycle, today’s ride will lead you past the Villas of the Medici family, through olive groves, vineyards and historical farms to the small village of Vinci, birthplace of Leanardo da Vinci. The local museum is well worth a visit but the gorgeous countryside en route to and from Vinci is definitely the highlight of the day.

Those wanting a shorter ride today can take the train to the city of Pistoia (not included) and start riding from there. You can of course choose to start peddling directly from Montecatini. Pistoia is a charming city full of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque splendour. It is an enchanting place so allow plenty of time to explore. It’s OK to indulge in some local delicacies as the afternoon ride to Florence is along flat terrain and not overly taxing.

A full day’s sighteeing in Florence. Even if you are not an art lover, the architecture in central Florence is captivating. It is up to you how you would like to explore this delightful city but our tip is to return to Piazza dei Signori by the Uffizi in the evening when the statues and architecture are softly lit and the whole area takes on a different character. This romantic city combines architecture, cuisine and art and you are bound to have a wonderful day getting to know its many delights.

It’s your final day and you’ll round off your tour with a day that will be part peddling, part train ride (not included). Choose between cycling from Florence to Empoli (40km) and then taking a train to Pisa. Or taking the train to Empoli and then cycling onwards, to Pisa 65km. The latter leads you along the River Arno. Either way, your ride will be beautiful and the perfect way to end your Tuscan cycling adventure.

After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.

Bikes

On this tour you can choose between a regular bike or an E-bike.

Regular bikes: They are modern alloy framed touring models with 27 speeds and gel saddles which offer a very comfortable riding position. Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum height for male specific bike is 160cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier and per room a front bag, lock and repair kit. 

Electric bikes: The 9 speed electric bikes have unisex low-entry frames feature gel saddles and ergonomic grips. The Bosch powerpack offers a range of 90km (over flat terrain at an average speed). Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum age for e-bike is 18. Electric bikes come equipped with a pannier, battery charger plus, per room, a front bag, lock and repair kit. 

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets for adults only, are available for rent at the time of booking.

Accommodation

Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.

Superior: A mix of 3 and 4 star, good quality hotels.

Pisa: Hotel Repubblica Marinara

Lucca: Hotel Bernardino

Montecatini: Hotel Ariston Montecatini

Florence: Villa Royal

Local taxes

Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night

Getting There

Fly to Pisa or Florence

Research flights from the UK here

Take the train

Research trains in Italy here.

Reviews

Sally Mead - June, 03 Jun 2024
Service
5
Andy - October, 26 Oct 2024
Many thanks Sally!
Service
5
Andy - October, 26 Oct 2024
Perfect, thank you!
Beverley Turner - June, 01 Jun 2024
Service
5
Excellent. Friendly, efficient, helpful. Ally always very helpful.
Andy - October, 26 Oct 2024
Lovely, thanks Beverley
Service
4
Organisation, pre-booking excellent. Good bike briefing, good route information. Lovely scenery enroute. Quite a lot of busy main road on day 4 (Montecatini to Florence) Hotels were mixed - average quality. Hotel in Lucca very basic - didn’t even provide water, mediocre breakfast. Hotel Locations all ok. Great holiday overall- fantastic scenery, historical, interesting towns.
Andy - October, 26 Oct 2024
Thanks for the constructive feedback Beverley, we're glad you enjoyed the trip overall.
Brian Wade - May, 22 May 2022
Service
4
This is our 3rd trip with flexitreks As always, thorough and always kept informed. Despite our last minute changes
Service
4
The gps was very helpful Very scenic and in the majority, quiet routes both on and off road The hotels are comfortable, the Lucca hotel is a bit tired. All locations are good for city centres and amenities. The Pisa hotel is a way from the centre though and a good walk to the tower
Andy - June, 30 Jun 2022
Thanks Brian, we're glad you enjoyed this scenic route.
Anonymous - October, 29 Oct 2019
Service
5
They were very quick to reply to the questions I sent them (email).
Andy - January, 02 Jan 2020
Nice to hear as that is our goal.
Service
5
It was very well organized - although it would have been helpful to receive the cycling guide ahead of time (perhaps in .pdf format ahead of time & then receive the booklet upon arrival ;) Top Notch! Will recommend!
Andy - January, 02 Jan 2020
Many thanks we're glad you enjoyed it and we really appreciate recommendations!
Anonymous - October, 27 Oct 2019
Service
5
All emails were responded to in a timely manner.
Andy - January, 02 Jan 2020
Great to hear as that's our aim - thanks.
Service
5
The bikes were in good working condition- although a bit on the heavy side. Good orientation. Maps, GPS and little trail makers were great for navigating Selection of hotels was good Enjoyed the routes, mostly off busy roads, interesting and beautiful scenery.
Andy - January, 02 Jan 2020
Glad you enjoyed the trip and thank you for taking the time to submit a review.
Trevor Almack - July, 03 Jul 2019
Service
3
Tuscany tour June 2019 Summary: it was great to visit Pisa and Florence and see some of the Tuscan countryside but this is not the most exciting or varied cycling trip we have ever done. The degree/ difficulty of cycling was fairly described in the brochure and there is a lot of busy road work mixed in with gravel paths. The route goes through some pretty villages as well as some unattractive industrial areas. The person who wrote or translated the roadbook needs to be told the difference between left and right (slight exaggeration) but there does need to be more stickers in the appropriate places. We went off piste several times and we are quite good at following maps/ instructions and have done several similar trips. And why do Italian bars/ bistros close at lunchtime when they are needed most? Or the air conditioning not work? First night in Pisa. Grand hotel Bonnano Medium sized hotel about 10 minutes walk from the city centre. Comfortable room with modern facilities. Friendly reception.Good buffet breakfast. First day Cycle ride to Lucca. Flat easy ride, about 50 km, including several small detours due to poor signage or description in the route roadbook . nb front brake is on the left handlebar. Pleasant if unspectacular countryside, tidy villages with plenty of places to stop for refreshments. Second night in Lucca at Hotel Melecchi. Friendly welcome, bikes parked outside around the back. Smaller Older 2 star family owned hotel about 10 minutes walk from city centre. Lucca: You can cycle around the city walls quite easily in about 15 minutes. There are a lot of churches! Worth climbing the tower ( about 300 steps for €5, no elevator) for a good view of the town and surrounding area. Easy to find the way out of town. Third and fourth nights at Hotel Parma e Oriente, Montecatini Terme It was very difficult to find the right route into town and we were not the only ones who got lost. There is an Underground car park for the bikes attached to the large but personable hotel. We didn’t eat dinner there but the breakfasts were very good. Decent room with a small private courtyard attached. We didn’t do the Montecatini loop as it was too far in the excessive heat. It was 35-40 degrees all week ( mid/late June - unusually hot for the time of year) which made the pedalling slightly arduous although the route is predominantly flat to the the extent that we never had to dismount. We hired a car and drove to Vinci to see the Leonardo museums which is definitely worthwhile. Fifth and sixth nights at Palazzo Ognissanti in Florence We took the train to Pistioa to avoid the steepest section. Well it was 37 degrees! Mostly flat and largely uninspiring countryside around here. Not much of interest to see along the way. Easy to find the hotel after a flat approach along the Riverbank. Car / bike parking is around the corner. The hotel air conditioning was out of order and despite their best efforts to fix it we were unable to sleep a wink for two nights as the room was so hot. Return to Pisa Recommend you take the train to Empoli, if not further (san Romano to Pisa is about 45km) especially if the weather is as hot as it was for us in June 2019. The final few kilometres into Pisa is on a narrow bumpy overgrown embankment track which requires skill and concentration. It is Passable with care but after a long hot ride it may be better to take their suggested alternative route.
Service
3
Tuscany tour June 2019 Summary: it was great to visit Pisa and Florence and see some of the Tuscan countryside but this is not the most exciting or varied cycling trip we have ever done. The degree/ difficulty of cycling was fairly described in the brochure and there is a lot of busy road work mixed in with gravel paths. The route goes through some pretty villages as well as some unattractive industrial areas. The person who wrote or translated the roadbook needs to be told the difference between left and right (slight exaggeration) but there does need to be more stickers in the appropriate places. We went off piste several times and we are quite good at following maps/ instructions and have done several similar trips. And why do Italian bars/ bistros close at lunchtime when they are needed most? Or the air conditioning not work? First night in Pisa. Grand hotel Bonnano Medium sized hotel about 10 minutes walk from the city centre. Comfortable room with modern facilities. Friendly reception.Good buffet breakfast. First day Cycle ride to Lucca. Flat easy ride, about 50 km, including several small detours due to poor signage or description in the route roadbook . nb front brake is on the left handlebar. Pleasant if unspectacular countryside, tidy villages with plenty of places to stop for refreshments. Second night in Lucca at Hotel Melecchi. Friendly welcome, bikes parked outside around the back. Smaller Older 2 star family owned hotel about 10 minutes walk from city centre. Lucca: You can cycle around the city walls quite easily in about 15 minutes. There are a lot of churches! Worth climbing the tower ( about 300 steps for €5, no elevator) for a good view of the town and surrounding area. Easy to find the way out of town. Third and fourth nights at Hotel Parma e Oriente, Montecatini Terme It was very difficult to find the right route into town and we were not the only ones who got lost. There is an Underground car park for the bikes attached to the large but personable hotel. We didn’t eat dinner there but the breakfasts were very good. Decent room with a small private courtyard attached. We didn’t do the Montecatini loop as it was too far in the excessive heat. It was 35-40 degrees all week ( mid/late June - unusually hot for the time of year) which made the pedalling slightly arduous although the route is predominantly flat to the the extent that we never had to dismount. We hired a car and drove to Vinci to see the Leonardo museums which is definitely worthwhile. Fifth and sixth nights at Palazzo Ognissanti in Florence We took the train to Pistioa to avoid the steepest section. Well it was 37 degrees! Mostly flat and largely uninspiring countryside around here. Not much of interest to see along the way. Easy to find the hotel after a flat approach along the Riverbank. Car / bike parking is around the corner. The hotel air conditioning was out of order and despite their best efforts to fix it we were unable to sleep a wink for two nights as the room was so hot. Return to Pisa Recommend you take the train to Empoli, if not further (san Romano to Pisa is about 45km) especially if the weather is as hot as it was for us in June 2019. The final few kilometres into Pisa is on a narrow bumpy overgrown embankment track which requires skill and concentration. It is Passable with care but after a long hot ride it may be better to take their suggested alternative route.
Andy - September, 03 Sep 2019
Wow, that's a detailed review - thanks Trevor!
Anonymous - July, 30 Jul 2016
Service
5
Booking the cycling trip through Flexitreks was very organized, informative, and efficient. Our contact, Ally, answered any questions I had promptly and was extremely helpful.
Service
5
This was truly an amazing cycling holiday experience. It was well organized and we enjoyed the itinerary and route immensely! The scenery was just gorgeous and, when we arrived at our next hotel after a long day of riding, our luggage was safely there waiting for us. The bikes provided were awesome and we did not have any issues whatsoever. Overall, a fantastic cycling holiday and wonderful experience! We would do it again in a heartbeat. :)
Ally - August, 02 Aug 2016
Thanks for the lovely comments, in particular the service ones:) This cycling holiday really is the best way to experience Tuscany at its best.
Anonymous - December, 09 Dec 2015
Service
4
The booking and payment here in the UK went all ok however, we would have preferred to get the booklet with the written tour descriptions here in England rather than on the first day 10 min before setting off on the tour
Service
4
The route generally was ok and in fact a little boring at times; due to some major canal reconstruction we had to find our own way at some point which we understand will happen from time to time. We also got lost in Empoli after arriving there by train as we didn't have a street map and it was market day!! The final path baxk into Pisa along the banks of the river Arno was very overgrown and looked as if nobody had been on it for years!! As a last comment we would say that it would have been nice to receive a bottle of wine in our room at the last day like some of the other cycling tour operators do!