Tuscany - Pisa to Florence Cycling Holiday

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.

Tuscany - Pisa to Florence 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.

Tuscany - Pisa to Florence Cycling Holiday

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.

Tuscany - Pisa to Florence 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

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Day 1 : Arrive Pisa

Upon arrival, make your way to your first hotel (The comfort category hotel is just 1.5 miles from the centre and a good location for the start of the cycle trip. The superior category is more centrally located.) 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.

Day 2 : Pisa – Lucca
19 to 28 miles/30 to 45 kms

Your first day in the saddle leads you northwards along the river Serchio. This easy section eases you into the cycling routine enabling you to relax and soak up your surroundings. 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 and the impressive defensive walls, designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, were never breached.

Day 3 : Lucca – Montecatini
27 miles/45 kms

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.

 

Day 4 : Montecatini – Montecatini
37 miles/60 kms

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.

Day 5 : Montecatini – Florence
31 to 41 miles/50 to 65 kms

Those wanting a shorter ride today can take the train to the city of Pistoia 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.


Day 6 : Florence
free day

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.

Day 7 : Florence – Empoli – Pisa
24 to 41 miles/40 to 65 kms by bike then 24 to 41 miles/40 to 65 kms by train

It’s your final day and you’ll round off your tour with a day that will be split; part peddling, part train ride. Choose between cycling from Florence to Empoli and then taking a train to Pisa or taking the train to Empoli and then cycling onwards, to Pisa along the River Arno. Either way the ride will be beautiful and the perfect way to end your Tuscan cycling adventure.

Day 8 : Pisa - end of trip

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

Bikes

The regular bikes provided are comfortable, modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds and gel saddles. These bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.

Electric bikes are available as are child bikes, child trailers and child seats.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets 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

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