Overview
Cycle through beautiful Tuscan landscape
Cycle from the iconic leaning tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence,
passing through beautiful Tuscan landscape that inspired artists and
composers such as Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. The gentle cycling is mainly
along riverside paths and quiet roads, and there are the opportunities to
lengthen the rides, or take the train at some stages to spend extra time at
your destinations. Enjoy a free day in the romantic city of Florence and take
some time to visit the sights in one of the world’s most stunning cities! Highlights * Visit the famous cities of Pisa and Florence
* Relax in one of the most famous thermal cities of Europe
* Gentle cycling through idyllic Tuscan countryside
* See da Vinci’s birthplace and sample some of Italy’s finest cuisine ItineraryDay 1
Start Pisa. Free time to explore this beautiful city and visit the iconic
leaning towerMake your own way to Pisa. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known all over
the world for the iconic leaning tower but offers a whole host of other
monuments, museums and galleries to discover. If you have time be sure to
take in a walking tour of the city, and enjoy an aperitivo in one of the
city’s lively bars. Day 2
Cycling along the River Serchio, pedal towards the well-preserved Renaissance
town of Lucca. Optional ride towards Massaciuccoli LakeEasy cycling as you pedal northwards along the River Serchio. For those who
would like to extend their route, it is possible to cycle to Massaciuccoli
Lake before reaching the well-preserved Renaissance town of Lucca. The town
is well known for its high quality olive oil produced in the region, and
there are plenty of places in which you can choose to sample some of the
delicious rustic cuisine.
N.B the longer distance available today is 45km / 28 miles Day 3
Panoramic cycling through the small village of Collodi, optional visit to the
famous Pinocchio’s Park. Spend the night in Montecatini TermeCycling along a panoramic road you reach the small 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 there is time to enjoy a stroll
around the town, discovering churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the
local flower street market. Day 4
Free day; relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe, or take a
circular ride (60km) to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplaceFree day in which you can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in
Europe; taking the cable-railway to the top of the hill and strolling along
the narrow lanes of the old city. Alternatively cycle a picturesque itinerary
(approx. 60km) through beautiful countryside, discovering olive groves,
vineyards and historical farms. Highlights of this route include the villas
of the Medici family, and Vinci which is Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace and
has a museum dedicated to the artist. Day 5
Take a short train transfer to the pretty town of Pistoia and then head back
in the saddle to reach Florence. Alternatively ride all the way from
MontecatiniYou have two choices today; either cycle directly from Montecatini, or take a
short train transfer to Pistoia, a city rich in Romanesque and Renaissance
monuments and with one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del
Duomo. From here get back on the saddle, through the Tuscan flatland to reach
Florence, where some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world are
housed in the city’s museums, palaces and churches.
N.B the longer distance available today is 65km / 40 miles Day 6
Free day in Florence. Meander down enchanting streets, marvel at the
cathedral or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for a
spectacular viewEnjoy a free day in Florence. Meander down enchanting streets, marvel at the
cathedral or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for a
spectacular view. The historical city centre is surprisingly small, but
incredibly rich in detail, architecture and monuments, so you will be spoiled
for choice! Day 7
Take a short train transfer to Empoli and cycle along the River Arno to
return to PisaToday you can choose to either pedal directly from Florence to Empoli and
take a train on to Pisa, or take a train from Florence to Empoli and ride to
Pisa along the river Arno. Arrive in Pisa with time to enjoy this lively,
friendly city.
Option for longer 105km / 65 miles ride. Day 8
End PisaDeparture after breakfast. |
