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Italy

Tuscany-North: from Pisa to Florence

Cultural trip
Cycling
Independent, Self Guided
  • A really easy trip, and it's in Tuscany!
  • Great art cities: Florence, Pisa and Lucca
  • Nature Reserves: the Fucecchio Padule an inland wetlands with a great variety of nesting and migratory birds
  • A wine-tasting visit to a traditional wine-producing farm
  • Vinci, the birth place of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Charming village, quiet roads, cypress tree-lined country lanes and cycle paths along the Serchio river
  • Wine, wine and more great Tuscan wine and food

From: 460 €

Tripcode: ITSB040

3 Comfort

 

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

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1 Difficulty

 

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

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Duration: 7 days

Book now

 

Details

Highlights of Tuscani and Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci might have said it himself cycle my home town and check out my discoveries. This flexible tour does just that, as you choose your challenge each day. Pedal through the quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive groves to Pisa, with its world-renowned Leaning Tower, then to the charming town of Lucca, where you will ride up on the impressive walls of the city. Continue on country lanes to Vinci, Leonardo's birth place, and visit two museums to gain insight into the life and mind of this genius. Finally, visit Florence cradle of the Renaissance. This is a miraculous discovery of Northern Tuscany.

Itinerary

Expand itinerary Collapse itinerary
 
Day 1: Arrive in Pisa

Arrive at your hotel in Pisa and take a peaceful and relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of this charming city. Sit down for a glass of local Chianti wine and savor the amazing olive oil produced in the region's vineyards. Before calling it a night, promenade past the chapels and pastel houses lining the banks of the Arno River.

Challenge: Arrive in Pisa

Day 2: Pisa round trip

Short route: An easy warm up ride along small roads and bike paths leads you into the heart of Pisa where you can visit the world famous Miracle Square along with its illustrious 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: 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, renowned Natural History Museum. The second part of the day is spent in Pisa, as in the short route, visiting its many outstanding monuments

Challenge: 18.0 km or 32.3 km

Villages along the way: Pisa & Calci

Day 3: Riding to the wonderful walled town of Lucca

Short route: Today's ride is very scenic and nearly all flat. The route follows the Serchio River and after 25 kilometers, you reach the charming town of Lucca. You have ample time to visit the town and 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. Long route: This is a very demanding and rewarding ride, both for the scenery and the natural beauty you pass. Climb slowly and steadily from Calci up to the mountains of Monti Pisani and enjoy the sparkling fresh air and marvelous views. Take the descent down to Lucca, where you will be enchanted at how well this unique fortified town has been preserved in time.

Challenge: 21.5 km or 53.4 km

Villages along the way: Pisa, Lucca and the Motne Serra

Day 4: The prestigious Villas of Lucca

Choose between two trips of varying difficulty on today's visit of characteristic Renaissance villas in the outskirts of Lucca. Both trips are the same length, but the easy route is flat whereas the hilly route has a height variation of around 300 meters and offers enviable aerial views. Experience tours of assorted prestigious villas and stroll their extraordinarily luxurious gardens.

Challenge: 26.9 km or 66.4 km

Villages along the way: Lucca, Villa Reale & Villa Grabau

Day 5: From Lucca to Vinci passing the Fucecchio wetlands

The exiting part of today's ride starts in the village of Altopascio. Ride past the fascinating Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve, the largest inland wetlands of Europe. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and perhaps you will spot some migratory birds enjoying a well-deserved rest on their way south. Feeling rejuvenated, you cycle on to Vinci.

Challenge: 46.0 km

Villages along the way: Altopascio, Fucecchio & Vinci

Day 6: Short Vinci round trip and then on to Florence

Gain insight on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci as you explore his birthplace and two remarkable museums all about him. Amass insight by viewing his original designs and inventions. When you're ready, leave your bike at the accommodation in Vinci and take a transfer directly to Empoli to board a local train to Florence, for a night in the jewel of the Renaissance.

Challenge: 12.3 km

Villages along the way: Vinci & Florence

Day 7: Arrivederci Florence!

The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary services.

Villages along the way: Florence

Practical info

Included:

  • 6 nights accommodation on Bed and breakfast basis, all rooms with private en-suite bathroom.(3 nights in 3* hotels and 3 nights in a 3* equivalent farm-house)
  • Luggage transfer from day 2 till day 6
  • Transfer from Vinci to Empoli train station
  • 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered)
  • Detailed road book and maps

Not Included:

  • Flights and public transportation
  • Bike rental
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Any items that has not been mentioned in the programme

Optional Services:

  • 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, lock) Bike is delivered to accommodation
  • Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
  • Guided tour of Pisa, Lucca and/or Florence with a local private city guide
  • Private Cooking class in Lucca and/or Florence, (extra night required)

Extra Overnight:

Additional night/s at any of the accommodations on the way or any other destination in Italy

Getting there and away:

Pisa and Florence and Bologna airports have regular international and low cost flights. There is a regular bus and train service between the airports and the these 3 cities. We can also arrange for you private transportation directly from the airport.

www.trenitalia.it ; www.terravision.it

Reviews

Start: Pisa

Finish: Florence

 

Dates & prices

Trip availability: Starting any day from 1 March to 31 December

Departures
March 01, 2013 - March 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 460 €/person
twin room: 575 €/person
double room: 575 €/person
single room: 725 €/person
single room solo: 950 €/person
April 01, 2013 - April 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 515 €/person
twin room: 650 €/person
double room: 650 €/person
single room: 815 €/person
single room solo: 1040 €/person
May 01, 2013 - May 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 520 €/person
twin room: 655 €/person
double room: 655 €/person
single room: 835 €/person
single room solo: 1060 €/person
June 01, 2013 - June 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 520 €/person
twin room: 665 €/person
double room: 665 €/person
single room: 850 €/person
single room solo: 1075 €/person
July 01, 2013 - August 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 525 €/person
twin room: 675 €/person
double room: 675 €/person
single room: 850 €/person
single room solo: 1075 €/person
September 01, 2013 - September 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 520 €/person
twin room: 665 €/person
double room: 665 €/person
single room: 850 €/person
single room solo: 1075 €/person
October 01, 2013 - October 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 515 €/person
twin room: 650 €/person
double room: 650 €/person
single room: 835 €/person
single room solo: 1060 €/person
November 01, 2013 - November 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 460 €/person
twin room: 575 €/person
double room: 575 €/person
single room: 725 €/person
single room solo: 950 €/person

Other prices

January 01, 2013 - January 31, 2014
Dates of the trip Price
Price on request
Child Seat on bike: 11 €/person
Child MtB rental: 74 €/person
Bike rental: 90 €/person
optional transfer: 30 €
optional transfer: 170 €
transfer Florence hotel-Pisa airport: 170 €