Tuscany - Pisa & Florence

Day 1: Arrival in Pisa
Day 2: Pisa - Lucca, 16 or 28 mi. (25 or 45 km)
Day 3: Lucca - Montecatini, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Montecatini, round tour, 36 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Montecatini - Florence, 30 or 36 mi. (50 or 60 km)
Day 6: Rest day in Florence
Day 7: Florence - Empoli - Pisa, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km) + train ride
Day 8: Departure from Pisa

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks.  In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival in Pisa
Your tour begins in Pisa. This city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the unique leaning tower, and the bell tower of the city cathedral. Part of Unesco's World Heritage sites and is an important center of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. Besides a large number of monuments, this piazza also offers a friendly and lively atmosphere for a university city.

Day 2: Pisa - Lucca, 16 to 28 mi. (25 or 45 km)
Pedaling north along the Serchio River, you cycle from Pisa and out, and through the impressive countryside, you arrive in Lucca. For those who wish for a slightly longer itinerary, there is the option of going towards Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching Lucca. The route is not difficult and is mainly on side roads and a bike path along the Serchio River. You will encounter some traffic as you leave Pisa.

Elevation gain: 20 or 100 m

Day 3: Lucca - Montecatini Terme, 28 mi. (45 km)
Along an undulating route, first, on the river path and then via country roads, you ride through ancient patrician villas and villages until you reach the crossroads for Collodi, the town of Pescia, and Montecatini. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you could visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia, you could enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions, and the local flower street market.

Elevation gain: 280 m

Day 4: Montecatini, round tour, 36 mi. (60 km)
Today’s route offers two possibilities. You can relax in Montecatini, one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe, and stroll down the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable railway. Otherwise, a picturesque itinerary will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards, and beautiful historical farms. You will also pass Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, where a visit to the museum is possible. The beginning of the stage is mostly flat and for a short section, on unpaved road through the nature reserve of Padule del Fucecchio. At the foot of the hills of Cerbaie, you will encounter a climb of 4 km to Massarella. You will climb back up to the valley of the river San Pantaleo and after a few kilometers, you will arrive at Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo. The frame of the final stage will be the typical Tuscan landscape: rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves.

Elevation gain: 310 m

Day 5: Montecatini - Florence, 30 or 36 mi. (50 or 60 km)
Today you can choose to start cycling directly from Montecatini or to shorten the trip through a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (in particular churches) and having one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From here, you begin cycling again, immersed in the Tuscan flatland, en route to Florence.

The longer itinerary is for those who have trained and are up for a challenge. You will cycle directly from Montecatini, climbing Monsummano among olive trees. This is a 6 km incline but is a very scenic climb. You can shorten the stage by taking a short train ride to Pistoia. From Pistoia, you will cycle along country roads between crops and plant nurseries. In Signa, you will encounter the Arno River that will accompany you in the heart of Florence, in front of the famous “Ponte Vecchio”. After Signa, the route continues entirely on an unpaved bike path along the river Arno.

Transfer: about 20 minutes by train (ticket not included in the tour price) from Montecatini to Pistoia.

Elevation gain: 150 or 400 m

Day 6: Rest day in Florence, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Today is a free day allowing you to decide how you want to spend your time in this beautiful city. Or you can hop on your bike for a 12 km ride along a beautiful road to enjoy splendid views of the city and the surroundings.

Day 7: Florence - Empoli - Pisa, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km) + train ride, 24 or 39 mi. (40 or 65 km)
Today you can choose to start directly from Florence and then reach Pisa by taking the train from Empoli or taking a train to Empoli and riding to Pisa along the river Arno.

After leaving Florence, you cycle back in the path of the Parco delle Cascine. A 4 km climb takes you to the highest point of the stage, 286m above sea level. From Empoli, the route follows mainly the lower valley of the Arno River up to the so-called plain of Pisa. The final part to Pisa will be on unpaved path along the bank of the river Arno.

Transfer: about 30 minutes by train (ticket not included in the tour price) from Florence to Empoli or about 30 minutes by (ticket not included in the tour price) from Empoli to Pisa.

Elevation gain: 100 or 300 m

Day 8: Departure from Pisa
Your tour will officially end at normal check-out time.

If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

Accommodations

You have a choice of accommodation level on this tour:
Category A: Mainly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels and a family-run 2-star hotel in Lucca

All rooms have private facilities and air conditioning.

Bicycles

Unisex or men’s touring bike

A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position

• Aluminum frame
• Upright handlebar
• Selle Royal saddle
• Water bottle cage
• 27-speed (Shimano Deore)
• Flat pedal
• Mechanical V-brakes
• Rear rack
• Mudguards
• 28-inch wheels
• Schwalbe anti-puncture tires

Unisex electric bike

A low entry unisex frame

• Upright handlebar
• 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
• Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
• Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
• Ergonomic grip
• Selle Royal saddle
• Flat pedals
• Mechanical V-brakes
• Rear rack
• Mudguards
• 28-inch wheels
• Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires

Accessories

Included accessories

• Mudguards
• Trip computer
• Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
• Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
• Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)

Supplemental accessories

See pricing.

• Helmet
  • Brand: Limar
  • Size: one size (55 - 61)
  • Adjustable size system and cool pads
  • Weight: 260 g
  • 10 vents with bug net
  • Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA