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.
Bike Tour Pisa to Florence 5 or 7 Day TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit cities of high historic significance, such as Pisa and Lucca, which have played a major role in the history of Italy, from the ancient Estruscans to the creation of the Republic
- Nature Reserves: the Fucecchio Padule the largest European, inland wetlands with a great variety of wetland bird species both nesting and migratory
- A wine-tasting visit to a traditional wine-producing farm
- Wonderful landscapes, see many different aspects of Tuscany
- Charming country villages, rich in history and culture, like Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo
- peaceful roads, cypress tree-lined country lanes and lovely bike paths
- magnificent Florence, with its Duomo, museums, churches and palaces
- Delicious Tuscan culinary specialties
- Warm, welcoming locals
Bike Tour Pisa to Florence 5 or 7 Day
8 day Day by day Program
| Day | Section | ã | Short route(km) | Long route(km) |
| 1 | Arrival in Pisa | Pisa | - | - |
| 2 | Pisa round trip | Pisa | 18 | 32.3 |
| 3 | Ride from Pisa to Lucca | Lucca | 23.5 | 53.4 |
| 4 | Lucca roundtrip | Lucca | 26.9 | 28.3 |
| 5 | Ride from Lucca to Vinci | Vinci | 25 | 46 |
| 6 | Vinci round trip in the morning and then train to Florence | Florence | 8.2 | 12.3 |
| 7 | Departure from Florence |
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The shorter routes are on average easy with a longer day from Lucca to Vinci.
The longer/steeper routes are moderate to demanding and a reasonable level of training is required. The most difficult stages of the easy trip are 3 and 5, while for the demanding trip are 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Day 1 Arrival 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.
Day 2 Pisa Round trip with a short and a long route
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
Day 3 Pisa to Lucca with a short and a long route
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.
Day 4 Lucca round trip with a flat and a hilly route
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.
Day 5 Lucca to Vinci
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.
Day 6 Vinci round trip, transfer to Empoli and train to Florence with an easy and harder route
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.
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.
INCLUDED IN THE 7 DAYS STANDARD PROGRAM:
- 6 nights accommodation on B&B basis, all rooms with private en-suite bathrooms (3 nights in 3* hotels and 3 nights in 3* equivalent farmhouses)
- Luggage transfer on day 2, 4 and 6
- Transfer of maximum 4 people at a time from Vinci to Empoli train station on day 6
- 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered)
- Detailed road book and maps in English
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:
- Flights and public transportation
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
- Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been mentioned in the program
- Tips and gratuities
OPTIONAL SERVICES (must be booked in advance)
- 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet, puncture repair kit, pump, lock, front bag with map holder and rear side bag. Bikes are delivered at the first hotel and picked up from the accommodation in Vinci
- Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
- Transfer from Vinci to Florence
- 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)
- Additional night/s at any of the accommodations or any other destination in Italy
The 5 days program includes day: 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the 7 days program
| Day | Section | ã | Short route(km) | Long route(km) |
| 1 | Arrival in Pisa | Pisa | - | - |
| 2 | Ride from Pisa to Lucca | Lucca | 23.5 | 53.4 |
| 3 | Ride from Lucca to Vinci | Vinci | 46 | 46 |
| 4 | Vinci round trip in the morning and then train to Florence | Florence | 8.2 | 12.3 |
| 5 | Departure from Florence |
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The shorter routes are on average easy with a longer day from Lucca to Vinci.
The longer/steeper routes are moderate to demanding and a reasonable level of training is required.
The most difficult stages of both the easy and the demanding trip are 2 and 3
INCLUDED IN THE 5 DAYS STANDARD PROGRAM:
- 4 nights accommodation on B&B basis, all rooms with private en-suite bathrooms (3 nights in 3* hotels and 3 nights in 3* equivalent farmhouses)
- Luggage transfer on day 2 and 3
- Transfer of maximum 4 people at a time from Vinci to Empoli train station on day 4
- 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered)
- Detailed road book and maps in English
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:
- 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 have not been mentioned in the program
OPTIONAL SERVICES (must be booked in advance)
- 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet, puncture repair kit, pump, lock, front bag with map holder and rear side bag. Bikes are delivered at the first hotel and picked up from the accommodation in Vinci
- Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
- Transfer from Vinci to Florence
- 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)
- Additional night/s at any of the accommodations or any other destination in Italy
|
PRACTICAL INFORMATION |
|
| Group Size | Minimum 1 person |
| Trip Grade: | Easy to demanding depending on the route you choose, some shade on the roads (Daily climb easy trip between 100—400 mt.) |
| Activity characteristics: | The rides follow mostly well asphalted country roads and secondary roads. There are some cycle paths and dirt roads around Pisa and Lucca. Near larger towns, the roads are more trafficked. |
| Arrival & departure airport: | Pisa, Florence or Bologna Airports |
| Arrival & departure station: | Pisa or Florence train stations |
| Trip availability: | Any day from 01/03 to 30/11 |
Accommodation and meals:
You will spend the night in comfortable family run 3 star hotels or equivalent agriturismo (farm houses). They are all different in style and all rooms have private bathrooms. Two of the accommodations have a swimming pool.
In Pisa the hotels we use are in the old part of the town, close to the Miracle’s Square.
In Lucca, both accommodations we use are approx, 5 km from the center of Lucca, located in the countryside.
In Vinci a farm house with swimming pool situated about 2 km from Vinci.
In Florence, we use both centrally located 3* hotels and a 4* hotel located above the Boboli Gardens, not far from Porta Romana that has a swimming pool.
A delicious Tuscan breakfast is included each morning in each accommodation.
Alternative accommodation
During high season, you might sleep in different accommodation to the ones indicated in the description. In some cases it is possible that your list of accommodation differs somewhat.
This means that start or end of the routes can be slightly altered. Therefore, you should check to see if your accommodation is the same as that mentioned in this programme. If not, you must be alert at the start and end of the routes. In choosing alternative accommodation, we have tried to maintain the same standards and quality. We have also tried to stay in the same towns and villages, in order to change routes as little as possible.
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer is included in your package; this is normally provided by the accommodation itself.
If you are unable to ride, you can always ask if the luggage transporter can take you with him when transporting your baggage, but this is not always possible and sometimes you have to pay a small fee locally. In some countries there are special insurances for transporting peoples and sometimes the car is not suited for transporting persons.
A note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips; however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
Fitness preparation
The concept behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. This walk is graded introductory to moderate. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations on a consistent basis prior to departure, and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months leading up to departure. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel.
During the day is when the most interesting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimize every situation you encounter. As a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic type exercise; running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note the best training is the activity that you are actually going to be doing; walking up and down hill, and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, daypack, clothing etc) gives familiarity and comfort whilst on the walk. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’, rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’, to avoid problems.
Rental Bikes
If you have rented a bike with us, you will find it waiting for you in the hotel’s storage room, fitted to your requirements. Our adult hybrid-bikes are provided with comfortable seats, reliable components, 21 gears and Shimano Alivio components. All bikes, before being handed out are cleaned and overhauled.
All bikes are equipped with a padlock and key that must be used at all times when not riding the bike, luggage pannier attachments at the rear and 1 rear side bag per bike, 1 front bag and map compartment, front and back lights, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube, all of which you should know how to use. One every 2 bikes there is a KM distance counter.
You are expected to know the vary basics of bike mechanics and how to mend a puncture or change a tire. If something more serious happens to the bike that you cannot repair on the spot, call the shop and they will help you fix it or suggest the best and fastest solution.
For further information please contact marco@gustocycling.com
Based on 2 people sharing a room…….triple/family rooms available…prices are dependant on departure date.
For 5 Day Tour 2013 Prices
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 475 €/person |
| triple room: | 375 €/person |
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 520 €/person |
| triple room: | 410 €/person |
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 535 €/person |
| triple room: | 415 €/person |
For 8 Day Tour 2013 Prices
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 585 €/person |
| triple room: | 470 €/person |
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 660 €/person |
| triple room: | 525 €/person |
| Room Required | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double: | 680 €/person |
| triple room: | 535 €/person |
5 day tour Bike Rental – 3 days – 80 euro’s per person
7 day tour Bike Rental – 5 days – 115 euro’s per person
Child seat on the bike 20 euros
junior MTB 65 euros – 3 days
JUnior MTB 85 euros – 5 days
