Family Cycling Italy Lucca to Florence 8 days

Try Family Cycling in Italy

Forget the steep Tuscan hills as you and your family effortlessly cycle along the meandering Arno river cycle paths that take you from one monumental artistic city to the next. Visit some of Italy’s most famed cultural centers such as Pisa, Lucca and Florence as well as its lesser know and more intimate corners, the wild sand dune coast of Viareggio, Vinci, where Leonardo da Vinci was born, Torre del Lago where Puccini composed his famous opera’s. Pedal through a quintessential Tuscan landscape, taste the many local specialties and stay in 2 comfortable, family run, hotels

Bike Tour Lucca to Florence 8 Day

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Quintessential Lucca, with its imposing city walls and a riddle of narrow streets.
• The magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa with the leaning tower and Cathedral
• Spend a day by the sea, visiting Viareggio with its light sandy beaches
• Florence, the cradle of the renaissance
• Giacomo Puccini’s lake side home at Torre del Lago where he composed his most famous airs
• Vinci, the charming medieval town where Leonardo da Vinci was born
• Quiet country roads, cycle paths and tree lined avenues
• Delicious Tuscan culinary specialties
• Warm, welcoming locals

8 day Day by day Program

Day 1 Arrival in Lucca ã Carignano

Arrive at your hotel in Carignano, located 5 km from Lucca centre town, and settle in to the comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool.

Day 2 Lucca and upstream to Villa Reale and Villa Grabau ã Carignano

Today you cycle upstream along the Serchio River cycle path that takes you to the Lucchese foothills where there are many beautiful and famous palaces and gardens to be visited. Stop to admire the monumental gardens full of luxurious and extraordinary vegetation of Villa Reale and Villa Grabau before heading back towards town. Once in Lucca, take your time to visit the charming city centre, ride along the imposing tree-lined perimeter walls and explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre.

Day 3 Cycle from Lucca to Pisa to visit the Miracle Square and the Leaning Tower ã Carignano

Today’s ride is very scenic, following the Serchio River downstream you reach the heart of Pisa where you can visit the world famous Miracle Square and climb its illustrious leaning tower. Ride though the city center and 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, before you take the train back to Lucca.

Day 4 A day at the beach with Giacomo Puccini ã Carignano

Ride in to Lucca train station and hop on the local train to the beach. A short train ride takes you to the beach town of Viareggio, known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”, thanks to its beaches of fine Golden sand, vast pine woods, the large marina and the elegant shops that face onto the long boulevards lined with palm trees and oleander bushes. A short bike ride inland takes you to Torre del Lago where the famous composer Puccini spent many summers being, inspired by the beautiful Lake of Massaciuccoli, now a nature reserve. Ride towards the sea and the Golden sandy beaches and stop anywhere along the coastal cycle path for a refreshing swim.

You return to Lucca with the train.

Day 5 Cycle from Lucca to Vinci ã Vinci

Today you with your bikes and luggage will be transferred to Altopascio where you start the ride through the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve. This is one of the largest inland wetlands of Europe. Depending on the time of year the area will be wet or dry. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and to spot some migratory birds enjoying a well-deserved rest on their way south why not leave the road and head into the vegetation.

The day ride ends at a farm in the outskirts of the village of Vinci, where the famous inventor/artists Leonardo da Vinci came from.

Day 6 Vinci round trip ã Vinci

Gain insight on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci as you explore his birthplace and the two remarkable, child friendly and hands –on museums dedicated to his inventions. Admire his original designs and inventions and ride up to the house where he was born, for some spectacular views and quintessential Tuscan scenery.

Day 7 Cycle to Cerreto Guidi or go for a day-tripping to Florence! ã Vinci

Today you can chose to either do a round tour near Vinci, to the village of Cerreto Guidi visiting its imposing Medici Palace/Villa.

Or you can cycle to Empoli train station from where a 30 minute train ride takes you into downtown Florence the cradle of the Renaissance. Spend the day strolling its wonderful streets and admiring the innumerable wonders before returning to Empoli the afternoon and cycling back to your accommodation in Vinci.

Day 8 Arrivederci Toscana

The trip and our services end after breakfast. If you have rented a bike with us, leave it at the accommodation in Vinci.

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

Accommodation and meals:

You will spend the trip in comfortable family run 3 star hotels or equivalent farm houses. They are all different in style and all rooms have private bathrooms.

In Lucca, a nice 3* hotel located in the quiet hamlet of Carignano, 4 km from down town Lucca.

The hotel has recently been refurbished; there are many spacious triple and quad rooms, a free parking area, and restaurant with terrace open every day. There is a large garden with children’s games and a swimming pool open from mid May to September. Exact opening period always depends on the weather. The hotel has a nice and inexpensive restaurant

In Vinci (2 km from the village), a nice working farm house run by a friendly family.

The old farm house which was transformed into holiday accommodation is nicely furnished and has all kind of comforts TV SAT, internet connection. All rooms and apartments are spread out in 3 different converted farm buildings. It is possible to have dinner at the farm; they serve good, typical Tuscan home cooking.

There is a private parking area, a furnished garden and a swimming pool open from mid May to September. The opening period always depends on the weather.

All services (like tennis, golf, shop, bank, post office) can be easily reached from the farm house.

For further information please contact marco@gustocycling.com

May 1 – June 30 2013 double room sup:600 €/person