Follow the backroads on this bicycle journey of Tuscany's highlights. Discover Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace, see the leaning tower of Pisa and indulge in the ancient thermal resort of Casciana Terme.
Wind your way through vine-covered countryside to San Gimignano of the Fine Towers, a beautifully preserved medieval city where only 14 of the original 72 towers remain. Explore the enchanting and classic Tuscan city of Siena with its Gothic architecture. Cycle through the vineyards and olive groves of the Chianti region, the centre of Tuscany's world famous wine industry.
This journey which is offered as a self guided cycle concludes in Florence where an incredible concentration of attractions complete our journey.
Join Montecatini Terme
The trip begins at the first hotel in Montecatini (details to be provided on booking). Later in the afternoon / early evening a briefing will be held. Montecatini, located at the foot of the Pisoian Mountains, is famous for the therapeutic qualities of its spa waters and the baths/spas found in the town date back to the 14th Century. It is a great town to watch the world go by and offers excellent cuisine.
Round trip cycle to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birth place (55km)
Cycle along small paths, through the olive groves of Montecatini Terme to Vinci (Leonardo da Vinci’s birth place) returning to Montecatini Terme for the evening. The town of Vinci is set around a Romanesque castle (Conti Guidi) which is home to the Leonardo da Vinci museum. Here you will find a collection of his drawings (mostly copies) and working models based on the drawings including a clock, flying machine, underwater exploration device and a tank. It is worth visiting the museum before returning to Montecatini Terme.
Train to Lucca and cycle to Pisa (50km)
This morning take the train to the former capital of Tuscany, Lucca. This is the only walled town in Italy and the old town has an impressive Romanesque cathedral. It is worth cycling along the wide shaded ancient ramparts by bike visiting the Puccini museum before continuing to the Lake of Massacciuccoli (also known as lake of Giacomo Puccini), near the town of Viareggio. The lake is part of the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massacciuccoli Nature Park and in the lakeside town of Torre del Lago Puccini is the birth home of the great composer Giacomo Puccini (1858- 1924). From the lake, the cycle route continues to the much visited city of Pisa, where amongst many highlights resides the famous ‘Leaning tower of Pisa’. Overnight Pisa.
Cycle to spring town Casciana Terme (40km)
From Pisa the cycle route follows the Arno River before joining country lanes to the idyllic spa town, Casciana Terme. Set in classic Tuscan countryside, there is ample opportunity to relax in town, enjoy a spa treatment or explore the countryside further.
Cycle through vineyards to San Gimignano (55km)
The route takes us through vineyards and traverses gentle hills to reach the hill town of San Gimignano. The town dominates the Elsa Valley below with its imposing towers, which date back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture has been influenced by neighbouring Siena and Florence, and we tour the highlights. You are now in the north of Siena province, between the Chianti area and val D' Elsa. Overnight stay in San Gimignano.
Cycle to Siena (45km)
Today is a particularly scenic day with the Tuscan landscape at its best. Rolling hills, vineyards and Tuscan villas are characteristic of the day, and the architectural wonder of Siena is our destination. This afternoon we recommend that you explore this enchanting medieval town with its gothic buildings such as the Palazzo Pubblico, and the rich art history contained in its churches. The centre of town is Il Campo, a huge square, which acts as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Il Campo is also the location of the colourful horse race which occurs twice a year (2 July & 16 August). It is worth climbing the bell tower at the lower point of the square for a view of the town and surrounding countryside. There will also be time to wander the many side streets and take a look inside the duomo, one of Italy’s great gothic churches.
Cycle via Chianti-region and bus to Florence (50km)
Today is the last cycle day, through the hilly and picturesque Chiantiregion, where the “Chianti Classico” comes from. As you cycle to Greve, there are some interesting hilltop towns including Castellina in Chianti. The steep climbs up to these towns are well worth the effort. From Greve take a bus to Florence.
In Florence, trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast.
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 nights 3 or 4 star accommodation
- Bicycle, 21 speed with waterproof bags
- Luggage transfer
- All transfers - bus, train
- Information kit including detailed maps, sightseeing references
- 7days service hotline
- Travel guidance
Weekly on Saturdays from 7 April to 30 June and 25 August to 6 October
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