Italy : Tuscany

Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence

Trip code: C07PF 4.6 (8 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Famous spa towns, world-class art museums and fresco-decorated churches
  • The Renaissance town of Lucca, leaning tower of Pisa and Ponte Vecchio in Florence
  • Narrow cobbled streets, lively piazze, stunning Tuscan landscapes

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Cycle from the iconic leaning tower of Pisa to Ponte Vecchio in Florence, passing through beautiful Tuscan landscape that inspired artists and composers such as Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. The gentle cycling is mainly along riverside paths and quiet roads, and there are opportunities to lengthen the rides, or take the train at some stages to spend some extra time at your destinations. Enjoy a free day in the romantic city of Florence and take some time to visit the sights of one of the world's most stunning cities!

Terrain

Terrain: 88% tarmac, 12% unpaved

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Pisa

Make your own way to Pisa. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known all over the world for the iconic leaning tower, but it is also home to beautiful Renaissance piazze, Romanesque buildings and renowned art galleries.

You stay at Selected hotels.

hotel details

Hotels , Pisa to Florence


We use 3 star hotels throughout, all en suite. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning. Please specify whether you would prefer a double or twin room when booking.

Eating & Drinking

Breakfasts are included and usually consist of a continental style spread along with a buffet. Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the information material provided. Tuscan food is based around the notion of cucina povera, or 'poor cooking'. Simple, inexpensive meals are made using fresh, high-quality, local ingredients to bring out the natural flavours. Dishes are traditionally hearty and you will find mouth-watering soups and stews made with beans and local meats appearing on all menus, paired with a glass of the local Chianti of course! Tuscany is famous for its truffles, mushrooms and homegrown olive oil, and you will also find a variety of delicious breads as an accompaniment to most meals. It is impossible to offer an exhaustive list of suggestions for 'must-try' dishes, but here are a few recommendations: Panzanella - a cold bread salad made using the simple ingredients of unsalted bread, tomatoes, red onions, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt Lardo di Colonnata - cured meat generally served as a starter Cacciucco - fish stew, or soup Lampredotto - a stew using the fourth stomach of a cow, cooked in a broth and often found served as street food Castagnaccio - a traditional cake made with chestnut flour Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice, and each town generally has its own wine, so if the choice becomes overwhelming, it is simple enough to go for the vino della casa (house wine) which will likely be a delicious Tuscan table wine.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Pisa to Lucca (30km/18.6mi or 45km/28.0mi)

Pedal northwards along the beautiful River Serchio. If you want to extend your route, cycle towards Lake Massaciuccoli before reaching the Renaissance town of Lucca. Encircled by its perfectly preserved city walls, the town is also the birthplace of the great composer, Puccini and concerts are held here every night in his honour.

elevation

Day 3: Lucca to Montecatini Terme (45km/28.0mi)

Cycle towards Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can visit the famous Pinocchio's Park and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia, stroll around the town, discovering churches, mansions and its quaint local flower market, before heading to Montecatini Terme.

elevation

Day 4: At Montecatini Terme (Optional) (60km/37.3mi)

Enjoy a free day to explore one of the most famous spa towns in Europe. Take the funicular to the top of the hill or stroll around the Old Town. Alternatively, cycle past olive groves, vineyards and villas to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace, where there is a museum dedicated to the artist.

elevation

Day 5: Montecatini Terme to Florence (50km/31.1mi or 65km/40.4mi)

You have two choices today; either cycle directly from Montecatini Terme, or take a short train transfer to Pistoia, a city rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments, boasting one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo. From here, cycle through the Tuscan flatland to Florence.

elevation

Day 6: At Florence

Enjoy a free day in Florence. Meander down enchanting streets, marvel at the cathedral or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for spectacular views. The historical city centre is surprisingly small, but incredibly rich in detail, architecture and monuments.

Day 7: Florence to Empoli and Pisa (40km/24.9mi or 65km/40.4mi)

Today you can choose to either pedal directly from Florence to Empoli and take a train on to Pisa, or take a train from Florence to Empoli and ride to Pisa along the picturesque river Arno. Arrive in Pisa with time to enjoy this lively, friendly city.

elevation

Day 8: Leave Pisa

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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A$2110
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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$521.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Really great holiday, the Italian bike company were great and very organised.

Mr Baseley, 5 Oct 2024

 

It was well organised

Mr Wilson, 21 Sep 2024

 

The support and prompt feed back from Headwater to enquires, in particular Helen and the team, has been very professional. Have used Headwater previously and hope to again in the future.

Mr Williamson, 21 Sep 2024

 

An great experience, very helpful staff at Headwater and the service at the hotels was great. Would have loved to have spent 2 nights in Lucca rather than Montecatini (seemed rather a sad and deserted) but that said understand that it was to do with the number of miles/rest times along the cycle route.

Jenny Chapman, 2 Apr 2024

 

An enjoyable holiday. We have been on a number of cycling holidays. If you were inexperienced, the briefing would not have been sufficient. The agent appeared to be a rush to leave! One of our bikes had a constant issue with the gear cable but my partner was able to sort it out. The train journeys were difficult with the electric bike as it was so heavy and both stations had steps on and off the platforms. The Pisa hotel AC Grand was too far away from the centre of Pisa. Breakfasts in all hotels were basic and not replenished even when we were eating at 7am! Overall we enjoyed our trip and the big bonus was being able to download the route on our mobiles.

Carolyn Evans, 2 Sep 2023

 

Excellent routes through flatter parts of Tuscany giving varied interest through all the rides. Occasional (unavoidable) stretches on busy roads but most roads pleasantly quiet. Good friendly hotels for the necessary post-ride recovery. Although the strada bianchi only makes up 12% of the distance, it feels like more!



CARE, 3 Jun 2023

 

We were a party of one 25 year old who used a regular road bike and his 2 parents who were glad we’d booked ebikes as the route was very hilly in parts, as described in the route literature. The cities and towns we stopped in were beautiful and so interesting. The hotels in Florence and Pisa were a little out of town but pleasant walks there along the river. The routes between the stops were through mainly agricultural landscape and largely on roads, some quite busy, or on tough gravel riverside paths. In the cites luckily there were dedicated cycle lanes. The holiday was well organised and the local agent helpful although stressed he wouldn’t come to assist with punctures (fortunately we had none). The bikes were well maintained although some suspension in the saddle would have helped. All in all we had an excellent holiday - our third with Headwater - and would definitely recommend the company and look forward to going with them again some day

Mrs Whiteley, 3 Sep 2022

 

This is a fantastic way to see parts of a country you would probably never see. The routes are so well planned and thought through taking you along cycle paths and quiet country lanes to villages and towns and places of interest away from busy main roads( mostly). The app is really accurate, useful and easy to use. The bikes are sturdy hybrids that are well maintained. If you don’t use an e-bike then you do have to have a certain level of fitness as cycling each day as some parts of the routes can be a bit of a challenge( some uphills require a bit of effort). Also you should be aware how the heat might affect your ability to do cycle. This caught me off guard but we just chose to leave earlier to avoid the sun. The arrival in Florence was fabulous, finishing at the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge with a cool beer and then having the following day to explore was wonderful. Truly spectacular city. On the last day we biked part way to Pisa and then took the train. A unique way to see Tuscany

Mr Mayer, 6 Aug 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

7 nights from AU$2110

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199