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There are no steep Tuscan hills on this beautifully designed self guided cycle taking in some of Tuscany's most famous towns. Pedal effortlessly along the meandering Arno river cycle paths that take you from one classic Tuscan city to the next. From the leaning tower of Pisa to the elegant Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca and the famous Duomo of Florence, there are no shortage of sites to engage the whole family. Delve further into the countryside to visit lesser known corners such as Calci, where a famous Natural History Museum is housed and Vinci, where Leonardo da Vinci was born. Cycle through a quintessential Tuscan landscape, taste the many local specialties and stay in three comfortable family run hotels generally with swimming pools and gardens, perfect for relaxing after the cycling day is over.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(162kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive San Giuliano Terme (3.5km from Pisa centre)
Arrive at your hotel in San Giuliano Terme, located 3.5 km from Pisa centre and settle in to your comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool. If you arrive early, take a relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of this charming city. Promenade past the pastel houses lining the banks of the Arno River.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Visit Pisa and loop cycle to visit a monastery (25km/15.5mi)
Your rental bike will be delivered at 9am this morning, fitted to your specifications. 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 renowned Natural History Museum. The second part of the day is spent in Pisa, visiting its many outstanding monuments. (+90m/ -90m)
Meals: B
Day 3
Follow the Serchio River to Lucca and nearby hotel (24km/15mi)
Today’s ride is very scenic and nearly all flat. The route follows the Serchio River to reach the charming town of Lucca. Once in Lucca, take your time to visit the wonderful 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. (+300m/984ft -295m/968ft)
Day 4
Pedal along the Serchio River cycle path (33 or 39.5km/20.5 or 24.5mi)
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 of Villa Reale and Villa Grabau, with their luxurious and extraordinary vegetation, before heading back towards town. (+-170m/558ft or +-450m/1476ft)
Day 5
Cycle through Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve to Vinci (29 or 54km/18 or 33.5mi)
Today you will be transferred along with your bikes and luggage to Altopascio (9:30am) where you start the ride through the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve. This is one of the largest inland wetlands of Europe, and depending on the time of year the area will be wet or dry. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and 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's ride ends at a farm in the outskirts of Vinci, the village where the famous inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci came from. (+-250m/820ft or +-270m/886ft)
Day 6
Visit Vinci with its interactive museums (8 or 15km/5 or 9.3mi)
Gain an insight into the genius of Leonardo 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. (+-175m/574ft or +-450m/1476ft)
Day 7
Day trip by train to Florence
Today you can cycle (or take the bus or a private transfer) to Empoli train station (around 15km) 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 in the afternoon and cycling / bus or transfer back to your accommodation in Vinci. note: Transport today is not included and is to be paid locally.
Day 8
Trip concludes
After breakfast you will be driven to Empoli railway station, from where you can take the train to Florence or Pisa.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Baby seats, child bikes, trailers, trail-a-bikes are available on request.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in.
a bike trailer can be used for 1-2 kids up to a maximum weight of 45 kilos - suitable for 2-5 year olds
A trailer bike can be used for kids from 120-140cm in height (4-7 year olds)
For heights: 130 to 165 cm, the wheels can be 20 or 24 or 26 inches.
GRADE 2 - Daily ascents between 100—300m. The planned cycles follow mostly well asphalted country roads and secondary roads. There are some dirt-road cycle paths around Pisa and Lucca. There are some small hills on the way to Vinci. Near larger towns, the roads have more traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend some practice cycles with your children before you go, including in low traffic areas. It is important that everyone is comfortable cycling on roads.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Moderate
Introductory to Moderate
4Days