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Pisa to Florence via Chianti Cycle

View over Florence in Italy

Highlights of cycling Tuscany

Architectural wonders of Pisa

classic countryside view from the tower in San Gimignano | Tim Charody

Highlights of cycling Tuscany

Sample wine, olive oil and biscotti in the Chianti region in Tuscany

Explore a church in Italy

View over Florence in Italy

Highlights of cycling Tuscany

Architectural wonders of Pisa

classic countryside view from the tower in San Gimignano | Tim Charody

Highlights of cycling Tuscany

Sample wine, olive oil and biscotti in the Chianti region in Tuscany

Explore a church in Italy

Give the Gift of Active TravelSee vouchers

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Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

6 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$1435USD

Overview

Trip Code: TCV

Trip highlights

Cycling through classic Tuscan landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and quintessential hill top towns
Exploring the renowned cities of Pisa, Siena and Florence
Enjoying the superb wines of the Chianti region
Discovering the towers of San Gimignano and the thermal waters of Casicana Terme

Tuscany needs little introduction, having been the holiday destination of choice for centuries. Cycling through this classic Tuscan landscape of rolling hills interspersed with verdant vineyards and cypress trees lining the roads is one of life's great pleasures. Culture, history and excellent cuisine is ever present as you pedal between towns. From Pisa and its leaning tower, pass through medieval Siena, along a route of vineyards all the way to Florence, the cradle of Renaissance. At night soak up the atmosphere in piazza's and trattoria's and join the passegiata, an evening stroll often accompanied by a gelato.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Pisa

Make your own arrival to Pisa, the city famous for its magical Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the characteristic Leaning Tower. UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, Pisa has a large number of monuments as well as the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle along the Arno to Casciana Terme (45km/28mi)

The cycle route begins along the river Arno where you soon reach Pontedera, a rather modernized district, home to the wine company Castellani, and a sweets factory called Amedei. Continue through olive groves and vineyards, features you will pass by alot on this inspiring journey. Finally you will reach the thermal town Casciana Terme, famous for its Etruscan roots, where thermal water was discovered by 12th century Countess Matilda of Tuscany.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle the Via Francigena to San Gimignano or Colle Val dÉlsa (50 or 70km/31 of 44mi)

Following the Via Francigena through vineyards and rolling hills you will arrive at San Gimignano, a hilltop village offering medieval landscapes. This UNESCO awarded walled hamlet is known for its many towers. And in the evening, treat yourself with the local exquisite cuisine!

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle to the medieval town of Siena (45 or 25km/28 or15.5mi)

By following the centuries old Via Francigena, you'll be welcomed by the views of Mount Maggio and the castle of Monteriggioni, Dante's subject in his famous literary pieces. Siena, a superb medieval town, is just ahead; you'll recognise it by the historic brick buildings and the crown of Torre del Mangia. Take time to sit in Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio di Siena horse race takes place each year in July and August.

Meals: B

Day 5
Cycle to Greve in Chianti (55km/34.5mi)

Today's first stop is Castagnolli, where you will admire the Brolio Castle, home to the Ricasoli family and today a well-managed wine cellar, too. Then you reach Radda in Chianti, a classic Chianti village nestled inside the verdant hill region, among remnants of the Etruscan age, and Panzano, a lush green district with a countryside charm. Greve in Chianti is up next where the famous Chianti Classico Wine Festival is held every year in September. A sip of the local wine will fire up your senses.

Meals: B

Day 6
Cycle to Florence (35km/22mi)

A shorter cycle day today with free time on arrival to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities. The first let is to a small town called Mercatale, where you will be given wine-tasting opportunities from its local wine cellars. After ten kilometres detour to Impruneta, a neighbouring district filled with terracotta art. Back on your saddle, Florence is waiting for you! We recommend not missing the Duomo, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, and Michelangelo's statue of David. Overnight in Florence.

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

After breakfast the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts - varied buffet breakfasts are served at each hotel
6 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twinshare basis with private facilities. Hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €15-20)
27 speed touring bike rental with puncture resistant tyres, pannier, helmet and gel saddle (e-bikes available - supplement applies)
Luggage transfers - 1 bag per person weighing a max of 20kgs.
Digital information pack including route notes, maps, navigational App (can be used offline), GPS Tracks and travel guide per room booked
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Pisa and Florence
Lunches, dinners and drinks
Local hotel taxes (payabale locally directly to the hotel)
Entrance fees
Tour guide - this is a self guided tour
Items of a personal nature
Travel insurance

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed bike with handbrakes. This will generally be a citybike available in various sizes in unisex models, the bike size will be determined based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.

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 18 years (or 14 -17 years with waiver signed by parent or guardian) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.

Grading

moderate to challenging

MODERATE – GRADE 4 This trip involves 5 days cycling with daily cycles of 25 - 70km/15.5 to 44mi. On average you cycle 45km a day over a hilly landscape with some steeper sections. Though the daily distance is not great, the route can be strenuous at times. Much of the cycle is on asphalt roads with low traffic. There are some sections on dirt paths - about 30%. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. You need only carry your personal items including a water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels.

Departure dates

Every Saturday from 30 Mar to 12 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

DN1

High season is from 11 May to 6 September, mid season is from 20 Apr to 10 May and 7 to 27 Sep, supplement applies

DN2

Due to logistics this trip is not suitable for solo travellers. It is possible for single travellers to book on a date which already has travellers. Contact our team for more details.

DN3

Other departure dates available for groups of 6 or more.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1435USD

Options & Supplements*

E Bike SupplementUSD$170
Single SupplementUSD$360

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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