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Tuscany needs little introduction, having been the holiday destination of choice for centuries. Cycling through classic Tuscan landscapes 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 the Via Francigena and a route of vineyards and olive groves, all the way to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. At night soak up the atmosphere in piazzas and trattorie, and join the passeggiata, an evening stroll often accompanied by a gelato.
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26kg of CO2-e PP per day
(154kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Pisa
Make your own way to Pisa, famous for its magical Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with characteristic Leaning Tower. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, Pisa has a large number of monuments as well as the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city. Bike delivery is in the evening of day 1 (6pm) or morning of day 2. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle along the Arno to Casciana Terme (50km/31.2mi)
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, perfect for an immersion in nature. Finally you will reach the thermal town of Casciana Terme, famous for its Etruscan roots and where thermal water is said to have been discovered by Countess Matilda of Tuscany in the 12th century. Elevation: +290m/951ft, -180m/590ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle the Via Francigena to San Gimignano or Colle Val d'Elsa (50 or 70km/31 or 44mi)
Following the Via Francigena pilgrim route, today's cycle leads through vineyards and rolling hills to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. With its UNESCO listed centre, the town is encircled by 13th-century walls and is best known for its skyline of medieval towers. In the evening, treat yourself with the local exquisite cuisine! Elevation: +755m/2477ft, -545m/1788ft Subject to availability, the alternative overnight stay may be in Colle Val d’Elsa (70km/44mi, elevation +1000m/3280ft, -980m/3215ft)
Day 4
Cycle to the medieval town of Siena (45 or 25km/28 or 15.6mi)
Following the centuries old Via Francigena, you'll have views of Mount Maggio and the castle of Monteriggioni, Dante's subject in his famous literary pieces. The superb medieval town of Siena is 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 horse race takes place each year in July and August. Elevation: +740m/2428ft, -675m/2215ft If your stage starts from Colle Val d’Elsa, today's ride is 25km/15.6mi, elevation +445m/1460ft, -242m/794ft
Day 5
Cycle to Greve in Chianti (55km/34.5mi)
Today's first stop is Castagnolli, where you can admire Brolio Castle, home to the Ricasoli family and today a well-managed wine cellar. Continue to Radda in Chianti, a classic Chianti village nestled in the verdant hills 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. Elevation: +935m/3068ft, -1045m/3428ft
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 leg is to the small town of Mercatale, where there are wine-tasting opportunities at its local wine cellars. After ten kilometres you'll arrive at Impruneta, a neighbouring district filled with terracotta art. Back on your bike, Florence awaits! Known for its wealth of culture, architecture and art, 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. Elevation: +660m/2165ft, -840m/2756ft
Day 7
Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. Available with a unisex or high cross bar in various sizes, with the size based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.
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.
GRADE 4 - This trip involves 5 days cycling with daily cycles of 25-70km/15.5-44mi, over a hilly landscape with some steeper sections and to hilltop towns. The daily distances are not so far but the route can be strenuous at times - there are numerous climbs and descents, including some steep inclines - the elevations are noted each day. Much of the cycle is on paved roads with low traffic (95%) with part of the trip on unpaved surfaces. It is important to be in good physical shape to fully enjoy this trip. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness. You need only carry your personal items including a water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. If you are concerned about your overall cycling fitness, we recommend you consider an e-bike.
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
4Days