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Self-Guided Cycling Pisa to Florence

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 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Pisa
 Trip Finishes
Florence
8 Day Self-Guided Cycling Pisa to Florence Itinerary (Explore)
Countries Explored: Italy
Trip Style
Cycling
Accommodation
Comfortable
Pace
Easy
Trip Code
CSTY

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Explore's 8 Day Self-Guided Cycling Pisa to Florence. Discover the Tuscan landscapes of vineyards and olive groves on this self-guided cycle journey from Pisa to Florence. From the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa you follow the Serchio River to the charming town of Lucca, continue on country lanes to Florence.

Itinerary

After checking in to your hotel in Pisa, we recommend spending time exploring the narrow streets, pastel houses and churches of charming Pisa, maybe stopping en route to enjoy a glass of locally-produced Chianti. Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

Public transport optisn are available from Pisa Aiport (PSA). Taxis can also be arranged locally at the airport. Stay: Hotel Alessandro Della Spina (Comfortable)

Today ride out from Pisa through the inspiring countryside of Monte Serrato to the grandiose Certosa of Calci Monastery. Founded in 1366, it houses a magnificent Natural History Museum. We return the same route that leads us back to Piazza Garibaldi in central Pisa, from where it is a short ride onto the Leaning Tower and Miracle Square. This afternoon you can explore Pisa's many beautiful and historic buildings, palaces, churches, towers and town squares by bike or on foot.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres (total ascent 90 metres, total descent 90 metres). Stay: Hotel Alessandro Della Spina (Comfortable) (B)

Today's scenic ride is almost completely flat. Your route follows the Serchio River to the charming town of Lucca. Here, you will have ample time to explore the town's splendid architecture and gardens, including its majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro. We also recommend a ride around the tree-lined city walls before heading to your hotel base for the next two nights in Lucca.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres (total ascent 330 metres, total descent 320 metres). Stay: Hotel San Marco, Lucca (Comfortable) (B)

Today, you have the choice between two routes of varying difficulty as you cycle through the outskirts of Lucca and out into the surrounding countryside. The shorter route is reasonably flat interspersed with a few hills, whereas the longer route is more hilly and demanding, but offers enviable views. Both routes pass by some of Lucca's characteristic Renaissance villas and we recommend taking time to stroll through their luxurious gardens.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 or 40 kilometres (total ascent 170 or 450 metres, total descent 170 or 450 metres), depending on the route you choose. Stay: Hotel San Marco, Lucca (Comfortable) (B)

This morning you have the option of either getting the train to Altopascio, or cycling there along flat terrain. From here, the scenery steps up a notch as you ride past the Fucecchio Nature Reserve. This is the largest inland wetland in Europe and a transitory stop on migratory routes for over 200 species of birds. You may choose to spend some time here before continuing on your route along secondary roads that wind through low hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. The small village of Vinci is the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and home to two fascinating museums honouring the Renaissance polymath. Your hotel is a farmhouse situated about two kilometres from Vinci.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres (total ascent 270 metres, total descent 270 metres). If you choose to take the train to Altopascio, your cycling distance is approximately 29 kilometres (total ascent 250 metres, total descent 250 metres). Stay: Agriturismo il Piastrino (Comfortable) (B)

We suggest you spend the morning exploring the museums and streets of Vinci on two wheels along with a ride just out of town to the actual birthplace of Leonardo. There is the option from the birthplace to either return to Vinci or continue up and out further into the countryside to gain fine views over Vinci and the surrounding area. The medieval hamlet of Vinci is famous for the two museums that are dedicated to the genius-inventor Leonardo Da Vinci. In the museums you can see many reconstructions of his incredible inventions and several of the original designs. Once finished you will leave your bike at the hotel before collecting your luggage and taking your included vehicle transfer to Empoli train station.

Here, you will catch the local train to Florence (you will need to buy this train ticket locally as this cannot be pre-booked). From the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence you can either walk the short distance to the hotel or you may prefer to catch a taxi. Widely regarded as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a city which impresses at every turn. From the Duomo Cathedral to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Michelangelo's spell-binding statue of David, there is so much to discover. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must, with its abundance of canvases by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and a host of other greats. We also suggest a visit to Piazza del Mercato Centrale, which has a big food market on the ground floor and restaurants on the upper floor.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 8 or 15 kilometres (total ascent 175 or 450 metres, total descent 175 or 450 metres), depending on the route you choose. Stay: Hotel Camilla (Comfortable) (B)

Today is all yours to continue exploring the magnificent city of Florence on foot, with its many monuments, churches, museums and squares. If visiting the Duomo or other churches you need to wear clothes which cover your shoulders and knees. Stay: Hotel Camilla (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

Private transfers from Florence to Pisa airport (PSA) are available for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Magnificent Florence - Explore this renaissance city par excellence
  • Cycle - Peaceful roads, cypress tree-lined country lanes and lovely bike paths
  • Italian culture - Visit Pisa, Lucca and Vinci, each with a major role in the history of Italy
  • Local delicacies - Sample the delicious Tuscan food with a glass of Chianti

  • Suitable for anyone who enjoys easy and relatively short rides on flat or gently undulating terrain. Ideal if you simply want to Explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Group Cycling Holidays
Group Cycling Holidays

On a group cycling trip you can enjoy getting to know others & enjoy experiences together but you can still retain your independence. Read more

Explore Leaders
Explore Leaders

Explore's tour leaders, who will speak the local language and know the area, will look after you throughout your cycling holiday. Read more

Where do we Stay?
Where do we Stay?

The places Explore stay are every bit as important as the sights they visit and the things you do. Read more

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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explore. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Explore. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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