Experience and cycle the beauty of Tuscany in eight days. This tour is one of our sporty tours, which means you cycle a lot, but you also see a lot more. The unique landscape will literally carry you and you will be warmly welcomed in the characteristic villages. In addition, there is art, cuisine and cities that are among the most beautiful in the world: Pisa, Florence and Siena! Buon Viaggio!
Strada del Vino del Piave: True to the motto of our cycle holiday, the well-known wine route „Strada del Vino del Piave“ awaits you on the second day. There you cycle through the fragrant and picturesque vines and can also try one or another glass of Pinot Grigio, which is pressed to perfection there.
The very first stage from Montecatini Terme leads to a cultural site of the world - Vinci is, as the name suggests, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here you will already be immersed in this unique region, dotted with olive groves, vineyards, castles and picturesque villages.
On the way to Pisa, you will pass Lucca, an insider's tip among the cities of Tuscany, and the lake of Massaciuccoli, which was described as a paradise by Puccini. On day 5, the route leads to San Gimignano, the "city of towers". These striking buildings represent the noble families that once resided here. Siena and Florence form the fitting "grande finale" of the tour - immerse yourself in the historic old towns with their numerous architectural masterpieces.
Highlights
- The museum of the genius Leonardo da Vinci: Welcome to the Renaissance! The birthplace of one of Tuscany's most famous sons dedicates a museum to him with countless of his sketches, models and replicas of his works. Only a few kilometres away is the "Casa Natale di Leonardo" - his birthplace. This is also definitely worth a visit!
- Cycling across the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa: When you think of Pisa, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Leaning Tower. Rightly so, because it is an eye-catcher. But the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Botanical Garden are also real highlights.
- The breathtaking Tuscan hills: Vast fields, olive groves, orchards full of juicy peaches and the medieval history characterise the Tuscan landscape. Every now and then, the hills offer a view of the sea or the picturesque Arno River, which shaped the region as a trade route. Fantastic!
- The Chianti wine region: If you indulge in wine tasting, then definitely here - the wines of Tuscany are drunk all over the world due to their high quality. In Castellina and Greve (day 7) you can follow in the footsteps of first-class winegrowing.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrrival in Montecatini Terme
- Day 2: Vinci (55km by bike)
- Day 3: From Montecatini Terme to Pisa (40-90km by bike)
- Day 4: From Pisa to Casciana Terme (5okm by bike)
- Day 5: From Casciana Terme to San Gimignano (55km by bike)
- Day 6: From San Gimignano to Siena (50km by bike)
- Day 7: From Siena to Florenz (50km by bike)
- Day 8: Departure or Extension
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork. In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrrival in Montecatini Terme
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the lagoon city of Venice, which is located only 20 minutes from your hotel and can easily be reached by public transportation.
Highlights: At the beginning of your tour, you will cycle through the vast plains of the valley Valdenievole, which is characterized by a lot of agriculture. You will continue through the first Tuscan villages, through olive groves to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo. We recommend visiting the museum in the castle since it is home to one of the largest and most original collections of machines and models of the inventor. Then, you will take quiet roads back to Montecatini Terme.
Day 3: From Montecatini Terme to Pisa | 40 - 90 km
Highlights: On your way to Lucca, you will pass the small, medieval wine town of Monte Carlo, where one of the few white wines of Tuscany flourishes. (Alternatively, you can take the train to Lucca). A bike ride on the historic city walls offers magnificent views of churches and towers that rise above the countless roofs of the city. Afterwards, you will continue to Lake Massacciuccoli (also called Lake of Giacomo Puccini) with stunning views of the sea and Pisa with its Court of Miracles (“Piazza dei Miracoli” – Leaning Tower).
Day 4: From Pisa to Casciana Terme | 50 km
Highlights: First, the bike path leads you along the river Arno. Many fertile fields line your way and you will continue your tour through the Pisan hills, on whose gentle slopes sweet wines, olives and juicy peaches grow. You will see small medieval villages located on the hilltops and soon you will have reached today’s destination, the spa town Casciana Terme.
Day 5: From Casciana Terme to San Gimignano | 55 km
Highlights:Today, you will cycle on beautiful trails through vineyards and rolling hills to San Gimignano. On your way, you will see images of the original Tuscany as they have been painted many times. Just before you reach today’s destination, the silhouettes of the famous medieval towers appear in front of you. Each aristocratic family once had their own tower here – and these towers still dominate the townscape.
Day 6: From San Gimignano to Siena | 50 km
Highlights: The beautiful Tuscan landscape on today‘s stage makes you forget the small climbs on the route. Once you reach the small fortified village of Monteriggioni, you will feel as if you were in the Middle Ages. Today’s highlight undoubtedly is the architectonic paradise of Siena. further to Treviso with its many attractions.
Day 7: From Siena to Florenz | 50 km
Highlights: The tour takes you into the midst of the wide Chianti region. Only here the world-renowned “Chianti Classico” wine, which is much respected among wine connoisseurs, is grown. The charming wine village of Castellina is on your way to Greve. Thanks to its famous wine and olive production, it is called the capital of the Chianti region. From here you will get back to Florence by public bus (bike drop-off in Greve)
Day 8: Departure or Extension
- Total Distance: 265km (164 miles)
- Daily Distance: 35-55km (21-34miles)
- Route information: Tuscany has a wonderful but also hilly landscape. You will cycle on quiet minor roads and sometimes even on country lanes from one famous city to another. Close to bigger cities, traffic is unfortunately unavoidable.
- This tour is available between March 23 and October 12
- Starts every Saturday
