Pisa to Lucca to Florence 8 Day Tour

Try Cycling in Tuscany

Forget the steep Tuscan hills as you and your family effortlessly cycle along the meandering Arno river cycle paths that take you from one monumental artistic city to the next. Visit some of Italy’s most famed cultural centre such as Pisa, Lucca and Florence as well as its lesser know and more intimate corners, such as Calci, where a world-famous Natural History Museum is housed and Vinci, where Leonardo da Vinci was born. Pedal through a quintessential Tuscan landscape, taste the many local specialities and stay in 3 comfortable, family run, hotels

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• The magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa with the leaning tower and Cathedral
• Quintessential Lucca, with its imposing city walls and a riddle of narrow street
•  Vinci, the charming medieval town where Leonardo da Vinci was born
•  Florence, the cradle of the renaissance
• Quiet country roads, cycle paths and tree lined avenues
• Delicious Tuscan culinary specialties
• Warm, welcoming locals

8 day by day Program

Day 1 Arrival in Pisa Overnight stay in Pisa on BB basis

Overnight stay in Pisa on BB basis Arrive at your hotel in San Giuliano Terme, located 3,5 km from Pisa centre town, and settle in to the comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool.

Day 2 Pisa loop to the Certosa of Calci  Overnight stay in Pisa on BB basis

Begin your day cycling through the inspiring countryside around Pisa, stopping for a visit to the grandiose Certosa of Calci monastery. It was founded in 1366 and houses a magnificent, renowned Natural History Museum. The second part of the day is spent in Pisa, visiting its many outstanding monuments

Day 3 Cycle from Pisa to Lucca  – Carignano on BB basis

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.

Day 4 Loop tour of Lucca’s Villas –  Carignano on BB basis

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 full of luxurious and extraordinary vegetation of Villa Reale and Villa Grabau before heading back towards town.

Day 5 Cycle from Lucca to Vinci –  Vinci on BB basis

Today you with your bikes and luggage will be transferred to Altopascio where you start the ride through the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve. This is one of the largest inland wetlands of Europe. Depending on the time of year the area will be wet or dry. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and to 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 ride ends at a farm in the outskirts of the village of Vinci, where the famous inventor/artists Leonardo da Vinci came from.

Day 6 Vinci round trip ã Vinci –  Vinci on BB basis

Gain insight on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci 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.

Day 7 Cycle to Cerreto Guidi or go for a day-tripping to Florence –  Vinci on BB basis

Today you can chose to either do a round tour near Vinci, to the village of Cerreto Guidi visiting its imposing Medici Palace/Villa. Or you can cycle to Empoli train station 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 the afternoon and cycling back to your accommodation in Vinci.

Day 8 Arrivederci Toscana

The trip and our services end after breakfast. If you have rented a bike with us, leave it at the accommodation in Vinci.

OPTIONAL SERVICES (must be booked in advance)

• 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet, puncture repair kit, pump, lock, front bag with map holder and rear side bag. Bikes are delivered at the first hotel and picked up from the accommodation in Vinci
• Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
• Transfer from Vinci to Florence
• Guided tour of Pisa, Lucca and/or Florence with a local private city guide
• Private cooking class in Lucca and/or Florence (extra night required)
• Additional night/s at any of the accommodations or any other destination in Italy

Accommodation and meals:

You will spend the trip in comfortable family run 3 star hotels or equivalent farm houses. They are all different in style and all rooms have private bathrooms.

In Lucca, a nice 3* hotel located in the quiet hamlet of Carignano, 4 km from down town Lucca.

The hotel has recently been refurbished; there are many spacious triple and quad rooms, a free parking area, and restaurant with terrace open every day. There is a large garden with children’s games and a swimming pool open from mid May to September. Exact opening period always depends on the weather. The hotel has a nice and inexpensive restaurant

In Vinci (2 km from the village), a nice working farm house run by a friendly family.

The old farm house which was transformed into holiday accommodation is nicely furnished and has all kind of comforts TV SAT, internet connection. All rooms and apartments are spread out in 3 different converted farm buildings. It is possible to have dinner at the farm; they serve good, typical Tuscan home cooking.

There is a private parking area, a furnished garden and a swimming pool open from mid May to September. The opening period always depends on the weather.

All services (like tennis, golf, shop, bank, post office) can be easily reached from the farm house.

For further information please contact marco@gustocycling.com

For 8 Day Tour 2017 Prices

8 day tour Bike Rental – 6 days – 130 euro’s per person

Helmet rental 10 euros

Rear Panniers are 39 euros per bike if required