8
10 976
Make your own way to Pisa. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known all over the world for the iconic leaning tower but offers a whole host of other monuments, museums and galleries to discover. If you have time be sure to take in a walking tour of the city, and enjoy an aperitivo in one of the city's lively bars.
Easy cycling as you pedal northwards along the River Serchio. For those who would like to extend their route, it is possible to cycle to Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching the well-preserved Renaissance town of Lucca. The town is well known for its high quality olive oil produced in the region, and there are plenty of places in which you can choose to sample some of the delicious rustic cuisine. N.B the longer distance available today is 45km / 28 miles
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 19
Cycling along a panoramic road you reach the small village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can visit the famous Pinocchio's Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia there is time to enjoy a stroll around the town, discovering churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local flower street market.
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28
Free day in which you can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe; taking the cable-railway to the top of the hill and strolling along the narrow lanes of the old city. Alternatively cycle a picturesque itinerary (approx. 60km) through beautiful countryside, discovering olive groves, vineyards and historical farms. Highlights of this route include the villas of the Medici family, and Vinci which is Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace and has a museum dedicated to the artist.
You have two choices today; either cycle directly from Montecatini, or take a short train transfer to Pistoia, a city rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments and with one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo. From here get back on the saddle, through the Tuscan flatland to reach Florence, where some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world are housed in the city's museums, palaces and churches. N.B the longer distance available today is 65km / 40 miles
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Enjoy a free day in Florence. Meander down enchanting streets, marvel at the cathedral or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for a spectacular view. The historical city centre is surprisingly small, but incredibly rich in detail, architecture and monuments, so you will be spoiled for choice!
Today you can choose to either pedal directly from Florence to Empoli and take a train on to Pisa, or take a train from Florence to Empoli and ride to Pisa along the river Arno. Arrive in Pisa with time to enjoy this lively, friendly city. Option for longer 105km / 65 miles ride.
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
* 7 nights 3 star hotels throughout
* 5 days cycling (including 1 optional ride) with luggage transfers
* 88% tarmac, 12% unpaved
* Mainly flat roads with some undulation
* Option to choose longer or shorter rides on days 3, 5 and 7
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
All breakfasts are included. However, please note that the typical Italian
breakfast is light, and often consists of a cup of coffee and a cream-filled
or jam-filled croissant. It is always advisable to visit a local shop or
supermarket before riding to pick up water and snacks for the day.
Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the information
material provided. Tuscan food is based around the notion of cucina povera,
or 'poor cooking'. Simple, inexpensive meals are made using fresh,
high-quality, local ingredients to bring out the natural flavours. Dishes are
traditionally hearty and you will find mouth-watering soups and stews made
with beans and local meats appearing on all menus, paired with a glass of the
local Chianti of course! Tuscany is famous for its truffles, mushrooms and
homegrown olive oil, and you will also find a variety of delicious breads as
an accompaniment to most meals. It is impossible to offer an exhaustive list
of suggestions for 'must-try' dishes, but here are a few recommendations:
Panzanella - a cold bread salad made using the simple ingredients of unsalted
bread, tomatoes, red onions, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt Lardo di
Colonnata - cured meat generally served as a starter Cacciucco - fish stew,
or soup Lampredotto - a stew using the fourth stomach of a cow, cooked in a
broth and often found served as street food Castagnaccio - a traditional cake
made with chestnut flour Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice, and each town
generally has its own wine, so if the choice becomes overwhelming, it is
simple enough to go for the vino della casa (house wine) which will likely be
a delicious Tuscan table wine.
* 7 nights 3 star hotels throughout
* 5 days cycling (including 1 optional ride) with luggage transfers
* 88% tarmac, 12% unpaved
* Mainly flat roads with some undulation
* Option to choose longer or shorter rides on days 3, 5 and 7
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
*Cycling conditions*
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently,
but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your
accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle
at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
*Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)*
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our
website for more important information on classification and grading.
*Av. daily ride*: 48km (30 miles).
*No. of days cycling*: 5 (including 1 optional day)
*Terrain & route*: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly
traffic-free). There are some hilly parts but they do not require any
athletic skills.
*Vehicle Support*: Bags are transported from one hotel to the next by van. On
days 3, 5 and 7 it is possible to take the train to make the route shorter.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where
possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as
pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.
For most days on this trip we have offered the shortest riding distance in
these trip notes, but it is often possible to extend this further and the
directions will be included in your route notes so you can make a decision on
the day.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may
be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number
should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally
able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge
for this service.
*Families*
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer
the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as
and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your
family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12
yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will
be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you.
The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a
description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect.
However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of
our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as
you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily
activities.
Hotels
We use 3 star hotels throughout, all en suite. The hotels are chosen for
their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All
rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning. Please specify whether
you would prefer a double or twin room when booking.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes
contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0800 and
2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch
a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
All breakfasts are included. However, please note that the typical Italian
breakfast is light, and often consists of a cup of coffee and a cream-filled
or jam-filled croissant. It is always advisable to visit a local shop or
supermarket before riding to pick up water and snacks for the day.
Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the information
material provided. Tuscan food is based around the notion of cucina povera,
or 'poor cooking'. Simple, inexpensive meals are made using fresh,
high-quality, local ingredients to bring out the natural flavours. Dishes are
traditionally hearty and you will find mouth-watering soups and stews made
with beans and local meats appearing on all menus, paired with a glass of the
local Chianti of course! Tuscany is famous for its truffles, mushrooms and
homegrown olive oil, and you will also find a variety of delicious breads as
an accompaniment to most meals. It is impossible to offer an exhaustive list
of suggestions for 'must-try' dishes, but here are a few recommendations:
Panzanella - a cold bread salad made using the simple ingredients of unsalted
bread, tomatoes, red onions, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt Lardo di
Colonnata - cured meat generally served as a starter Cacciucco - fish stew,
or soup Lampredotto - a stew using the fourth stomach of a cow, cooked in a
broth and often found served as street food Castagnaccio - a traditional cake
made with chestnut flour Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice, and each town
generally has its own wine, so if the choice becomes overwhelming, it is
simple enough to go for the vino della casa (house wine) which will likely be
a delicious Tuscan table wine.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. On some days it is
possible to shorten the route by taking the train.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Pisa and ending in Pisa*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Pisa on the afternoon of Day 1 of
the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final
Joining Instructions.
Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local
emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining
Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure,
or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
*Flights from London*
We do not offer any package flights on this trip. You can fly to Pisa with
multiple carriers (BA, Easyjet and Ryanair amongst others) from a number of
different UK destinations. Please ask your sales consultant if you would like
help in booking your international flights.
Airport transfers are not included in this trip.
The easiest way to reach the start point from the UK is to fly to Pisa
airport. From here, you can take a bus (€1.20) to the city centre. More
details can be found on
"http://www.pisa-airport.com/en/the-passengers/transport.html
Italy has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot
temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and
temperatures can reach the mid to high 30 degrees Celcius. The earlier and
later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of
rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms
(generally in the afternoons), but these are usually short-lived. Please be
aware that the hot weather in the summer can make the cycling a little
harder.
Italy has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot
temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and
temperatures can reach the mid to high 30 degrees Celcius. The earlier and
later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of
rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms
(generally in the afternoons), but these are usually short-lived. Please be
aware that the hot weather in the summer can make the cycling a little
harder.
*Self-Guided Hire Bikes*
All bikes are supplied with:
- 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and maps - 1 per
2 people (if you are travelling together)
- 1 set of rear panniers
- 1 bike lock per 2 people
- 1 repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump,
plus a lock
- Front and rear lights
Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights
you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will
be the opportunity to test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for
this trip, please request one as early as possible as they are subject to
availability. Helmets can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we
can never guarantee the quality of these so we do recommend bringing your
own.
We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Water bottles
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities
*Bike Repairs*
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or
change an inner tube before setting off on your bike! Please visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s [1] for a comprehensive
guide on fixing a puncture.
The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems
- however, there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more
complex problems.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s
Panniers are provided with the bikes. If you want to carry more with you
during the day we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack.
You may find that you want to take some cycle-specific clothing such as cycle
gloves and padded cycling shorts. In addition to this it is worth taking some
leggings and long sleeved tops for the mornings and evenings when it may be
cooler. It is also recommended that you take a swimming costume so you can
take advantage of any bathing opportunities that come your way.
Suncream
Train tickets:
Montecatini - Pistoia approx. €3, Florence - Empoli approx. €2, Empoli -
Pisa approx. €3.
For lunches and dinners allow about €170 depending on the standard of
restaurant chosen.
LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for
non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will
be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee
varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay
and during the season some variations may occur:
Pisa: 4/5* hotels 2 €;
Lucca: 2* hotels 1.50 €, 3/4* hotels 2 €;
Montecatini: 3* hotels 1 €; 4* hotels 1.40 €;
Florence: 3* hotels 4 €, 4* hotels 4.80 €, 5* hotels 5 €
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (compulsory supplement)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Flights from London (available on request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.