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Cycle Tuscany

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Cycle Tuscany

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Description

Explore the rolling hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this eight-day cycling adventure from Florence to Pisa. Cycle through small, traditional villages backdropped by mountain views in Barga, then ride the pulsing streets of Pisa to the famed lopsided tower. Visit one of the oldest bakeries in Italy, operating since 1885, for a taste of their delicious biscotti (and maybe an espresso, too) and soak up some of the stunning views of Garfagnana – Tuscany’s mountainous escape – with a bike ride through the town. With stops in Vinci and Lucca, too, you’re bound to fall in love with provincial Italy (even more than you were before).

Trip Name
Cycle Tuscany
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • Pedal through the rolling green hills and vineyards of Tuscany, stopping to sample the local cuisine and indulging in a glass (or two) of vino along the way.
  • From Lucca's tree-lined city walls, you’ll follow the gentle Serchio River on your bike to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – take the classic shot in front of the tower or hunt down the best local cafe and people-watch.
  • Retrace the steps of Leonardo da Vinci around his home city, Vinci. Surrounded by olive groves, your cycle will take you past Casa Natale di Leonardo then returns you to the village where you can explore at your own pace.
  • Stay in picturesque Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where you’ll spend your day cycling up and down the valleys, maybe stopping at the famous Fronte della Rocca for one of their cakes and coffees that have been enjoyed since 1885.
  • Get away from tourist crowds and experience the authentic Italy – on two wheels and two feet, you’ll have the best chance to connect with locals, ride through rural areas you otherwise wouldn’t visit and have the insights from a local leader who knows all the best spots.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Florence
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Florence with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. The trip spends very little time in Florence, so it’s strongly recommended that you arrive a few days early if you want to see all that this amazing city' has to offer. If you do arrive early, maybe take a stroll around the historic Florence cathedral or visit Uffizi gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo. After your meeting tonight, perhaps head out with your new group and local leader and hunt down the best slice of pizza, your favourite Italian wine or a plate of bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled Italian steak cooked on the bone).
Day 2 - Cycle Signa to Vinci
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out for your bike fitting and then take a short test ride. After, take a private transfer with your bikes to nearby Signa, where your Tuscan cycling adventure officially begins. Follow the Arno River out of Florence and ride the mostly flat small roads and trails to Empoli. Pass by the Church of Sant'Andrea before turning north towards the Tuscan hills and the town of Vinci – the birthplace of legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the climbs are relatively gentle. When you arrive in Vinci, ride past Casa Natale di Leonardo then return to the village to check into your hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit Museo Leonardiano, the home to a collection of machines and models devoted to Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 3 - Cycle Lucca to Barga
This morning after breakfast you’ll take a private transfer to the Province of Lucca. From here, you’ll cycle to the medieval hilltop town of Barga, climbing gradually along the banks of the Serchio River and up the valley to Borgo a Mozzano. Your leader will reveal the legend of the beautiful Devil’s Bridge when you arrive. Continue the gentle climb until the last two kilometres, when the road towards Barga becomes steep. For those not wanting to do the last climb, the support vehicle is always there to assist you. Those willing to conquer the hill will be rewarded with incredible views of the imposing Pania della Croce Mountain towering above the landscape. Tonight, why not relax after a big day's ride with a traditional Tuscan dinner.
Day 4 - Cycle in the Garfagnana
Start the day with a pleasant downhill ride to the valley floor, following the winding road through the small local villages. You’ll climb, then descend into the next valley to the 13th century town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Situated at the confluence of the Serchio and the Turrite Secca Rivers, this is a great place to sit back and tuck into a refreshing gelato or maybe visit the famous Fronte della Rocca – this historic cake and chocolate-maker has been around since 1885 and they’re also known for their excellent coffee! This afternoon, head out again for your second ride, stopping in one of the villages along the way for a picnic lunch of authentic Italian dishes. Remount your bike for the final climb up to the imposing Verrucole Castle in San Romano – a medieval fortress with spectacular views over Garfagnana. Enjoy a freewheeling descent back to the hotel and the ambience of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
Day 5 - Cycle the Apuan Alps to Lucca
Today there will be a change of pace, starting with a climb up the Apuan Alps in the support vehicle. Stop at the long abandoned white marble quarry of Henraux to view the same marble seams that Michelangelo used in creating many of his masterpieces. Mount up and ride the short distance to the top of the mountain range before starting the long and winding ride downhill to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio. From here, head along the flat seafront roads to the famous Tuscan walled city of Lucca. When you arrive, circle the ancient city ramparts by bike and stop to enjoy an afternoon picnic on the walls. Tonight, you’re free to explore the city – maybe end the day at a local bar with a glass of Prosecco.
Day 6 - Free day in Lucca
Today is a free day off the bike in Lucca. Take the opportunity to see all the sights this city has to offer – maybe wander the former Roman amphitheatre off Via Fillungo and visit the medieval houses now standing in its place. Grab a seat at one of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro's many outdoor cafes and watch the world go by with a coffee or stop by Foro Square and see the San Michele church, which was built over the top of an ancient Roman forum. If you’re looking for the best spots to eat, your local leader will always have the best recommendations!
Day 7 - Cycle Lucca to Pisa
Leave Lucca by bike this morning and follow the flat leafy bike paths downstream along the banks of the Serchio River to Pisa – home to the legendary leaning tower. After cycling through Pisa's frenetic streets and taking your classic Pisa photo, maybe take some time to wander the shopping streets here or indulge in an aperitif at one of Pisa’s many cafes and bars. Later, maybe head out for a final dinner with your group and indulge in an Italian feast one last time.
Day 8 - Pisa
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 3,116-
10-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 3,192-
24-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 3,188-
14-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 3,116-
28-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 2,924-
12-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,956-
16-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 2,924-
06-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,188-
13-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,240-
20-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,156-
27-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 3,040-
04-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 3,040-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,990-
09-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 4,140-
23-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 4,140-
13-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 3,990-
27-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,835-
11-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 3,835-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,835-
15-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 3,835-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,140-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 4,140-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,140-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,990-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,990-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle,Local bus

Map

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