TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE

TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE
CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY
TUSCANY: FROM PISA TO FLORENCE
Discover quintessential Tuscany on two wheels. From the world-famous city of Pisa and its iconic
tower, you pedal through Tuscan landscapes, past scented vineyards and verdant olive groves
towards Florence: birthplace of the Renaissance and a city of timeless beauty.
SUMMARY
Gorgeous golden hillsides, rich artistic heritage, gentle cycling paths and great food and wine at the end of a
day’s cycling make this holiday a perfect mix of what makes Tuscany great. This tour is available as either a
five or seven day trip and each cycling day has a short, easier option as well as a longer, more challenging
route, giving you maximum flexibility. You will cycle along quiet country and secondary roads, cycle paths and
tracks as well as slightly busier roads close to larger towns.
After your first night in Pisa, just minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, your first cycling day is spent
exploring the beautiful architecture and historic monuments of Pisa, with an optional longer route through the
countryside and past the grandiose Certosa di Calci Monastery.
The following day you pedal to the red-hued walled city of Lucca, either along the flat banks of the River
Serchio or a more challenging ride through the Monti Pisani mountains. The next day is your chance to
explore the Lucca further, with a circular ride past Renaissance villas and their luxurious gardens, after which
you can look forward to your second night in Lucca at a beautiful country hotel or agriturismo.
Then it’s on towards Vinci, passing the fascinating Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve, the largest inland
wetlands of Europe, a bird-lovers paradise. Your final cycling day is a circular route of Vinci, birthplace of the
renowned Leonardo Da Vinci. Spend the afternoon viewing his original designs and inventions at the two
museums dedicated to his work. You can drop your bikes off at the hotel ready for your transfer to Empoli,
where you catch the train Florence for a night in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Your holiday includes six or four nights’ accommodation at a selection of country hotels, contemporary city
hotels, and welcoming farmhouses. Breakfast each morning, luggage transfer, emergency support from our
local representatives, transfer from Vinci to Empoli train station, detailed turn by turn route notes and maps
are of course included.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Cycling through idyllic Tuscan countryside, picturesque olive groves and vineyards.
The Renaissance and Medieval architecture in the cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence.
Exploring charming country villages, steeped in history and culture.
Wonderful hospitality, delicious Italian food and wine accompanied by stunning views.
Fascinating insights into the life and work of Leonardo Da Vinci in his home town.
WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED CYCLING TOUR WITH US?
Macs Adventure are specialists in self guided cycling holidays in Europe. We understand what makes for an
unforgettable cycling holiday; great routes, breath-taking scenery, lots to do and warm, welcoming
accommodation. All are included as standard!
Tour: Tuscany: From Pisa to Florence
Code: CItSPF1 or CItSPF2
Type: Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Price: See Website
Single Supplement: See Website
Dates: March to November
Cycling Days: 5 or 3
Nights: 6 or 4
Start/Finish: Pisa/Florence
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Airport: Pisa, Florence or Bologna
Is It For Me?
If you enjoy relaxed cycling along cypresslined country lanes, beautiful historic cities
steeped in culture, and the gorgeous Tuscan
landscape then this cycling holiday is perfect
for you! A choice of cycle routes each day
keeps things flexible.
What’s Included?
Accommodation: Six or four nights’
accommodation in city hotels, country hotels
and agriturismo.
Meals: A delicious breakfast is included
each day. Lunch and dinner are not included
but always available at your accommodation
or nearby.
Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door transfers.
Information Pack: Detailed route notes,
maps and 24-7 telephone support.
Transfers: From Vinci to Empoli train
station. Bike Hire: is not included but is available as an optional extra (at a supplement).
TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE
CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY
ITINERARIES
You can choose either a five or seven day
cycling holiday from Pisa to Florence. The five
day trip misses out the circular rides on day two
& four of the seven day trip.
Seven Day Option
Code: CItSPF1
Days: 7 (5 Days Cycling)
Nights: 6
Day
Route
1
2
Arrive Pisa
Circular route of Pisa or
Pisa to Calci loop
Pisa to Lucca
Circular route of Lucca
Lucca to Vinci
Circular route of Vinci
Onward Travel
3
4
5
6
7
Km
13/
25-33
24/33
33/40
29/54
8
enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of the
charming city and along the banks of the Arno
River before sampling a glass of local Chianti
and heading back to your hotel.
Overnight: Airone Pisa Park Hotel*** This
family run hotel offers a relaxing retreat with a
swimming pool, close to the centre of Pisa.
Or Agriturismo Al Podere di Rosa. A traditional
farmhouse producing its own wine, olive oil and
vegetables, all rooms are furnished in a simple,
rustic style.
DAY 2
DAY 4
Circular route of Pisa &
surroundings or Calci loop cycle
Circular route of Lucca
Long route: Cycle through the beautiful
countryside between Pisa and Monte Serra.
Pause to visit the grandiose Certosa di Calci
Monastery, founded in 1366, which houses the
magnificent Natural History Museum, before
heading back to Pisa where you can spend the
afternoon cycling the short route.
Day
Route
Km
Cycle: Long Route: 25-33km, ascent/descent
70m. Short Route: 13km, ascent/descent 90m.
1
2
3
4
5
Arrive Pisa
Pisa to Lucca
Lucca to Vinci
Circular route of Vinci
Onward Travel
24/33
29/54
8
Overnight: Airone Pisa Park Hotel ***, or Hotel
Novecento ***, Pisa
DAY 3
Pisa to Lucca
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Pisa
The city of Pisa is famous the world over for its
iconic leaning tower and beautiful marble
architecture. After checking in to your hotel,
Overnight: Located 5km from the centre of
Lucca, set in the beautiful countryside Hotel
Carignano offers spacious modern rooms and an
excellent restaurant specialising in local Tuscan
dishes.
Alternatively the Hotel Novecento*** and is a
historic propertylocated in the heart of Pisa,
offering a friendly and comfortable base.
Short route: A gentle ride along the ancient
acqueduct and bike paths which lead you to
Miracle Square, where you can admire the
architecture and Pisa’s many churches, palaces
and towers.
Five Day Option
Code: CItSPF2
Days: 5 (3 Days Cycling)
Nights: 4
descent 295m.
Today’s ride is incredibly scenic and nearly all
flat! Cycling along the pretty River Serchio, you
will have plenty of time to explore the fortified city
of Lucca and ride along the tree-lined walls of its
perimeter, before visiting Piazza Anfitheatro, a
second century Roman amphitheatre and the
city’s impressive bell tower.
Cycle: Long Route: 33km, ascent 330m,
descent 320m. Short Route: 25km, ascent 300m,
Today’s two options are of similar length but of
varying difficulty. Cycle past the palatial
Renaissance villas on the outskirts of Lucca and
choose between an easy, flat route or a more
challenging route with exceptional views on hilly
terrain.
Cycle: Long Route: 40km, ascent /descent
450m. Short Route: 33km, ascent/descent 170m.
Overnight: Either Hotel Carignano or
Agriturismo Al Podere di Rosa.
DAY 5
Lucca to Vinci
Cycling towards Vinci you pass the Roman town
of Altopascio, before reaching the Padule di
Fucecchio nature reserve - one of the highlights
of today’s route. The largest inland wetlands in
Europe, the nature reserve is a lush, verdant
marsh where you can spot native birds, as well
as many species of migratory birds who stop
here en route on their journey further South.
Vinci is of course where the famous inventor/
artist Leonardo Da Vinci was born.
Cycle: Long route: 54km, ascent/descent
270m. Short route: 29km, ascent/descent 200m.
Overnight: You will stay either at the
charming Agriturismo Il Piastrino which produces
its own wine, grappa, vin santo and honey and
TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE
CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY
offers homely, cosy rooms or Hotel Monnalisa***
within the picturesque town centre, where you
can relax on the terrace with a cappuccino.
DAY 6
Circular route of Vinci
You once again have the option of a harder or an
easier route for your circular tour of Vinci.
Explore the pretty town, the birthplace of
Leonardo Da Vinci, widely recognised as a
remarkable scientific and artistic genius, and visit
the two museums dedicated to his designs and
inventions.
After your circuit you can drop your bike off at the
hotel and take a private transfer to Empoli, from
where you will catch the train to Florence, for
your night in the beautiful city.
Cycle: Long route: 12km. Short route: 8km.
Overnight: Enjoy a night at the beautiful Hotel
Park Palace,**** a Florentine villa set in beautiful
gardens, close to the Ponte Vecchio.
Alternatively, the Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti*** is
a historic residence in the heart of the old city, as
is the Hotel Malaspina*** a 19th Century
residence, minutes from the Fortezza da Basso.
DAY 7
Depart Florence
Your holiday ends after breakfast. Make your
own way to Florence Airport (or we are able to
provide a transfer at a supplement), or take the
train for onward travel from other airports.
TRIP INFORMATION
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point
before, during or after the tour or elsewhere in
Italy.
Grade
nearby restaurants.
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate
depending on the choice of route. Each day you
can choose the difficulty, with the longer/steeper
routes requiring a reasonable level of fitness.
Baggage Transfer
The routes follow surfaced country roads and
secondary roads. There are some cycle paths
and dirt roads around Pisa and Lucca. Near
larger towns there are some roads with more
traffic.
Navigation
We supply you with detailed turn by turn route
notes and maps for each day’s journey, so you
should have no problem following the route.
Accommodation
Accommodation for this trip is a mix of
comfortable, traditional family-run 3* hotels in
historic centres and countryside agriturismos, all
with en-suite rooms.
Alternate accommodation
During high season, or when your stay falls on a
closing day, you might be booked into a different
accommodation which is not listed in the
description. Any alternative accommodation will
be of the same or better standard as those
described.
Single Rooms & Solo Travellers
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Your bags will be transferred between your
accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask
you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to
20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment
list which lists everything you need to pack.
Rental Bikes (not included)
Rental bikes are available to hire at an additional
cost. We offer 21-gear hybrid bikes which come
with a puncture repair kit, pump and lock.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to Pisa
By Air: The most convenient airport to fly into
is Pisa, although Florence and Bologna are
easily accessed also. EasyJet, Ryanair and
British Airways all fly direct to Pisa from the UK.
Frequent trains and buses connect Florence and
Pisa (1hr) and well as Bologna and Pisa (2hr, via
Florence)
Please see www.trenitalia.com for train times, or
www.raileurope.com
Getting from Florence
This holiday is available for solo cyclists but as
some costs are not shared there is a supplement
payable.
By Air: Florence airport is serviced by
Meridiana and Air France for flights to the UK.
Travel back to Pisa (1hr) or Bologna (1hr) by
train is also possible.
Meals
Travel Insurance
A delicious breakfast is included each morning.
Lunch and dinner are not included. You can pick
up a picnic lunch before you set off or stop along
the route in one of the villages. Dinner is
available either at your accommodation or
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE
CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Please refer to our website for up to date prices.
This trip is available to start on any day from the
beginning of March to the end of November.
 Single room supplement(s) if applicable.
 Solo cyclist supplement if applicable.
 Airport transfers.
HOW TO BOOK
Included
 Additional nights during the holiday.
 Accommodation for six or four nights in three
Once you are ready to go ahead with your
booking you can book securely online at
www.macsadventure.com or by telephone on
star hotels, country farmhouse hotels.
 Six or four breakfasts.
 Transfer from Vinci to Empoli train station.
 Daily luggage transport of 1 bag of up to 20kg
per person as required.
 Detailed route descriptions and pre departure
information pack.
 Maps of the routes.
 24-hour assistance from our team in Italy.
Excluded
 Bike hire (available as an optional extra).
 Bike helmet (not available to hire please bring
your own).
 Train from Empoli to Florence.
 Flights and transfers to the start and end of the
trip.
 Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks.
 Travel insurance.
 Personal expenses such as drinks, phone
calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
 Any items not specifically mentioned in the
program
 Any hotel city taxes (payable on the spot only).
Optional Extras
 Bike Hire (hybrid, 21 gears with Shimano Alivio
components, equipped with padlock, luggage
panier attachments and 1 rear pannier per
bike, 1 front bag and map compartment, front/
back lights, puncture repair kit, pump and
spare inner tube, one km distance counter per
2 bikes hired).
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
+44 (0) 141 530 8886
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd.
ABTA Member
Statement
Macs Adventure
Holidays is a
Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA members
help holidaymakers to get the most from their
travel and assist when things don’t go according
to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high
standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of
Conduct.
For more information on ABTA, the Code of
Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to
you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30
Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117
0581.