Cycle Tuscany

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).

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B/L)

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. (B/L)

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!

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.

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. (B)