Self-Guided cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence

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 Meals included: breakfast

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. Meals included: breakfast

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. Meals included: breakfast

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 Meals included: breakfast

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! Meals included: breakfast

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. N.B the longer distance available today is 40km / 25 miles Meals included: breakfast

Departure after breakfast. Meals included: breakfast 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. Passport Italy All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visa Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccination Italy There are no specific health risks. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of the UK, North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary. For additional information please visit: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries