Cycle Tuscany
8 Days Starting in Florence and ending in Pisa
Visiting: Florence, Cycle Signa to Vinci, Cycle Lucca to Barga, Cycle in the Garfagnana, Cycle the Apuan Alps to Lucca, Cycle Lucca to Pisa, Pisa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMXT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Physical rating:
Medium, Medium
Age range:
14-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2944
$2650 (USD)
Operator discount: -$294
Tour Overview
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).
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
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).
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Cycle Signa To Vinci
Location: Cycle Signa to Vinci
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Cycle Lucca To Barga
Location: Cycle Lucca to Barga
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Cycle In The Garfagnana
Location: Cycle in the Garfagnana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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 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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Cycle The Apuan Alps To Lucca
Location: Cycle the Apuan Alps to Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Free Day In Lucca
Location: Free day in Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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!
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Cycle Lucca To Pisa
Location: Cycle Lucca to Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Pisa
Location: Pisa
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Lucca - Picnic
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Garfagnana - Picnic
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
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Transport
Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support Vehicle, local bus
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Signa to Vinci Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
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Devil’s Bridge visit
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Lucca to Barga Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
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Barga to Garfagnana Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
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Garfagnana to Lucca Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Garfagnana - Picnic
- Lucca - Picnic
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
- While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others.
- Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle
- INCLUDED BICYCLE TYPE
- On this trip we use 2017 Felt 7 Fifty mountain bikes.
- An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- RENTAL E-BIKES
- Our Europe rental e-bikes are the 2018 Felt NINE E-20, which you may request in the following sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium & Large. Please provide your height at time of booking so the correct size can be arranged. Sizes are limited, so confirmation is subject to availability.
- For further details on sizing please see https://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Catalog/Bikes/electric/mountain/ninee-20.aspx
- INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
- You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
- You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE SUPPORT VEHICLE
- Due to European driving regulations, the support vehicle can only be used clients when directly supporting the ride itself, or as transport between cycling legs. Clients are unable to travel full-time in the support vehicle.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. The Single Supplement does not include night 7 in Pisa, which will be twin share.
- 2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organize a suitable sized bike.
- 3. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- 4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
- 5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
- 6. As space in the support vehicle is very limited we request that travelers bring only a small bag, no more than 20kgs with them.
- 7. Due to frequent unscheduled closures we have removed the Verrucole Fortress visit.
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 14+ and accompanied by an adult
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Is this trip right for you
To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short, the stunning terrain of northern Tuscany is naturally hilly so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip – but remember, we will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.
On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed).
As our riding is done mostly on sealed roads with the occasional gravel cycle path there are no technical cycling skills required – but given the hills involved we do suggest practicing riding downhill so you’re comfortable with this once the trips begins.
If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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