Today is your arrival day in Pisa, located on the Arno River and home to the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Time to explore and get ready for your week of cycling!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 335 Metres Approx.

This morning you will receive your welcome meeting and also your bike fitting (if renting). Now is the perfect time to ask any questions to your welcome representative.

Today is your first day in the saddle as you meander through Pisa, along the river towards the northern outskirts. From here, you’ll ride along a path that follows an ancient water duct to the hills that separates Lucca from the fertile plains of Pisa.

As you skirt around the hills, you’ll ride through Asciano and St Giuliano Terme on your way to the Serchio River. Once you’ve crossed the river, a quiet country road will take you past cultivated fields and after a short cheeky climb a fabulous decent will lead you back to the river (not before stopping off to admire the quaint castle of Nozzano!) Once back on the Serchio, the cycle path will lead you to the fortified city of Lucca. You can’t miss out on riding around the defensive walls of Lucca and cycling the whole perimeter of the city. These defensive walls represent one of the best preserved city fortifications in Europe. Plenty of time to explore the hidden gems of Lucca or simply relax in one of the squares watching the bustle of Italian life.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

You’ll start the day riding alongside the Serchio river again, heading north out of town. Turning east, you’ll cycle through the Lucchese hills, immersing yourselves in the stunning countryside dotted with superb Renaissance villas and olive groves. Some of these villas deserve a visit with their stunning staircases in the middle of superb parks such as Villa Oliva, Villa Mansi and Villa Reale.

Particularly beautiful are the olive groves that terrace the hills of Lucca. Meandering through the countryside you’ll eventually reach the hamlet of Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood. Here we recommend visiting the famous park and adjacent Villa Garzoni. Those that want to head straight to Montecarlo can opt out on the loop to Collodi and cycle straight to Montecarlo, a little hamlet perched on the top of a hill, with narrow cobbled streets and alleyways overlooked by a fortress. With a lovely selection of rustic Trattorias serving traditional Tuscan food, including bruschetta dipped in fresh local olive oil, and great hospitality, this is a great place to spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 350 Metres Approx.

Today’s route is relatively short offering the possibility to spend some time exploring the most famous thermal city in Italy and taking a stroll down the narrow lanes of Montecatini Alto.

Setting off from Montecarlo, the narrow lanes meander through cultivated fields and along small canals. The first part of the ride will lead you to the lower hills of Buggiano. Here the riding becomes a little bit more challenging as the route gradually weaves itself up to Castello di Buggiano and Massa. There is plenty of time to stop and wander through these charming hamlets, admiring the view of the rolling hills and expanses of olive groves.

The reward is a fun descent that will lead you straight into Montecatini Terme. From here, you can head up to Montecatini Alto or enjoy some of the Spa facilities that are available in town (you’ll need to book in advance).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 220 Metres Approx.

Back on your bikes, you’ll head south, cycling among the villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful farmland. The route will take you south of Pistoia, edging Monte Albano. A short detour near Lamporecchio will take you to Villa Rospigliosi, once belonging to Pope Clemente IX, and now a luxurious estate.

Moving on, you’ll soon reach the small hamlet of Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace. There should be plenty of time to visit the museum and absorb the atmosphere of this small town before heading to your accommodation which is a short cycle away.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 555 Metres Approx.

A slightly more challenging day on the bike today on the way to Florence. Leaving Vinci, the route will take you over the rolling hills of Carmignano, riding through small villages and gradually climbing to the highest point on this trip, 400mt/1312ft. The views across to the west and Florence are stunning. What goes up must come down, and the rewarding gradual descent will lead you down to the Arno river, first cycling through the narrow streets of the charming town of Signa. From here, the riverside Arno cycle path will lead you all the way into Florence.

Florence is the gem of Italian Renaissance, so once you have checked into your hotel you should head out to explore!

• Meals: Breakfast

The Renaissance city of Florence is bursting with culture, and worthy of a full day of sightseeing. You’ll leave your bikes behind, as you explore the city on foot, winding your way through cobbled streets. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and must-see sights include il Ponte Vecchio, il Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, gli Uffizi.

This evening you’ll be free to dine in one of the city’s many restaurants; Tuscany is famed for its wine and fresh produce.

• Meals: Breakfast

Time to head back to the airport for flights home, after a final delicious breakfast of course!

If you’d like to extend and explore Florence for another couple of days, please do let us know and we can help organise this for you.