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.

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.

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!

SUMMARY

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 avail-

able as an optional extra (at a supplement).

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

HIGHLIGHTS

Is It For Me?

If you enjoy relaxed cycling along cypress-

lined 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.

TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE

CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY

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

Five Day Option

Code: CItSPF2

Days: 5 (3 Days Cycling)

Nights: 4

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,

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.

Alternatively the Hotel Novecento*** and is a

historic propertylocated in the heart of Pisa,

offering a friendly and comfortable base.

DAY 2

Circular route of Pisa &

surroundings or Calci loop cycle

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.

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.

Cycle: Long Route: 25-33km, ascent/descent

70m. Short Route: 13km, ascent/descent 90m.

Overnight: Airone Pisa Park Hotel ***, or Hotel

Novecento ***, Pisa

DAY 3

Pisa to Lucca

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,

descent 295m.

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.

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 4

Circular route of Lucca

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

ITINERARIES

Day Route Km

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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

13/

25-33 24/33 33/40 29/54

8

DETAILED ITINERARY

TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE

CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY

Day Route Km

1 2 3 4 5

Arrive Pisa Pisa to Lucca Lucca to Vinci Circular route of Vinci Onward Travel

24/33 29/54

8

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.

Additional Nights and Extensions

You can add additional nights at any point

before, during or after the tour or elsewhere in

Italy.

Grade

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.

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.

This holiday is available for solo cyclists but as

some costs are not shared there is a supplement

payable.

Meals

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

nearby restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

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.

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

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.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have

suitable travel insurance that covers you for

cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

TRIP INFORMATION

TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE

CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY

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.

Included

Accommodation for six or four nights in three 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).

Single room supplement(s) if applicable.

Solo cyclist supplement if applicable.

Airport transfers.

Additional nights during the holiday.

Once you are ready to go ahead with your

booking you can book securely online at

www.macsadventure.com or by telephone on

+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.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

HOW TO BOOK

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

TUSCANY: PISA TO FLORENCE

CYCLING THROUGH NORTHERN TUSCANY