Welcome to Hooked on Cycling holidays and our family cycling holiday in Italy. This biking vacation in Italy in the Tuscany region between Pisa and Florence we have graded a a level 1-2 tour. Leonardo da Vinci might have said it himself “cycle to my home town and check out the landscape and my inventions”. This trip does just that, as you choose your destination each day from our selected routes . Pedal through the quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive groves, ride around the leaning tower of Pisa and the beautiful Miracle square. Go for a spin on top of Lucca’s monumental city walls and up the Serchio river cycle path to visit some wonderful villas and gardens. Continue on country lanes to Vinci, Leonardo’s birth place, and visit two museums for real hands-on insight into the life and mind of this genius. The Medici Villa of Cerreto Guidi. Finally, visit Florence “cradle of the Renaissance”. This is a miraculous discovery of Northern Tuscany

Available daily from 1st March to 30th October
Level 1-2 self guided cycle tour

Day 1 Arrival in Lucca
Arrive at your hotel in Carignano and settle in to the comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool.

Day 2 From Lucca Pisa to visit the Miracle Square and the famous Leaning tower.  14 miles 22km
Today’s ride is very scenic. The route follows the Serchio River and after 20 kilometers, you reach the heart of Pisa where you can visit the world famous Miracle Square and climb its illustrious leaning tower. Ride though the city centre and admire the many palaces, churches, towers and town squares. Take a break in the Piazza dei Cavalieri as you gaze at the architecturally stunning historic buildings that surround you. Afterwards return by bike or train to Lucca.

Day 3 Lucca and Upstream to Villa Reale 19 miles 30km
Following the cycle path along the Serchio river you reach Ponte a Moriano where you turn off to visit the prestigious Villa Reale and Villa Grabau and stroll their extraordinarily luxurious gardens. You can choose to return on the cycle path or along another more hilly route.
Once back in Lucca, take your time to visit this charming town, ride along the imposing tree-lined perimeter walls and explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre.

Day 4 Day tripping to the beach 16 miles 25km
A short train ride takes you to the beach town of Viareggio, known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”, thanks to its beaches of fine golden sand, marinas, vast pine woods, and the elegant shops that face onto the long boulevards lined with palm trees and oleander bushes. The city spreads out over the magnificent Versilia coast, is lined with grand palaces, a beach front promenade and many bathing complexes. Follow the coastline along the cycle path and choose where to stop for a swim.

Day 5 Lucca to Vinci 18-28 miles 30-46km
Choose to cycle the whole way of book in advance an optional transfer to shorten the day’s ride to Altopascio where the more exiting part of today’s ride starts. Ride past the area known as the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve, the largest inland wetlands of Europe. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and perhaps you will spot some migratory birds enjoying a well-deserved rest on their way south. Feeling rejuvenated, you cycle on to Vinci.

Day 6 Vinci round trip, 9 miles 14 km
Gain insight on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci as you explore his birthplace and the two remarkable, child friendly and hands on museums dedicated to his inventions. Admire his original designs and inventions and ride up to the house where he was born, for some spectacular views and quintessential Tuscan scenery.

Day 7 Riding to Empoli and day trip to Florence! 11 miles 18km
A short bike ride takes you to Empoli where you catch the train to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Spend the day strolling its wonderful streets and admiring the innumerable wonders. Return to Empoli in the afternoon and cycle back to Vinci.

Day 8 Departure after breakfast

Accommodation:
3* Hotel Carignano www.hotelcarignano.it in the hamlet of Carigano, 4km from down town Lucca. The hotel has recently been refurbished, there are many triple and quad rooms, a large free parking are, free internet, restaurant with terrace (closed on Thursday) They serve a large buffet breakfast
Agriturismo Il Piastrino www.ilpiastrino.it The agritourism offers guest: breakfast in the rooms and apartment, trekking routes, mountain biking, horse riding possibility private parking lot, furnished garden to enjoy the landscape and a swimming pool. The old farm house which was transformed into holiday accommodations is nicely furnished and has all kind of comforts SAT TV, INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, HORSE RIDING, SWIMMINGPOOL.
Subject to Change Without Notice

Tariff 2010

How to get there
By Plane
Fly to Pisa with Ryanair or with British airways and then by bus or taxi to your hotel

To View our other cycling holidays in Italy
Walking holidays in France , walking holidays in Austria , walking holidays in Scotland , walking holidays in Portugal , walking holidays in Spain , walking holidays in Canada, walking holidays in the USA, walking holidays in Slovenia , walking holidays in Hungary , walking holidays in Romania , walking holidays in Germany ,walking holidays in New Zealand ,, walking holidays in Slovakia walking holidays in Greece, walking holidays in Switzerland

HOME