Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa Tour Itinerary

The Facts | Full Itinerary | Interactive Map

Day 1: Arrive in Florence, fit bicycles

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Highlights: Renaissance Florence, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Arrive in Florence today and take your time to visit its jewels: climb up Giotto's tower for a stunning view of the city and the Duomo; visit the Uffizi Gallery, or walk the Ponte Vecchio bridge for a different striking view of the city. Your hotel is in a nineteenth century villa a short distance from Florence magnificent downtown. We'll fit bicycle today and we suggest a number of restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: Ride from Florence to Passo dei Pecorai in Chianti

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Highlights: The terracotta artworks of Impruneta, Chianti hills and vineyards, overnight in a typical farmhouse
Today your adventure begins through the heart of the Tuscany, a land of art, scents, and traditions. You'll leave Florence to bike up to Impruneta, famous for terracotta art; here it is possible to visit the Basilica and many beautiful villas. After approximately 10 km you will reach Mercatale, small town surrounded by Chianti hills. You may want to visit the wine cellar of the Palagio Castle and taste the local wine varieties and other typical products of the area. Overnight in a typical farmhouse near Greve in Chianti. Daily Mileage: 32 km (20 miles).

Day 3: Bicycle from Passo dei Pecorai to Radda in Chianti

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Highlights: The heart of Chianti and "the road of wines", the fortified medieval village of Montefioralle
Before leaving today for your destination, take time to visit Greve in Chianti, and have a cappuccino in one of the bars under the porticos that surround the main square. You'll then ride across the fortified medieval village of Montefioralle that dominates Greve, and then, after biking through Panzano, you'll reach Radda in Chianti. Where you can visit its medieval remains before heading to your hotel just outside town with a great view over the hills. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight. Daily Mileage: 41 km (25 miles).

Day 4: Bicycle from Radda in Chianti to Siena

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Highlights: The imposing Castle of Brolio, and the city of Siena
Today the tour moves from Radda in Chianti to Siena. A first stop option is Meleto Castle, an ancient fortification transformed in the 18th Century into a magnificent typical Tuscan countryside villa. Riding across the fortified village of Castagnoli you'll reach another famous castle: the Castle of Brolio, own by Ricasoli barons. You can visit the castle and have a wine tasting in the castle's wine cellar. In the afternoon you'll reach Siena, the city of the famous horse race: the Palio. Visiting Siena you cannot miss the shell shaped Piazza del Campo, the Public Palace with the tower, and the stunning Duomo. Daily Mileage: 39 km (24 miles).

Day 5: Bicycle from Siena to San Gimignano

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Highlights: The jewel village of Monteriggioni
Leaving from Siena and cycling along gentle hills you'll reach Monteriggioni, definitely worth the climb up to visit the unique fortified village, whose surrounding walls measure less than 2000 feet in diameter and were built in 1213. If you are interested in glass you may want to stop in Colle val d'Elsa, town that had a great development from 1400 when the most flourishing production of glass began. Here you can visit a handicraft laboratory of crystal manufacture. After Colle val d'Elsa you'll reach San Gimignano, world famous for its medieval towers. Your hotel is in town, so you can enjoy the magical night atmosphere of this unique town. Daily Mileage: 41 km (25 miles}.

Day 6: Bicycle from San Gimignano to Volterra

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Highlights: Volterra and its Etruscan heritage
Today you'll leave San Gimignano to bike along the hills of "Vernaccia" (a famous white wine, typical of San Gimignano area). Many ups and downs will lead you to the final climb up to the beautiful city of Volterra, more than 3000 years old. Founded by the Etruscan, Volterra still preserves its Etruscan heritage in its walls and town-gates. Its very well preserved historical centre features also important Roman and medieval monuments. Walk around and enjoy its atmosphere before trying a delicious Tuscan soup or a plate of pappardelle with wild boar sauce. Daily Mileage: 34 km (21 miles).

Day 7: Bicycle from Volterra to Pisa

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Highlights: Volterra and Pisa
You'll have an easy start today while you ride downhill from Volterra, enjoying stunning views on the surrounding hills. You'll ride through Ghizzano surrounded by vineyards and centre of numerous wineries; and through Calcinaia, previously called Vico Vitri (glass place), because of the working of the glass pottery. Later the village changed name into Calcinaia in reference to the numerous lime furnaces. You'll soon reach Pontedera where you'll catch a train to get to Pisa. According with the train timetable and your final destination you may choose to spend more time in Volterra or have a early start to save time for visiting Pisa. Daily Mileage: 51 km (32 miles).

Day 8: End of the Tour

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Highlights: Pisa and the leaning tower
The Tour ends today after breakfast. Enjoy Pisa with the famous leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery or head for your next destination. Thanks for joining us and buon viaggio!