In terms of variety, this trip from Tuscany to Liguria is hard to beat. Centuries-old monuments will impress you in Pisa, Lucca and La Spezia. Experience the vast, sandy beaches along the sparkling Versilia coast in the fashionable seaside resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. Wild nature will accompany you as you travel through the ever-narrowing valley of the Serchio River. The views of the white marble bridge of Carrara or the world-famous colourful houses in the Cinque Terre will take your breath away. This varied landscape is enriched with full-bodied wine, fragrant basil and lots of Italian "dolce vita". It is waiting for you…immerse yourself in the incredible diversity of Italy. The route is on cycle paths and mostly on low-traffic side roads. The first stage is completely flat, all other stages are hilly with several, at times tougher, climbs. On the fourth day of cycling, there is a long climb of over 550 metres. The paths are mostly asphalted and for short distances on gravel roads. When entering and exiting cities, as well as during short connections, a bit more traffic can be expected. Accommodation 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels, Breakfast, Welcome briefing (German, English), Luggage transfer between the hotels, Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book, 1 Cinque-Terre-Card valid for train rides and entry/hiking in the nature park, Service hotline Bike rental (109 EUR) or E-bike (299 EUR) available upon request. Extra nights available in Pisa (From 79 EUR p.p) and La Spezia (From 109 EUR p.p). Arrival by train to Pisa. Pisa or Florence airport. Parking available at hotel (EUR 15/day) or public garage (approx. EUR 20/day). Elite Parking at Pisa airport (approx. EUR 15/day) can be booked in advance. Departure by train from La Spezia to Pisa (approx. 1 hour). Return transfer to Pisa every SAT (EUR 105 per person). Day 1: In the evening welcome briefing and bike fitting. We recommend an initial visit of the magnificent old part of town that day. Day 2: Enjoy the magical old town of Pisa again before taking on the beautiful paths through the ‘Macchia Luccese’ national park to the sea. Continue along the sandy beach until you reach the charming resort of Viareggio with its historic swimming baths. Take your first dip in the fresh waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea here, or even along the way. Day 3: In the morning you travel along the Versilia coast for a while, before heading back inland. You cycle along the ‘Via Francigena’, the ancient pilgrim route on the way from France to Rome. It travels through small, medieval villages in the Tuscan hills to the banks of the Serchio river. The well-maintained cycle path will eventually take you to the centre of Lucca. Not only the old town will impress you, you’ll experience a special highlight – a round trip of the city walls by bike. Day 4: On the cycle path along the Serchio you leave the city once more. The mystical Devil’s Bridge is a popular photo opportunity, directly on the bike path, its steepness is simply breathtaking. In today’s location, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, time seems to have stopped. Narrow medieval streets, stone bridges and small, charming squares characterize the town-scape. Day 5: A beautifully landscaped mountain road leads you back to the sea today. Over the first 20 kilometres you will overcome approximately 550 metres of altitude and then suddenly find yourself among the quarries of the world-famous white Carrara marble. Then it’s down again…30 kilometres downhill! In the fashionable Forte dei Marmi, you will definitely have earned a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Day 6: Today’s cycling route promises lots of variety. Lush green grape vines accompany you on the last few kilometres in Tuscany. The charming fishing village of Bocca di Magra is already in Liguria and the coastal road that starts from there offers fantastic views over the deep blue sea. The pastel-coloured houses in Lerici give you a first impression of the Ligurian coast. From here it is only a few kilometres to your destination of La Spezia, a historic port city with a lot of art, culture and good food. Day 7: The national park around the colourful facades of the Cinque Terre – the five villages of Monterosso, Vernayya, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – were declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. On a breathtaking coastal walk, you get to know these villages from a very special viewpoint. In the morning you can take the train from La Spezia to Monterosso. From there you travel with the glittering sea always on the right-hand side, from village to village (the route can be shortened at any time by train or boat). From Riomaggiore, the Cinque Terre Express takes you back to your accommodation in La Spezia. Day 8: Departure or extension Car rental available for driving in Europe. Travel insurance available for Italy.
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