Self-guided Tuscany Coastline 7-day Cycling Tour (Level 3)

by Tour provider https://www.slowtours.com

Region

Tuscany

Duration

7 days

Guided Status

Self-Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

D-Score™

N/A - Unknown

Overview

This cycle tour combines the impressive landscape of Tuscany's hilly landscape, typical of this region with its amazing mixture of colours and scents and the striking scenery of the Etruscan coastline perfectly. Stunning cycle paths lead to cultural highlights like Pisa, Livorno, Piombino and several archaeological excavation sites. Breathe in the warm sea breeze of the Mediterranean whilst pedalling along beautiful white sandy beaches and thrilling steep cliffs. To top all that, the tour also leads you into the hinterland relished by any food and wine connoisseur. Fine vineyards and silvery olive trees line the wine route of the "Costa degli Etrusch". The crowning glory and highlight of the cycling adventure is a bike trip over to the island of Elba. Relaxation and enjoyment are the main focus of this cycling trail along the impressive coastline of Tuscany! The terrain is mainly flat to slightly hilly. The only two strenuous stretches are during the two legs in the hinterland. Nearly all cycle paths are asphalted and some segments along the sea will be on rustic but well maintained trails. Due to lack of cycle paths along some sections, cycling briefly on roads with moderate traffic is unfortunately unavoidable. 6 nights accommodation in 3*/4* hotels, Breakfast, Welcome briefing, Luggage transfer between the hotels, Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book, 1 Train journey from Viareggio - Pisa and from Pisa - Livorno incl. your bike, 1 Return ferry to Elba incl. your bike, Service hotline. Arrival by train to Pisa, Pisa or Florence airport, Parking: Hotel parking spaces, costs EUR 15 per day or public garage, costs approx. EUR 20 per day. Elite Parking at Pisa airport, costs approx. EUR 15 per day, can be booked in advance. Departure by bus and train from Piombino to Pisa, duration approx. 2 hours. Return transfer to Pisa every SAT, costs EUR 105 per person, EUR 49 for your own bike, reservation necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Pisa

Arrival in Pisa

Day 2: Trip to the sea

30 km 0 m

N/A

Trip to the sea

Day 3: Pisa – Castiglioncello

40 km 0 m

N/A

Pisa – Castiglioncello

Day 4: Castiglioncello – Marina di Castagneto

50 km 0 m

N/A

Castiglioncello – Marina di Castagneto

Day 5: Marina di Castagneto – Piombino

60 km 0 m

N/A

Marina di Castagneto – Piombino

Day 6: Day trip to the island of Elba

35 km 0 m

N/A

Day trip to the island of Elba

Day 7: Departure or extension

Departure or extension

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services

Accommodation arrangements

Bike rental

Mechanical support

Support vehicle following all rides

About the Tuscany

Read the Tuscany cycling guide

EUR 1129

per person

Go to Provider

Why Choose This Tour?

Cycle around the Leaning Tower of Pisa Magnificent views over the Etruscan coast The medieval wine village of Bolgheri Cycle to the sandy beaches of Elba Pisa delights with its historic old town and the famous Piazza dei Miracoli.
Discover winding lanes, lively squares and the banks of the Arno.
A special highlight is visiting the Leaning Tower, offering impressive views across the city below.
From the Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the Leaning Tower there are lovely trails winding through the national park 'Macchia Lucchese’ directly to the sea.
Along the sandy beach you will reach the charming sea side town and spa Viareggio.
On the way there and in the resort the refreshing waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea will tempt you to dive in.
Short train ride back to Pisa.
In the morning, you take a short train ride to Livorno.
This historic harbour has a lot to offer including the well-known quarter 'Venezia Nuova’ with its many canals.
Once you have cycled past the Belle Epoque villas along the river promenade, the bike tour continues deep into the hinterland.
An extended ascent leads through the national park ’Monti Livornesi’, passing through traditional Tuscan villages along the way until descending towards the sea with magnificent sea views with trails along the beach and palm trees truly ooze Mediterranean atmosphere.
Today’s section is all about the Etruscan coastline.
Via the famous white sandy beaches of Vada you will pass through some of the most striking pine forests in all of Italy.
After that a cool cycle path in the shade leads you through the nature park 'Tomboli’ and then on to Bibbona.
From there your journey takes you to the well known wine region of Bolgheri.
It is here where the top Tuscan grapes are pressed!
After passing the longest Italian avenue lined with cypresses, once again the sea is not far away.
Marina di Castagneto is a classic Italian sea side town with its many beach cafes and promenades.
The day starts with an ascent towards the medieval town called Castagneto Carducci.
A well deserved break over a cappuccino and stunning views follows.
After that, the ride continues upwards on a curvy mountain road through romantic cork oak forests.
A few breaks in little traditional villages with the characteristic stone built houses will stay in your memory forever.
Next, a comfortable descent through olive groves takes you to the well-known beach 'Golfo di Baratti’ with Etruscan excavation sites and all.
Only a few kilometres left until Piombino, an impressive seaside town where you can relax on the Piazza directly by the sea.
A ferry ride will take you to Portoferraio (duration approx.
1hr).
Stunning scenery and first glimpses of the island accompany the boat trip.
A short cycle path along the panoramic route will lead you to several secluded bays and coves.
The longer tour takes you through the hilly hinterland with its characteristic island vegetation of the ’Macchia Mediterranea’.
On the return journey to Piombino a picturesque and glorious sunset at sea will be the perfect ending to this day.