Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Tour Facts Sheet The best way to discover one of the most famous Italian regions, Tuscany, is to pedal through it. Famous for its earthy wines, its art cities and its welcoming people. Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa: the right combination of towns, sights and traditions connected by bicycle. From Piazza della Signoria in Florence to Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, through Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. This bicycle tour starts at the heart of Tuscany, along the "wine route", where you'll see the production of Chianti and other wines. Enjoy a wine tasting in one the numerous wine cellars of this area. After Siena our bicycle tour continues in Colle Val d' Elsa, the "Bohemia of Italy", before heading towards San Gimignano, famous for its adorning towers, and Volterra, the alabaster city. Lastly, you finish in Pisa, in front of the leaning tower. Join us and experience Tuscany by bicycle.
Highlights
San Gimignano and its medieval towers, Famous flavors of a gourmet cuisine, Renaissance Florence, the mysterious Etruscan heritage of Volterra, an afternoon stroll in the majestic Piazza del Campo in Siena, wines and vineyards of Chianti, the elegance of the leaning tower of Pisa, great views from world famous hills
Price
€1460 Single supplement: €320
Includes Countries Begin/End Arrive/ Depart Total Distance Daily Distance
7 nights accommodation in 3-4 stars hotels or farmhouses; all breakfasts; 2 dinners; use of a high quality titanium racing or hybrid bicycle, bike delivery and collection; roadbook and map; luggage transfers Italy Florence/Pisa Florence Airport (FLR) / Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) 240 km (150 miles) 30 - 50 km (18 - 31 miles)
What to Expect
Tuscany at its best, vineyards and wineries, castles, medieval villages and the best renaissance cities in the region.
Rating
201-301 Mostly hilly with some good climbs, average daily elevation gain of about 500m (1500 feet). Few unpaved country roads
Visit our website for tour dates, price and full itinerary description at bikerentalsplus.com.
Terms
Terms & Conditions
Do you need more information? Read our Self Guided Tour FAQ Sheet here.
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa Tour’s Dates: The tour starts on Saturdays between April 1 and October 31. Minimum 2 participants.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Florence, fit bicycles
Mileage: your option
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 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 and dinner in a typical farmhouse near Greve in Chianti.
Day 3: Bicycle from Passo dei Pecorai to Radda in Chianti 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.
Accommodation: Hotel La Fortezza www.lafortezzahotel.it
Mileage: 32 km (20 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel Residence Casprini Da Omero www.cdaomero.com/
Mileage: 40 km (25 miles)
Accommodation: Podere Le Noci http://www.lodgingchianti.it/ eng/noci_eng.html
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa Day 4: Bicycle from Radda in Chianti to Siena 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.
Day 5: Bicycle from Siena to San Gimignano 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.
Day 6: Bicycle from San Gimignano to Volterra 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.
Day 7: Bicycle from Volterra to Pisa 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 an early start to save time for visiting Pisa.
Mileage: 39 km (24 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel Chiusarelli www.chiusarelli.com
Mileage: 41 km (25 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel Bel Soggiorno www.hotelbelsoggiorno.it
Mileage: 34 km (21 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel San Lino www.hotelsanlino.com
Mileage: 51 km (32 miles)
Accommodation: Relais Hotel di Stefano www.hoteldistefano.it
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa NOTE: This hotel itinerary is subjected to changes according to availability.
Additional Itinerary Information On day 7 from Volterra to Pisa, your itinerary takes you to Pontedera where you’ll take a train to Pisa to skip the last few busy kilometers. The journey lasts about 15/20 minutes, depending on the train, and the ticket costs about 2/3€, depending on the train. The supplement for your bike is 3.50€ and it is valid for 24hours. You can buy the ticket for the bike directly at the Train Station. NOTE: the price of the ticket for you and for the bike is NOT included in the tour package.
GTA: How to get there and away
Starting point: Hotel La Fortezza, Viale Milton 95, Florence This hotel is close to the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, and 1.3km from the Santa Maria Novella train station. You can fly into Florence (or into Pisa and reach Florence by train). Ending point: Hotel Di Stefano, Via Sant’Apollonia 35-37, Pisa You can fly out from Pisa or out from Florence (that is connected to Pisa by train). Once you book the tour we will send you detailed information and different options on how to get to the starting point and away from the ending point of the tour.
Luggage Transfers Luggage transfer is included in your package. Normally, the luggage is collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 16.30. Every luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally you cannot use the luggage transport service to skip the stage. In case you need help to skip the stage, please contact our emergency number.
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Services available at an additional cost (ask for prices and availability) Private transfers are available at additional costs. Below some examples: Transfer Florence airport – hotel in Florence
€ 45
Transfer hotel in Pisa – Firenze Airport
€ 160
Electric bikes available for an extra charge (see below). Lodging upgrade : Room upgrades are possible in some hotels. Ask for availability. Extra nights are available in Firenze or in Pisa. Ask for details
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa Bicycle Specification All bikes come with a pump, rear rack, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit. We can provide flat pedals, with cage but no straps or with cage and straps: you can choose the type you prefer during the bike fitting. We don't provide clipless pedals as there are different kinds, so you'll have to bring your own pedals with you and we'll mount them on your rented bike. The bikes come also with a rear rack bag for carrying personal items.
Accessories on request:
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa Accessories provided:
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Titanium Road Bike
Frame / Fork Front Derailleur Crankset / Shifters Rear derailleur /Cassette Weight Equipment
Van Nicholas Yukon 3AL /2,5V Titanium road frame and Ax carbon Audax fork Shimano Ultegra or Shimano 105 10 triple crank 10 speed: 3039-52 or 50 T Shimano Ultegra 10 speed: 12-27 or 11-28 8.3kg / 18.2 lbs. (size 56) cyclometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Titanium Hybrid Bike
Frame/Fork
Van Nicholas Amazon 3AL /2,5V Titanium hybrid frame, available alsoas hybrid mixte or stepthrough frame /Van Nicholas Slx carbon fork
Shifters/Front derailleur/Crankset Rear derailleur/ Cassette Weight Equipment
Shimano SLX 3x10 shifters, front derailleur and crankset (24,32,42 teeth or 26, 36,46 teeth) Shimano SLX long cage rear derailleur with 11-34 cassette 11,5 kg cyclometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack thatc contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Tandems Tandem bike with 27 speed gearing; our tandem bikes are always in demand--please get your reservation in early! SIZES AVAILABLE (Front/Rear): Large/Small, XLarge/Small, XLarge/Medium , Jumbo/Medium see chart for more specific measures
FRAME FORK CRANK BOTTOM BRACKET SHIFTERS COG SET CHAIN FRONT DERAILLEUR REAR DERAILLEUR RIMS HUBS TIRES BRAKES HANDLEBAR STEM HEADSET BRAKE LEVERS SPOKES GRIPS SADDLE SEAT POST
TANDEM ROAD, SMARTFORMED 6061 ALLOY, 1.5 HEAD TUBE, BB30 CANNONDALE FATTY TANDEM, OPI, 1.5" STEERER FSA GOSSAMER TANDEM, 52/39/30, 42T TIMING FSA MEGAEXO, W/ ECCENTRIC BB30 SHIMANO 105 5700 SHIMANO TIAGRA 4600, 12-30, 10-SPEED KMC X10 DRIVE, X9 TIMING SHIMANO 105 5700, 31.8 CLAMP SHIMANO 105 5700 DT SWISS TANDEM, 36-HOLE DT SWISS TANDEM CONTINENTAL GATORSKIN, 700X25C, FOLDING SHIMANO R515 MECHNICAL DISC, 180/203MM CANNONDALE C3 COMPACT, 2014 ALLOY, 31.8 / C3 BULLHORN STOKER CANNONDALE C3 1.5", 3-D FORGED, 6 DEG. / C3 EXTENDER STOKER TANGE CUSTOM 1.5" SHIMANO 105 5700 DT SWISS TANDEM CANNONDALE 3.5MM W/ GEL BACKING GRIP TAPE PROLOGO T2.0 CANNONDALE C3, ALLOY, 31.6X350MM FRONT / 27.2X350 REAR
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
E-bikes We are pleased to introduce our new hybrid style pedelecs (pedals assisted bikes). These bikes are excellent quality and feature state of the art technology and are a fantastic option for bicycle travelers who need a little push. Although you still have to pedal the E-bike drive provides a nice boost for your efforts. For example when your pedal stroke increases to get up a hill so does the amount of power the electric motor outputs. Less effort on your part translates to less power assist. Please note: • E-bike rentals are not included in the tour price. For 7 to 8 day tours there is €205 fee, ask for price for a longer tour. • We limit the number of e-bikes to two per departure. • The e-bike drive automatically switches off if speeds exceed 25km/h (15 mph). • Though the bikes are very quiet the electric engine does produce a light but constant noise. • The bikes can be ridden without assist though as mentioned above they are much heavier than a regular bike. • Operating range depends on many factors such as the assistance level, gear switching behavior, route profile, head wind, temperatures but in general the average range of our battery packs is 110km (68 miles).
Shifters Tires Weight Equipment
11-speed drive train with gear ratios very similar to those on a mountain bike 700x40 Schwalbe Energizer Pro tires that feature an anti-puncture layer, good grip, and minimal rolling resistance. 24 kg / 53 lbs. cyclometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
Trailer for child XLC Mono BS-C01 2014 Single-seater with safety flag, stroller kit and walker kit (16” front wheel), double cover (against insects and bad weather). Innovative folding system, parking brake easily usable in order to lock the wheels. Reflective materials for the marking of the height and width of the trailer. TÜV certificate with Toxproof quality seal. • Places: Single-seater • Shoulders width: 44cm • Leg length: 60cm • Head Height: 61cm • Seat: 5-point harness • L x W x H: 106cm / 70cm / 81cm • L x W x H folded 109cm / 70cm / 26cm H • Handle height: 95-107cm • Weight / load: 14kg / 35kg • Frame: steel, aluminum body, bumpers • Wheel size: 47- 406/20 x 1.75 steel wheels with spokes in zinc • Helm attack Ø 28.6mm • Suitable for a baby seat (bottle holder Weber)
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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:
Grand Cycling Tour of Tuscany - From Florence to Pisa
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