From Pisa to Florence

ROUTE PROFILE

 

• Total Length: 225/280 km
• Total vertical up: 1,110/1,640 m
• Terrain: 88% asphalt, 12% unpaved
• Train connection among the overnight stays: every day
• Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3, day 5 and 7.

The itinerary runs mostly on a flat area with some hilly parts which do not require particular athletic skills.

 

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

 

1. Pisa.

Arrival. The city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli with the characteristic leaning tower, the bell tower of the city cathedral. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, besides a large number of monuments it also offers a friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.

 

2. Pisa–Lucca (30/45 km, elevation up 20/100 m).

Today you are pedalling northwards along the river Serchio for an easy stage. For those who wish a slightly longer itinerary, there is the option of going towards Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching Lucca.

 

3. Lucca–Montecatini (45 km, elevation up 280 m).

Through a panoramic road you reach the little village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you could visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you could enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local flower street market.

 

4. Montecatini–Montecatini (60 km, elevation up 310 m).

Today’s route offers you again two possibilities. You can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe and stroll down the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable-railway. Otherwise a picturesque itinerary will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful historical farms, going past Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace (visit to the museum possible).

 

5. Montecatini–Florence (50/65 km, elevation up 150/400 m).

Today you have to choose either to start pedalling directly from Montecatini or to shorten the trip through a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (in particular churches) and having one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From here back into the saddle, immersed in the Tuscan flatland, to reach Florence.

 

6. Florence. Free day.

It will be up to you to decide how to spend your time in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!

 

7. Florence–Empoli–Pisa (40/65 km by bike + 40/65 km by train, elevation up 100/300 m).

Today you can choose if either starting pedalling directly from Florence and reaching Pisa through a train transfer from Empoli or taking a train to Empoli and riding to Pisa along the river Arno.

 

8. Pisa.

Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with tour: Umbria (on request)

 

PARKING

 

In Pisa: free parking place at the first hotel, for the whole duration of the tour.

 

INFOS

 

HOW TO REACH PISA BY PLANE:

You can fly to Pisa airport (PSA) with various low cost companies.

 

LEVEL:

Easy

 

DURATION:

8 days/7 nights

 

 

TOUR MODALITY:

Self-guided tour