Tuscany Coastline
Ride along the Tuscan coast from the leaning tower of Pisa to Elba on this self-guided holiday. Combine the hilly landscape of Tuscany with the Etruscan coastline as you follow the vineyards and olive trees to the coast. A real highlight of the trip is the Isle of Elba, the place of Napoleon’s exile.
With picturesque trails winding through national parks, olive groves and vineyards and a host of cultural attractions, this is an unforgettable holiday!
Itinerary
This evening there will be a welcome briefing and rental bikes will be distributed. You can also take some time today to discover Pisa. Visit the exquisite old part of town, you will not be disappointed.
Setting out from Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the Leaning Tower, you will find lovely trails which wind their way through the national park‚ Macchia Lucchese’ and directly to the sea. After riding along, past the sandy beach and the tempting, refreshing waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, you will come to the charming sea side town and spa Viareggio. At the end of the day, there is only a short train ride back to Pisa.
This morning, you will take a short train ride to Livorno. This charming port city offers a lot to see, including the well-known quarter ‚Venezia Nuova’ with its many canals. The bike tour then continues, past the Belle Epoque villas along the river promenade, and deep into the hinterland. An extended ascent will bring you through the national park ’Monti Livornesi’, passing through traditional Tuscan villages along the way until you reach the descent, which will bring you down towards the sea, rewarding you with magnificent sea views as you ride. Today’s accomodation is located close to steep cliffs. The trails along the beach and swaying palm trees add to the truly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Today’s ride is all about the Etruscan coastline. Heading out along 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, pleasantly shaded cycle path 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 that the very best Tuscan grapes are pressed! After passing the longest avenue in Italy, which is lined with cypresses, you will find that you are once again heading towards the sea. Marina di Castagneto is a classic Italian sea side town characterized by its many beach cafes and promenades.
Today, you will begin by ascending towards the medieval town called Castagneto Carducci. Here, you can enjoy a well deserved break over a cup of cappuccino and take in the stunning views that you climbed for. Afterwards, the ride continues upwards, on a winding mountain road, through romantic cork oak forests. Take time for a few breaks in the little traditional villages. The memories of the stone built houses will stay in your memory forever. Now, you can enjoy the descent through olive groves, that takes you to the well-known beach ‚Golfo di Baratti’. Now there are only a few kilometres left until you reach Piombino, an impressive seaside town where you can relax on the Piazza by the sea.
A 1 hour ferry ride will take you to Portoferraio. The first glimpses of the island and stunning scenery will keep you occupied on board. A short cycle path, on a 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’. The return journey will take you to Piombino, where a picturesque and glorious sunset over the sea will be the perfect ending to the day.
Route overview
Difficulty: Challenging
At least one cycling holiday a year is pretty much compulsory for you! You are a perfect example of one of our typical guests, who regularly goes out for bike rides at the weekends. Now and again, you like to battle with a long, steep hill or a days cycle ride with an undulating profile. But, in order to have time to enjoy the rest of the ride, the route should then become flatter and more leisurely again afterwards.
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.
Total distance cycled: 215 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details
What’s included
The Tuscany Coast and Elba cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Subject to confirmation
– Overnight stays in the selected category & Standard Bike Hire
– Breakfast buffet
– Personal tour information
– Luggage transfer between hotels
– Excellently planned routes
– Detailed travel information (route maps or overview maps, route description, tourist attractions, important telephone numbers)
– Signposting
– Service hotline
Not included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Rental bike hire
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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