Tuscany Cycle for Families

Arrive at your hotel in San Giuliano Terme, located 3.5 km from Pisa centre and settle in to your comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool. If you arrive early, take a relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of this charming city. Promenade past the pastel houses lining the banks of the Arno River.

Your rental bike will be delivered at 9am this morning, fitted to your specifications. Begin your day cycling through the inspiring countryside between Pisa and the mountain of Monte Serra, stopping for a visit to the grandiose Certosa of Calci monastery. It was founded in 1366 and houses a renowned Natural History Museum. The second part of the day is spent in Pisa, visiting its many outstanding monuments. (+90m/ -90m)

Today’s ride is very scenic and nearly all flat. The route follows the Serchio River to reach the charming town of Lucca. Once in Lucca, take your time to visit the wonderful city centre, ride along the imposing tree-lined perimeter walls and explore its splendid gardens, majestic bell tower and impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. (+300m/984ft -295m/968ft)

Today you cycle upstream along the Serchio River cycle path that takes you to the Lucchese foothills where there are many beautiful and famous palaces and gardens to be visited. Stop to admire the monumental gardens of Villa Reale and Villa Grabau, with their luxurious and extraordinary vegetation, before heading back towards town. (+-170m/558ft or +-450m/1476ft)

Today you will be transferred along with your bikes and luggage to Altopascio (9:30am) where you start the ride through the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve. This is one of the largest inland wetlands of Europe, and depending on the time of year the area will be wet or dry. Marvel at the delightful all-encompassing greenness and spot some migratory birds - enjoying a well-deserved rest on their way south why not leave the road and head into the vegetation. The day's ride ends at a farm in the outskirts of Vinci, the village where the famous inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci came from. (+-250m/820ft or +-270m/886ft)

Gain an insight into the genius of Leonardo as you explore his birthplace and the two remarkable, child friendly and hands–on museums dedicated to his inventions. Admire his original designs and inventions and ride up to the house where he was born, for some spectacular views and quintessential Tuscan scenery. (+-175m/574ft or +-450m/1476ft)

Today you can cycle (or take the bus or a private transfer) to Empoli train station (around 15km) from where a 30 minute train ride takes you into downtown Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Spend the day strolling its wonderful streets and admiring the innumerable wonders before returning to Empoli in the afternoon and cycling / bus or transfer back to your accommodation in Vinci. note: Transport today is not included and is to be paid locally.

After breakfast you will be driven to Empoli railway station, from where you can take the train to Florence or Pisa.