This trip is a very flexible short break that includes three days of cycling in Italy as well as visiting Pisa, Lucca and Florence. Extra nights can then be added if required, to allow more time to explore these fascinating cities. The trip starts in Pisa, where the famous leaning tower and the cathedral attract visitors from all over the world. The next overnight stop is Lucca, a small intimate town full of beautiful buildings and surrounded by an impressive city wall that is still fully intact. Then it is on to Vinci, home town of Leonardo before moving on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, where there is much to see and do.
Grade: easy
Getting there : Fly to Pisa then by bus or taxi to your hotel. Return from Florence to Pisa by train.
NB Extra nights can be arranged in Pisa, Lucca and Florence. Extra nights in Florence or Pisa cost £60 per person in a hotel on B&B basis. Extra nights in the farmhouse at Lucca cost £50 per person (to include extra day's cycle hire).

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Pisa

Day 2 Pisa to Lucca There is a choice of two routes. The shorter route begins with a short climb out of Pisa then takes you past San Giuliano Terme before reaching Lucca. The longer route is more demanding but very rewarding. You pass Calci and then climb into the Monti Piasani hills from where there are wonderful views. Then it is downhill towards Lucca. ~ 14 or 33 miles

Day 3 Lucca to Vinci Today's route leads you away from Lucca to the village of Altopascio. You then pass through the Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve, one of the largest inland wetlands of Europe, habitat for a wide variety of birds and a popular stopping off point on the migration routes for many more. Your day finshes in the small village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo. ~ 29 miles

Day 4 Vinci to Florence You can use your bicycle today to visit the surroundings of Vinci, including the small extremely interesting museum dedicated to the inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci. You can see many life size constructions of his incredible inventions and the original designs. You are then transferred to the railway station in Empoli for the short transfer to the heart of Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. ~ 8 miles

Day 5 Departure