TUSCANY CYCLE TOUR.

This is the tour that has it all. The famous Tuscany region does not disappoint. From the many and varied cycle options complete with famous climbs, awesome descents and quiet country backroads. To the charm and excitement of our amazing host town of Lucca, steeped in centuries of history and culture that provides our daily base and nightly action and fun. Throw in some wonderful local people and characters you will meet whilst enjoying the legendary Italian food and wine and trust me you will not want to leave. Perhaps that’s why we have so many repeat visitors with us on this tour – “the jewel in the crown”of cycle touring.

Day 1: Lucca (Mon 28^th July)

Meet in Lucca at 6 pm.

Lucca is our arrival city and steeped in history and the arts.  After our group meeting we can enjoy a local meal in the old city centre. Dinner is included tonight

Day 2: Lucca to Lido di Camaoire (Tue 29^th July)

We take a gentle pedal around the walls today and enjoy the quiet ambiance of the back streets.  By then we are ready to cycle the 80kms round trip to the beautiful beach at Camaoire.   This is a great spot for lunch and a swim.  Here we can take an Italian café on the sand to watch the passing parade of Italian and foreign sun worshippers.  We return to Lucca through backroads and small villages on a very picturesque route

Day 3: Lucca to Montecarlo (Wed 30^th July)

Today we get the legs working.  We follow much of the route of the local Granfondo cycle race. Pedalling through local villages such as Mutigliano & San Gennaro with their steep cobbled streets.  We ascend up and over the legendary Pizzorne climb before a spectacular, scenic descent back into the famous wine growing hillside town of Montecarlo for lunch. A well earned pizza and local wine is had before taking the flat roads home to Lucca with tired but satisfied legs. This day will have you feeling like a true cyclist on a genuine "classics" type circuit. As always an easier or shorter route for those less inclined is available.

Day 4: Lucca to Garfagnana (Thu 31st July)

 We head for the rolling hills today of the bicycle friendly Garfagnana region.  The roads here are used by many European nations cycling teams but there are possibilities for all.  Our cycle today is to Castelnuova.  We are taking it easier today with a gentle cruise up the valley beyond the township  for lunch. We are in recovery mode so we cap the ride off with a soothing dip in the Fiume Serchio (river) under the centuries old “Devil’s Bridge”. Home via the thermal baths of Bagni Di Lucca for a 100k round trip.

Day 5: Lucca to the Cinque Terra (Fri 1^st August)

We have a long but truly spectacular cycle of around 140 km to the World Heritage National Park of the Cinque Terra and its 5 seaside villages. The morning section is flat along the coast past the many Tuscan beaches before climbing as we near our destination. Passing through scenic towns and the naval base of La Spezia before the final climb and descent into the incredible Cinque Terra and views that you wont believe. We have the afternoon free to take in the local Ligurian Pesto, and to swim and relax in one or more of the 5 wondrous villages and its seaside cafes of the Mediterranean.

We take the evening train back to Lucca.

Day 6: Rest Day or Florence Tour (Sat 2nd August)

We take a break from the bike today. Either enjoy a Rest Day in Lucca or visit the historical centre of Florence.  This melting pot of learning, finance and culture has persevered through centuries of turmoil and remains one of Europe’s most pristine remnants of Italy’s past.  We enjoy a tour of the main sights and have an optional booking time to enjoy the unsurpassed collection of antiquities and art in the Uffizi gallery.  We also have time to view Michelangelo’s David. Stay as long as you wish and enjoy all that Florence has to offer.  There are many train options back to Lucca.

Day 7: Lucca to Pisa / local area (Sun 3^rd August)

Today we have scheduled a short ride in the morning in the local area, approximately a 60-70k round trip.  You may choose to cycle to the local river for a swim.  Another possibility is a gentle pedal over to Pisa to see the remarkable Leaning Tower.

As the day winds down we will gather for a visit to our ‘local’ Enoteka for some local wine and savouries. 

An option to break up the festivities for an hour is a Puccini concerto in one of Lucca’s oldest churches.

Back to the Enoteka where a ‘Capirinha’ will provide a perfect nightcap after a fun day.

Day 8: Lucca (Mon 4^th  August)

Our last ride starts with a gentle circuit out of Lucca, through the Monte Pisano valley before the famous Monte Serra ascent.  This is a 12k climb that is often used by the pro teams as a time trial.  Our last day becomes “the challenge” if your up for it ! We usually set up a handicap system to give everyone a chance to top this legendary climb first. A challenging descent back through the valley and the hard work is done.  Now for the treat!

Rolling back to Montecarlo we enjoy a fabulous Tuscan wine tour and food extravaganza at Fattoria Cercatoia Alta. Our host is former London restaurateur, Angelo who will provide a luncheon you won’t believe.  A perfect place for the memories of our tour to flow along with the gorgeous wines.  You may take a dip in the pool or even a siesta on the lawn before we cruise the easy 15k back to Lucca and prepare for our last evening in this amazing city.

What a finish

Day 9: depart Lucca (Tue 5^th August)

Today is departure day for the trip and no activities are planned.  Please ask for our assistance for ongoing travel plans if required.  Pisa international airport is 40 mins away by bus or train.