Cycle Tuscany

8 Days | Fall in love with provincial Italy on this cycling adventure through Tuscany.

4.9 out of 5 based on 26 reviews submitted.
Cycling
From
USD $3,030
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Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure from Florence to Pisa. Be rewarded after a day of pedaling through quaint villages with inspiring mountain views in Barga. Explore the frenetic streets of Pisa before laying eyes on a certain lopsided tower. Visit one of the oldest bakeries in Italy for a taste of their delicious biscotti. Enjoy stunning views of Garfagnana, Tuscany's mountainous escape. 

Trip overview

Map of Cycle Tuscany including Italy
Start
Florence, Italy
Finish
Pisa, Italy
Theme
Cycling
Destinations
Italy
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1 - Max 15
Trip code
ZMXT
This trip generates 15.22 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Pedal through the rolling green hills, vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany on this classic journey from Florence to Pisa
  • From Lucca's tree-lined city walls, follow the gentle Serchio River to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Retrace the steps of Leonardo da Vinci around his home city, Vinci
  • Sample the local Tuscan delicacies and a glass (or two!) of vino after a rewarding day in the saddle
  • Sit and watch the world go by with a cappuccino at Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
  • Get away from tourist crowds and experience the 'real Italy' in Garfagnana
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
  • While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short the stunning terrain of northern Tuscany is naturally hilly so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip – but remember, we will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.
  • On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed).
  • As our riding is done mostly on sealed roads with the occasional gravel cycle path there are no technical cycling skills required – but given the hills involved we do suggest practicing riding downhill so you are comfortable with this once the trips begins.
  • There’s the possibility of a few hiccups along the way – a puncture here and there – but there’s no doubt this is an incredibly rewarding adventure.
  • If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip.

Itinerary

Map of Cycle Tuscany including Italy

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Local bus

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Signa to Vinci Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Lucca to Barga Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Devil’s Bridge visit
  • Garfagnana - Picnic
  • Barga to Garfagnana Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Lucca - Picnic
  • Garfagnana to Lucca Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Lucca to Pisa Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Add on activities
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR16
  • Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR15
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR13
  • Florence - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
  • Vinci - Museo Leonardiano Birthplace of Leonardo Combo Ticket - EUR11
  • Barga - Dinner - EUR25
  • Barga - Fondazione Pascoli - Free
  • Barga - Cathedral - Free
  • Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Cathedral - Free
  • Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Fortezza dell'Este - Free
  • Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb - EUR3
  • Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens - EUR6
  • Lucca - Puccini concert - EUR20
  • Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb - EUR5
  • Torre delle Ore Climb - EUR4
  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. The Single Supplement does not include night 7 in Pisa, which will be twin share.
2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organize a suitable sized bike.
3. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
6. As space in the support vehicle is very limited we request that travelers bring only a small bag, no more than 20kgs with them.
7. Due to frequent unscheduled closures we have removed the Verrucole Fortress visit.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 26 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Zachary · Traveled September 2023
Cycle Tuscany was everything I expected from Intrepid. Walter and Alice were terrific trip leaders, the itinerary was interesting and the group was fun. I've already booked my next trip in 2024.
Review submitted 13 Sep 2023

Tiffany · Traveled August 2023
This trip exceeded my expectations. I had not expected to enjoy it so much because the weather that week was ridiculously hot. But Intrepid made an adjustment to the itinerary to take us to the beach for one night, and Walter (our driver) was always available to fill up our water bottles, pour water on our necks, and provide encouragement. Too, our group gelled quite well and we managed to make our own fun on the rides. If you are considering the trip, just book it and go. You will have a wonderful time!
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Cynthia · Traveled July 2023
This is a fabulous cycling vacation for those who want to experience small towns and wonderful cities in Tuscany. Florence, Pisa and Lucca are great. The small towns such as Vinci and Barga really stood out. They had a lot of local flavor with not many tourists. The bike riding is easy, which keeps the group together. There is plenty of time to enjoy the towns and wine as well. Very well organized, good bikes and van transport. The leaders Ali and Walter were the best! I highly recommend this tour.
Review submitted 11 Aug 2023

Barry · Traveled June 2023
As a returning customer of intrepid travel my expectations were higher. While the itinerary and equipment was good. Leadership was somewhat robotic and insincere. Although the support person was communicative enthusiastic and very hard working. Accommodation was average to poor. Paid single supplement had to share on the last night. Found my own accommodation at my expense. Breakfasts were mostly inadequate and embarrassing. Was really looking forward to this trip as my past experiences with intrepid have been excellent and memorable. I sense that this is not the norm with intrepid. As I have recommended intrepid travel to many of my friends and acquaintances who has had positive experiences. Some friends are currently booked upcoming intrepid travel tours. I am confident that their experience will be a memorable one like I have had in previous years.
Review submitted 30 Jun 2023

Rachele · Traveled June 2023
What a trip! If your on the fence do it! The itinerary gives you a flavour of what’s to come but it doesn’t give away all of the gems and hidden treasures. Ali and Walter brought Tuscany to life and there’s no one else I would have wanted to explore Tuscany with
Review submitted 16 Jun 2023
Cycle Tuscany
From
USD $3,030