Overview
This is a tour that combines the typical hilly landscape of Tuscany with its mixture of colours and scents and the striking scenery of the Etruscan coastline. While cycling the Tuscany coast, local cycle paths take you through Pisa, Livorno, Piombino, feeling the warm Mediterranean sea breeze and enjoying beautiful white sandy beaches. You will also explore the fine vineyards and silvery olive trees of the hinterland along the wine route of Costa degli Etruschi. You will be able to celebrate the completion of your cycling adventure on the historic island of Elba.
- Cycle around the leaning tower of Pisa
- Beautiful views across the Etruscan Coast
- The medieval wine village of Bolgheri
- The Island of Elba
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Pisa
In the evening, you will have your welcome briefing and get your bikes. Depending on your arrival timing, you will also have some time to explore the charming old town.
- Accommodation: Hotel Repubblica Marinara or similar
Day 2: Trip to the Sea | 30km
From the Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the Leaning Tower, there are lovely trails winding through the national park Macchia Lucchese directly to the sea. Along the sandy beach, you will reach the charming seaside spa-town of Viareggio. On the way, you might be tempted to take a swim break in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A short train ride takes you back to Pisa.
- Accommodation: Hotel Repubblica Marinara or similar
- Cycling for the day: 30km
Day 3: Pisa – Castiglioncello | 40km
In the morning, you take a train ride to Livorno. The historic harbour has a lot to offer, including its many canals, including the well-known quarter of Venezia Nuova. Once you cycle past the Belle Epoque villas along the river promenade, the route continues deep into the hinterland. A long ascent takes you through the national park Monti Livornesi, passing through traditional Tuscan villages along the way, after which you descend towards the coast, enjoying the magnificent sea views.
- Accommodation: Hotel Baia del Sorriso or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 40km
Day 4: Castiglioncello – Marina di Castagneto | 50km
Today’s section is all about the Etruscan coastline. You cycle through the famous white sandy beaches of Vada entering an impressive pine forest. After that, a cool cycle path in the shade leads you through the nature park of Tomboli and then on to Bibbona, from where you continue to the famous wine region of Bolgheri. It is there where the top Tuscan grapes are pressed! After passing the longest Italian avenue lined with cypresses, you get closer to the sea again and continue to Marina di Castagneto, a classic Italian seaside town with its many beach cafes and promenades.
- Accommodation: Hotel I Ginepri or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 50km
Day 5: Marina di Castagneto – Piombino | 60km
The day starts with an ascent towards the medieval town Castagneto Carducci. After a well-deserved break over a cup of cappuccino and some stunning views, you continue on a curvy mountain road through romantic cork oak forests. On the way, you can enjoy a few breaks in little traditional villages with the characteristic stone-built houses before descending through olive groves to the well-known beach of Golfo di Baratti, where you can also explore the local Etruscan excavation sites. After a few kilometres, you reach Piombino, an impressive seaside town where you can relax on the Piazza directly by the sea.
- Accommodation: Hotel Esperia or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 60km
Day 6: Day trip to the Island of Elba | 15 or 35km
A ferry ride takes you to Portoferraio (duration approx. 1h). As you get on the ferry you will be able to enjoy the sea scenery and first glimpses of the island of Elba. A short cycle path along the panoramic route will lead you to several secluded bays and coves. There is also a longer option for the day taking you through the hilly hinterland with its characteristic island vegetation of Macchia Mediterranea. On the return journey to Piombino, you will be able to enjoy a picturesque sunset and reflect on your cycling adventure in Tuscany.
- Accommodation: Hotel Esperia or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx 15 or 35km
Day 7: Departure
Departure or extension upon request
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
A breakfast buffet is included on all days. When no restaurant is available on the route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or the restaurants in the town where you stay for overnight.
Difficulty and terrain
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 dirt but well-maintained trails.
Due to a lack of cycle paths along some sections, cycling for short stretches on roads with moderate traffic is unavoidable (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip is available from April until October, departing each Sunday.
Season 2023: Between 11th June and 9th September, departures on Saturdays as well.
Season 2024: Between 8th June and 13th September, departures on Saturdays as well.
Alternative departures are possible upon request, as the exact pricing depends on the size of the group.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival/departure airports for this holiday are the ones in Pisa and Florence.
By train or bus
- The best-connected train station is in Pisa. There are good train connections from Piombino to Pisa for your return journey.
- Public garage in Pisa costs approx. €15 per day, payable locally, no reservation possible.
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels along the route and a 4-star hotel in Pisa
- Breakfast buffet or extensive breakfast
- Welcome briefing by our local representative
- Luggage transfer between the hotels
- Holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route notes and maps (opt for a digital route book and receive a discount)
- Train journey Viareggio – Pisa and Pisa – Livorno incl. your bike
- Return ferry to Elba on Day 6 including your bike
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike rental, including bike insurance
- Additional nights in Pisa or Piombino
- Return transfer by minibus to Pisa, payable on the spot
Bike rental
In case you would like to rent a bike from us, we can offer a different variety of bikes. All bikes are equipped with a combination lock, saddle bag (water-repellent), handlebar bag (water-repellent), a pump and service-set with tools with an extra bicycle tube. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
Unisex bike 21/24-gears
- Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43cm (body height approx. 148cm – 190cm)
Unisex-bike 7-gears
- Gear: Shimano NEXUS
- Back pedaling break
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46cm (body height approx. 155cm – 190cm)
Men’s bike 21-gears
- Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
- Sizes: 63 / 60 / 56-51cm (body height approx. 165cm – 205cm)
Rental Bike PLUS
- Gear: DEORE/XT
- Suntour suspension fork
- Sizes: 63 / 60 / 51 / 46cm (body height approx. 155cm – 205cm)
E-bike
- Speed: 25 km/h
- 8-speed internal gear hub
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 46cm (body height approx. 148cm – 195cm)
Gallery
