Cycle Pisa to Florence

Make your own way to Pisa, famous for its magical Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the characteristic Leaning Tower. UNESCO World Heritage listed since 1987, Pisa has a large number of monuments as well as the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city. Bike delivery is in the evening of day 1 (6pm) or morning of day 2.

Today’s route can be almost completely flat with an easy stage that will take you north, cycling along the Serchio river and through the Pisan countryside until you reach the village of Ripafratta and then the city of Lucca. Or there is a slightly longer and more challenging ride along the eastern side of Monti Pisani and via Lake Massaciuccoli. Elevation +130m/426ft, -115m/377ft or +225m/738ft, -205m/672ft

Today you will cycle along a panoramic road to the village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can visit the famous Pinocchio's Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you can enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local street flower market. Continue to Montecatini Terme where you will stay overnight. Elevation +460m/1509ft, -450m/1476ft

Today offers two possibilities. You can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe, strolling the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable-railway. Alternatively, a picturesque cycle will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful historical farms, and past Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo, where you can visit the museum dedicated to him. Return to Montecatini and your hotel. Elevation +-530m/1771ft

Today you can choose to start cycling from Montecatini or to shorten the trip with a short train ride to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments. Pistoia is worth exploring - it has one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). Continue to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Overnight in Florence. Elevation +540m/1771ft, -520m/1706ft (or +240m/787ft, -250m/820ft if taking the train)

Free time to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities, known for its wealth of culture, architecture and art. There are many things to see and do: visit the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery (pre-book tickets), the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Pitti Palace and Michelangelo's statue of David in the Accademia Gallery. There are good markets and plenty of great places to eat. You can also ride along a short circular route that offers a nice mix of Renaissance villas, Romanesque parish churches and cypress trees. Overnight in Florence. Elevation +-220m/722ft

This morning you can either cycle from Florence to Empoli then take the train to Pisa, or take a train to Empoli and cycle to Pisa. If cycling from Florence (40km), you cycle back to the path of the Parco delle Cascine. A 4km climb takes you to the highest point of the stage, 286m above sea level. If cycling from Empoli (65km) the route mainly follows the Arno River which is very scenic and on flat terrain. The final stage into Pisa is on an unpaved path along the bank of the river Arno. Elevation from Florence +360m/1181ft, -385m/1263ft Elevation from Empoli +300m/984ft, -320m/1050ft Train travel: 65 or 40km/40.5 or 25mi (approx 30-50mins dependent on the service) - ticket not included, payable locally. Note: bikes are only allowed on trains that have a bike icon listed on the timetable. Or take the train the whole distance if you prefer not to cycle - up to 1.5hrs travel time.