TOSCANA CLASSICA - short

The "classic" tour of Tuscany in short version. In this four-day shortened version of the route, we will provide you with a GPS and information pack, leaving the navigation up to you. In just three tours you will experience the best scenery and emotions Tuscany. Perfect if you have a limited amount of time or if you want to spend a day or two exploring Lucca or Florence, time which they undoubtedly deserve. As usual our GPS will easily guide you from one destination to another and our staff will always be on hand to help you get the most out of your holiday.Day 1: Arrive at Lucca
On the first day you will find your way to Lucca and settle in to your accommodation. You will meet our staff who will explain the itinerary and provide you with an information pack and GPS including the route to follow. If you have arranged to hire a bike, it will also be provided. Lucca can be easily reached by regional train and bus services from both Pisa and Florence (location of the two main airports in Tuscany). Pisa is only about a 25 minute journey away from Lucca. Private transfers in our minibus from both airports can be arranged on request.
Day 2: Lucca to Montecatini Terme 45km – 4.5 hours - Tot. Alt. 300m
After enjoying Lucca and its city walls (perfect for cycling), it is time to start your cycling adventure. This first stage principally follows country roads, which are punctuated with traditional villas, farms and vineyards. This area is the DOC wine region of Colline Lucchesi e Montecarlo, an excellent excuse for a break to taste delicious regional wines and produce. Montecarlo is a medieval village situated on the summit of a green and pleasant hill; it is famous for its wines which differ from those of the Chianti region due to a large cultivation of typical French grapes that complement the Sangiovese vines. The road leading to Montecarlo is full of ups and downs, providing magnificent panoramas that will take your breath away. The scenery changes completely between Montecarlo and Montecatini Terme: you will find yourself in a plain – until Pistoia, renowned for its waters – that is surrounded by plants and flowers grown in traditional regional farms and greenhouses.
Day 3: Montecatini Terme to San Miniato 47km – 4.5 hours - Tot. Alt. 220m
Visitors love Montecatini Terme for its lively atmosphere, thermal baths, spas and wellbeing centres. We would therefore suggest that you spend some time enjoying the thermal waters and relaxing in a wellbeing centre to help you overcome the tiredness of the day and prepare yourself for the next tour. The second stage will take you to San Miniato along the Padule di Fucecchio – a half-marshy zone with great wildlife, including a large number of migrant birds – and through the plain around the Arno River, not far from Via Francigena. There is an easy climb in the middle of the stage leading to the highest point of the tour, San Miniato itself, 150m above sea level. San Miniato is a point of historic and artistic interest; it is also famous throughout the world for its annual festival dedicated to the exquisite white truffle. Collected in the neighbouring areas, the white truffle has a strong influence on both local cuisine and daily life.
Day 4: San Miniato to Florence 53 km – 5.5 hours - Tot. Alt. 330m
The third stage will take you on a fantastic journey through the rural countryside surrounding Florence. Following the banks of the Arno you will arrive at Montelupo Fiorentino, where a steep climb will lead you to Artimino and Poggio alla Malva. At the latter you can enjoy the view overlooking the Arno and Pesa valley, stretching out to the Chianti region, sitting among vineyards, olive groves and the remains of historic buildings. The Medici family – who ruled Florence for centuries – used to come to this area to go hunting. Artimino is a perfect location for tasting traditional Tuscan cuisine. You will then head back down the valley and towards Florence, following the river right into the heart of the city. Once you have arrived at your destination, you can stow away your bike and lose yourself among the countless courtyards, squares, palaces, museums, churches, markets, shops and boutiques, pretending, just this once, to be a “normal” tourist.

Highlights: Lucca - Montecarlo - Montecatini Terme - San Miniato - Firenze – Wine roads - Tuscany hills and countrysideTours: 1. Lucca - Montecatini Terme; 2. Montecatini Terme - San Miniato; 3. San Miniato - Firenz