Web code IT036

Italy / Tuscany

Grand Tour: Pisa, Siena and Florence

The landscape of Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and evocative, with rolling hills laced with verdant vineyards and cypress trees lining the roads. You will travel on a variety of routes, experiencing all the wonders Tuscany has to offer: from fine panoramas to culture and of course, a delicious cuisine! This unique route involves a jumpstart in Pisa and its leaning tower, a passing through Siena, superb medieval town, a trailing by the road of wines and the spectacle of Florence, the cradle of Renaissance. In between the paths, you will enter picturesque villages and rich hillsides filled with wineries.

Tuscany

Photos (21)

Day by Day
Route profile
How to get there
Accommodation and meals
Bikes and accessories
Accompanying material
By your side

Day by Day

map
1. Pisa
Individual arrival and overnight. The city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli with the characteristic leaning tower, the bell tower of the city cathedral. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987, besides a large number of monuments it also offers the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.

2. Pisa - Casciana Terme (45 km)
Along the river Arno you will reach Pontedera, a rather modernized district, home to the wine company Castellani, and a sweets factory called Amedei. Your ride will take you through olive groves and vineyards, perfect for an immersion in nature. Finally you will reach the thermal town Casciana Terme, famous for its Etruscan roots, where thermal water was discovered by 12th century Countess Matilda of Tuscany.

3. Casciana Terme - San Gimignano/Colle Val d’Elsa (50/70 km)
Following the Via Francigena through vineyards and rolling hills you will arrive at San Gimignano, a hilltop village offering medieval landscapes. This UNESCO-awarded walled hamlet is known for its many towers. And in the evening, treat yourself with the local exquisite cuisine!

4. San Gimignano/Colle Val d’Elsa - Siena (45/25 km)
By taking the olden paths of the Via Francigena, you'll be welcomed by the views of Mount Maggio and the castle of Monteriggioni, Dante's subject in his famous literary pieces. Siena, superb medieval town, is just ahead; easily distinguish it by old brick buildings and the crown of Torre del Mangia.

5. Siena - Greve in Chianti (55 km)
Today's first stop is Castagnolli, where you will admire the Brolio Castle, home to the Ricasoli family and today a well-managed wine cellar, too. Then you reach Radda in Chianti, a classic Chianti village nestled inside the verdant hill region, among remnants of the Etruscan age, and Panzano, a lush green district with a countryside charm. Greve in Chianti is up next where the famous Chianti Classico Wine Festival is held every year in September. A sip of the local wine will fire up your senses.

6. Greve in Chianti - Florence (35 km)
Your last cycle day will bring you to a small town called Mercatale, where you will be given wine-tasting opportunities from its local wine cellars. After ten kilometres trot off to Impruneta, a neighbouring district filled with terracotta art. Back on your saddle, Florence is waiting for you! Tuscany's capital is known for its wealth in culture, architecture and art. This bustling metropolis is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and you can immediately see hints of artisan decor embellished upon buildings and squares.

7. Florence
Departure after breakfast.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Route profile
- Total length: 230 km
- Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: NO
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. The daily distance is about 45 kilometers. Though the daily routes are not too long, they can be strenuous, so we do recommend being in reasonably good physical condition for this tour.

Hilly areas, numerous climbs and downhill stretches. Suitable for regular cyclists with a good level of fitness.
How to get there

Pisa is connected with the following airports:
Pisa: 5 km, Florence: 90 km

Trains
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the following website: www.trenitalia.com.
Accommodation and meals
We personally choose all the hotels mindful of your comfort as well as the proximity to cycling paths and any relevant local sites.

You will be accommodated in 3/4* hotels.

All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning.

When you book the tour please specify the type of room requested:
- double room is a room with one double bed
- twin room is a room with two single beds
- triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed.
Bikes and accessories
Girolibero bikes are available in different sizes and frames:
- Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
- E-bike 9-gear Shimano
Features:
- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle www.selleroyal.com
- anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- Speed Lifter system
Accessories
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- 1 cycle computer
- 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
- 1 front bar bag per room
- 1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
- 1 combination bike lock
At the moment of booking you can also rent helmets, suitable for head circumferences from 58 to 61. All helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.

Important notes:
We recommend that you bring your own reusable water bottle with you.

In order to cycle smoothly following our App, we suggest that you bring with you a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed on the handlebar, as well as a power bank (even if the App can be used offline, too).
Accompanying material
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:

1. Link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)

2. Link to download the tour information material in Pdf:
- Tour notes
- Final tour details
3. Digital travel documents:
- Final hotel list (due to overbooking or organizational needs your hotel list may be changed just before your arrival)
- Hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
Tuscany Cycling Guide - Girolibero Greens
By your side

Staff support
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.