8 days tour

Cycle Tuscany

$ 2,204 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,204.00

Cycle Tuscany

This tour includes:

Others

Signa to Vinci Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Lucca to Barga Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Devilโ€™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

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Guide

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as youโ€™d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day theyโ€™re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, thatโ€™s why we like to travel the local way โ€“ whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each cityโ€™s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others. Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle INCLUDED BICYCLE TYPE: On this trip we use 2017 Felt 7 Fifty mountain bikes. 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 โ€™on requestโ€™ 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. RENTAL E-BIKES: Our Europe rental e-bikes are the 2018 Felt NINE E-: 20, which you may request in the following sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium & Large. Please provide your height at time of booking so the correct size can be arranged. Sizes are limited, so confirmation is subject to availability. For further details on sizing please see https://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Catalog/Bikes/electric/mountain/ninee-20.aspx INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: While weโ€™re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you. SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a โ€™mountainโ€™ or โ€™hybridโ€™ style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads weโ€™ll be riding on see the โ€˜Physical Ratingโ€™ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike. We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike. BEFORE THE TRIP: We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy. DURING THE TRIP: Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together). In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees. While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts). TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION: Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes. A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities. Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE SUPPORT VEHICLE: Due to European driving regulations, the support vehicle can only be used clients when directly supporting the ride itself, or as transport between cycling legs. Clients are unable to travel full-time in the support vehicle. Bicycle (e-bike option available , subject to availability) , Support vehicle , Local bus

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if weโ€™re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isnโ€™t always possible which means we wonโ€™t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if weโ€™re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isnโ€™t always possible which means we wonโ€™t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If youโ€™ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally donโ€™t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (7 nights)

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Uffizi Gallery - EUR24 Accademia - EUR16 Medici Chapels - EUR15 Bargello Museum - EUR12 Florence Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR15 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 dellโ€™Este - Free Cathedral of San Martino (including Ilaria del Carretto Tomb) - EUR3 Palazzo Pfanner House and Gardens - EUR6 Puccini concert - EUR20 Guinigi Tower Climb - EUR4 Torre delle Ore Climb - EUR4 Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18 Pisa Combo ticket - 1 Museum+1 Monument - EUR5 Pisa Combo ticket - 2 Museums or 2 Monuments - EUR7 Pisa Combo ticket - Full visit - EUR10

Others

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Itinerary of your trip Cycle Tuscany

  • Day 1 Day 1: Florence
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Florence

      Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Florence with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. The trip spends very little time in Florence, so itโ€™s strongly recommended that you arrive a few days early if you want to see all that this amazing cityโ€™ has to offer. If you do arrive early, maybe take a stroll around the historic Florence cathedral or visit Uffizi gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo. After your meeting tonight, perhaps head out with your new group and local leader and hunt down the best slice of pizza, your favourite Italian wine or a plate of bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled Italian steak cooked on the bone).

  • Day 2 Day 2: Cycle Signa To Vinci
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Cycle Signa To Vinci

      After breakfast this morning, youโ€™ll head out for your bike fitting and then take a short test ride. After, take a private transfer with your bikes to nearby Signa, where your Tuscan cycling adventure officially begins. Follow the Arno River out of Florence and ride the mostly flat small roads and trails to Empoli. Pass by the Church of Santโ€™Andrea before turning north towards the Tuscan hills and the town of Vinci โ€“ the birthplace of legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the climbs are relatively gentle. When you arrive in Vinci, ride past Casa Natale di Leonardo then return to the village to check into your hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace โ€“ maybe visit Museo Leonardiano, the home to a collection of machines and models devoted to Leonardo da Vinci.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Cycle Lucca To Barga
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Cycle Lucca To Barga

      This morning after breakfast youโ€™ll take a private transfer to the Province of Lucca. From here, youโ€™ll cycle to the medieval hilltop town of Barga, climbing gradually along the banks of the Serchio River and up the valley to Borgo a Mozzano. Your leader will reveal the legend of the beautiful Devilโ€™s Bridge when you arrive. Continue the gentle climb until the last two kilometres, when the road towards Barga becomes steep. For those not wanting to do the last climb, the support vehicle is always there to assist you. Those willing to conquer the hill will be rewarded with incredible views of the imposing Pania della Croce Mountain towering above the landscape. Tonight, why not relax after a big dayโ€™s ride with a traditional Tuscan dinner.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cycle In The Garfagnana
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cycle In The Garfagnana

      Start the day with a pleasant downhill ride to the valley floor, following the winding road through the small local villages. Youโ€™ll climb, then descend into the next valley to the 13th century town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Situated at the confluence of the Serchio and the Turrite Secca Rivers, this is a great place to sit back and tuck into a refreshing gelato or maybe visit the famous Fronte della Rocca โ€“ this historic cake and chocolate-maker has been around since 1885 and theyโ€™re also known for their excellent coffee! This afternoon, head out again for your second ride, stopping in one of the villages along the way for a picnic lunch of authentic Italian dishes. Remount your bike for the final climb to the imposing Verrucole Castle in San Romano โ€“ a medieval fortress with spectacular views over Garfagnana. Enjoy a freewheeling descent back to the hotel and the ambience of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Cycle The Apuan Alps To Lucca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Cycle The Apuan Alps To Lucca

      Today there will be a change of pace, starting with a climb up the Apuan Alps in the support vehicle. Stop at the long abandoned white marble quarry of Henraux to view the same marble seams that Michelangelo used in creating many of his masterpieces. Mount up and ride the short distance to the top of the mountain range before starting the long and winding ride downhill to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio. From here, head along the flat seafront roads to the famous Tuscan walled city of Lucca. When you arrive, circle the ancient city ramparts by bike and stop to enjoy an afternoon picnic on the walls. Tonight, youโ€™re free to explore the city โ€“ maybe end the day at a local bar with a glass of Prosecco.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Free Day In Lucca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Free Day In Lucca

      Today is a free day off the bike in Lucca. Take the opportunity to see all the sights this city has to offer โ€“ maybe wander the former Roman amphitheatre off Via Fillungo and visit the medieval houses now standing in its place. Grab a seat at one of the Piazza dellโ€™Anfiteatroโ€™s many outdoor cafes and watch the world go by with a coffee or stop by Foro Square and see the San Michele church, which was built over the top of an ancient Roman forum. If youโ€™re looking for the best spots to eat, your local leader will always have the best recommendations!

  • Day 7 Day 7: Cycle Lucca To Pisa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Cycle Lucca To Pisa

      Leave Lucca by bike this morning and follow the flat leafy bike paths downstream along the banks of the Serchio River to Pisa โ€“ home to the legendary leaning tower. After cycling through Pisaโ€™s frenetic streets and taking your classic Pisa photo, maybe take some time to wander the shopping streets here or indulge in an aperitif at one of Pisaโ€™s many cafes and bars. Later, maybe head out for a final dinner with your group and indulge in an Italian feast one last time.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Pisa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Pisa

      There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. Youโ€™re free to leave at any time after check out. If youโ€™d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

+5
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. Youโ€™ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 14 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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