Day 1
Historical Center of Pisa / 13km
After arriving at the hotel, you will start the tour of the city of Pisa, traveling through alleys, squares, and the Lungarni. You will cycle along the well-maintained public garden of Fortezza Sangallo, the bridges with breath-taking views, the modern art mural painted by Keith Haring 'Tuttomondo', and part of the ancient medieval walls of the city. The entire excursion will take place on the cycling path. A quick stop at the leaning tower, and then more cycling at the discovery of this city rich in history and culinary traditions. You can choose to take a small break: a delicious coffee with a rice pudding or the famous 'cecina', and wrap up the evening with a fine dinner in a typical restaurant.
Day 2
Pisa - Lucca / 45km - +100m
Depart towards Lucca, crossing the countryside along the Medici aqueduct, dating back to the early 17th century, built by Ferdinand I de Medici.
The path follows the aqueduct with its arches, continues along the countryside towards Monti Pisani, and then along the Serchio River, through the Puccini cycling path (which takes its name after the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who was born in Lucca). Surrounded by the green, among the towers that mark the border between Lucca and Pisa and the Rocco di Ripafratta, you will reach the medieval walls of Lucca, where you can pedal and enjoy the city from another perspective, and then continue through the alleys and taverns, with their typical products.
Day 3
The Villas of Lucca and Montecarlo / 48km - +200m
We leave Lucca, along the cycling path that runs along the Serchio River going north, and we arrive in Ponte a Moriano. The first villa that we see is Villa Oliva, located in San Pancrazio, and after a few meters, we will see Villa Grabau and Villa Reale. You can visit all the villas by purchasing a ticket and cycling along the magnificent Park of Villa Reale. Then, you will continue toward Villa Torrigiani, one of the most interesting examples of 17th-century architecture in Lucchesia. The garden is characterized by flower parterres and large pools inspired by the projects of the Palace of Versailles, with caves and water fountains still functioning today. Near the villa, there is Bordocheo agricultural farm, which you can visit and taste the wines and oil, upon reservation.
Day 4
Lucca - Viareggio / 47km - +180m
Today, you will start on the cycling path along the Serchio River, this time traveling in the opposite direction. Immersed in a natural and extremely relaxing landscape, you will suddenly see the lookout towers on the border between the cities of Lucca and Pisa, ancient rivals, and the Castello di Nozzano. Then, you will enter the Massaciuccoli park, cycling along the homonymous lake, until you reach the dock, to start navigating towards Torre del Lago Puccini, you will resume cycling along the coast, where the path continues along pine groves and pristine beaches, with some sandy sections, and you will end the tour in Viareggio.
Day 5
Viareggio - La Spezia / 60km - +360m
Warm up in total relaxation on the flat cycling track, along the beach of Versilia, from Viareggio to Marina di Carrera, with a marvelous sea view and white Apuan Alps; they seem snowy, even during the summer, due to the quarries of Carrera white marble.
The landscape changes from Bocca di Marga, from sand to rocks; after a climb, you will reach Punta Bianca, where a breath-taking view will accompany you until Lerici, where you will have a snack with the famous Ligurian focaccia. You will continue until La Spezia.
Day 6
La Spezia - Monterosso / 40km or 20km - +800m or +240m
The most challenging part starts here, to bring plenty of water because there are only a few points to get water along the way; it is important to be well hydrated, especially during the summer! The effort is well rewarded, it is difficult to describe the sensation you will feel when pedaling along these roads; we suggest you not distract yourself too much with the views, as it could be dangerous! The attraction to pedal down the panoramic view in one of the five villages will be strong, however, we do not recommend it unless you are well trained, and in any case, you will visit all these villages tomorrow on foot! The stop in Porto Venere is stunning, a charming bay with a romantic historic center and Palmaria Island in front, unforgettable, but remember that you will have to pedal an extra 20 km to visit them and 240 meters of slopes during a day that is already challenging!
Day 7
Trekking day / 10km - +500m
Trekking Day Touring Cinque Terre. From Monterosso, you will walk along the spectacular path of Cinque Terre's Park, and you will reach Vernazza, in about two hours; in addition to visiting the village, we recommend a stop on the beautiful beach and take a swim.
Here, you can choose between two options, take the train until Corniglia and then continue on foot until Rio Maggiore, or walk up to Volastra and descend directly to Rio Maggiore. The first option involves a less difficult walk and you will visit 5 villages, the second option is challenging, it offers amazing views that make 5 Terre famous with its villages. You can return to Monterosso by train or boat.
Day 8
Departure
Departure day... Time to say goodbye, a good flight back home, or a pleasant stay in Italy.
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