I have always dreamed of this trip and I finally managed to make it happen. I feel a deep love for these places so full of history and magic. It is really a pity that today's tourism is only a "hit and run" but a month would not be enough to get to know these corners of paradise. Pisa, Lucca, Puccini's places, Viareggio, Porto Venere and the 5 Terre deserve a tour that knows how to make the most of them, I hope I have succeeded. In addition to the cities, which offer centuries of art and history, we have a varied landscape that changes every kilometer just as cultures, history, traditions, cuisines and even wines and olive oil change. Everything is extraordinary, even the strong localism that has always characterized the inhabitants.
By bicycle you can also appreciate all the scents that can be breathed in every place: sea, lake, countryside…
This experience will take you away from the crowds and make you appreciate the many small details of this area, of course a visit to Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa and a tour of the Walls of Lucca by bike should not be missing, but they will only be a small parenthesis of the journey.
After arriving at the hotel, you will start the tour of the city of Pisa travelling 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 of 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.
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 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 Rocca di Ripafratta, you will reach the Medioeval 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.
The villas of Lucca. 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 metres, we will see Villa Grabau and Villa Reale. You can visit all the villas by purchasing the ticket and cycle along the magnificent Park of Villa Reale. Then you will continue towards Villa Torrigiani, one of the most interesting examples of 17th century architecture in Lucchesia. The garden is characterised 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 that you can visit and taste the wines and oil, upon reservations.
Also today, you will start on the cycling path along the Serchio river, this time travelling 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 reaching the dock, to start navigating towards Torre del Lago Puccini, then 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.
Warm up in total relax on the flat cycling track along the beach of Versilia, from Viareggio to Marina di Carrara, with a marvellous sea view and white Apuan Alps; they seem snowy also during the summer due to the quarries of Carrara white marble. The landscape changes from Bocca di Magra, 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.
Distance km. 40
Altitude difference m. 800 (variant Portovenere + km. 20 and m. 240)
The most challenging part starts here, 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 that you will feel when pedalling along these roads; I suggest you not to distract yourself too much with the views, it could be dangerous.
The attraction to pedal down the panoramic view in one of the five villages will be strong, however I 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 centre and Palmaria island in front, unforgettable, but remember that you will have to pedal an extra 20 km to visit them and 240 metres slopes during a day that is already challenging.
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 visit the village, we recommend a stop on the beautiful beach and 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.
Which one to pick? 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.
Waste no more time
Do not hesitate to ask for more information and plan now your holiday
HOW TO REACH US By car: you can plan your trip on www.viamichelin.it or www.google.com/maps. By train: Pisa Centrale station, info and timetables on www.trenitalia.it By plane: Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, for flight information consult the website https://www.pisa-airport.com/it/
For the transfer from the airport and the station, given the proximity of the hotels, we suggest you take a taxi.
ACCOMMODATION
3-star hotel with breakfast, with a supplement it is possible to stay in a 4-star hotel. Tourist tax, if required, to be paid at the hotel reception.
PARKING AREA
The hotel has paid parking, a daily rate for cars € 10, suv and mini van € 15.
TRANSFER
For the return to Pisa we can organize the transfer which costs up to 6 people € 160, including bicycles.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Monterosso station to Pisa, information on costs and timetables on the website www.trenitalia.it
SERVICES INCLUDED
• 3-star accommodation in a double room with private facilities
• Breakfast
• Welcome briefing at the departure hotel
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
• Detailed travel documents (maps, route description, locations, important phone numbers)
• Telephone assistance service for the duration of the tour
• Medical and luggage insurance
SERVICES EXCLUDED
• Arrival at the starting point of the tour
• Return trip at the end of the tour
• Lunches, dinners and drinks
• Tourist taxes and all extras in general
• Bike rental
• Optional travel cancellation insurance
• Anything not expressly indicated under "The fee includes"
Hotels
Hotel Alessandro della Spina
Via Alessandro della Spina, 5/7/9
56125 Pisa PI
info@hoteldellaspina.it
Tel. +39 050502777
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