Distance km. 13

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.

Distance km. 45
Altitude difference m. 100

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.

Distance km. 52
Altitude difference m. 350

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.
An easy and flat trail will lead you from the walls of Lucca to the historic centre of Altopascio, crossing the road of the Villas of Lucca and Montecarlo, where ancient pilgrims were stopping to rest and pray. In Altopascio, you will taste the homonymous bread with fine prosciutto at the feet of Torre Campanaria, which bell, combined to a fire burning on the terrace, was leading the pilgrims towards the city.
After leaving Altopascio, you will travel along a marvellous section of the original paved trail of Via Francigena, immersed amongst woods. Let yourself be charmed by the wild territory of Cerbaie before crossing the Arno river and continue towards San Miniato. The Seminario, that gives the name to the main square, will astonish you with its particular façade: look at it when lit, perhaps after tasting a tagliatelle dish with the renowned white truffle from San Miniato. 

Distance km. 45
Altitude difference m. 350

A challenging leg, but with unique landscapes. From San Miniato, you will descend to Val d’Elsa and then climb towards Gambassi Terme, where you can cross the threshold of the thousand-year old Church of Chianni, and enjoy a health bath in Gambassi thermal baths, surrounded by a park with secular trees.
You will continue pedalling among the marvellous natural landscapes until San Gimignano, one of the nicest cities along the trail; the sight of the famous medieval towers that characterise its skyline is one of the main highlights of the trail. Don’t miss the sight of the medieval city and surrounding valleys from the top of Torre Grossa and if you still have some energy, climb the steps of Rocca di Montestaffoli for a view that is even more marvellous. 

Distance km. 51
Altitude difference m. 824

From San Gimignano, you will climb and descend some hills until reaching Colle Val d’Elsa, to go back in time in the suggestive historic centres and among the narrow alleys along the stone walls.
Here you will see one of the nicest sections of Via Francigena, you will be breathless when seeing Monteriggioni Castle with its towers, erected on a hill to defend the ancient republic of Siena. Walk along the walls to admire the surrounding views before continuing towards Siena and cycling through Porta Camollia, the traditional entrance of Via Francigena into the historic centre. In the evening, you will dine in Piazza del Campo, tasting a dish of pici with wild boar or garlic sauce. 

Distance km. 45
Altitude difference m. 100 / m. 780

Let’s go back North among Crete Senesi: here the hills are mainly barren and gently undulating as far as the eye can see, you will see trees and isolated houses on the peaks, the clay makes the earth grey-light blue in some areas, conferring it a moon-like aspect. There are only a few buildings at the horizon and almost no trace of human presence. The white roads are sometimes unpaved and steep, more challenging to cycle but, once reached the end of the trail, you will be rewarded by the stunning panoramic views.  Perhaps here you will feel more “heroic”, in direct contact with the earth.
You will cycle through Asciano, Castelnuovo Berardenga and a few other inhabited areas until reaching the heart of Chianti, our famous vineyards and a completely different landscape. 
After passing Brolio Castle, which deserves to be visited, you will reach Radda in Chianti which marks the end of the leg.

Distance km. 60
Altitude difference m. 700
 

You will resume cycling along the gentle hills covered by vineyards of Sangiovese grapes, then you will reach Panzano in Chianti; the town is nice and deserves to be visited, however the real attraction is Dario Cecchini (the poet-butcher) with his butcher shop. Stop for a visit; the meat and cold cuts are delicious and deserve to be tasted, unless you are vegetarian, and the show that Dario offers to its customers is unique. If you have time and you are hungry, in addition to the snacks, you can try an excellent Florentine steak (reservations are needed). You will continue cycling to reach Greve, the chief town of Chianti Fiorentino, hub of the local wine industry with its pleasant atmosphere of city-market and marvellous historic central square. You will reach Florence pedalling through a beautiful panoramic road, to pleasantly end your trip. There is no need to list what to see and do in this city, one day or even two days in this city will be well spent.