The Tuscan Coast

Un caloroso benvenuto - a warm welcome to Tuscany! Pisa is the ideal starting point for your cycling vacation along the Tuscan coast. The first bit will take you to the picturesque Piazza dei Miracoli. Marvel at the Duomo, the Baptistery and the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Many tourists do not see more of Pisa than these three structures. Strolling through the winding streets, you will notice that the student city has thus been able to retain its original charm. The houses are kept in the typical yellow of the city, reminiscent of the time as a prosperous port city.

The destination of your first cycling stage is, of course, the Mediterranean Sea. You will cycle through the Macchia Lucchese nature park, one of the few undeveloped coastal strips around Pisa. The fashionable seaside resort of Viareggio is the destination of the bike tour. Long sandy beaches, palm trees along the promenade and villas line the shore. The beach resorts and colorful nightlife once attracted the art scene to the city on the coast of Tuscany. Be sure to treat yourself to a gelato on the beach. After a first dip in the salty waves of the Mediterranean Sea, take the train back to Pisa.

The train takes you to the coast of Livorno. There is much to see in the historic port city. Along the waterfront promenade you cycle with the sea air in your nose past villas of the Belle Epoque. In the hinterland, a long climb through the Monti Livornesi nature park awaits you. However, the views that open up to you afterwards are worth the effort: like on a postcard, gentle green hills, typical Tuscan villages and a wonderful view of the sea lie before you. You will spend the night in a village on the cliff down to the sea.

Don't forget your swimwear, because today you'll be cycling to the famous sandy beaches of Vada. On this stretch of the Tuscan coast, you feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean, so fine and light is the sand. The next highlight is the ride through the wine region of Bolgheri. The local winemakers know their craft, being responsible for one of the tastiest red wines in Tuscany. Look forward to a fine glass of wine in the evening! The typical Tuscan cypress avenues will accompany you to Marina di Castagneto.

This stage of your cycling vacation takes you first uphill into the hinterland. The medieval town of Castagneto Carducci awaits you. The traditionally cobbled streets, stone houses and the mighty castle tell stories from different centuries. You will then cycle along a winding high road through time-honored cork oak forests. Downhill you let your bike roll through olive groves to the coast. Gnarled pine trees line the long sandy beach at Golfo di Barrati. Before you know it, you'll have spent several hours bathing and relaxing in the gorgeous bay – take your time, because Piombino is only a few kilometers away.

By ship you will leave the busy port of Piombino. On the crossing to Portoferraio on the Island of Elba, a wonderful view of the coast opens up. During your cycling vacation you have already got to know the differences of the Tuscan coast, now look forward to Elba! By the way, the small island was Napoleon's exile for a short year. You can decide whether you prefer to spend the day with a short bike ride on the panoramic road and many swimming breaks. Or would you rather explore the hilly hinterland? Both routes reward you with fantastic views.

With this day your cycling vacation at the Tuscan Coast unfortunately already comes to an end. Do you not want to leave the coast yet or spend another day on the island of Elba? We will gladly extend your stay in Piombino.