UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN Italy LONDON OFFICE +44 (0)20 7022 6560 NEW YORK OFFICE +1 (646) 760 5610 HONG KONG OFFICE +852 3752 2076 DUBAI OFFICE +971 4 437 6802 SINGAPORE OFFICE +65 6511 1190 INDIA OFFICE +91 9711412301 LOS ANGELES OFFICE +13239385500 AUSTRALIA OFFICE +61 (0)3 9252 3827
info@quintessentiallytravel.com OVERVIEW This cycling tour of Tuscany takes you on a leisurely route through a wonderful landscape of vineyards and olive groves, charming villages and cypress tree lined lanes. Along the way lie the unique centres of Pisa, Lucca and Florence - 'art cities' which have shaped the history of Italy from the ancient Etruscans to the Renaissance. Enjoy delicious local culinary specialities, imbibe the rich history and culture of quintessential Tuscany and live La Dolce Vita DAYS 1-3 2 nights at Hotel Bagni di Pisa Arrive at Pisa airport and we will transfer you to your hotel set in the historic centre of the town. Your host will meet you there with your cycling equipment and run through the itinerary. Take a peaceful and relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of this charming city. Savor the amazing Chianti wine and olive oil produced in the region s vineyards. Before calling it a night, promenade past the chapels and pastel houses lining the banks of the Arno River. On your second day enjoy your first cycle which is a gentle ride around Pisa visiting its many outstanding monuments. See world famous Miracle Square and its illustrious leaning tower. Admire the many palaces, churches, towers and town squares that surround you. An alternate longer and hilly route is available that explores the inspiring countryside between Pisa and the mountains of Monte Serra, stopping for a visit at the grandiose Certosa of Calci monastery, before returning to your hotel for a second night. DAYS 3-5 2 nights at Hotel Noblesse On your third day your planned route is very scenic and almost flat as it follows the Serchio River to reach the charming town of Lucca and your hotel for the next two nights, which lies within the tree-lined walls of its perimeter. Here you have ample time to enjoy the town with its splendid gardens and majestic bell tower. Pedal along the town walls and visit impressive Piazza Anfiteatro, a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. For a very demanding and rewarding route, both for the scenery and the natural beauty, take the longer ride which climbs from Calci up to the mountains of Monti Pisani and enjoy sparkling fresh air and great views. Day 4 sees you take in the prestigious Renaissance villas on the outskirts of Lucca with their extraordinarily luxurious
gardens provide a truly wonderful itinerary for today. You have the choice of a flat or hilly route or a saddle free day. Tuscany at its very best! DAYS 5-7 2 nights at Four Seasons Hotel Florence On your fifth day, start the day with a flat ride or a short transfer to Altopascio. From here you pedal to the fascinating Padule of Fucecchio nature reserve, the largest inland wetland of Europe and then head into the hills to the village of Vinci - home of the famous Leonardo, where a refreshing snack awaits you in a typical agriturismo. From here we will transfer you to your hotel in Florence where you will spend the last 2 nights of your tour in the heart of this unique Tuscan masterpiece. For day 6 you have a full day to discover wonderful Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance, whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage site. Enjoy a city walk through its many narrow streets and beautiful squares, take in a gallery or two and relax with a cappuccino by the illustrious Arno River. The magic of Florence lives on! DAY 7 Enjoy Florence and depart at your leisure QT INSIDER This cycling tour of Tuscany takes you on a leisurely route through a wonderful landscape of vineyards and olive groves, charming villages and cypress tree lined lanes. Along the way lie the unique centres of Pisa, Lucca and Florence - 'art cities' which have shaped the history of Italy from the ancient Etruscans to the Renaissance. Enjoy delicious local culinary specialities, imbibe the rich history and culture of quintessential Tuscany and live La Dolce Vita 7 days / 6 nights from GBP 3003.00 / based on 2 people
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL January February March April May June July August September October November December LOCATION