Tuscany Coast and Elba Cycling Holidays
Start: Pisa

Your Itinerary


Tuscany Coast and Elba Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided | Individual | 7 days | 6 nights | From £769 per person
Full holiday prices by date are shown on the ‘Book Now’ tab.

Book the Tuscany Coast and Elba cycling holiday here >>

Cycle Tour Highlights
• From the leaning tower of Pisa to Elba
• Combine the hilly landscape of Tuscany with the Etruscan coastline.
• Follow the vineyards and olive trees to the coast.
• A real highlight is the Isle of Elba – the place of Napoleon’s exile.

Cycle Route Profile
The terrain is mainly flat to slightly hilly. The only two strenuous stretches are during the two legs in the hinterland. Nearly all cycle paths are asphalted and some segments along the sea will be on rustic but well maintained trails. Due to lack of cycle paths along some sections, cycling briefly on roads with moderate traffic is unfortunately unavoidable.

The approximate difficulty level for this tour

Difficulty Scale

Day-by-Day Cycling Holiday Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival in Pisa

In the evening, you will have your welcome briefing and get your bikes. A first glimpse and a visit to the exquisite old part of town is possible today too.

Day 2: Trip to the sea approx. 30 km + train journey

From the Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the Leaning Tower, there are lovely trails winding through the national park ‚Macchia Lucchese’ directly to the sea.

Along the sandy beach you will reach the charming sea side town and spa Viareggio. On the way there and in the resort, the refreshing waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea will tempt you to dive in. Short train ride back to Pisa.

Day 3: Pisa – Castiglioncello approx. 40 km + train journey

In the morning, you take a short train ride to Livorno. This historic harbour has a lot to offer including the well-known quarter ‚Venezia Nuova’ with its many canals. Once you have cycled past the Belle Epoque villas along the river promenade, the bike tour continues deep into the hinterland.

An extended ascent leads through the national park ’Monti Livornesi’, passing through traditional Tuscan villages along the way until descending towards the sea with magnificent sea views. Today’s accomodation is located close to steep cliffs. Thetrails along the beach and palm trees truly ooze Mediterranean atmosphere.

Day 4: Castiglioncello – Marina di Castagneto approx. 50 km

Today’s section is all about the Etruscan coastline. Via the famous white sandy beaches of Vada you will pass through some of the most striking pine forests in all of Italy. After that a cool cycle path in the shade leads you through the nature park ‚Tomboli’ and then on to Bibbona.

From there your journey takes you to the well known wine region of Bolgheri. It is here where the top Tuscan grapes are pressed! After passing the longest Italian avenue lined with cypresses, once again the sea is not far away. Marina di Castagneto is a classic Italian sea side town with its many beach cafes and promenades.

Day 5: Marina di Castagneto – Piombino approx. 60 km

The day starts with an ascent towards the medieval town called Castagneto Carducci. A well deserved break over a cup of cappuccino and stunning views follows. After that, the ride continues upwards on a curvy mountain road through romantic cork oak forests.

A few breaks in little traditional villages with the characteristic stone built houses will stay in your memory forever. Next, a comfortable descent through olive groves takes you to the well-known beach ‚Golfo di Baratti’ with Etruscan excavation sites and all.

Only a few kilometres left until Piombino, an impressive seaside town where you can relax on the Piazza directly by the sea.

Day 6: Day trip to the island of Elba approx. 15/35 km + ferry ride

A ferry ride will take you to Portoferraio (duration approx. 1 hour). Stunning scenery and first glimpses of the island accompany the boat trip. A short cycle path along the panoramic route will lead you to several secluded bays and coves.

The longer tour takes you through the hilly hinterland with its characteristic island vegetation of the ’Macchia Mediterranea’. On the return journey to Piombino a picturesque and glorious sunset at sa will be the perfect ending to this day.

Day 7: Departure or extension

Map & Route Information

Route Profile
The terrain is mainly flat to slightly hilly. The only two strenuous stretches are during the two legs in the hinterland. Nearly all cycle paths are asphalted and some segments along the sea will be on rustic but well maintained trails. Due to lack of cycle paths along some sections, cycling briefly on roads with moderate traffic is unfortunately unavoidable.

Where is the starting point of the holiday?


View Larger Map

Tour Route Map

Tour Information

Holiday Information

The Tuscany Coast and Elba tour stays in Guesthouses, 3* hotels or 4* hotels carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route.

Your stay includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and permanent assistance in case of problems.

Tuscany Coast and Elba Sample Hotel List 
Etappenort Hotel
Pisa Repubblica Marinara 4****
  www.repubblicamarinara.it 
Castiglioncello Hotel Miramare 3***
  www.albergo-miramare.it  
Marina di Castagneto Hotel Alta La Vista 3***
  www.hotelaltalavista.com 
Piombino Hotel Esperia 3***
  www.hotelristoranteesperia.it 

Included services

- Overnight stay in selected category
– Breakfast buffet
– Individual tour information
– Welcome briefing (German, English)
– Luggage transfer between hotels
– Half-board includes minimum of 3 course meal (Supplement payable)
– Train journey Viareggio – Pisa incl. bike
– Train journey Pisa – Livorno incl. bike
– Return Ferry to Elba incl. bike
– Excellently planned route guidance
– Detailed travel info (route maps or overview maps, route description, tourist attractions, important telephone numbers)
– Service hotline for the duration of the tour

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Rental Bike Information

Quality, comfortable and sturdy bikes

We understand that well made bikes are essential for an enjoyable cycling holiday. All bikes are based on technology from leading Austrian bike manufacturer ‘KTM’ and serviced by an expert mechanic.

The bikes use good quality components to give you confidence in the bike on your holiday and comfortable riding on varied cycle paths and roads.

About the bikes

You will be given an easily identifiable, solid and sturdy aluminum trekking bike with V-brakes, solid wheels, almost puncture resistant tyres. Each bike has been built through continuous development and feedback from customers.

Each bike is also fitted with a dynamo lighting system for ease, handlebar bag, pannier, mudguards and comfortable saddle made by Selle Royal.

You can also bring your own saddle and adapter with you (diameter of seat post from 27, 2 to 31, 4 mm). We help you with the fitting of saddles and SPD shoes should you require assistance.

Gear systems

7-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano NEXUS gear hub. Gears can be changed anytime even whilst stationary.

21-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano ALIVIO derailleur. The ALIVIO system is robust and easy to use.

Frame sizes

The following frame sizes are available on tours with the bikes shown in the picture:

Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm
Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedal brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm

Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with freewheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping crossbar” cm
(Must be reserved in advance!)

We will request your heights at the time of booking to ensure correct bike sizing.

Accessories

We high-quality accessories for your holiday from well-known manufacturers:

• Waterproof rear pannier
• Waterproof handlebar bag
• Service-Set with tools and extra bicycle tube
• Bike pump
• Combination lock

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Unisex

Men’s Bike (Colour may vary)

Men's Bike

Electric Bike (Colour may vary)

E-Bike

Rental Bike PLUS

E-Bike

For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men’s bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gears

7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping” cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)?

Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.

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Your Prices

Tuscany Coast and Elba, 7 days, 6 nights
All prices are per person and include bike hire.

Cycling Holiday Prices:

Prices are based on seasonal date bands

Sundays between April and October and on Season 3 also Saturdays

Season 1: April – May and September – October
Season 2: May. – June | August – September
Season 3: June – August

Category A: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From £769 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £849 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £929 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £249
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £99

Extra Nights (Prices per person per night)
Location | Price (DBL/BB) | Single Supplement (SGL/ BB)
Pisa: From £69 | £35
Piombino season 1 + 2: From £59 | £35
Piombino season 3: From £79 | £35

Calculate the cost of your cycling holiday







Hotel Category Descriptions
Category: selected 3*** hotels most of them directly by the sea, Pisa 4**** hotel

Any local tourist taxes are not included in the holiday price and are payable at the hotel.

For help and queries regarding this tour…
Contact us | F.A.Qs

Holiday Price: From £769
Single Supplement: From £249

Click here to book now
Call: 01706 618155

Wheel2Wheel Holidays is part of KE Adventure Travel Ltd.

Central Car Park Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DF

Registered Address: Fifth Floor, 27 Greville Street, London, United Kingdom EC1N 8SU

Registered in England: 1911512