The Etruscans gave Tuscany its name and inhabited this coastal area with twelve major settlements. After the classical age the epicenter of Tuscany moved to the valley of the Arno River to the north of Siena, so this area of Tuscany was largely forgotten--until today. Modern Italians have re-discovered this scenic area for its landscapes and spas, and we're happy to offer you an opportunity to discover it, too.
Come and bicycle through Tuscany's history as we visit small medieval towns and Etruscan sites, and then relax resorts and thermal spa hotels. Bicycle this remote region from north to south through low vineyard and olive-clad hills along the Etruscan coast.
***If this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Cycle and Soak Hidden Tuscany Plus! tour, which extends this itinerary by 3 days.***
Day 1: Arrive in Casciana Terme, near Pisa
Highlights: Spa town of Casciana Terme
Arrive today in Casciana Terme not far from Pisa. Casciana Terme is one of Tuscany's many thermal spa towns. The Romans knew of the hot springs here and the Pisans built a minor spa here as early as 1311. It wasn't until the 17th century when the Tuscan aristocracy moved from the cities to the countryside in large numbers, however, that the present spa developed. Our hotel is close to the spa and we're happy to help you make reservations. We fit bicycles this afternoon and you'll have time to go out for a test ride if you wish. Dinner is together this evening. Distance: your choice for the short warm-up ride.Lodging: Hotel Margherita
Day 2: Bicycle a loop ride into upper Maremma region
Highlights: Traditional Tuscan landscape, Medici fortress in Lari, hill towns of Tuscany
Our loop ride today takes us to several of the villages around Casciana Terme. This is classic Tuscany in the Pisan hills with small hilltop villages, olive trees, vineyards and cypress trees punctuating the landscape on the horizon. For centuries this area was a border region among the historic rival cities of Pisa, Florence and Volterra. By 1509, though, Florence consolidated its control over the area. Our ride takes us through Lari with its sizeable 16th century Medici fortress. The villages in the area flourished under the Medici family as farm towns and for summer residents of the aristocracy from Pisa and Florence. Dinner is on your own this evening. Distance: 41-49 km (25-27 miles), depending on your choice of loop rides.Lodging: Hotel Margherita
Day 3: Bicycle from Casciana Terme
Highlights: Spectacular views
Today we leave the rich farm villages of the Pisan hills and head south to ride along a scenic ridge. Small roads and sweeping views across to the sea lead us to the small town of Pomaia, famous today for the largest Buddhist study center in Europe. Meditate as needed to prepare for the short 5 km (3 miles) uphill where we'll reach our highest point - the perched village of Castellina Marittima. A flat ridge and coasting descent brings us to our hotel. Dinner is together tonight. Distance: 41 km (26 miles).Lodging: Antico Borgo San Martino **Please note that in October, we will be staying in Cecina Marina instead of Riparbella at the Hotel Tornese.
Day 4: Bicycle through the northern Maremma region
Highlights: Wine village of Bolgheri, Maremma region of Italy, outdoor pools
We have another scenic ride in store today as we bicycle through the Maremma region of Italy, famous for its "cowboys" and small, medieval towns. The first part of our ride is along the coastal plain; this entire section underwent agricultural reclamation from the late 19th century through Mussolini's rule in the early-mid 20th century. Swamps were drained and roads and other infrastructure were built, and the region is now rich in olive oil and wine production. We pedal through the tiny fortress town of Bolgheri, famous for its red wines, including "Sassicaia". Talk with the locals if you can find one; according to one spry 89-year-old we met in the town square, there are only twenty-six residents left! Another gentle forested climb brings us to world-class gelato before a gliding downhill which customers have called, "the best ride in the world" and ends in a tiny stone village, worth a peek before continuing on. Our hotel pool is perfect for soothing tired muscles after four days of cycling. Dinner is together this evening. Distance: 64 km (40 miles).Lodging: Hotel Calidario
Day 5: Loop ride to Populonia and the beach
Highlights: Etruscan sites, beaches, Medieval architecture
We've planned a casual bike ride today to give you a sampling of history and geography from the Etruscan time through the Renaissance. We head first to the ancient Etruscan port of Populonia, the most important Etruscan port town. We'll have a guided visit of the tombs and the "industrial" area, learning about the Etruscans' practice of metallurgy, where they mined tin and iron from local deposits and processed them into valuable commodities for trade throughout the Mediterranean. After our visit, you can ride to the village for the view, enjoy some beach time, have lunch by the sea, return to the pool or head off for some more mileage. Dinner is on your own tonight. Distance: 25-60 km (15-37 miles) you decide.Lodging: Hotel Calidario
Day 6: Bicycle to our agriturismo
Highlights: Cycling remote country roads, wine tasting, staying at an agriturismo
Today's ride takes us into the interior as we follow several river valleys before heading south to the small hilltop towns of Gavorrano, Ravi and Caldana. We're headed to our agriturismo, a working farm that produces olives and wine while providing superb lodging and gourmet cuisine. A dip in the pool before a wine tasting overlooking the view is a perfect end to the day before dinner together. Distance: Approximately 55 km (34 miles).Lodging: Agriturismo Montebelli
Day 7: Tour Ends
Highlights: Shuttle to train station
Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. We'll provide a shuttles to the Grosseto train station where you can head off on further travels or back home. Enjoy your travels and thanks for joining us to explore the coast of Tuscany!***If this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Cycle and Soak Hidden Tuscany Plus! tour, which extends this itinerary by 3 days.***
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HighlightsThermal spas, Fabulous Tuscan food grounded in olive oil, tomatoes, basil and rosemary, Ridge rides looking out across vineyards, cypress trees, olives, and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Etruscan ruins, Three 2-night stays
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Includes"The Usual" plus... Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 7 days, 6 nights accommodation; 4 dinners with wine, 6 breakfasts; entrance and guided visit to Populonia; pool entry; Day 1 shuttle from Pisa International airport; Day 7 shuttle to the Grosseto train station
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CountriesItaly
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Begin/EndCasciana Terme (near Pisa); Grosseto
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Arrive/DepartIn and out of Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) or into Pisa & out of Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
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Total Distance248-291 km (153-179 miles)
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Daily DistanceAverage per day 49 - 58 km (30 - 36 miles
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What to ExpectEnjoy small medieval and spa towns as you cycle through undiscovered Tuscany.
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Rating201
Some climbs almost every day with mileage options on many days; some ridge top and river valley rides. 2 optional rest days. -
NotesIf this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Cycle and Soak Hidden Tuscany Plus! tour, which extends this itinerary by 3 days.
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 28 - Oct 04, 2013 | $3295 | $500 | Book It |
| Oct 12 - 18, 2013 | $3295 | $500 | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | |||
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Here on ExperiencePlus.com
- Discover a Whole New Tuscany
We have a secret to share there is an area of Tuscany where the bicycling is fantastic and the terrain more gentle. - Italy Trip Planner
Read up on country customs, transportation information, culinary specialites, and more! - Ragu Pasta Sauce
A hallmark of Italian pasta sauces, Ragu, is sure to transform your pasta - The Artist, the Philosopher & the Warrior
ExperiencePlus! traveler Bill Giovinazzo reviews the latest book from Paul Strathren. - Three of the Many Faces of Italy
Bicycle Tours through Tuscany, the Po Valley and Puglia. - Walls, Wine and More
Our two newest tours in Italy promise fascinating medieval walled cities, famous local wines, and scenic rides you won't forget. - We Are ExperiencePlus! Meet your Tour Leaders
We'd like to introduce you to your tour leaders. We believe we have the best bicycle tour leaders out there, click through to see a slideshow about them.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Authentic Italian Food
Lonely Planet writes about expectations on meals in Italy: it may be different than you make at home, but you will be impressed nevertheless! - Italian Recipes from Paola
University of Oregon's Alumni Magazine highlights three of Paola's recipes - Pasta for Dinner
A simple and tasty pasta for an Italian-themed meal as you plan your trip to ride bikes in Italy. - Traditional Italian Food Fallacies
An article from The Travel Belles blog covering interesting aspects of Italian culture and food traditions
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
City (not part of route, provided for reference)Spectacular views. Great hotels, spa pools, food and guides.
Susan S., Fort Collins, CO
Bicycling through beautiful country followed by thermal spa therapy and finished off with a great Italian dinner. Perfect way to spend a day.
Dan G., Fort Collins, CO
Thanks for making this trip so amazing and memorable!
Joanna G., Omaha, NE
Excellent - very well organized, good terrain and fun!
Sharree, O., Hood River, OR
The tour was a life enhancing experience and we can not wait to schedule our next trip.....it will be the culinary tour next September!
Dave M., Manvel, TX
I keep expecting to have a less than superior trip one of these days, but so far we haven''t!
Ellen L., Boulder, CO
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
My husband would say the eating, especially the dinners which included all the local cuisine and made us branch out and try things we never would have. I would say the swimming pools and the thermal hot springs pool at the hotels. They were all beautiful! We also both enjoyed the curvy, beautiful roads through the hill-top towns, especially the cobbled towns, so picturesque!
Willow L., Denver, CO
We had a fantastic trip. Hotels were excellent. We thought the chalk markings to find the route were really great.
Sandra L., Miami, FL
Really loved it. Everything came together to make for a wonderful vacation with an interesting group of co-riders, and great guides. The composite of all experiences reflected one of the nicest vacations I've taken. Leaders knew their stuff, and their customers' needs, and seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did.
Russell B., Arcadia, CA
Great trip. Guides were superb. Great group!
Russ A., Seattle, WA
Great job! We'll be joining you on another trip in the future.
Paul B., Issaquah, WA
The trip was terrific, especially the guides, the food, the hotels, the countryside, and the bikes. What's left?
Brooks Z., Sherborn, MA
The combination of our awesome guides, the small Tuscany towns, the biking and the fun campanions made it just an awesome experience!
Suzanne W., Seattle, WA
The meals were, as always, high points. The beauty and variety of the scenery, and the lack or traffic on the route, were great as well.
David S., Eugene, OR
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Too many to single one out. I liked seeing the "Cinghiali" (boar) at the preserve on the way to Massa Marittima. I also loved the pasta demo and the olive oil press, all the dinners, about 10 gelatos, acres of "girasoli" (sunflowers), and the care-free life of the tour. We LOVE ExperiencePlus and hope we can keep taking bike trips into our golden years.
Sharon S., Eugene, OR
I had many "favorite" memories; the route was great taking us through picturesque villages on quiet roads. I enjoyed the scenery, the food, the visits to Populonia, swimming in the sea, our hotels, the other group members and our leaders.
Liz T., Napanee, Ontario
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
The whole trip was incredible. My best day was the ride to and through Bolgheri, Carducci, Sasseta, and Sureveto. What an incredible and wonderful day.
Bill H., Ft Collins, CO
Thanks for a great experience!
Michael C., Smartswood, NJ
We had a great experience, a good time, loved the trip, and we think very highly of ExperiencePlus!, this tour, and our tour leaders.
Calvin M., Fort Collins, CO
Favorite experience on this trip?: The rides, the guides, the food, the visits to pasta and olive oil makers, the weather...it's hard to choose a "favorite"!
Thanks so much to you all!! I'd never use a different tour company.
Pamela M., Eugene, OR
My favorite experience on this trip?: Hmmm...the ride from Sesseta to the coast, and back. Also, my two interactions with locals trading our ExperiencePlus! hats.
Sandy C., Fort Collins, CO
