The coast and the islands, a perfect combination, a tour from north to south in a completely green version between bike and train, here is our idea of a trip to discover Tuscany overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, a new way to discover the most hidden and characteristic corners of this wonderful region.
Here nature has been very generous, giving us a coastal line that alternates long stretches of beaches, often unspoiled and wild, to sheer cliffs with the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago to complete the recipe of our itinerary. Other ingredients of the trip are the history that has left permanent signs of its passing, just think of the civilisation of the Etruscans and the Renaissance, if we then combine it with traditions and food and wine, then yes, our trip becomes a five-sense experience.
We will touch various areas of the coast, some more anthropic, and others where the imprint of man has hardly arrived, we will pedal through pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, along vineyards and olive groves, we will have extraordinary encounters with animals that live freely in nature, and we will have the feeling of being part of this land of Tuscany.
First day: Pisa
Arrival at the hotel in Pisa, the city of Piazza dei Miracoli with the majestic Cathedral, Baptistery and the world-famous Leaning Tower, formerly one of the four Maritime Republics that dominated the Mediterranean militarily and commercially in the Middle Ages.
Second day: Pisa/Castiglioncello Km. 52
Today we begin our journey along the Tuscan coast we will leave the Leaning Tower behind to reach the ancient Via dei Cavalleggeri, the pathway built by the Medici family to control the entire coast of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Various stretches today are still on the original unpaved route, others have become part of the "modern" road system. We will pass through Livorno and then reach the delightful village of Castiglioncello overlooking the sea.
Third day: Castiglioncello / Piombino km. 60
Leaving Castiglioncello we head towards the production area of one of the world's finest wines, Sassicaia, cycling through the pine forest, along the prized vineyards and the wonderful cypress avenue that leads to Bolgheri (a wine tasting is recommended here). To finish our stop for today, all that remains for us is to pick up our bikes and reach Piombino.
Fourth day: Isola d’Elba km. 60
Today will be dedicated to having "a taste" of the island of Elba, the largest of the seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. We will take the ferry, and after an hour's crossing we will be ready for a tour in the Portoferraio area with its historic center, fortresses and the wonderful beaches of Ghiaie and Biodola, where a swim in the crystal-clear blue waters cannot be avoided. Late afternoon return by ferry to Piombino.
Fifth day: Piombino / Follonica km. 35
Today the route will take us to Maremma, but first we cannot miss a detour in the Gulf of Baratti (a visit to the Etruscan necropolis is recommended) and then on to Follonica, the city of cast iron, founded by Leopold II of Lorraine at the same time as the Royal and Imperial Foundries of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. We will pedal along the entire gulf coast from Piombino to Punta Ala, riding in some sections along the original route of the Via dei Cavalleggeri, with the island of Elba, Montecristo, Cerboli and Palmaiola on the horizon. Recommended detour to Cala Violina, one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Italy. Why this name, because as you walk on the grains of white sand, you hear a sound like the notes of a violin!
Sixth day: Follonica / Grosseto km. 61
On this day we are about to arrive in the capital of Maremma, Grosseto, surrounded by the majestic city walls that are still intact and enclose within them the heart of the ancient city. Maremma, the land snatched from the sea and the marsh, a still very wild land that has kept its peasant traditions intact. Before arriving in Grosseto, however, we will make a detour to Punta Ala, the beautiful seaside resort nested in the woods of holm oaks and then arrive in Castiglione della Pescaia, an ancient fishing village, dominated from above by the fortified castle, now one of the most popular vacation destinations in Tuscany.
Note: Also recommended from here is the detour to Cala Violina, one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Italy. Why this name, because as you walk on the grains of white sand, you hear a sound like the notes of a violin! To reach the beach you will have to ride on a dirt road with some climbs that in some sections can be challenging for untrained cyclists if on muscle bikes, easily overcome using e-bikes.
Seventh day: Grosseto
Individual departure from Grosseto or extension of the stay.
*For General Terms and Conditions, regarding the operation of HMO tours and trips, please refer to the Terms and Conditions document.
Is this tour different from what you were looking for? No problem!
Tell us the trip you would like to experience, what would you like to visit and we will prepare you a tailored travel plan!