The Tyrrhenian Coast by hybrid bike from Pisa to the island of Elba - 15 days

Your holiday beings when you check into your hotel in the afternoon.
We suggest you spend your free time enjoying the sights of Pisa, including the Piazza del Campo and the leaning tower.

Night in the centre of Pisa.

You'll have a short transfer today to take you out of Pisa before starting your cycle ride.

Option A :
The first part of this hilly ride takes you on some pretty little roads between cypress tress, olive groves and beautiful villas. Picture perfect Tuscan countryside will unfold before your eyes. For the last 8km you will climb up to Volterra.
Roughly 30km with 710m+.

Option B :
We will drop you off a little earlier, so that you can enjoy an extra 15km in the saddle passing through some really beautiful villages. You will then join the Option A route for the rest of your day.
Roughly 45km with 900m+

Night in the superb medieval city of Volterra, perched at 500m altitude, surrounded by ramparts and dominated by a fortress which offers 360 degree views over the surrounding countryside.

For the third day, we propose a unique route. Leave Volterra with a long descent of approximately 10km, taking you through fields and on small back roads through villages. The road will then take you towards the coast with views of the sea as you pass through olive groves and cypress trees.
Approximately 55km for 340m+ and 863m-.

Night in a hotel facing the sea in Marina di Castagneto, a small port popular with tourists during the summer. The large sandy beach and crystal clear waters will be a tempting stop for any hot cyclist!

Last day on the mainland, heading south!

Option A :
This is a nice easy day's ride along the coast until Piombino, where you will stay for the night. If you arrive early, you have the opportunity to visit the town or make the most of the private beach at the hotel.
Approximately: 30km with 150m+

Option B : (our favourite)
Head inland in the direction of Castagneto village. The route climbs for about 10km offering quiet roads through beautiful villages. You'll then get to enjoy a long and winding descent towards the village of Suvereto. You'll then finish the day with approximately 20km along the flat.
Approximately 55km for 500m+

Night in Piombino, a small industrial town with an unexpected charming old town at its centre. Your hotel is close to the centre and next to the sea. The hotel has its own private beach and a stunning view across the sea towards Elba.

From here, you'll take the ferry from the port for a one hour crossing to Portoferraio on Elba.

Option A :
You have the choice to take a short route to take you to your hotel so that you can enjoy the surroundings. You have a gentle climb for 3km before descending gently to the Marina.
Approximately 15km with 150m+

Option B :
You have the choice of taking a tour around Monte Capanne (1019m) by the coast. This is a hilly route, but with rich landscapes and superb views across to the island of Corsica. The route takes you through numerous little ports with turquoise waters - it'll be hard not to stop at every opportunity!
Approximately 50km with 900m+

Night in Campo nell Elba, a small port in the south of the island, with white sand and turquoise waters. An ideal place for recuperating after your day on the bike and simply enjoy being on holiday.

Given that Campo Nell Elba (or Marina di Campo) is a calm place and perfect for feeling on holiday, you will spend an extra night here.
It gives you the opportunity to either have a lazy day wandering around the little streets or sunbathing on the beach. For those who want to get back on their bikes, we can propose a really beautiful circuit at the centre of the island.

Loop:
Take the direction of Monte Capanne to climb for roughly 10km. The climb offers numerous view points to enjoy looking back on the gulf of Campo Nell Elba and also the heart of the island. You're then rewarded with a superb descent along the north coast until arriving in Marciana Marina with its pretty port. You'll then follow along the coast before heading back across the island to your hotel.
Approximately 32km with 770m+.
Night in Campo Nell Elba.

Option A :
You'll head east with a slight climb for 3km before descending to the Marine de Lacona. You'll then veer to the north towards Portoferraio, where the road is relatively flat.
Approximately 25km with 350m+

Option B (our preference):
You head towards the east of the island on an undulating road. At Porto Azurro, you will start to climb, easily to start with, then more and more steeply for the last 3km. At the summit, the view towards the south coast and Porto Azurro is superb. Following the climb, you'll be rewarded with views over the Gulf of Portoferraio and the town. You'll get to enjoy an excellent descent on a very windy road (with excellent tarmac). Continue along the Gulf before arriving in the town.
Approximately 45km with 750m+

Night in Portoferraio in a hotel close to the citadel and the beach.

After breakfast you will take the ferry back to Piombino (1 hour crossing).
You will then start to leave the coast to head for the village of Massa Marittima. You will take a very quiet road in the middle of fields to reach the natural reserve of Marsiliana. The road starts to climb in the middle of some olive groves where you will also see some magnificent villas. You will soon have a great view over the plains and the coast.
Roughly 50km for 650m+ and 300m-

Night in Massa Marittima.
Massa Marittima is famous for its 'Balestro del Girifalco'; a crossbow tournament and pageant, in which about 200 people in medieval costume take part. This takes place on the 4th Sunday in May and the 2nd Sunday in August. The town has a very well preserved medieval quarter and boasts some of the finest architecture in Tuscany.

Today you'll cycle into the heart of Tuscany to reach Siena. You'll have to cycle over some of those classic Tuscan hills, but the quiet roads and the charming scenery will make it well worth it.

Approximately 65km for 920m+ and 1045m-
Night in Siena.

Today you have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the sights of Siena or for those who still have energy and are raring to go we have an optional cycle loop through local vineyards.

You will cycle out of town and into the countryside on a tiny road, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and hills.

Approximately 45km for 650m+ and 650m-
Night in Siena

Today's ride takes you to the medieval town of San Gimignano, well known for its 14 towers which can be seen for kilometres around.

Approximately 44km with 520m+ and 500m-
Night in San Gimignano

You will have another opportunity to have a rest day and wander about the town, visit the sights and try the local white wine (Vernaccia di San Gimignano) or if you prefer, there is always the opportunity to get back in the saddle!
This is a nice loop in the surrounding countryside. It is very hilly ride with one particular climb lasting for 10km. The reward is a magnificent view and a nice, gentle and long descent back to the town.

Approximately 37km for 680m+ and 680m-

Night in San Gimignano.

Your last ride in the Tuscan countryside will take you along a small road with a slight uphill gradient, before you begin a very slight descent for your night in the town of San Miniato. Enjoy once more the hills and typical Tuscan villas that you'll pass by before reaching the town.

Approximately 40km for 500m+ and 680m-

Night in a 3 star hotel with private spa in the centre of the town

For your ultimate journey, you will cycle out west to return to Pisa. Three quarters of the route will continue to be on pleasant small roads in beautiful countryside. As you get closer to Pisa the route will get a little busier, before you finish at the foot of the tower.

Appriximately 60km for 330m+ and 460m-
Night in Pisa in the same hotel as on your arrival.

After breakfast your holiday comes to an end. Transfer to the airport possible upon demand.
For those of you who want to continue with some more cycling, simply ask us!