Tuscany by bike: Marina di Bibbona

Tuscany is made for cycling lovers: it offers a wonderful combination of natural scenery, historic towns and a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere.

The cycling routes lead along the sunny coast, through pine groves, vineyards, olive groves and picturesque countryside. There are flat sections suitable for relaxed leisure cycling as well as rolling roads and hilly terrain for those who want a more active ride. A great attraction is the chance to stop in traditional Italian towns and enjoy the local cuisine. The reward for your efforts is a refreshing dip in the sea, rest on the beach and the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside resort.

Tuscany thus offers an ideal combination of an active holiday, sightseeing and relaxation by the sea.

Optional excursion:

Ferry trip to Portoferraio and Napoleon's villa – 60 EUR / person. A pleasant ferry crossing awaits you to the island of Elba, which will charm you with beautiful nature, a turquoise sea and picturesque seaside towns. In historic Portoferraio, the island's capital, you will discover a charming harbour, narrow streets, historic fortifications and beautiful views of the coast.

The trip includes a visit to Napoleon's Villa dei Mulini, his former residence during his exile on the island of Elba in 1814–1815.

You will thus get to know an interesting chapter of European history and at the same time enjoy the unique atmosphere of this sunny Mediterranean island.

Outline programme / itinerary:

Day 1: departure from Slovakia as instructed, drive to Italy.

Days 2–7: CYCLING ROUTES + 1 day of free time / optional excursion. 1. Wine road “Bolgheri & Viale dei Cipressi”

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – Bolgheri – Castagneto Carducci – Bibbona – Marina di Bibbona

• Length / profile: approx. 42 km | gentle climb (380 m a.s.l.) | 100% asphalt

• Description: ride through the famous cypress avenue (Viale dei Cipressi, UNESCO-protected) to the fortified town of Bolgheri. Visit the Super-Tuscan vineyards (Sassicaia, Ornellaia) and climb to the medieval town of Castagneto Carducci.

2. The Etruscan heart: Volterra and the magical interior

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – Cecina – Volterra (back by bus, or a circuit)

• Length / profile: approx. 45 km (one way) | steady climb (550 m a.s.l.) | 100% asphalt

• Description: ride through the town of Cecina and the Cecina river valley to the ancient Etruscan city of Volterra. Sightseeing of the Etruscan gates (Porta all'Arco), the Roman theatre and Piazza dei Priori. 3. Southern pearls: Suvereto and Campiglia Marittima

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – Campiglia Marittima – Suvereto – Marina di Bibbona

• Length / profile: approx. 65 km | moderate difficulty (480 m a.s.l.) | asphalt

• Description: heads to the medieval town of Campiglia Marittima above the Gulf of Baratti and to the historic town of Suvereto, known for its 12th-century walls and local cuisine. 4. Coastal archaeological route: Baratti and the Gulf of Populonia

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – San Vincenzo – Baratti – Populonia – Marina di Bibbona

• Length / profile: approx. 58 km | mostly flat with one climb (220 m a.s.l.) | asphalt

• Description: route through the resort of San Vincenzo to the Gulf of Baratti and a climb to the acropolis of Populonia, the only Etruscan city located directly on the coast.

5. Northern cultural transfer: San Miniato and Pisa

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – Cecina – Pontedera – Pisa

• Length / profile: approx. 70 km | mostly flat profile | asphalt and cycle paths

• Description: a full-day route linking the coast with the Arno valley, finishing at the famous Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa by the Leaning Tower.

6. Medieval “Maremma” and the mining town of Massa Marittima

• Route: Marina di Bibbona – Monterotondo Marittimo

– Massa Marittima

• Length / profile: approx. 60 km | more demanding mountain profile (650 m a.s.l.) | asphalt

• Description: ride through the geothermal Maremma area to the historic town of Massa Marittima with its Romanesque cathedral of San Cerbone.

Day 8: journey home, arrival in Slovakia

Insurance: please note that we need your full details for every tour (first name, surname, date of birth, ID or passport number, personal ID number, telephone contact, e-mail address). We recommend taking out annual travel insurance that includes tour cancellation cover (indicative price 150 EUR). This is an annual policy valid for all trips in the year and we can arrange it for you. Annual insurance is very advantageous and necessary for people over 70. It is important for us to know whether you already have another type of insurance.