Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Casciana Terme, near Pisa
Town square in Casciana Terme, Italy.
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
Bicycling the hills of coastal Tuscany.
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 tress 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
Bicycling in Italy is all about eating.
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
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 Castiglione della Pescaia
Highlights: Cycling remote country roads, fishing port of Castiglione della Pescaia
Today's ride takes us into the interior as we follow several river valleys. The end of the day, though, brings us back to the coast to Castiglione della Pescaia. Although it is a busy seaside resort in July and August, for most of the year Castiglione is just a bustling market center and fishing port. Our hotel sits in the old city center under the 17th century walls built by the Medici family's Grand Duke, Ferdinand I. We'll have dinner together this evening. Distance: 77 km (48 miles).

Lodging: Agriturismo Montebelli
Day 7: Tour Ends in Castiglione della Pescaia
Highlights: Shuttle to train station
Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. We'll provide a shuttles to the nearby 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!

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