Lucca and Cinque Terre Bike tour

Our adventure begins with a warm embrace, as our guides await your arrival at Pisa International Airport. From there, we embark on a short journey to your hotel in the heart of Lucca. This charming town, steeped in history and culture, is our gateway to an extraordinary week. After a refreshing lunch that introduces you to the flavours of Italy, we gather for a bike-fitting session, ensuring your comfort and readiness for the exciting week ahead. From the heart of Lucca, in just a few minutes, we find ourselves amid some of the most captivating hills that surround this town, adorned with ancient olive groves and vineyards. A pause at one of the region’s most celebrated enotecas, with a glass in hand, sets the stage for a heartfelt toast to the adventures awaiting us in the coming week. As the sun sets, we return to our hotel to prepare for a five-star dinner, an exquisite experience that celebrates the culinary treasures of Lucca.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 400 meters

Pick-up location: Pisa International Airport

Today, we embark on a journey to Forte dei Marmi, a coastal gem that promises a day of captivating beauty and cycling adventures. Our day’s ride commences with a flat and leisurely first 12 kilometres, setting the tone for what’s to come. As we approach Piazzano, the landscape changes, and the first slopes beckon. We descend through the enchanting Freddana Valley, arriving in Monteggiori, a picturesque village that graces us with breathtaking Mediterranean vistas and perfect photo opportunities. A moderate descent guides us along flat, beautiful roads, leading us to the charming town of Pietrasanta. Pietrasanta is renowned for its marble and bronze workshops, artists’ ateliers, and an array of historical monuments. Here, we begin a challenging ascent towards Capriglia, a quaint village that offers a rewarding pause with impressive views of the sapphire-coloured sea and the Ligurian Gulf. Our journey continues with a thrilling descent that unfolds to reveal endless coastal vistas, a sensory delight that accompanies us as we pedal our way back to Forte dei Marmi. The reward for our cycling endeavours is a traditional homemade lunch, an authentic taste of the region’s culinary treasures. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind, relax, and savour the coastal charms that define Forte dei Marmi. As the sun sets, we regroup for a delightful dinner, a celebration of the day’s achievements and a testament to the beauty of Italy’s coast.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 75 km, elevation 600 meters

The day begins with a leisurely Italian breakfast, a prelude to another incredible ride that unveils awe-inspiring vistas of the sea and the mighty Appennines. Our journey carries us along the coast, where the shimmering sea serves as our constant companion. As we ride, we’ll embrace a gentle slope that leads us to Fosdinovo, a charming medieval hamlet located just 20 kilometres from Carrara and its famed marble quarries. Here, the iconic castle stands as a testament to history and grandeur, inviting us to marvel at its presence. Descending from this historical gem, we pedal toward Sarzana, where flat roads greet us, providing a pleasant interlude before a brief climb ushers us to Monte Marcello. Here, we’re graced with the breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Poets, an extraordinary spectacle that captivates the senses. An exhilarating descent leads us to Lerici, the gateway to the final 25 kilometres of our journey, all on flat terrain. We reach Portovenere, a true jewel on the Ligurian coast. Here, the charming San Pietro’s Church, with its striking black and white Gothic style, offers stunning views of Portovenere and the sea. After an exceptional lunch at our favourite restaurant, you’ll have some time to explore and savour the ambience of Portovenere at your own pace. As the day transitions into the evening, we regroup for a memorable dinner, a celebration of our coastal odyssey and the beauty of Portovenere.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 800 meters

A nourishing breakfast sets the stage for a day of exhilarating cycling, as we set our sights on Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—the iconic Cinque Terre, the crown jewel of the Italian Riviera. Our journey takes us on a captivating route of gentle ascents and descents along the dramatic, rugged coastline. Here, amidst the captivating terrain, we encounter ancient villages that still exude an aura of remote authenticity. Each village is a treasure chest of history, tradition, and charm. The unspoiled natural beauty of the landscape reveals endless combinations that nourish the soul and enlighten the senses. As we follow scenic paths that lead to hidden gems off the beaten track, our spirits are invigorated, and our senses are awakened. A pause at our favourite trattoria presents an opportunity to savour a delectable meal, a taste of the region’s culinary treasures. Back on our bikes, we continue along the coast, creating indelible memories with each pedal stroke. The journey culminates in Monterosso, where our hotel awaits, offering a well-deserved respite. Before we retire for the evening, we gather for a gourmet dinner, a celebration of our exploration and the beauty of Cinque Terre.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 65 km, elevation 800 meters

Today, our journey leads us along some of the most picturesque roads in all of Europe, where every pedal stroke reveals breathtaking views of majestic mountains, rugged cliffs, pristine bays, and the endless expanse of the emerald sea. From Monterosso to Sestri Levante, our route unfolds with a symphony of gentle ascents and smooth descents, guiding us through charming villages that dot the landscape. Amidst our ride, we pause to savour the delicious Focaccia di Recco, a local delicacy that ignites the taste buds. Energized and inspired, we continue along the flat, scenic coastal roads, a pathway that celebrates the beauty of the sea and the enchantment of the coastline. Our journey carries us to the Santa Margherita Ligure area, a place renowned across the globe for its picturesque harbour and charming, colourfully painted houses that grace the shoreline. Here, we dine alongside locals at the town’s most celebrated restaurant, savouring culinary delights that echo the essence of the region.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 800 meters

As the morning sun graces the Ligurian coastline, we embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting villages that adorn this stunning region. Scenic views of the majestic Apennines guide us as we wind our way through the captivating landscapes of Chiavari and Sestri Levante. Sestri Levante is famed for its romantic “Silent Bay” and the enchanting “Bay of Fairy Tales,” two coastal gems that invite contemplation and wonder. Our route leads us along tranquil roads into the hinterland, where the quiet beauty of the landscape unfolds. We’ll be graced by the luxury of a unique natural panorama as we discover Passo Bracco, a place that elevates the spirit and the senses. A panoramic descent ushers us into a realm of enchanting medieval villages, including Borghetto, where the Accola Sanctuary enchants the soul. Here, we pause for a light lunch, savouring the regional flavours that define the Ligurian cuisine. Our journey continues, with rows of olive trees and vineyards lining the path, guiding us to our final destination, La Spezia. La Spezia beckons with its atmospheric, winding streets, an invitation to wander and explore the local charm. As the day transitions into the evening, we gather for a delightful Ligurian dinner, a celebration of our coastal journey and the allure of La Spezia.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 70 km, elevation 700 meters

As we gather for our final breakfast, the realization that our adventure has come to an end dawns upon us. It’s a bittersweet moment, filled with the camaraderie and memories that have defined our journey together. With gratitude in our hearts, we bid farewell to our guides, who have been our companions and storytellers throughout this unforgettable experience. They see us off with warm wishes for our next destination, knowing that this journey will forever remain a cherished chapter in our lives.

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Pisa International Airport