DURATION OF THE STAY: 7 days / 6 nights

1^st day

Arrival of the participants at the hotel. Hotel accommodation. Welcome cocktail and briefing on the program for the week.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

2^nd day – Montecatini Terme and marshland of Fucecchio

Breakfast at the hotel then departure by bike heading towards the place called Biscolla first, Albinatico then. You continue through uncongested roads and a small stretch of white road which lead straight to the marsh land. This is one of the latest marshlands in Europe, perfect habitat for numerous and various local fauna. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and possibility to have a bath at the thermal swimming pool at the REDI thermal facility (about 1 hour and a half).

Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Easy itinerary, not too demanding. Tot. 35km, 150mt difference in altitude.

3^rd day Svizzera Pesciatina

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Montecatini heading towards Pescia first, Pietrabona then, when the so called Svizzera Pesciatina starts. Then you continue towards Aramo, San Quirico, Castelvecchio, Stiappa, Pontito, Crespole, Lanciole, reaching the highest point in Macchia Antonini. You then continue downwards Panicagliora and Marliana. You will see valleys, centuries-old woods, mediaeval hamlets while riding your bike, all of which absolutely astonishing in terms of historical and naturalistic interest. Lunch not booked.

Demanding itinerary. Tot.71 km, 1236mt difference in altitude.

4^th day SPA and Relax

Breakfast at the hotel and day entirely dedicated to relax and restoration of energy with the help of a specific under-water stream massage (it consists of a relaxing massage performed under a source of hot thermal water followed by a hydroget. The temperature of water together with the relaxing  body massage allow body to relax properly and fully donating a wave of wellbeing never experienced before. Swedish sauna, Turkish bath with chromotherapy, emotional showers and relax area are part of the treatment. Those who want may also book extra treatments. Lunch is not booked. It is also possible to see the old hamlet of Montecatini Alto, that can be reached by bus or during the year by funicular.

Dinner at a local restaurant and return to the hotel for the overnight stay.

5^th day Biking with Leonardo da Vinci

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by bike for an itinerary that winds and turns through the hills that surround the marshland of Fucecchio until reaching Vinci, the birth place of Leonardo da Vinci. Tour of the museum where it is possible to see the prototypes  of the main inventions by Leonardo Da Vinci. Then tour of Leonardo’s birthplace in Anchiano and tasting of local products for lunch at a local farm holiday. A bit of relax then. After relaxing you go back on your bike from Anchiano heading towards San Baronto, and from San Baronto towards Montevettolini. Finally back to Montecatini. It is an itinerary that twists and turns through the green hills full of olive groves, vineyards and old hamlets. Time needed: from 5 to 6 hours.

6^th day Lucca and its villas

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Lucca, which can be reached cycling round the marshy area of the Padule di Bientina and along the northern side of the Serra mountain. After visiting Lucca with its historical walls along which you can walk or ride your bike and where you can also stop for lunch, you may continue on the way back to visit the unique Lucca villas. The first villa you find is villa Reale in Marlia, but unfortunately you can only visit its park. The villa initially belonged to the Dukes of Tuscia, then to Napoleon’s sister and finally to Charles of Savoy. The park has been completely restored and is one of the best examples of the Lucca parks. Then you may visit villa Torrigiani (Camigliano near Segromigno) whose garden is another wonderful example of great Lucca taste. The building is entirely decorated with Baroque embellishments. Return to Montecatini, dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Easy  itinerary, 69km long, mt 867 ascent.

7^th day

Breakfast at the hotel. Return home.