DURATION OF STAY: 5 days / 4 nights

1st day

Arrival at the hotel in Montecatini Terme and check-in to the rooms. Meeting with the bike guide and briefing on the week’s program. A quick tour of the spa town, dating back to the second half of the 18th century, known for its water springs, which are among the most appreciated in Europe. The town is famous for its parks and stunning Liberty-style buildings. You will visit the Town Hall, decorated by the painter and ceramist Galileo Chini, who is also famous for being the set designer for the works of the great composer Giacomo Puccini.

Next, visit the Terme Tettuccio, the crown jewel of Montecatini, where you can admire the wonderful and unique works of art by Basilio Cascella. Finally, enjoy a cocktail at the historic café, which will immerse you in an atmosphere from another era.

For dinner, take the funicular (the old train, established in 1898 to connect the hilltop with the thermal area) to reach Montecatini Alto, the town’s historic center. A charming and unique medieval village with narrow alleys and picturesque corners. Dinner at a typical restaurant in the lovely small square.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

2nd day– From the vineyards in Montecarlo riding along the “Via della Fiaba” (Fairy Tale Route)

Breakfast at the hotel, meet with the bike guide, and transfer by train to Pescia, a town famous for its flower nurseries, olive trees, and lemons. Our first stop is Montecarlo, renowned for its wine and olive oil, an incredibly well-preserved medieval village and home to the annual wine festival held in September. We will admire the landscape from the top of the hill, with the opportunity to enjoy a quick snack and sip wine produced by the local wineries at one of the charming, typical spots. Afterward, we will visit the Teatro dei Rassicurati, one of the smallest theaters in Italy.

The second stop is the Quercia della Strega (Witch’s Oak), a very old tree (about 600 years old), famous because it is the place where the beloved puppet was hanged by the murderers in the book Pinocchio. In ancient times, witches are said to have danced on its branches during the sabbat nights.

3rd day – Discovering the wetlands of the Padule di Fucecchio

Breakfast at the hotel, meet with the guide, and then hop on your bike for a ride through the Padule di Fucecchio wetland area. The route takes you through quiet roads and a small stretch of dirt road that leads directly into the marshland.

The Padule di Fucecchio is the largest wetland in Italy and one of the last remaining marshes in Europe, providing a perfect habitat for many local species. With its 1,800 hectares, the reserve stretches from Pistoia to Florence. It is a true natural gem, a vast area rich in flora and fauna of great interest, ranging from royal ferns to various types of water lilies, and from herons nesting in colonies to cranes and black storks. The area is home to more than 200 species of birds. Don’t forget, this is the very landscape that Leonardo da Vinci painted in his artworks. Upon arrival at the wetland area, we briefly leave the bikes behind and board a traditional boat (a “barchino”) for a tour of the Padule Canal. These boats were used until a century ago to transport goods from the Arno River to the Valdinievole region. After the boat ride, we stop for a brunch with local specialties, and then continue exploring the Padule di Fucecchio by bike, eventually reaching Grotta Giusti Thermal Baths in Monsummano Terme for a moment of relaxation (here, it is possible to rent a bathrobe, towel, slippers, and a cap). Enjoy a steam bath in the thermal cave. The cave is divided into three distinct areas called Paradiso (Paradise), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Inferno (Hell). It offers visitors the chance to experience a unique environment with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C, and natural steam with healing and therapeutic properties. The cave’s interiors are adorned with stalactite and stalagmite formations and feature numerous underground labyrinths with large chambers where you can relax in complete tranquility.

After the cave, enjoy a soak in the thermal pool (the largest thermal pool in Tuscany). Finally, return to the hotel by bike. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

4th day – The Genius of Leonardo

Breakfast at the hotel, meet with the guide, and depart by bike for Vinci, the birthplace of the great Leonardo. Pedaling through olive groves and vineyards, we will reach the ancient village. In 2019, the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death will be celebrated, and on this occasion, participants will have the opportunity to visit the unique exhibition “Leonardo a Vinci. The Origin of Genius.” A visit to the museum will allow you to admire prototypes of Leonardo’s most famous inventions, including this special exhibition.

Next, we will continue by bike to reach the house where Leonardo was born, located in Anchiano. After visiting the house, we will head up to the San Baronto hill, a notable panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the entire Valdinievole. Here, you can relax and enjoy a break in one of the many local cafés or shops. After this pause, we will resume the ride, descending towards Lamporecchio and Monsummano. Before reaching Monsummano, there will be a chance to visit the ancient village of Montevettolini, set in a postcard-perfect landscape. Arrival in Montecatini, with time to relax and enjoy a soak in the thermal pool at Terme Redi, followed by a relaxing full-body massage. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Route length: 50 km, 600 meters of ascent, moderate difficulty (some sections must be done on foot if you are not adequately trained).
Duration: 5 to 6 hours.

5th day

Breakfast in hotel and back home.

RATES vary according to the number of participants