Journey between Sea and Land

Tuscan Coast by Bike and Boat

Tour Description: Guided

We welcome you on board, for a journey between sea and land, to explore a region rich in history, art, culture and landscapes. You will discover all these beauties by sailing on board of the caique and, once left the golden Tuscan beaches, by cycling in the wonderful inland parts of this region, the Versilia, characterized by little villages and natural parks. You will cross the lake area of Massaciuccoli to reach the Renaissance walls of Lucca, then you will visit the astonishing Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.

In this evocative alternation of nature and historical cities you will reach tiny villages such as Bolgheri, half village and half castle, or Castagneto Carducci, with its paved alleys, the natural terraces overlooking the sea and the country, the neat squares, and ancient manufacturer workshops. However, your adventure is not finished yet. Following the sandy beaches and rocky inlets of the Gulf of Baratti you will discover Populonia, an ancient Etruscan village, with San Cerbone necropolis, the only necropolis ever built on the seaside.

Before the tour ends, you will reach the highlight of the Tuscan archipelago, the Elba island: you will be struck by the splendid and fine white sand of Fetovaia beach, by the colours and clearness of the water. However, above all, you will be struck by the variety of landscapes that this exciting itinerary will let you discover.

Tour Description: Self-guided

We welcome you on board, for a journey between sea and land, to explore a region rich in history, art, culture and landscapes. You will discover all these beauties by sailing on board of the caique and, once left the golden Tuscan beaches, by cycling in the wonderful inland parts of this region, the Versilia, characterized by little villages and natural parks. You will cross the lake area of Massaciuccoli to reach the Renaissance walls of Lucca, then you will visit the astonishing Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.

In this evocative alternation of nature and historical cities you will reach tiny villages such as Bolgheri, half village and half castle, or Castagneto Carducci, with its paved alleys, the natural terraces overlooking the sea and the country, the neat squares, and ancient manufacturer workshops. However, your adventure is not finished yet. Following the sandy beaches and rocky inlets of the Gulf of Baratti you will discover Populonia, an ancient Etruscan village, with San Cerbone necropolis, the only necropolis ever built on the seaside.

Before the tour ends, you will reach the highlight of the Tuscan archipelago, the Elba island: you will be struck by the splendid and fine white sand of Fetovaia beach, by the colours and clearness of the water. However, above all, you will be struck by the variety of landscapes that this exciting itinerary will let you discover.

Highlights: Guided

• Elba Island
• Lake area of Massaciuccoli
• Renissance walls of Lucca
• Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
• Bolgheri, half village and half castle

Highlights: Self-guided

• Elba Island
• Lake area of Massaciuccoli
• Renissance walls of Lucca
• Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
• Bolgheri, half village and half castle

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Individual arrival to Viareggio
Embarkation at 18.00 at the port of Viareggio, accommodation on board, welcome drink and presentation of the program. 
Overnight in the port of Viareggio.  

Day 2: Viagreggio - Lucca - Viareggio (19 miles/32 km or 40 miles/64 km)
Departure from Viareggio, for the cycling tour towards Lucca, crossing the Natural Reserve of Massaciuccoli Lake. Arrival in Lucca, visit of the city, bike tour on the ancient city walls surrounding the historical city centre. Return to Viareggio by train. It is also possible to come back to Viareggio by bike, completing in this way a circular stage. Dinner.
Overnight in the port of Viareggio. 

Day 3: Viareggio - Pisa - Marina di Pisa (25 miles/40 km)
Departure from Viareggio by bike, toward Pisa, cycling along the sea, on the borders of the National Park of San Rossore. Arrival in Pisa, break in Piazza dei Miracoli, possibility of visiting the Tower and the Cathedral. We cycle towards the port of Marina di Pisa. Return on board the caique and dinner.
Overnight in roadstead. 

Day 4: Cala dei Medici - Bolgheri - C. Carducci - San Vincenzo (35 miles/56 km)
You sail with the caique from Marina di Pisa towards Cala dei Medici (Rosignano Solvay), you cross by bike the wonderful pinewood of Tombolo di Bibbona and you continue towards Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, to finally reach the port of San Vincenzo. Dinner.
Overnight in roadstead in San Vincenzo. 

Day 5: San Vincenzo - Populonia - Isola d'Elba (21 miles/34 km)
From San Vincenzo, we cycle towards the village of Campiglia Marittima, we reach the Gulf of Baratti and Populonia, with its several Etruscan archaeological remains. After the visit of the archaeological sites, embarkation in Baratti, and sailing towards the Elba Island. Dinner.
Overnight in roadstead in Marina di Campo. 

Day 6: Marina di Campo - Porto Azzurro (24 miles/38 km)
From Marina di Campo, you explore the southern part of the Island, to reach the little bourg of Fetovaia. We cycle then to the village of Lacona up to Porto Azzurro. You are free for dinner.
Overnight in the port of Porto Azzurro. 

Day 7: Porto Azzurro - Cavo (16 miles/25 km)
The itinerary of today develops in one of the most charming landscapes of the whole island. From Porto Azzurro we cycle along the panoramic road of the east part of the island, to finally reach Rio nell’Elba, Rio Marina and Cavo. Embarkation and sailing to San Vincenzo.
Overnight in the port of San Vincenzo. 

Day 8: Departure from San Vincenzo
Disembarkation at 9.00. End of the services 

The direction of the tour will be in reverse way each week: one week it will start in Viareggio, and one week it will start in San Vincenzo. 

NOTE: during the nights of the tour the boat will be docked in the port during 4 nights. The other 3 nights the ship will stay anchored in a place outside the harbor where the ship can lie at anchor. It is an enclosed area with an opening to the sea that offers shelter from storms, winds and currents, and are frequently used for naval bases.

Exclusively in exceptional cases (unfavorable meteorological and/or sea conditions), for safety reasons, the ship must return in the port also during the nights that are scheduled in anchor outside the harbor. Only and exclusively in this case, the clients will be asked to pay the relative price for the stay in the port. This amount, variable from port to port, will be divided among all the participants of the tour and will be paid directly on site (approximately from 20 to 50€ per person per night, subject to changes).

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Saturdays: May 12- Jun 23 (except Jun 9); Sep 1, 8, 22, 29; Oct 20, 2012

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €1200 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin) €780 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €70

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Accommodation in double cabins with private facilites 
• All meals (from dinner of day 1 to breakfast on day 8; picnic lunches and one free dinner in Porto Azzurro)
• Italian/English speaking guide
• Sheets and towels (1 change per week)
• 4 overnights in port

NOTE: during the nights of the tour the boat will be docked in the port during 4 nights. The other 3 nights the ship will stay anchored in a place outside the harbor where the ship can lie at anchor. It is an enclosed area with an opening to the sea that offers shelter from storms, winds and currents, and are frequently used for naval bases.

Exclusively in exceptional cases (unfavorable meteorological and/or sea conditions), for safety reasons, the ship must return in the port also during the nights that are scheduled in anchor outside the harbor. Only and exclusively in this case, the clients will be asked to pay the relative price for the stay in the port. This amount, variable from port to port, will be divided among all the participants of the tour and will be paid directly on site (approximately from 20 to 50€ per person per night, subject to changes).

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Caique Mariagiovanna

Mariagiovanna is a caique, a traditional Turkish vessel built with mahogany wood, which will make you live an unforgettable and relaxing holiday joining together the antique charm of an "ancient vessel" with the functionality of a modern boat.

The stern and the bow provided with large and soft cushions are ideal for our guests who wish to enjoy very relaxing moments only just lying down to look at the amazing landscapes in the glittering sunlight caressed by the sea breeze or simply to sunbathe.

All the services that Mariagiovanna can offer you joined with an accurate and discreet hospitality will really make your stay on it a very magic holiday. Comfortable cabins, air conditioning and private services and WC on board, provide the clients the maximum of comfort (max 12 participants).

Aboard catering is our pride, it is the result of a cultural research, suggested by the old recipes of seaside villages. Carpaccio, fresh seafood and vegetables, pasta, meat and the herbs of the Mediterranean scrubs of Tuscany, are the absolute protagonists on our table.

Boats: Self-guided

Caique Mariagiovanna

Mariagiovanna is a caique, a traditional Turkish vessel built with mahogany wood, which will make you live an unforgettable and relaxing holiday joining together the antique charm of an "ancient vessel" with the functionality of a modern boat.

The stern and the bow provided with large and soft cushions are ideal for our guests who wish to enjoy very relaxing moments only just lying down to look at the amazing landscapes in the glittering sunlight caressed by the sea breeze or simply to sunbathe.

All the services that Mariagiovanna can offer you joined with an accurate and discreet hospitality will really make your stay on it a very magic holiday. Comfortable cabins, air conditioning and private services and WC on board, provide the clients the maximum of comfort (max 12 participants).

Aboard catering is our pride, it is the result of a cultural research, suggested by the old recipes of seaside villages. Carpaccio, fresh seafood and vegetables, pasta, meat and the herbs of the Mediterranean scrubs of Tuscany, are the absolute protagonists on our table.

Bike Rentals: Guided

The available bikes for the tour are 21-speed hybrid touring bikes. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The available bikes for the tour are 21-speed hybrid touring bikes. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The daily stages range between 12 miles (20 km) and 25 miles (57 km), with a difference in height up to 1,280 feet (390 m) each day. It is not suitable for children under 12 years old. 

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The daily stages range between 12 miles (20 km) and 25 miles (57 km), with a difference in height up to 1,280 feet (390 m) each day. It is not suitable for children under 12 years old. 

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start 
Nearest airport: Pisa, Florence or Milan, Italy
Nearest train station: Viareggio, Italy

Tour end
Nearest airport: Pisa, Florence or Verona, Italy
Nearest train station: San Vincenzo, Italy
 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start 
Nearest airport: Pisa, Florence or Milan, Italy
Nearest train station: Viareggio, Italy

Tour end
Nearest airport: Pisa, Florence or Verona, Italy
Nearest train station: San Vincenzo, Italy
 

More About Italy: Guided

Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.

More on bicycling in Italy > 

View all Italy bike tours >

More About Italy: Self-guided

Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.

More on bicycling in Italy > 

View all Italy bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Verde Natura Italy: Guided

What about a walking holiday, a hiking vacation, a family tour or a bike tour in Italy? Verde Natura organizes trekking, walking and cycling tours: active green holidays with the comfort of pleasant hotels at the end of the stage. A range of itineraries, group tours or individual tours to discover Italy, in the mountains or to the seaside: from the Amalfi coast to Tuscany, following routes through cities such as Florence or Siena, and the Chianti region, in the typical Tuscan scenery, where you can enjoy local foodstuffs and wine tastings. We offer one week treks hiking in the Dolomites, exploring Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily, self guided or guided tours with an Italian tour operator, natural and relaxing vacation in the countryside, in our hospitable farms, B&B and farmhouses.   

Tour Company Background: Verde Natura Italy: Self-guided

What about a walking holiday, a hiking vacation, a family tour or a bike tour in Italy? Verde Natura organizes trekking, walking and cycling tours: active green holidays with the comfort of pleasant hotels at the end of the stage. A range of itineraries, group tours or individual tours to discover Italy, in the mountains or to the seaside: from the Amalfi coast to Tuscany, following routes through cities such as Florence or Siena, and the Chianti region, in the typical Tuscan scenery, where you can enjoy local foodstuffs and wine tastings. We offer one week treks hiking in the Dolomites, exploring Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily, self guided or guided tours with an Italian tour operator, natural and relaxing vacation in the countryside, in our hospitable farms, B&B and farmhouses.   

Terms and Conditions: Verde Natura Italy: Guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Individual reservations:

Cancellation fees 
If clients need to cancel their booking before departure:

• 60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price 
• 59 – 31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price 
• 30 – 21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price 
• 20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price 
• 10 – 1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price 
• No-show: 100% of the trip price

If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (8 participants), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about whether the trip will take place or not will be made as early as possible, 21 days before the beginning of the trip at the latest. In case of trip cancellation, the payments you have made for the only tour will be fully refunded. There can be no additional claims made against us.

Charter:

Payments
Deposit of the 30% of the total at the confirm/reservation time. A second deposit of the 30% 4 months before the departure and the balance of the 40% 40 days before the departure date.

Cancellation fees
For cancellation after the confirm:

- 180 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price
- 179 – 120 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
- 119 – 60 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
- 59 – 30 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price
- 29 – departure day: 100% of the trip price

Terms and Conditions: Verde Natura Italy: Self-guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Individual reservations:

Cancellation fees 
If clients need to cancel their booking before departure:

• 60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price 
• 59 – 31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price 
• 30 – 21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price 
• 20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price 
• 10 – 1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price 
• No-show: 100% of the trip price

If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (8 participants), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about whether the trip will take place or not will be made as early as possible, 21 days before the beginning of the trip at the latest. In case of trip cancellation, the payments you have made for the only tour will be fully refunded. There can be no additional claims made against us.

Charter:

Payments
Deposit of the 30% of the total at the confirm/reservation time. A second deposit of the 30% 4 months before the departure and the balance of the 40% 40 days before the departure date.

Cancellation fees
For cancellation after the confirm:

- 180 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price
- 179 – 120 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
- 119 – 60 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
- 59 – 30 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price
- 29 – departure day: 100% of the trip price