Coast to Coast Italy Cycle (Mikkel)

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

 

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

 

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

 

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Join tour in Bologna, transfer to Rimini

The trip begins in Bologna airport where you will be transferred to our hotel in Rimini. Here you will be briefed by your More Adventure leader about the days ahead. We’ll have our first group meal and prepare for the beginning of the ride the following day.

 

Day 2: Rimini to Aquapartita

48 miles & 5500 feet ascent / 78 km & 1700 metres ascent

After a good nights’ rest and breakfast, we’ll dip our bicycle wheels in the Adriatic sea! We begin our first day cycling through the historical region around Rimini then into pretty vineyards as we head into the unique region of Emiglia-Romagna. Flat at first then gently rising, today is a wonderful introduction into cycling in this beautiful and rural region of Italy. After leaving the busier roads around Rimini behind, we begin climbing on rural roads through Montegelli to the hamlet of Barbotto. Once we’ve rested and had coffee, we descend to Mercato Saraceno and follow the Fiume Savio river southwest, climbing gradually to the base of our final climb of the day to Aquapartita and our hotel for the evening.

 

Day 3: Aquapartita to Florence

61 miles & 5500 feet ascent / 100 km & 1700 metres ascent

Today’s ride is slightly longer with a few considerable climbs to negotiate, it is however made easier with beautiful Tuscan landscapes. Cycling through the Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi, we first tackle the mighty Passo Mandrioli (1173m), a steady and stunning climb from Bagno di Romagno. After a long, sweeping descent to Poppi, we begin our second main climb of the day, the Passo Consuma (1050m). It’s a similar gradient but slightly more ascent than Passo Mandrioli. We’re rewarded with an incredible descent through vineyards towards the historic municipality of Pontassieve, now only a stone’s throw from Florence. From here we pick up the river Arno and follow it all the way to Firenze (Florence). Florence is steeped in history and culture, and a real must-visit city.

 

Day 4: Florence to Pisa

75 miles & 2000 feet ascent / 121 km & 650 metres ascent

Today is considerably easier than the previous day as we weave our way towards the coast. We begin the day with a small climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo with arguably the best view over Florence. We then follow the River Arno to the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. Well done, you’ve made it! From here, we’ll ride back to Pisa to our hotel and prepare for our celebratory meal.

 

Day 5: Free in Pisa – Trip Ends

Today, you have the day (depending on your flights) to explore this wonderful and diverse city. After breakfast we will say our goodbyes and the trip ends. We will provide transfers for those booked on certain flights. See details below for more information.

This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.

Map

Includes

• Cycle Leader(s) and Support Driver(s)
• 4 x night’s hotel accommodation
• 4 x breakfasts
• 3 x buffet-style lunches
• Transfers from Bologna airport (on certain flights, these will be confirmed)
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Mechanical Support
• GPX files of the route (if requested)

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Flights
• Evening meals, drinks and snacks
• Optional excursions in stopovers
• European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
• Insurance

For this trip you will need to fly into Bologna and out of Pisa. Once you have booked on we will send you information regarding exactly what flights to book. The approximate total cost for a return flight from London is between £200 & £350. We may also be able to provide a UK pickup/drop-off service for your bike and main piece of luggage to save you the hassle, please get in touch with us at info@moreadventure.co.uk for more information.

Please do not book any flights until we have confirmed the trip is going ahead.

FAQs

Do you provide bicycles for this trip?

We don't normally hire bikes for this trip as it can be very expensive and we would prefer you to ride on the bike you have been training on to prevent injury and any unwanted surprises. The fact that the trip starts in one place and ends in another means that hiring bicycles can be expensive.

How do we transport our bicycles to Italy?

If you're not using our bicycle/luggage transfer service, you will need to first book your bicycle onto your flight. Then you'll need to package your bicycle in a bicycle box, bag or cardboard box, then check it in with your main piece of luggage.

We'll need our bicycle bag/box for the return flight - will you transport this throughout the trip?

Yes. Your luggage and bike bag/box will be transported on the support vehicle throughout this trip and we will assist you in any way we can in repacking your bike once the trip has ended.

Can you provide a bicycle transfer service from the UK?

This is a possibility. To save you time, money and hassle, there is the possibility of us picking your bicycle and main piece of luggage up from certain locations throughout the UK and transferring them to and from Italy. This will come at an extra cost, but it will mean you can travel on the plane with hand luggage only and you won't need to dismantle your bicycle. Ordinarily we will only provide this service if there are a number of people who request it, so please get in touch at info@moreadventure.co.uk.

What's the total mileage for the trip?

The total is 180 miles over three days cycling (45 + 60 + 73).

Isn't 45 miles quite a short day?

Although the mileages are relatively small, there are two major climbs on the first and second day so they're still challenging! Plus, there's plenty to do and see in each of the overnight stops so it's not a problem if we arrive early.

How does the bicycle transfer service work?

The bicycle transfer is a door-to-door bicycle transfer service. Basically a few days before the trip begins your bicycle will be picked up from an agreed address at a specific time slot and driven to the start point of the trip. At the end of the trip they will be returned to an agreed address a couple of days after the trip ends. You do not need a bike box and your bicycle will not need to be dismantled. It saves you a lot of hassle and time!