Arrive in Pisa, settle in at your hotel then venture out to explore narrow lanes lined with history. Sip a flavourful Chianti matched with local oil sourced from nearby olive groves. At dusk, the warm air turns into a cool evening breeze, perfect for a stroll past pretty houses on the banks of the Arno.

Short route: Warm up by riding country roads and cycle tracks into the heart of Pisa. Meet the aptly-named Miracle Square, the photogenic leaning tower and a mind-boggling series of palaces, churches and squares. Pause to reflect on Piazza dei Cavalieri as you contemplate the inspiring facades looming around you.

Long route: Choose a challenging route and cycle picture-perfect scenes from Pisa toward Mount Serra. Stop to see the grandiose 1366 monastery of Certosa of Calci and its magnificent and justly renowned Natural History Museum. Then spend the afternoon exploring Pisa, a veritable outdoor museum full of monuments.

Challenge: 25/33 km, 120/90 m ascent, 120/90 m descent

Set off cycling on the flat as you ride 25 km on the River Serchio to reach lovely Lucca. Take time to revel in its gardens and take photos of the vast Piazza Anfiteatro, the bell tower, the 2nd-century amphitheatre. Circle the town as you glide past its sturdy tree-lined walls. Soon you’ll be thinking what marvel is on the menu for dinner!

Challenge: 24/32 km, 80/100 m ascent, 80/100 m descent

Select one of today’s two itineraries and cycle the pretty Renaissance villas just outside Lucca. The rides cover approximately the same distance but the difference lies in the terrain. The easier route is nearly all on the flat while the hillier option offers more challenging ascents . . . and the corresponding panoramic vistas! Get an insider’s view on a tour of these splendorous estates and stretch your legs on a stroll through gorgeous gardens.

Challenge: 33/39 km, 170/450 m ascent, 170/450 m descent

Ride off to Altopascio and the Padule di Fucecchio nature reserve, the largest inland wetlands area in all of Europe. Get lost in the greenery, enjoy a bit of bird-watching and identify both permanent residents and migrating species. Take this sensation of communion with nature on your ride to tremendous Vinci, birthplace of a true genius: the artist and inventor Leonardo.

Challenge: 29/54 km, 250/270 m ascent, 250/270 m descent

Get to know Leonardo da Vinci up close and personal as you explore his home town and two excellent museums which depict his life. The painter’s life secrets, hand-drawn designs and imaginative inventions reveal a creative depth unparalleled in centuries. With your head still spinning, leave your hire bike at the hotel and jump into the taxi for a direct transfer to Empoli. Here you’ll board the train for Florence and prepare for an evening in the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’.

Challenge: 8/15 km, 175/450 m ascent, 175/450 m descent

Your cycling trip comes to an end today after breakfast. An optional airport transfer can be arranged in advance and extra nights can be booked to allow time in fantastic Florence.