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Tuscany Coastline 8-day Sail & Bike Tour Level 2-3
Italy – Summertime in the south! When you think of Tuscany a myriad of impressions flash through your mind: rolling hills, epic architecture, azure blue sea, the aromatic smell of herbs and citrus fruits, the melodic babble of the locals, and of course the fantastic cuisine and wine. Italy soothes the mind and soul!
Look forward to this sail & bike tour through Tuscany and its breathtaking scenery. Cycle in the footsteps of the Etruscans, and enjoy the Italian ‘Dolce Vita!’. Cypress trees, wine fields and olive trees spread across the rolling hills characterizing the typical Tuscan landscape.
Picturesque medieval towns with small cobblestone streets and colorful houses invite curious visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and remote bays beckon for a swim in the glistening blue water.
The sailing ship provides travelling accommodation for a carefree travel experience from one place to the other and with its giant sails, provides a true seafaring ambience. There is nothing better than jumping into the sea directly from the deck of the boat, anchored in a quiet bay. Tuscany by sail & bike is the perfect all round happy cyclist holiday.
Level 2-3: Daily tours in hilly terrain at distances of 15 - 24 mi./25 - 40 km and 2132 – 3937 ft/650 - 1200 m of elevation. The terrain ranges from hilly to mountainous with single trails at varying levels between S2 and S3. The diversity of the riding is as diverse as the landscape of the islands and mainland and requires a good physical condition. The bike tours take place on all kinds of roads, paths, trails and natural ground; there are very few unrideable points. Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Furthermore, we recommend riders to carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours. The daily program depends on the weather and the captain’s orders. You are free to set aside a half or full day to spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4”3’)
Tall ship - Three-masted barque (all cabins with shower/toilet) At 57 x 7.5 m, 14 sails and over 750 sqm sail surface the ship is a guaranteed eye catcher in every harbour. Built in 1905 and christened Elbe 2, she served faithfully as a light vessel in the North Sea, Germany. Afterwards she was elaborately restored as a tall ship for passenger cruises. The renovation featured a classy salon, a spacious upper deck including seats and a cocktail bar as well as 17 comfortable air conditioned guest cabins including a shower and toilet. The unique charm is due to the loving care of the inventory and to a helpful and greatly experienced crew.
Our Tallship mostly does not fit into small fishing harbors and therefore spends the majority of nights on anchor. This means that a dinghy transfer is necessary to get to land. Surefootedness and a certain degree of agility are required to get on and off the boat. Needless to say, our tour guides will lend you a helping hand. In general: Wind, swell and tidal differences have a significant influence on a Tallship journey.
This tour includes half board. Due to the differing daily programs, some days will have no warm meals included while others will include both lunch and dinner on board. Breakfast is available on board every day.
Due to our international audience, this tour is conducted bilingually, in English and German.
Luggage: Please bring your personal belongings in foldable travel bags. Please avoid hard protective cases. They will be too large and heavy to store within your cabin. Payment on Board: cash only
If you would like to rent a Hybrid Bike (80 EUR), Road bike (180 EUR) or E-bike (225 EUR), please email [email protected] when booking
Slow Tours offers a number of other Sail & Bike Tours in Europe
Arrival in Porto Santo Stefano
Individual arrival in Porto St. Stefano, a wonderful, lively harbor town on the northern side of the Monte Argentario peninsula. Boarding the boat takes place from 6pm onwards. Should you arrive earlier, you are welcome to leave your luggage on board from 2pm onwards. With a short stroll through the medieval old town, painted in a wash of pink and beige, you will quickly realize that you are now on holiday. Additionally we can recommend a walk to the Fortezza Spagnola, built in the 17th century as a means to protect the city, it rests on the hill above the old town. The first evening meal on board is a great way to get to know your fellow travelers, guides and crew. Overnight in Porto St. Stefano.
Monte Argentario - Talamone (aprx. 20 mi/1148 ft. - 33 km/350 m elevation)
Your first cycle tour leads us from Porto Santo Stefano through the old train tunnels. Crossing a stone quay, we reach the historical town of Obetello. Later in the afternoon we arrive in Porto Ercole with its two Spanish fortresses where we park our bikes at a nearby beach bar and have the chance to swim. After the refreshing stop, we return to Porto Santo Stefano where your ship awaits your arrival for a crossing to Talamone.
Talamone - Castiglione della Pescaia (aprx. 27 mi/1410 ft. - 43 km/430 m elevation)
After breakfast we start on a tour through rolling landscapes characterized by grape vines and olive groves. Past the Poggio Perotto Lake you arrive in the medieval town of Magliano. The town icon is a 2000 year old olive tree - the oldest in Tuscany. The picturesque town, with its two beautiful city gates invites you to linger and stay a while. On your ride back to Talamone you are able to enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan landscape once more. If the weather is calm, the ship will set sail for the well-known beach town of Castiglione della Pescala where we anchor for the night.
Castiglione - Island Elba, Cavo (aprx. 34 mi/1640 ft. - 55 km/500 m elevation)
Today’s tour leads us from Castiglione della Pescala along quiet country roads into the Tuscan hinterlands. We find ourselves surrounded by incredible vineyards as far as the eye can see. A gentle climb brings us to the former Etruscan village of Vetulonia. In a rustic family run restaurant we stop to enjoy some house-made pasta and try some other local specialties. After the break we turn back towards the coastal plains with their expansive vineyards. In the afternoon we set sail for the north-eastern peninsula of Cavo on the Island of Elba.
Island Elba, Cavo, - Porto Azzuro (aprx. 13 mi/948 ft. - 21 km/300 m elevation)
The third largest island after Sicily and Sardinia, Elba, is charming and abundant in nature and history. On our first ride on the island in the morning we have plenty of time to enjoy the islands diversity, take a coffee break and enjoy a swim in the ocean. Our destination is the former fishing village of Porto Azzuro. You will find the ship on anchor in the bay. In the afternoon you can explore Porto Azzuro and its surroundings by yourself or enjoy a relaxing drink on board.
Island Elba, Porto Azzuro – Island Giglio (aprx. 12 mi/656 ft. - 20 km/200 Hm)
In the morning we set off on a ride to the hilltop village Capoliveri. In the historical town center, with its quaint alleys and peaceful atmosphere, we have time for a cappuccino break. Afterwards we can head back down to the coast and take a swim in the sea before heading back to Porto Azzuro where the ship waits for us. With the right wind, we can look forward to a longer sailing experience from Elba to the Island of Giglio. A beautiful Sunset dinner on the deck would be the perfect end to an exceptional day.
Island Giglio – Porto St. Stefano (aprx. 12 mi/2034 ft. - 20 km/620 m of elevation)
The Island Giglio lies in the far south of the Tuscan Archipelago and is a true gem. Mountains, forests, untouched nature, crystal clear water! Today’s tour offers us a challenge with a great reward as we ride from Giglio Porto to the central town of Giglio Castello – surrounded by an impressive medieval town wall. A rapid descent takes us to the other side of the island to Giglio Campese where the local sandy beach invites us for a splash. A switch back serpentine leads us back to Giglio Porto. Enjoy the last cruise on board as you set sail in the direction of Porto Santo Stefano. A celebratory evening meal in the company of fellow travelers, crew and guides offers a great atmosphere in which to enjoy the last evening together reflecting on the week.
Porto St. Stefano
Departure at 9am after breakfast followed either by an extended stay in Tuscany or an individual journey home.
Changes We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Depending on the direction of the prevailing winds, this tour can also take place in reverse order.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23 2024 | Aug 30 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ | |||||
| Sep 01 2024 | Sep 08 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ | |||||
| Sep 06 2024 | Sep 13 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ | |||||
| Sep 15 2024 | Sep 22 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ | |||||
| Sep 20 2024 | Sep 27 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ | |||||
| Oct 04 2024 | Oct 11 2024 | 34 | Single rooms | 2,790€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,990€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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