Italy Mare a Mare
Arguably the spiritual home of cycling, Italy’s varied landscape, climate and cycling culture combine to produce an ideal backdrop for a 3.5 day coast to coast ride. Our Mare a Mare route crosses Italy from Pesaro (east coast) to Livorno (west coast), incorporating Giro d’Italia climbs, Roman Roads and famous Chianti vineyards. Highlights include riding through five areas of Natural Beauty and multiple route options per day.
This route offers plenty of flexibility and isn’t limited to the example shown here. There are many different ways to do this journey, and we can adapt it to your requirements. The options are endless, what you’ll find below is simply a typical itinerary.
Italy Mare a Mare Itinerary
Day 1 – Warm-up loop
Distance: 39/65km
We fly into Bologna Airport and transfer to Pesaro, where we will start our hotel. Lunch is served upon arrival, before we divide into our guided groups and set out on a warm-up loop to get the legs going!
Day 2 – Pesaro to Bosco
Distance: 136/158km
We ride in a southwesterly direction as we leave the province of Marche and head to Umbria. En route, we pass through the stunning Roman road along the Furlo Gorge, carved out of the rock and following the River Candigliano with sheer rock faces looming above us.
Today is the Giro climb for those who dare. It’s a beautiful climb, rewarding you with views as far as the eye can see!
Day 3 – Bosco to Siena
Distance: 136/155km
Umbria is sometimes known as the younger sister to Tuscany, but today, as we wind our way through remote roads, tiny hamlets and climb to the top of hillside villages, we will find it has a charm and life all of its own. The high mountain road that takes us from Umbria and into Tuscany looks down on Lago Trasimeno in the distance. As we climb ever higher, we come over the hill to the famous medieval village of Cortona, where we enjoy our restaurant lunch overlooking the town square. The reward for climbing all this way is the descent into what will be the setting sun and the stunning views of Siena in the distance, getting ever closer.
‘Value for money was fair, very easy trip to attend as pie do so much for the riders and make it easy, you just have to get on the plane and pedal.’ – Jon, Italy Mare a Mare
Day 4 – Siena to Livorno
Distance: 129/148km
Our last day and we find out the west coast of Italy is very hilly! Our destination is Livorno built several centuries ago with a rich heritage in global trade. It lies nestled on the west side of the Parco Monte Livornese on the edge of the Mediterranean.
As if spending the night in Siena was not enough, our 4th day is the Tuscany from the photos and guidebooks and the reason we are all here. The hilltop villages astound, the medieval towers of San Gimignano reach for the skies, and you can almost taste the Chianti as you cycle past the vineyards.
As the 3 different route options converge on Livorno, we celebrate right on the edge of the Mediterranean on the Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno’s jewel of a Piazza overhanging the sea.
Celebration drinks overlooking the waves before dinner.
Day 5 – Day of leisure!
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Livorno before transferring to Pisa airport and travelling home.
