Tuscany Bicycle Tours:
The Tuscan Archipelago
Tuscany bicycle tours are an increasing popular way to explore this scenic Italian region.
Biking expert Luc Lacasse has written a short article on the joys of exploring the islands of Tuscany by bike
which may give you some useful ideas about your next trip to Tuscany. Its title
is Bicycle Tours - Italy's Tuscan Archipelago:
The Tuscan Archipelago is actually a string of seven islands, including Capraia, Gorgona,
Giglio, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Elba, all located on the west coast of Italy.
Elba is the largest in the string with a population of about 38,000 people and easily accessible by ferry. It
is a very busy tourist location not far off the Tuscan coast with a cooler climate than central Italy, but with
all the same dramatic volcanic cliffs, rugged landscapes and sandy beaches. With a small database of rental
rooms and a large vacationing population, especially in the peak European holiday season, it is a must to plan
ahead and avoid the panic of not finding suitable accommodation.
On these islands, bicycle tours, Italy style, typically takes you to the less trafficked west side of Elba
Island with climbs through the central volcanic mountains with the option of challenging the peak of Monte
Pomone for the more aggressive riders. Pizzas made in volcano heated ovens are one of the key rewards for all
your physical efforts.
The coastal areas offer a range of aquatic diversions, from scuba diving and sailing to catching a few rays on
the beautiful beaches, a great change from saddle sores and strained muscles acquired climbing the interior
mountains on your bicycle tour. Italy is definitely not for the weak hearted!
There are also opportunities for horseback riding in the interior, although I'm not sure that helps the rear
end. Guides are ready to take you on climbing expeditions or on challenging hikes if you decide to park your
bike for a day.
Elba is large enough to offer some challenging rides for a number of days, with the advantage of more mild
summer temperature than that found on the mainland. But after that, if your agenda is not to sit and enjoy the
beautiful weather and extended sandy beaches, you may want to expand your geography to explore
other bicycle tours of Italy on the mainland, maybe the Dolomite Mountains, or
Sicily, a larger volcanic island further south.
About the Author
Luc Lacasse is an avid cyclist with 10 years of racing motocross and mountain biking under his belt. He is the
author behind myWheelsAndMore.com a website designed to share his knowledge gained as
a bicycle enthusiast and mechanical engineering student.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luc_Lacasse
| 