Pisa has more to discover than just its tower. Its countryside is varied, dotted with picturesque villages and expansive views, olive groves and plenty of ups and downs. This Collection discovers the hills around Pisa and Livorno, passing by Lake Santa Luce, waterfalls and seaside villages.

This 100-kilometre (62 mi) loop is split into two stages with 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) of elevation gain. If you prefer, you can do it as a longer cycle Tour or use it for road cycling training. As the route follows asphalted roads almost the whole way, you can ride any bicycle.

The loop starts and ends in Casciana Terme at one of the numerous car parks in the area where you can leave your car. You can also reach Casciana with the train+bike option: from one of the Collesalvetti or Pontedera stations, it’s a short ride to Casciana, with a little added elevation gain.

Vast expanses of olive groves, the Leopoldino aqueduct in Colognole, the villages of Nugola, Castelnuovo della Misericordia, Gabbro, Collesalvetti, Castellina Marittima, Pastina, Pomaia and Chianni, the Carbonaia stream and the Ghiaccione waterfalls await. This is a varied route to discover unforgettable places at a slow pace.

On this wonderful short journey, you’ll also ride along the Lake Santa Luce and the Lipu Oasis, which extends over a 105-hectare (259 acres) area. It’s surrounded by woods and Mediterranean scrub, which is an interesting wetland and stopping point for many waterfowl.

Tuscan cuisine is the perfect accompaniment to slow travel: tuck into the mixed platters, abundant first courses and the timeless Florentine steaks, washing it all down with some good Tuscan red (if you like). At the end of the stage, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest at one of the numerous hospitality points such as B&Bs, hostels, farmhouses or hotels scattered throughout the area.

This Collection is suitable year-round on a racing or gravel bike. You can also ride a MTB or any other bike, even if the huge percentage of asphalt wouldn't do it justice. I recommend a light setup, perhaps in bikepacking mode.

Fill your water bottles, pump up your tyres and set off on this adventure in the Livorno hills.