13 days in Northern Italy

[pmaccaj]

I am planning a 13 day cycling tour in northern Italy for me and 5 friends. We have very little touring experience between us and this type of trip will be a first for all 6 of us. Any advice would be more than welcome.

We would like to cover: some Italian countryside including Tuscany a couple of main cities and a stretch of coast. Taking all this into account I have chosen a route from Milan to Siena heading through Lombardy, Liguria and Tuscany. The route I have chosen is as follows: Milan-Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa-Florence-Siena. Some rail travel will be used between Milan and Genoa. Rail will also be used from Siena to Rome Airport for the return journey home.

I have attached an image of the route.

This rough outline is as far as I have got at the moment and I would appreciate any suggestions for the trip before I get the maps out and confirm the route and any accommodation. Suggestions for: any must see locations in the region of travel etc…?

Concerns
Accommodation - Suggestions? (Low Budget…. Camping)
Timing – Will we make the distance?
Mountainous Regions - Routes to avoid long climbs would be welcome.
Methods of securing bikes overnight and while visiting cities.

Thanks in Advance
pmaccaj

 

[travelinhobo]

I biked northern Italy a couple of years ago. You can find my factual info at www.homestead.com/travelinhobo

If you want factual info on the area you're biking, visit my database website for touring cyclists. If you go to the Europe page, you'll find some great sites listed, inc. one for Florence.
www.homestead.com/bicycletouring