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

Attached Thumbnails