Cycling Italy's Art Cities from Venice to Florence
Classic self-guided – Venice to Florence - 8 days
Romance, art, history, and great food come together on our most popular trip for beginning cyclists. From the canals of Venice, the bridges of Comacchio and the early Christian mosaics of Ravenna to the Renaissance architecture of Florence, this tour features six days of pedaling through the heart of Italian culture and cuisine. Along the way you'll pedal through vineyards and fruit trees and discover colorful ceramics in Faenza, while of course enjoying gourmet meals in Emilia-Romagna - Italy's foremost pasta region.
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Day 1
Tour begins in Chioggia, Italy
Highlights: "Little Venice" and the Venetian Lagoon
Welcome to Chioggia and the Venetian Lagoon! Take a walk and explore charming Chioggia, admiring the canals, bridges and the lively pedestrian main street. You may even take a test ride along one of the islands in the lagoon, crossing over on the local ferry boat.
Daily mileage: optional ride of 17 km (11 miles), or cycle as much as you desire today.
Accommodation: Hotel Domus Clugiae, or similar. -
Day 2
Pedal the Po River Delta
Highlights: Chioggia, bicycle quiet roads, sleep in a country farm estate
We leave the Venetian lagoon today towards the Po River Delta. Enjoy cycling on levee roads and birdwatching. Grab some picnic supplies from the local grocery store or stop at a cafe for lunch today. Those who want extra mileage can enjoy a great ride into the delta this afternoon. Our destination tonight is a lovely country farm bed and breakfast.
Daily distance: 58 km (36 miles)
Elevation gain: + 235 m (771 ft)
Po Delta extra loop ride: 43 km (27 miles), with + 157 m ( ft) elevation gain.Accomodation: Agriturismo Forzello , or similar -
Day 3
Comacchio
Highlights: Comacchio and its "Trepponti" bridge
Our destination today is a small lagoon town that at one point was more powerful than Venice in the 700 and 800s. The lagoon town of Comacchio, has a fabulous museum that showcases a Roman boat and its cargo that was excavated from one of the canals. Built on 13 islands this town is now landlocked but surrounded by the Po River and fresh water wetlands.
Distance: 74 km (46 miles)
Elevation gain: -196/+199 m (-643/+652 ft)
Accommodation: B&B Al Ponticello, or similar. -
Day 4
Ravenna
Highlights: Wetlands, bird viewing and beautiful mosaics, bustling town
We pedal along the Valley of Comacchio wetlands towards Ravenna. Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire and home to more early Christian mosaics than any other city in Western Europe. You can walk to Dante's Tomb and the mosaics of San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia this afternoon, as our hotel is near all the city sights.
Daily distance: 49 km (31 miles)
Elevation gain: + 124 m (407 ft)
Accomodation: Palazzo Bezzi -
Day 5
Ravenna to Faenza
Highlights: Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square
Exiting Ravenna you have the choice to visit another very important Byzantine masterpiece: Sant'Apollinare in Classe. Cross the plains through fruit plantations and arrive to Faenza. Your hotel is a restored convent near the central square of this regional market center and famous ceramics town. Enjoy the bustle in the market square and the main "piazza" which is always full of bicycle riders of all ages. Faenza is world-renowned for its hand decorated ceramics; we recommend a visit to the International Ceramics Museum as well as several of the local artists' studios specialized in this colorful pottery.
Daily mileage: 52 km (32 miles)
Elevation gain: 158 m (518 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Vittoria, or similar. -
Day 6
Over the Apennines
Highlights: Bicycle the Apennines and the Mugello.
You will head into the Apennine mountains today, passing first through the colorful medieval village of Brisighella. Take a break and pick up some snacks for climb. If you decide you prefer to take the train up and over the mountains, feel free to do so! For those who decide to bicycle, begin the climb over the Apennines - remember to look around as you pedal since the scenery changes dramatically as you leave the plains and enter the mountains. Just before we reach the toughest part of our climb there is a very conveniently located train station, from where you could choose to hop on for the last and toughest part of the climb. You'll spend the night in Ronta, a small mountain town where you'll enjoy the clean and crisp mountain air. Dinner is included tonight.
Daily distance: 64 km (35 miles)
Elevation gain: + 1286 m (4219 ft)
Accomodation: Albergo La Rosa, or similar. -
Day 7
Florence
Highlights: Fiesole and its Etruscan ruins, Renaissance Florence, Uffizi Gallery
There's a small climb this morning to Vetta le Croci, then it's downhill to the old Etruscan city of Fiesole, where you'll enjoy a great view of Florence rising from the valley floor. Glide down into Florence on your bike. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this capital of Renaissance Italy.
Daily distance: 41 km (26 miles)
Elevation gain: + 444 m (1456 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Silla, or similar. -
Day 8
Tour ends
Highlights: Arrivederci!
After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, you're ready to become a tourist again. You're on your own now, so get out there and visit Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the other masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery, and more.
PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
| Includes | Includes 7 nights in 3- and 4-star lodgings All breakfasts 1 dinner Bike fitting and briefing in English by our professional staff at tour start Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook Luggage transfers Not Included Travel to and from the tour start and end Bicycle rental (see Prices tab) Entrance to museums or other activities City hotel tax (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler) Any meals or beverages not indicated as included Any type of insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental) Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire. Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights before or after the tour, please inquire - we will be happy to provide a quote and add the nights to your tour package. Extra meals & activities: (please inquire for price and availability) Dinner in Ravenna Dinner in Faenza Olive Oil Tasting in Brisighella Guided visit of Florence ________________________________________ Navigation and roadbook: On our self-guided tours, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through the free smartphone app Ride With GPS - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app. Downloading the app content also allows for offline mode navigation. Participants can also upload the routes to their own GPS device, and even print the detailed route notes before leaving home On our self-guided tours, GPS device rental, as well as a printed roadbook, are available at an optional extra fee: For more information on our navigation options, as well as the smartphone app, please read our blog: What's it like to navigate on our self-guided tours? ________________________________________ Luggage transfers are included in your package. Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 9.30am at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 3pm. Please use the luggage tags provided by Cycle Europe on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you. PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included. Tour code: itbs2193 |
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| Countries | Italy |
| Begin/End | Chioggia / Florence |
| Arrive/Depart | Starting point: Hotel Grande Italia - Rione S. Andrea, 597, Chioggia We recommend flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) - Take a shuttle bus to Venice, then a bus to Chioggia or ask for a private transfer from Venice airport to your hotel in Chioggia The meeting time for our self-guided tours is typically set between 2pm and 4pm. We recommend travelers plan accordingly allowing plenty of time to arrive at the determined meeting place. Please note a late fee may be applied for late arrivals - please see our terms page for details Ending point: Hotel Silla - Via de Renai, 5, Firenze We recommend flying out from Florence airport (FLR), connected from Florence city center by train Private airport transfers available if you prefer to be driven from airport to hotel in a private vehicle transfer, please inquire for cost - we will be happy to include this service in your tour package Long-term parking - Choose to leave your car in Venice Tronchetto and take public transportation to Chioggia for tour starting point. At tour end in Florence, take train back to Venice. - Or choose to leave your car in Chioggia (tour starting point) in a parking lot. At tour end in Florence, take a train back to Venice and connect to Chioggia by public transportation. Final arrival and departure instructions along with other detailed pre-travel documents, will be e-mailed prior to your travel, with information specific to your departure (including the actual hotels used on your tour dates, which may vary from the hotels listed above.) |
| Total Distance | 305-362 km (190-226 miles) |
| Daily Distance | 15-83 km (9-52 miles), plus optional mileage |
| Rating |
101
to
201
About Tour Ratings » |
| Notes | Difficulty description: Gentle terrain down the Adriatic Coast with more challenging rides as we enter the Apennines. Great for all cyclists. First 5 days are flat, last few days include climbs (with option to take a train over the mountain pass, or cycle! E-bikes also make this tour accessible to everyone! |
| Terms | Terms & Conditions |
| Dates | Prices | Single Supplement | |||
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| Dates | This tour is available from March 1 to October 31 * 2024 price, per person based on double occupancy; minimum 2 participants per departure. Starts every Saturday. Other start days available by request (extra fee applies). Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits (such as museums or tastings) impossible. Because most museums in Florence are closed on Mondays, we discourage starting in Chioggia on the previous Monday or Tuesday. There can also be more weekend traffic on the road over the Apennines, so we discourage starting in Chioggia on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €775. This fee includes the cost of the single/double room supplement, as well as a GPS unit with the pre-loaded routes. Group Discounts are available for participants booking together on the same departure! Please inquire for details through our contact form below. For more ways to save, see our Discounts and Promotions page ________________________________________ High-Season surcharge (May, June, September and early October): a €100 per person surcharge is applied on high-season departures. If joining an existing, confirmed departure date, the fee may be waived - please inquire. 2024 Confirmed departure dates: April 13 May 19 September 4, 7, 21 October 1, 12 ________________________________________ Bike Rental options: We offer quality bikes in different styles, all great options for this bike tour. Our bikes are maintained and delivered in optimal working condition. The prices below are per bike for the duration of the tour, including delivery to starting point in Chioggia and collection from ending point in Florence. Bike rental rates Aluminum hybrid: €110 Premium Titanium road or hybrid: €145 Touring E-bike (hybrid with straight handlebar): €225 Tandem: €260 (priced per bike, for 2 cyclists) Tag-along or kid trailer: €70 * bike rental from afternoon of day 1 through 5pm on day 7 Bike rental insurance is available for purchase with all our rental bikes – see details in the Bike Rental Insurance section of our Terms and Conditions page. For detailed specs and photos of our bikes, see our website - Bike Rentals Italy. ________________________________________ Does crossing Italy from coast to coast sound appealing? On our legendary Bike Across Italy from Venice to Pisa Tour (12 day), you will continue from Florence on to Pisa, stopping in Vinci and Lucca. ________________________________________ Additional useful information: • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page! • Curious about the difference between our Casual and Classic self-guided tours? Check out our introduction blog on Casual Self-Guided Tours. • We offer various tools for navigation - this page details what it's like to navigate on our self-guided tours. • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours. |
Prices | €1395 per person * | Single Supplement | €285 (in double room for single use) |
| Next Step | Request space on this Bicycle Tour » |
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We had an amazing trip, thank you for everything!
Gina L.
USA
2023 -
10 out of 10 - Our route was definitely off the beaten path for tourists from the US, and we loved that! The itinerary was perfect for our group. The route, hotels, bikes were arranged for us by CycleEurope. Otherwise, we were self-guided supported by maps and a GPS, and it was great fun! The route was well planned - primarily on secondary roads, through small towns and interesting countryside. Our lodging was in very nice European hotels. The hotels expected us, accommodated our bikes and early check-in, and always had great recommendations on restaurants.
Dianne G., USA, 2022
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10 out of 10: A lovely relaxed bike tour thru the Italian countryside. Not too strenuous except for one day, which was manageable. Very good accommodations and easy access to sites and restaurants.
Dan S., USA, 2022
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10 out of 10: Extremely well organized with quality, friendly accommodations and top notch equipment. The bikes were phenomenal. The luggage transfers and logistics were flawless.
Jane K., USA, 2019
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10 out of 10: I had a great time with my friends and I can?t wait to do it again next year!
Priscila N., , 2019
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10 out of 10: A nice cruise on the backroads of Italy. I loved the food, the buildings and the history.
Charles P., USA, 2019
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9 out of 10: Nice routes, medium hard with nice places and towns to visit.
Kjell F., , 2019
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I gave Cycle Europe an A on overall. Sara was the best.
Bruce H., USA, 2019
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I gave you a A on overall. Sara was the best.
Traveler
USA
September, 2019 -
The bicycles were very nice. Cycling the back roads through orchards, vineyards and farmland. The food was wonderful, the fruit delicious, the wine tasty. Cycling by the beach and over canals. Plenty of history to soak up. The weather was terrific
Charles P.
USA
September, 2019 -
Everything was really great. We really enjoyed the Agriturismo hotel in San Basilio. The Agriturismo lunch at Agriturismo Prato Pozzo was a real highlight. What wonderful people and what a wonderful meal. I want to highlight the great on-the-road service we received. When we called, you were easily accessible and within 3 hours, you had a mechanic out to take care of it. I thought that was terrific and continues to give me the confidence I need to take another self-guided trip. That is a story that I think is meaningful to most who want to take a self-guided tour. I am certainly capable of changing tubes and making bike adjustments, but the concern for me (and likely others) is if a more difficult bike problem happens. You showed that you have great support for that situation. Overall, my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour and would love to do another with your company. Thank you for all you did for us.
James N.
Illinois, USA
Aug 2017 -
My favorite experience on this trip? Small towns . Quiet roads. Time with my son.
Steve B.
Berkeley, CA
Sept 2016 -
My favorite experience was seeing spoonbills in the Po Delta Preserve and finding a typical, local meal by chance at the Ronta train station in the pouring rain . I also loved Faenza . Hotels were phenomenal. Route notes provided were very helpful
Mary Ann L.
Hockessin, DE
June 2016 -
Comacchio was great. The ride up over the Apennines on the second to the last day was fantastic. Alas, the rest of the group hopped on the train. They did enjoy the train.
Peter K.
Takoma Park, MD
May 2016 -
Great job- great directions. The only thing - when it''s pouring rain - very hard to keep directions dry when having to flip/change pages. Very comfortable accommodations!!
Vicky B.
USA
October 2015 -
The notes were very inclusive - I like that there were sections that said this is a tricky area, or it''s the road just after the yellow house - it made things very easy. The first hotel was beautiful - the next b&bs were nice - all people were very courtious and helpful and friendly. We arrive at a couple places early - it was POURING RAIN - everyone let us into our rooms early - our luggage was always waiting for us. GREAT!! It was so nice seeing the countyside - seeing things that we would never normally see - pink flamingos in Italy?? I think the senery was prettier later in the trip, but riding on flat lands for a few days got us in shape to climb. I liked the ideas that you put in to go visit different places, as well as history of the areas. It was a very good experience. My husband and I have already talked about doing another tour. The experience was great. Thank you!
Nancy & Dennis H
USA
October 2015 -
The daily route guides were the best I''ve ever used - very comprehensive. Hotels were very nice and centrally located in the towns we stayed in. This was very advantageous in exploring these towns.The two days in the Appenines were favorites. The sun broke through and the country view was beautiful - like an Italian postcard. Great experience overall. The titanium bikes were an unexpected plus. My wife now wants a new bike after riding her Van Nicholas on the tour.
Thomas D.
CA, USA
October 2015 -
Loved the hotels. Our meal at the hotel in Faenza was outstanding. Most of our breakfasts were excellent. The scenery was beautiful. Forgot to mention that the bikes were great, no flat tires! Also, Sara was great explaining the tour etc. to us and giving us pointers. And Stefania answered all our questions beforehand. Great job!
Carol M.
Canada
September 2015 -
Our favorite experience on this trip was the feeling of achievement when we reached the restaurant at the highest point of the Apennines. We loved the carrier bags fitted to the bikes. Where can we buy one?
Ian W.
UK
June 2015 -
My favorite experience was visiting Ravenna! Such a great city with such great things to see, but I''d never really heard of it before. Loved the trip, thank you so much!
Kelly D.
CO, USA
October 2014 -
Tops on our list would have to be the excellent organization and directions that were provided. I was a little nervous about doing a self guide tour, but the directions were so clear that my doubt was gone after the first day. Also, the friendly people that we met along the way and the quiet back roads that we traveled stand out as highlights. We loved the smaller towns that we passed through. To be honest, having the trip end was my least favorite part. We had such a great time. I just want to thank you again for such a wonderful trip. Everything was first rate from the pre-trip planning and communication to the bike fitting, bikes, route and sights to see along the way.
Dan C.
WI, USA
July 2014 -
Our favorite experience was riding along the lagoon with all the pink flamingos and that little bitty ferry that took us across the river! We really, really, really enjoyed ourselves and could not have been happier. Well, maybe if we had had tail winds, we would have been happier. : ) We will definitely book another tour with you guys. Thank you, Stefania. Our trip was really the most enjoyable thing we have ever done as a couple.
Cathline M.
NY, USA
July 2014 -
Our favorite experience on this trip was the variety of terrain, the beauty of the towns, the art in Venice, Ravenna and Florence was spectacular. Of course the food was amazing. Sarah''s orientation was thorough and extremely well done. She is a delight!
Susan O.
USA
May 2014 -
Your notes were good and comprehensive and very useful
Johann V.Z.
S. Africa
April 2014 -
We really enjoyed the cycling, what a wonderful way to see Italy! I was pleased that our ride up and over the Appennines was not difficult. Thanks again for all of your wonderful and detailed organization which made the trip such a pleasure. We are already discussing what trip we should take next year.
Ellen K.
USA
September 2013 -
Each days ride was majestic. The variety of terrains and regions was perfect. Sara was the link to making our trip wonderful. She''s engaging, informative, knowledgeable - most helpful. And she''s a lovely person, and set the tone for the experience. Unforgettable experience. What a way to see This part of Italy.
Richard B.
USA
July 2013 -
Seeing the mosaics in the Basilica in Ravenna was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Best on the road experience was a lunch stop at the first agriturissmo. Fantastic food and a great interaction with the owner
Kurt D.
Colorado, USA
Sept.2012 -
The routing was perfect. Flat rides to warm us up, building to hill climbs later in the trip. Great service from the reps. Thanks!
Anonymous
USA
June 2012 -
The personalized service that I received for my bike from your company was spectacular. We were so impressed with the mechanic who dropped off the bikes and reviewed the trip with us, to the mechanic you sent to our hotel who solved our problems. They were efficient, knowledgeable, helpful and kind. The gentleman who came to our hotel to fix my bike problem was wonderful. This personalized service and the sense that you cared that we had a great trip made all the difference in the world.
Clare S.
Oakland,USA
June 2012