Quick info
Duration:
8 days
Number of nights:
7 nights
Start location:
Chioggia, Italy
Tour start day:
Every Saturday
Recommended arrival airport:
Venice, Italy
Tour ends:
Florence, Italy
Tour average daily cycling distance:
52 km
Road surface:
Paved
Suitable for families:
YES
Cycling Italy’s Art Cities from Venice to Florence
A self-guided cycling journey from the Venetian Lagoon to Florence, designed for travellers who want more than a classic city break.
This 8-day bike tour connects some of Italy’s most atmospheric art cities and landscapes: Chioggia, the Po River Delta, Comacchio, Ravenna, Faenza, the Apennines and Florence. Along the way, you will cycle quiet roads, discover lagoon towns, ride through wetlands known for birdwatching, explore Ravenna’s extraordinary mosaics, visit Faenza’s ceramic heritage and finish in one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in Europe.
The route is mostly flat, with one more demanding cycling day over the Apennines. For travellers who prefer a more relaxed version, a train option is available on the mountain stage.
This tour is operated in cooperation with our trusted local cycling partner in Italy and is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy freedom, good route planning, luggage transfers, comfortable accommodation and reliable local support.
Why choose this Venice to Florence cycling tour?
This tour is a beautiful combination of cycling, culture and Italian atmosphere. It is not only about getting from one city to another, but about experiencing the gradual change of landscape: from the Venetian Lagoon and Po Delta wetlands to Roman and Byzantine heritage, rural Emilia-Romagna, mountain villages and finally Tuscany.
You will ride at your own pace, stop where you want, enjoy local cafés and trattorias, and arrive each day in places that deserve time on foot as much as on a bike.
Bikes
The tour includes quality touring bikes selected for comfort, reliability and performance. Hybrid bikes are a good option for relaxed touring, while road bikes are suitable for cyclists who prefer a lighter and more agile ride.
E-hybrid bikes are available with a supplement and are a very good choice for travellers who want extra comfort, especially on the longer days or the Apennine stage.
All bikes are regularly serviced and equipped for self-guided touring.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Buongiorno Italia
Welcome to Italy! We meet this afternoon at our hotel in the centre of Chioggia for the bike fitting and briefing. If you arrive early or after our bike fitting and briefing, we suggest walking around the centre of Chioggia and discover its canals, bridges and main pedestrian walking street. Often referred to as “Little Venice”, Chioggia offers charming Italian atmosphere. We can even suggest a ride along one of the islands in the lagoon.
Meals: –
Distance biked: optional ride of 17 km or cycle as much as you desire today
Overnight: Hotel Grand Italia, or similar in Chioggia
Highlights: Chioggia – Pretty little fishing town called the “small Venice”, Venetian Lagoon
DAY 2
Po River Delta
Today you start to pedal along levee roads towards the Po River Delta. As you leave the Venetian lagoon the route takes you along famous birdwatching area, with more than 300 bird species including pink flamingos, heron colonies and rare waders. Enjoy local grocery store for picnic supplies or stop at a café for lunch today. You sleep in a lovely country farm bed and breakfast.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 58 km (208m elevation gain) – Long option:101 km ( 365m elevation gain)
Overnight: Agriturismo Forzello, or similar
Highlights: Chioggia, quiet bike roads along Po River Delta, country farm estate
DAY 3
Comacchio
Your destination today is the charming lagoon town of Comacchio, a place that once rivalled Venice in power during the 7th and 8th centuries. Built across 13 small islands, Comacchio is now landlocked yet still surrounded by the serene landscapes of the Po River and its freshwater wetlands. A highlight of the town is its fascinating museum, home to a remarkably preserved Roman boat and its cargo, discovered in one of the canals.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 74 km (156m elevation gain)
Overnight: B&B Al Ponticello or similar
Highlights: Comacchio and its “Trepponti” bridge
DAY 4
Ravenna
You pedal through the tranquil Comacchio wetlands, following the valley towards Ravenna. Your destination is a city of remarkable historical significance, once the last capital of the Western Roman Empire and home to some of the finest early Christian mosaics in Western Europe.
This afternoon, you can explore its cultural treasures on foot, including Dante’s Tomb and extraordinary mosaics of San Vitale, Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – all within easy reach of your centrally located hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 63 km (202 m elevation gain)
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi or similar
Highlights: Wetlands, birdwatching, beautiful mosaics, bustling town of Ravenna
DAY 5
Faenza
Continue your cycling tour from Ravenna, with the option to visit another remarkable Byzantine masterpiece, Sant’Apollinare in Classe. From here, your bike route leads you across open plains lined with the fruit plantations, guiding you towards Faenza.
Your destination is vibrant regional market town – Faenza, renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. Your hotel, a beautifully restored convent near the central square, places you in the heart of the action. The lively piazza is always filled with cyclist of all ages, adding to the authentic local atmosphere.
Faenza is world-famous for its hand-decorated ceramics. During your stay, we recommend visiting the International Ceramics Museum, as well as exploring local artists studio’s dedicated to this colourful and historic craft.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 52 km (158 m elevation gain)
Overnight: Hotel Vittoria or similar
Highlights: Faenza, International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square
DAY 6
Apennines
Today, your cycling tour leads you in the Apennine Mountains, beginning with a ride through the colourful medieval village of Brisighella. This is a perfect place to pause, enjoy the atmosphere, and pick up some snack before the climb.
As you continue, you have the option to take the train over the mountains if you prefer a more relaxed day. If you choose to cycle, you will begin your ascent into the Apennines, be sure to take in the views as you pedal, as the landscape shifts dramatically from open plains to mountainous terrain.
Just before the most demanding section of the climb, you will find a conveniently located train station, offering the option to skip the final ascent.
Your destination is Ronta, a small mountain town where you can unwind and enjoy the fresh, crisp alpine air. Dinner is included this evening.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Distance biked: 65 km (1286m elevation gain)
Overnight: Hotel La Rosa or similar
Highlights: Cycling over the Apennines and Mugello, medieval village
DAY 7
Florence
This morning, your cycling tour begins with a short climb to Vetta le Croci, followed by a rewarding descent into ancient Etruscan town of Fiesole. From here, you are treated to sweeping views of Florence rising from the valley below.
You then cruise down towards Florence on your bike, completing the final stretch of today’s ride. Your destination is Florence, the heart of Renaissance Italy, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore.
Please note: bikes must be returned by 5pm.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 42 km (510m elevation gain)
Overnight: Hotel Silla or similar
Highlights: Fiesole, Florence
DAY 8
Tour end – Arrivederci
After breakfast tour ends in Florence. We suggest to visit Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and the other masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery, and more.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: o km
Overnight: –
Map
Accommodation
3* and 4* accommodation
Prices and dates
TOUR INFO
- 7-day accommodation and breakfast in 3* and 4* lodgings
- 1 dinner
- Bike rental (Premium Titanium road or hybrid or tandem bike) + lock, pump, spare tube, helmet and patch kit, rear rack bag and water bottles)
- Our assistance which consists of bike fitting, detailed briefing with description of places you will be visiting en route, lunch options, museums, route description (digital roadbook) with options for shorter or longer routes
- Luggage transfers
- Digital navigation – GPS navigation for setup on mobile phones – (please note we do not provide mobile phone or phone adapter for the bike)
- Travel planning assistance, pre-tour information, pre-post tour hotel/travel reservations or suggestions
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Shuttles during the riding time
- Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included
- Lunches and dinners (except 1 dinner on this tour which is included)
- Assistance during the ride
- E-hybrid bike supplement (70,00 €)
FAQ
Is this Venice to Florence cycling tour guided?
No. This is a self-guided cycling tour. You ride independently, but the route, accommodation, luggage transfers, bike setup and navigation support are arranged in advance.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Chioggia, near Venice, and ends in Florence.
Is the route difficult?
The route is mostly flat, with one more demanding day over the Apennines. A train option is available for travellers who prefer to make that stage easier.
How many kilometres do you cycle per day?
The average daily cycling distance is around 52 km. Some days are shorter, while others are longer, depending on the route and optional extensions.
Can I book an e-bike?
Yes. E-hybrid bikes are available with a supplement and are recommended for travellers who want a more comfortable cycling experience.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour can be suitable for active families, especially those with older children or teenagers who are comfortable with daily cycling distances.
What makes this tour special?
This tour combines cycling with some of Italy’s most beautiful cultural destinations: the Venetian Lagoon, the Po River Delta, Comacchio, Ravenna, Faenza, the Apennines and Florence. It is ideal for travellers who want active travel, art, history and local atmosphere in one journey.
BIKES AND EQUIPMENT
The tour includes quality touring bikes selected for comfort, reliability and performance. Hybrid bikes are a good option for relaxed touring, while road bikes are suitable for cyclists who prefer a lighter and more agile ride.
E-hybrid bikes are available with a supplement and are a very good choice for travellers who want extra comfort, especially on the longer days or the Apennine stage.
All bikes are regularly serviced and equipped for self-guided touring.
Premium TITANIUM HYBRID BIKES by Van Nicholas. Bikes available in male and female version, sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. With adjustable stem and various seat options these touring bikes provide comfort you are looking for. 700c wheels and slick tires add to performance very similar to road bike but still offer comfort for everyday touring and cruising.
* Bike included in tour package price
Premium ROAD TITANIUM BIKES designed by Van Nicholas or Nevi. Light, agile bikes ideal for touring or riding classic alpine climbs with performance and comfort in one package. This type of road bike is equipped with a carbon fork and Shimano 105 mechanical parts (2×11, 32 cassette and 34-50 crankset) or Sram Rival (1×11, 11-42 and 40 teeth chainring).
* Bike included in tour package price
Cannondale Mavaro and Tesoro, HYBRID E-BIKES with 625W engine provide plenty of kilometers. Available in small, medium and large size. This sporty and fun e-bikes are perfect for comfortable longer touring.
1×11 (38t chainring with 111-51 casette) or 1×10(38t chainring with 11-42cassette) and weight of 25kg.
* Bike available at additional cost
