Venice to Florence
Italy Bike Tours
Bike Italy’s Art Cities from the Venetial Lagoon to Florence
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–8 days
- Prices from€1210 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Your bike tour in Italy begins in a Venitian lagoon, in the picturesque port of Chioggia and leads through Italian romance, art, and history, to end in the heart of Tuscany. From 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. Vineyards, idyllic landscapes, and the Apennines mountains backdrop add to the sheer joy of cycling.
From the colorful ceramics in Faenza to the Etruscan ruins in Fiesole, cycling from the plains to the mountains, you will discover hidden gems all along your way.
And of course, we have to mention the culinary fame of Emilia-Romagna, Italy's foremost pasta region!
Highlights
- Venetian Lagoon
- Po River delta, wetlands, and wildlife
- The mosaics of Ravenna
- Ceramics of Faenza
- Quiet country roads
- Art of Florence
- Unique accommodations
Want to explore more? We have many bicycle tours in Italy or bicycle tours in Europe to offer you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chioggia
Day 2: Po River Delta, 36 - 63 mi. (58 - 101 km)
Day 3: Comacchio, 46 mi. (74 km)
Day 4: Ravenna, 31 mi. (49 km)
Day 5: Ravenna - Faenza, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 6: Over the Apennines, 9 - 39 mi. (15 - 63 km)
Day 7: Florence, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 8: DepartureDue to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen.
Day 1: Chioggia
On the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, lies the busy fishing port of Chioggia, the start of your bike tour in Italy. Your hotel is located in the historic city center. Our local partner will meet you in the afternoon to fit your bicycles and go over the route details. This is usually scheduled between 2 and 4 pm so please inform us of your travel plans and arrival time in Chioggia. After checking in, you can take a stroll around the center of Chioggia and admire the canals, bridges, and main pedestrian walking street. If you arrive early, you can even cycle along one of the islands in the lagoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Grande Italia
Optional activity: Fish dinner can be organized for approx. €40 per personDay 2: Chioggia - Po River Delta, 36 - 63 mi. (58 - 101 km)
Today you cycle towards the Po River Delta, Italy's wildest and most fertile plane, the home to a variety of wildlife; flamingoes, bull, horses, and thousands of water birds. Grab some picnic supplies from the local grocery store and take your time, or stop at a local cafe. Those who want extra mileage can enjoy a great ride into the Delta in the afternoon. Your destination this evening is a small country bed and breakfast.
Accommodation: Agriturismo Forzello or Hotel Tessarin
Optional activity: Dinner near the agriturismo. Either a pizza menu or a 3-course meal.Day 3: Comacchio, 46 mi. (74 km)
Today is another day of easy riding. The destination is a small lagoon town, Comacchio, full of character and history. At one point in history, this port was more powerful than Venice. Built on thirteen islands, the town is now landlocked but surrounded by the Po River and freshwater wetlands. Comacchio has a fabulous museum that showcases a Roman boat and its cargo that was excavated from one of the canals. You may enjoy a boat ride through the extensive maze of canals on a traditional batane, a small flat-keeled boat which was the usual means of transport for the inhabitants until a few decades ago.
Accommodation: Hotel La Comancina or B & B Al PonticelloDay 4: Ravenna, 31 mi. (49 km)
Cycle along the Valley of Comacchio wetlands towards Ravenna. This city 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 your hotel is near all the city sights.
Accommodation: Ostello Galletti Abbiosi
Optional activity:
Guided visit of Ravenna (approx. 3 hours)
DinnerDay 5: Ravenna - Faenza, 35 mi. (56 km)
Exiting Ravenna, you have the choice to visit another important Byzantine masterpiece, Sant'Apollinare in Classe. After crossing the plains, you pedal through fruit plantations and arrive to Faenza, located in the region of Emilia-Romagna. 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 and a visit to the International Ceramics Museum is highly recommended as well as several of the local artists' studios specialized in this colorful pottery.
Accommodation: Hotel Vittoria
Optional activity: Dinner
Day 6: Faenza - Ronta, over the Apennines, 9 - 39 mi. (15 - 63 km)
You head into the Apennines today, passing first through the medieval village of Brisighella. This is a good place to take a break and pick up some snacks for the climb ahead. If you want to tackle the entire mountain, you can do so. Your route descriptions provide options. The climb is quite easy at first as you begin the ascent. Remember to look around as you pedal since the scenery changes dramatically as you leave the plains and enter the mountains. Just before the toughest part of the climb, there is a conveniently located train station that allows you a choice in how you reach your destination!
Accommodation: Albergo La Rosa
Optional activity:
Olive oil tasting in BrisighellaDay 7: Florence, 26 mi. (41 km)
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. We recommend waiting until after lunch to ride into town and the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this capital of Renaissance Italy.
Accommodation: Hotel Silla
Optional activity: DinnerDay 8: Departure
After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, you're ready to become a tourist again. Visit Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the other masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery, and more.
Optional activity: Guided visit of FlorenceCooking class is available in more than one location along the way and includes tasting the meal as well.
The class is run by Le Cesarine, a company that organizes culinary experiences at local people’s houses. Your class will last about 3 hours, during which you will help the Cesarina prepare 3 courses. In the 4th and final hour, you will enjoy a meal (lunch or dinner) made of the courses you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine every 3 people are included.
Day 1: Chiogga and the Venetian lagoon
Welcome to Chioggia and the Venetian Lagoon! After meeting our staff in the early afternoon, 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Domus ClugiaeDay 2: Cycle through the Po River Delta, 25 mi. (40 km)
You may choose to start your day with more exploration of the canals and alleys of colorful Chioggia, which you'll leave behind today as you cycle south through the Po Delta Valley (a national park and reserve). You will pedal along narrow levees and wetlands, in one of Europe's most important and largest bird sanctuaries (look out for herons, coots, terns, mallards and if you are lucky even the resident flocks of pink flamingo). Arrive in the small rural town of Taglio di Po, nestled on the Po River valley, your first taste of small town life in Italy and a great place to meet locals at the town piazza.
Accommodation: Hotel TessarinDay 3: Cycle to Comacchio, 50 mi. (80 km)
Pedal through an old hunting forest that belonged to the powerful Este family. You'll also have the chance to visit the impressive Pomposa Abbey on the way. Our destination is a small lagoon town that was more important than Venice in the 700 and 800s, and still shows its old splendor. Comacchio also houses a fabulous museum showcasing a dug-up Roman boat and its cargo, shown in a magnificent display. Built on 13 islands, this town is now landlocked but surrounded by the Po River and freshwater wetlands. Stroll the town or float around the canals with a local fisherman on a small gondola, before dinner.
Accommodation: Al Ponticello B&BDay 4: Comacchio to Ravenna, 31 mi. (49 km)
Continue south along the Valley of Comacchio towards Ravenna, 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 in San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Make sure to also stroll this fabulous city - our hotel is within walking distance from all the city sights.
Accommodation: Hotel Centrale ByronDay 5: Ravenna to Faenza, 35 mi. (56 km)
As you exit Ravenna this morning, a visit to a Byzantine masterpiece: Sant'Apollinare in Classe, is recommended. You will cross the plains and fruit plantations before arriving in Faenza. Your hotel is an elegantly restored convent just a few blocks from 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 (the square is one of the loveliest in Italy!). Faenza is world-renowned for its hand decorated ceramics, and we recommend visiting the International Ceramics Museum as well the local artists' studios, which specialize in this colorful pottery.
Accommodation: Hotel VittoriaDay 6: Over the Apennines to Florence
Distance to Brisighella: 15 km (9 miles)
Distance to Ronta: 63 km (39 miles)
Distance to Florence: 104 km (64 miles)
Today you'll cycle out of Faenza to Brisighella, through fruit farms and olive orchards, with the Apennine mountains in plain view. A 15 km bike ride away, the medieval village of Brisighella (officially on the list of The Loveliest Hamlets in Italy!), is a picturesque town worth the stop. After exploring its alleys and piazzas, or walking up to the fortification perched on a hill above the town, you can choose to meet our representative at the Brisighella train station to hand over your bike and continue with your luggage by train into Florence, or choose to cycle up Ronta, where you could also get on a train with your bike. Another option is to cycle all the way into Florence. Three wonderful options to cross over the mountains from Emilia-Romagna and end your adventure in Tuscany!
Accommodation: Hotel VasariDay 7: Departure
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Hotels & Bikes
Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the accommodations that are generally used. Of course in the event of lack of availability, our partner will search for a comparable alternative. Most of the accommodations are in 3 and 4-star establishments. Upgrades are possible in some hotels. Just ask.
Bicycles
Titanium hybrid
- Van Nicholas Amazon 3AL/2,5V titanium hybrid/mixte frame and VN Slx carbon fork
- Continental Contact 700×25 tires with an anti-puncture layer
- Solid rear rack for panniers or trunk bag,
- Fenders
- Chain-guard and kickstand
- Ergon GP2 grips
- 3×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain
- Step-through frame available
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 or 7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
- Breakfast
- 1 dinner (8 day tour)
- Detailed welcome briefing by local, professional staff
- High-quality aluminum touring bicycle
- GPs with preloaded tracks
- Roadbook and maps with detailed step by step cue sheets
- Tourist information
- Luggage transfer
- Emergency number
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners
- Helmet
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Tourist tax (€2-5 per night) to be paid locally
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2022
Saturday departures between March 1 and October 31, 2022
*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.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
8 Day Tour
Twin/double: $ 1849 £ 1054 $ 1,686 € 1210 ₪ 4509 NZ$ 2047 kr 13214 $ 1,302
Single supplement: $ 382 £ 218 $ 348 € 250 ₪ 932 NZ$ 423 kr 2730 $ 269
Solo travelers (total, including single supplement): $ 978 £ 557 $ 892 € 640 ₪ 2385 NZ$ 1083 kr 6989 $ 689
High-Season supplement may apply (May, September and early October)
7 Day Tour
Twin/double: $ 1253 £ 714 $ 1,143 € 820 ₪ 3056 NZ$ 1387 kr 8955 $ 882
Single supplement: $ 168 £ 96 $ 153 € 110 ₪ 410 NZ$ 186 kr 1201 $ 118
Solo traveler: $ 856 £ 488 $ 780 € 560 ₪ 2087 NZ$ 947 kr 6116 $ 602
High-Season supplement may apply (May, September and early October)
Extra Options
8 day: $ 244 £ 139 $ 223 € 160 ₪ 596 NZ$ 271 kr 1747 $ 172
7 day: $ 160 £ 91 $ 146 € 105 ₪ 391 NZ$ 178 kr 1147 $ 113
Twin/double:
Chioggia, from: $ 107 £ 61 $ 98 € 70 ₪ 261 NZ$ 118 kr 764 $ 75 Ravena, from: $ 112 £ 64 $ 102 € 73 ₪ 272 NZ$ 124 kr 797 $ 79 Faenza, from: $ 92 £ 52 $ 84 € 60 ₪ 224 NZ$ 102 kr 655 $ 65 Florence, from: $ 99 £ 57 $ 91 € 65 ₪ 242 NZ$ 110 kr 710 $ 70The price depends on season of booking. Single pricing on request.
Gourmet dinner in Chioggia: $ 64 £ 37 $ 59 € 42 ₪ 157 NZ$ 71 kr 459 $ 45 Dinner on Day 2:
Pizza menu: $ 28 £ 16 $ 25 € 18 ₪ 67 NZ$ 30 kr 197 $ 19 3-course menu: $ 41 £ 24 $ 38 € 27 ₪ 101 NZ$ 46 kr 295 $ 29 Dinner in Ravena, Faenza, or Ronta, Day 4, 5, 6:
Per dinner: $ 46 £ 26 $ 42 € 30 ₪ 112 NZ$ 51 kr 328 $ 32 Dinner in Florence: $ 38 £ 22 $ 35 € 25 ₪ 93 NZ$ 42 kr 273 $ 27 Guided visit of Ravenna:
1 person: $ 183 £ 105 $ 167 € 120 ₪ 447 NZ$ 203 kr 1311 $ 129 2 ppl. sharing cost: $ 214 £ 122 $ 195 € 140 ₪ 522 NZ$ 237 kr 1529 $ 151 3 - 6 ppl. sharing cost: $ 275 £ 157 $ 251 € 180 ₪ 671 NZ$ 305 kr 1966 $ 194Olive oil tasting in Brisighella: $ 8 £ 4 $ 7 € 5 ₪ 19 NZ$ 8 kr 55 $ 5 Guided visit of Florence:
Per group, up to 12 ppl. sharing cost: $ 229 £ 131 $ 209 € 150 ₪ 559 NZ$ 254 kr 1638 $ 161 Cooking class:
From 2 ppl, sharing costs: $ 122 £ 70 $ 111 € 80 ₪ 298 NZ$ 135 kr 874 $ 86Venice airport to Chioggia:
1 - 6 ppl, sharing costs: $ 176 £ 100 $ 160 € 115 ₪ 429 NZ$ 195 kr 1256 $ 124 7 - 12 ppl, sharing costs: $ 351 £ 200 $ 321 € 230 ₪ 857 NZ$ 389 kr 2512 $ 247 Florence to Florence airport:
1 - 3 ppl, sharing costs: $ 92 £ 52 $ 84 € 60 ₪ 224 NZ$ 102 kr 655 $ 65 4 - 6 ppl, sharing costs: $ 99 £ 57 $ 91 € 65 ₪ 242 NZ$ 110 kr 710 $ 70Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
You will be cycling on gentle terrain down to the Adriatic Coast with more challenging rides as you enter the Apennines. The first five days are flat but the last few days include climbs. However there is the option to take a train. Total distance is 305-362 km (190-226 miles) with daily distances between 15 - 83 km.
Airport Info
Most convenient and closest airports: Fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and depart from Florence Airport (FLR) or Pisa. It is also possible to fly into Bologna, Milan, or Rome.
Local Travel
For your arrival, Chioggia is easily accessible from Venice or other Italian destinations by train. If you are spending time in Venice before your tour, and most will, you can take a ferry to Chioggia which is on the south side of the lagoon. You can as well book a private transfer from the Venice Airport to your hotel in Chioggia. Let us know your travel plans and we can more fully inform you in regard to how to arrive to your first hotel.
Climate
Venice has a Mediterranean climate with hot weather in July and August accompanied by high humidity and Florence experiences a transitional Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, sunny, summers. Peak (and best) travel months are April, May, June, September, and into October.
Recommended
We recommend booking extra nights in Venice before your tour and in Florence after your tour. However, Chioggia, from which you start your tour, is actually a wonderful base from which to explore Venice as it offers less expensive accommodations. There’s a summer tourist boat that runs between Chioggia and Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, from early June until late September. Another option would be to take a bus from Chioggia to Piazzale Roma in Venice. You can request extra nights in either city!
Remarks
Your luggage will be collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered to the following hotel by 15.30. Each piece of luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly for a local taxi for the service.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Optional activities
Optional activities are available throughout your tour. See day to day for options and pricing. The dinners you book through us consist of 3-course set menus (though some restaurants allow multiple-choice menu). Drinks are not included. Please check the scheduled time of your dinner, as some restaurants in Italy open for dinner as late as 7:30 or 8:00 pm.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycle Europe.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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