Venice to Florence Cycle Tour

During the day arrive in Venice. Your hotel will be located on the mainland just before Venice with excellent bus links to the lagoon city. If you have time take a trip into Venice City and explore the sites, maybe head to St Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge.

In the morning, you will have your tour information. Then you will cycle on the bike path over the Liberty Bridge to Venice. Afterward, you will take the ferry to Lido and then you will cycle via Pellestrina with stunning views of the sea, to Chioggia, which is a quiet little town, reminiscent of the Venetian naval supremacy, where you can take a rest in one of the typical fish restaurants. Tonight, you will stay in Chioggia or Sottomarina, where there is a wide sandy beach.

Today on quiet minor roads you will cycle back to the river Adige, which will lead you through fertile fields or melon plantations and tranquil villages to Adria, a small, friendly city with lots of charm. Adria was founded by the Etruscans because of its proximity to the rivers Adige and Po, now the city with narrow streets and cosy cafes attracts many visitors.

You will cycle a short part of today’s route along the longest river in Italy, the river Po. Then, one of its branches, called Po di Goro, will lead you right through its river delta towards the sea. Here you will have a chance to take a dip in the Adriatic Sea before continuing to the charming town of Comacchio. Here you shall see magnificent palazzi, ornate churches, and numerous bridges which still bear witness of the prosperity once gained by salt production in this region.

The first half of the day’s bike tour is dedicated to the natural park “Delta del Po” with its unique flora and fauna. Riding your bike on a dam, you will feel like cycling straight through the water while flamingos are nesting only a few meters away from you. After a short ferry ride (tickets not included, about € 2) you will reach the Adriatic Sea again. There are wide beaches on the way to Ravenna, where you will be enchanted by the art and culture of the port city. You are now in the Romagna region which is well known for its gastronomic delights.

The foothills of the Apennines form gently rolling hills which change the landscape. Even earlier, on the edge of the vast plains, you will get to Faenza, an enchanting little city where world-famous ceramics are produced. The artists will be happy to let you watch while they are painting the artifacts. Now it is not far to Brisighella, an idyllic, medieval village. Here tranquillity and pure relaxation await you.

You will admire heather-clad slopes and extensive views across to the distant North Pennines via the infant River Caldew, enjoying an ascent of High Pike – the highest point of your journey at 685 metres.

The day starts with a wonderful train journey through the wild mountain world of the Apennines to Borgo San Lorenzo. Today, you will cycle up two short climbs. Your reward will be a fantastic descent via Fiesole to Florence, the history-charged capital of Tuscany.

Depart after breakfast.