From the Adriatic Lagoon to the Cradle of the Renaissance
Journey from the iconic canals of Venice to the grand Renaissance monuments of Florence on a stunning 8-day self-guided cycling tour. Riding through undiscovered Italian landscapes, you will cycle past orchards, sunflower fields, and peaceful coastal waterways far from the tourist crowds. Discover UNESCO-listed mosaic treasures in Ravenna, flamingos in the Po Delta nature reserve, ceramic workshops in Faenza, and medieval fortresses in Brisighella before arriving in Tuscan capital of Florence.
Self-Guided Cycling Across Diverse Landscapes
The route is mostly flat across the plains and coastal deltas during the first few days, gradually becoming gently rolling as you approach the Apennine foothills. You will navigate quiet backroads, river dams, and scenic cycle paths, using detailed route materials and maps. Highlights along the way include two short ferry crossings with lovely island views and a scenic train ride through the Apennine Mountains to set up the final, rewarding descent into Florence.
ROUTE
Starting on the mainland near Venice (Mestre/Marghera), the itinerary heads south across the islands of Lido and Pellestrina to Chioggia. From there, it follows quiet roads through Adria and deep into the Po Delta, continuing to the historic mosaic city of Ravenna. Moving inland towards Tuscany, the route passes through Faenza and medieval Brisighella. On Day 7, a picturesque train ride carries you across the Apennine peaks to Borgo San Lorenzo, followed by a final cycling stage with a couple of short climbs and a fantastic descent via Fiesole directly into Florence.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Venice/Mestre/Marghera
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel on the mainland, conveniently located with excellent bus connections to Venice. Before your cycling adventure begins, enjoy a traditional grappa tasting near St. Mark’s Square and soak up the unique atmosphere of the lagoon city.
Day 2: Marghera/Mestre/Venice – Chioggia/Sottomarina
35 km + ferry trip
In the morning, you will have your tour information. Then you will cycle on the bike path over the Liberty Bridge to Venice. Afterwards, 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/Sottomarina, where there is a wide sandy beach.
Day 3: Chioggia/Sottomarina – Adria
50 km
Today begins with a relaxing boat trip on the beautiful High Rhine to Stein am Rhein. Here you can enjoy the landscape from a different perspective. Back on Lake Constance Cycle Path you continue across the Höri peninsula to the spa town of Radolfzell. On the way over the Bodanrück, you will be accompanied by countless orchards on the way to your destination for today, Ludwigshafen or Überlingen, with its numerous parks, gardens and green spaces.
Day 4: Adria – Comacchio/Surroundings
65 km
Today’s route follows part of the River Po, the longest river in Italy, before continuing along one of its branches, the Po di Goro, through the spectacular delta towards the Adriatic Sea. Before reaching the charming town of Comacchio, you may wish to take a refreshing swim in the sea. Often called “Little Venice”, Comacchio is famous for its elegant palaces, historic churches and picturesque bridges, all reminders of its prosperous past built on salt production.
Day 5: Comacchio/Surroundings – Ravenna
65 km
The first half of today’s ride takes you through the Po Delta Regional Park, one of Italy’s most important natural reserves. Cycling along the dykes, you will feel surrounded by water while flamingos nest just a few metres away. After a short ferry crossing (ticket not included, approximately €2), you will continue along the Adriatic coast towards Ravenna, a fascinating city renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, rich artistic heritage and historic monuments.
Day 6: Ravenna – Brisighella
55 km
Leaving the coast behind, the landscape gradually changes as the foothills of the Apennines begin to rise. Along the way, you will pass through Faenza, internationally famous for its fine ceramics, where local artisans still create and paint beautiful handmade pieces. Your destination is the medieval village of Brisighella, overlooked by the Rocca Veneziana and the Clock Tower, offering a peaceful atmosphere and one of the most picturesque settings of the journey.
Day 7: Brisighella – Florence
35 km + train journey
The day begins with a scenic train ride through the spectacular Apennine Mountains to Borgo San Lorenzo. From there, you will cycle over two gentle climbs before enjoying a rewarding descent via Fiesole into Florence, the magnificent capital of Tuscany, celebrated worldwide for its Renaissance art, architecture and timeless beauty.
Day 8: Departure or Extension
Your tour ends after breakfast. However, we are also happy to extend your vacation.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Venice (Departure Point)
By Plane: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Airport (TSF). Express buses connect both airports directly to Mestre Railway Station (approx. 20–30 minutes).
By Train: Arrive directly at Venezia Mestre railway station, which offers fast rail connections from major European cities.
Departure to Florence
By Plane: Fly out of Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), accessible via a short 15-minute tram ride (T2 line) from Santa Maria Novella station.
By Train: Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is a major rail hub with high-speed connections back to Venice (approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes) or onward to Rome and Milan.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation in 3★–4★ hotels
- Breakfast
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
- 1 24-hours ticket for Venice (valid for public transportation)
- 1 train journey Brisighella – Borgo San Lorenzo incl. your bike
- 1 little Grappa tasting session in Venice
- Support: Service hotline
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Meals not mentioned under “Included”
- Tourist taxes.
- Ferry tickets
- Parking or Transfers
- Travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2027.
Every Saturday (April–October)
Season 1
03 Apr – 16 Apr
25 Sep – 09 Oct
from
1429€
Options & Supplements
✓
+439€ Single Room
Season 2
17 Apr – 17 Apr
4 Sep – 24 Sep
from
1499€
Options & Supplements
✓
+439€ Single Room
Season 3
1 May – 3 Sep
from
1599€
Options & Supplements
✓
+439€ Single Room
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
3★–4★ hotels
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast
Venice/Mestre
Double Room 89€
Single room +55€
Florence
Double Room 125€
Single room +99€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
21 speed Bike
109 €
27 speed Bike
189 €
E-Bike
299 €