Venice to Florence Cycle
Venice to Florence Cycle
Venice to Florence Cycle
8 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Florence, Italy
Visiting: Venice, Adria, Comacchio, Ravenna, Brisighella, Florence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VFC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Venice to Florence Cycle" tour, a self-guided adventure through the heart of Italy. Starting in the enchanting city of Venice, you'll cycle across the iconic Freedom Bridge and traverse the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region. Experience the charm of small villages, savor local culinary delights like marinated sardines, and enjoy the warm hospitality of 3-4 star hotels. Highlights include cycling along the Adige and Po Rivers, exploring the mosaic town of Ravenna, and conquering the scenic foothills of the Apennines. Conclude your journey in the historic city of Florence, the capital of Tuscany. This moderate-grade tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and cycling, with luggage transfers and digital navigation support to ensure a seamless experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Venice / Mestre / Marghera
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Marghera/Mestre
The trip begins at your hotel in Marghera/Mestre on the mainland near Venice. With good bus connections to the lagoon city, it is easy to venture on foot into the famous canal city from your hotel. Note that bikes (like cars) are not permitted in the canal city.
Day 2 : Cycle Across Freedom Bridge To Venice And On To Chioggia (35Km/21.5Mi)
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Chioggia/Sottomarina
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there's a welcome briefing then your cycle begins by crossing the Ponte della Libertà (or Freedom Bridge). Originally built in 1933 and opened by Mussolini, it was renamed after WWII to recognise the end of the Fascist dictatorship and Nazi occupation. The 3.85km bridge links Mestre with Venice and is the only vehicle access point to the canal city. Once in Venice, you take the ferry to Lido then cycle and take another ferry to Pellestrina, with marvellous views of the sea, and another to the small town of Chioggia. Chioggia has many fish restaurants, a market, and in the northern tip of town, some excellent (though decaying) waterfront palazzi which are reminiscent of those found in Venice. Overnight in Chioggia/Sottomarina.
Cycling: completely flat route, three ferry crossings
Day 3 : Follow The Adige River Through Fertile Fields To The Charming Town Of Adria (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Adria
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Adria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today on quiet roads you cycle back to the Adige River. You'll follow the river through fertile fields, melon plantations and tranquil villages to Adria. Founded by the Etruscans because of its proximity to the Po & Adige rivers, Adria is a charming little town with branched channels, narrow streets, cosy cafés and friendly locals.
Cycling: flat route along the river and small canals.
Day 4 : Along The Po River To Comacchio (65Km / 40.5Mi)
Location: Comacchio
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Comacchio
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is an easy cycle along the Po River, as it winds its way through the fertile plain. One of its branches, the Po di Goro, will lead you through the delta towards the sea. There is time to swim in the Adriatic Sea before heading to the charming town of Comacchio. Magnificent palazzi, ornate churches and numerous bridges bear witness to the prosperity once gained by salt production in the area.
Cycling: flat route
Day 5 : Cycle To The Mosaic Town Of Ravenna Via The Po Delta Nature Park (65Km /40.5Mi)
Location: Ravenna
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ravenna
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first half of today's tour is dedicated to the Nature Park of the Po Delta, with its unique flora and fauna. Riding along a dam you may see flamingos nesting nearby. After a short ferry ride (not included, allow EUR2pp subject to change) you will reach the Adriatic Sea. There are wide beaches on the way to enchanting Ravenna, once capital of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. A harbour town with a long tradition of art and culture, Ravenna has appeared in famous works by Lord Byron (who lived here between 1819 and 1821), Oscar Wilde and the German poet Hermann Hesse and has a number of important UNESCO World Heritage listed sites to explore.Cycling: flat route
Day 6 : Cycle To The Foothills Of The Apennine Range And The Town Of Brisighella (55Km / 34Mi)
Location: Brisighella
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Brisighella
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle to Faenza, famous for ceramics. The artisans will be happy to let you watch while they paint the artefacts. Continuing, you'll soon reach the foothills of the Apennines and a marked change in the scenery. Only a short distance remains to Brisighella, an idyllic medieval village where you stay overnight. Guarded by Rocca Veneziana and Torre dell'Orologio, you can enjoy a restful evening.
Cycling: mainly flat route until Faenza, then a few gentle climbs. Leaving Ravenna there can be some road traffic for a short period.
Day 7 : Train To Borgo San Lorenzo Then Continue By Bike To Florence (35Km / 21.5Mi)
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day starts with a train ride through the wild mountains of the Apennines to Borgo San Lorenzo. Today has two climbs before you're rewarded with a fantastic descent via Fiesole to Florence, the historic capital of Tuscany!
Cycling: a steep climb of approx 1.5km and a longer climb of approx 3km to be managed today, however the majority of the day is downhill. When arriving in Florence, expect some heavy traffic.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be organised in Florence, or if you're keen for another adventure you can continue on our Florence to Rome by Bike.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights 3-4 star hotels -
7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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21 or 7 speed bike rental with pannier and bike computer and bike insurance for theft/damage (27 speed superior bike and e-bike available - supplement applies)
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Welcome briefing
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information (printed documents must be requested at time of booking - no additional charge applies)
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24hr ticket for public transport in Venice (bike is extra, allow €5/bike), Train fare Brisighella to Borgo San Lorenzo (including bike)
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Venice (Mestre/Marghera) and from Florence
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
What's Not Included
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Travel to Venice and from Florence
Travel to Venice (Mestre/Marghera) and from Florence is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.
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Ferry tickets for the bike
Ferry tickets for the bike on Venice ferries and to Marina di Ravenna - allow €5 per person including bike.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Helmet
Helmets are available to purchase locally, must prebook.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes are extra and payable locally - allow EUR10-15.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included are not provided.
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Optional transfer to Venice on day 8
Optional transfer to Venice on day 8 by minibus must be pre-booked and pre-paid.
Please ask for our rates. -
Paper documents
Paper documents can be provided at the joining hotel, on request at the time of booking.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Venice Municipality Access Fee
Venice Municipality Access Fee is expected to enter into force in Spring 2024 (approx.
€18-30 to be paid on site). -
Dinner and lunches daily and all drinks
Dinner and lunches daily and all drinks are not included.
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Tourist tax
Tourist tax (where applicable - payable locally directly to the hotel) is not included.
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Storage of luggage and parking
Storage of luggage and parking is not included.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided trip.
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Single supplement
A single supplement will apply if you are traveling alone or book a single room.
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Paper documents on arrival
Paper documents on arrival must be requested at the time of booking.
Accommodation
7 nights 3-4 star hotels. Throughout the trip you will be staying in centrally located 3 to 4 star hotels, chosen for their location and friendly staff. All rooms have private facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Mestre/Marghera and Florence. Details are available on request.
Grading
GRADE 3 - daily cycles of around 35 to 65km / 21.5 to 40.5mi. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The route is flat until Day 5. On the 6th day there are three to four easy hills. On the 7th day there are two short climbs and a long descent. You cycle on dykes, rural roads or solitary minor roads. Only very short distances are cycled on roads with more traffic. Mostly the cycling is on asphalted surfaces. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a 24hr ticket for public transport in Venice, train fare from Brisighella to Borgo San Lorenzo, and ferry tickets for the bike on Venice ferries and to Marina di Ravenna. Optional transfer to Venice on day 8 by minibus is available.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Throughout the trip, you will be staying in centrally located 3 to 4 star hotels, chosen for their location and friendly staff. All rooms have private facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Mestre/Marghera and Florence upon request.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour includes a 21 or 7 speed bike rental with pannier and bike computer, and bike insurance for theft/damage. A 27 speed superior bike and e-bike are also available for an additional supplement.
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Is there a welcome briefing at the start of the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome briefing on the first morning of the tour.
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How is luggage handled during the tour?
Luggage transfer is provided, with a maximum of one piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available throughout the tour for any urgent issues.
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Are there any additional costs for public transport during the tour?
Yes, a 24-hour ticket for public transport in Venice is included, but an additional fee of approximately €5 per bike applies. Train fare from Brisighella to Borgo San Lorenzo, including the bike, is also included.
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Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Are helmets provided during the tour?
Helmets are not included but are available for purchase locally. They must be prebooked.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts, which usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The cycling is moderate (grade 3) with daily cycles of around 35 to 65km. The route is flat until Day 5, with some easy hills on Day 6 and two short climbs and a long descent on Day 7. The cycling is mostly on asphalted surfaces, dykes, rural roads, or solitary minor roads, with only very short distances on roads with more traffic.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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