Book-ended by two of Italy’s most iconic cities, there’s no shortage of art, culture, history and scenery on this popular cycle route. Ride from seductive Venice, around the Venetian Lagoon to charming Chioggia and through the wild Po Delta to the Roman city of Ravenna. Finally you cross the Apennines by train and descend to the Renaissance city of Florence.
After enjoying time in Venice your cycling adventure begins with some island hopping around the Venetian lagoon to Chioggia – a mini Venice. From there it’s on to Adria, the charming city that was once on the coast and gave the Adriatic Sea its name and then to Comacchio with its ornate churches and serene canal.
En-route near the Po River
In the Po Delta you’ll follow quiet lanes through a huge wetland wilderness where nature still holds sway and shortly afterwards you’ll pass some inviting beaches where you may be tempted to stop for a dip before overnighting in the historic port city of Ravenna.
In the Appenine foothills you’ll spend a night in the delightful medieval village of Brisighella, overlooked by a beautiful Venetian Fortress. The following day a short train ride takes you over the steepest Appenines leaving you with an enjoyable ride down to the Renaissance City of Florence.
Almost anyone can tackle this Italian cycling tour. It’s mainly flat terrain, although as you head into the Apennines on days six and seven there are some hills to contend with. Thankfully the climbs are invariably short and more often rewarded with enjoyable cooling descents. The route covers paved farm tracks and quiet back roads as much as possible, with only a few very short sections on roads with more traffic.