Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Self-Guided Verona to Bologna EuroVelo 7 Sun Route Bike Tour

EuroVelo 7, also known as the Cicloposta del Sole or the Sun Route, runs all the way from the North Cape to Malta, and the stretch from Verona to Bologna captures some of its most enchanting moments in northeastern Italy.

The journey begins in Verona and moves gently through the vineyard covered hills of Valpolicella before turning south toward the elegant city of Mantua. From there, the route follows the calm rhythm of the Po and Secchia rivers, eventually joining a dedicated cycling path built along an old railway line, which provides a safe and scenic passage from Mirandola to Osteria Nuova.

Along the way, we pause in small and authentic towns like Mirandola and San Felice sul Panaro, where everyday Italian life unfolds in its quiet beauty. The adventure concludes in Bologna, a city known for its endless porticoes, soaring medieval towers, ancient university, and unforgettable cuisine. Together, these experiences create a route that reveals both the celebrated landmarks and the hidden soul of northern Italy.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Verona

Finish

Bologna

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

54 km / 33 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Fly-In

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

Fly-Out

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Highlights

Highlight Image

Explore Three UNESCO Cities at Your Own Pace

Ride through Verona, Mantua, and Bologna, soaking in world-class art, architecture, and timeless history while enjoying the freedom of a self-guided journey

Highlight Image

Follow the EuroVelo 7 Route from Verona to Bologna

Experience a seamless ride along one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance cycling routes, combining safe bike paths, riverside roads, and former railway tracks for a smooth and scenic adventure.

Highlight Image

Cycle Through Italy’s Most Authentic Countryside

Pedal past vineyard-covered hills, tranquil canals, charming rural towns, and the wide Po Valley landscapes that reveal Italy’s quieter, untouched beauty.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Verona

Your adventure begins in Verona, a city where Roman architecture still stands with grace beside medieval streets and historic piazzas. The atmosphere feels like a living storybook filled with culture, art, and old-world charm. Take your time to wander, breathe it in, and let Verona fascinate you with its timeless beauty.

Meals:
Itinerary Image

Day 2: Verona

After a bike fitting and briefing, you're all set to begin your Verona cycling adventure. Today you will ride through the heart of Valpolicella, the region famous for its exceptional wines and stunning scenery.

The route takes you along peaceful country roads lined with vineyards, ancient stone farmhouses, and graceful Venetian villas, many of which are now renowned wineries. As the loop brings you back toward Verona, you will follow gentle hills, terraced vineyards, and the serene flow of the Adige River.

Elevation Gain: +350 m Unpaved Sections: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Mantua

Today the journey takes you southwest as you ride out of Verona toward Sommacampagna. Along the way, make time to stop at the medieval castle in Valeggio sul Mincio, easily recognized by its unique swallow-tailed Ghibelline battlements.

A little further ahead lies the enchanting village of Borghetto sul Mincio, known as the home of delicious tortellini and scenic riverfront views. The route then continues along the peaceful, green banks of the Mincio River, leading you straight into Mantua, a remarkable medieval city beautifully enclosed by three serene lakes.

Elevation Gain: +320 m Unpaved Sections: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Ostiglia

Today we leave Mantua and cycle straight into open countryside, surrounded by quiet canals, cultivated fields, and the calm rhythm of rural landscapes. The route follows the Mincio River toward Governolo, once a fortified village protected by a powerful castle. Though the fortress has disappeared, traces of history still survive, including a partially buried water system, a clock tower, and a few ancient houses.

From there, we continue riding alongside the Po, the longest river in Italy, until we reach Ostiglia, a simple but authentic river town shaped by work, tradition, and time.

Elevation Gain: +100 m Unpaved Sections: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 42 km / 26 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Doria
Itinerary Image

Day 5: San Felice sul Panaro

Today we cross the bridge over the Po and soon meet the Secchia River, following its gentle, winding path across the countryside. As we pass through Concordia sulla Secchia, reminders of the 2012 earthquake are still visible, silently telling their story.

Our ride continues toward Mirandola, birthplace of the renowned Italian philosopher Giovanni Pico dei Conti della Mirandola, a key figure in Renaissance humanism. From here, we pedal onward to San Felice sul Panaro, where the striking Rocca Estense proudly watches over the town.

Elevation Gain: +150 m Unpaved Sections: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Luna
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Bologna

Today the path leads us alongside the Brenner–Bologna railway, guiding us steadily toward Emilia-Romagna’s vibrant heart. Along the way, we reach San Giovanni in Persiceto, a town full of delightful surprises. Here we find a Museum of Physics, hidden courtyards decorated with colourful murals, and deep Carnival traditions that appear in unexpected corners of the streets.

With new memories collected along the journey, we finally continue toward Bologna, our long-awaited destination filled with history, culture, and character.

Elevation Gain: +150 m Unpaved Sections: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 62 km / 39 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 7: Bologna

Today we set out to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding Bologna. Leaving the city behind, we follow the Navile Canal into open landscapes filled with farmhouses, wide fields, and quiet rural charm. Along the way, we can stop at the Museum of Rural Civilization and the Museum of Industrial Heritage, both offering a beautiful glimpse into agricultural and cultural history. The village of Bentivoglio is another highlight, inviting us to pause and enjoy its calm atmosphere. At the end of the ride, we return our bikes and settle in for a second relaxing night in Bologna.

Elevation Gain: +150 m Unpaved Sections: 15%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 49 km / 30 mi

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, we check out and bring this unforgettable journey to a close. With memories of Verona, Lake Garda, Mantua, and Bologna, we say arrivederci and carry the spirit of the route with us.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $350

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $170



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Are e-bikes guaranteed if I choose the e-bike option?

E-bikes are available on many of our tours, but they are not guaranteed and remain subject to availability. Our local partners maintain a limited fleet, and certain frame sizes— especially for guests below 160 cm orabove 180 cm—may be limited.

We always do our best to secure your preferred bike type, but in some destinations availability is restricted. If your exact size is not available, we will inform you in advance and offer the best possible alternative.

To improve your chances of securing an e-bike, we recommend booking early and providing accurate height details.

Bike Image

Velo de Ville L200 or similar

touring

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Velo de Ville AEB 890 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your journey begins at Verona, served by the Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), located 10–12 km from Verona’s historic centre. The airport is well connected to major European hubs such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris with direct flights.

Taxis are available directly outside the terminal for a quick transfer to your accommodation.

The Aerobus shuttle provides a direct link to Verona Porta Nuova railway station at frequent intervals, ensuring a smooth connection for travelers. Public buses also operate between the airport and key city points, offering an affordable and reliable alternative. These services together make VRN an efficient and accessible entry point for all arrivals. Your tour includes a friendly meet-and-greet in Verona, along with a professional in-person bike fitting to prepare you comfortably for the journey ahead.

Departure

For your return journey, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the nearest departure hub, situated around 10km from Bologna city centre. It has direct flights to major European hubs such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul among others.

The airport is easily accessible through multiple transport choices. The Marconi Express airport train connects Bologna Centrale station to the terminal within minutes, offering fast and consistent service.

Taxis are widely available across the city, providing a comfortable door-to-terminal transfer at any time. Additionally, local bus services operate frequent routes between central Bologna and the airport.

Weather

The cycling season in this region shifts noticeably through the year. January to March is the off season, with cold temperatures between 5–12°C and shorter daylight, making the routes quiet but more suited for travellers who enjoy calmer surroundings.

April to June is one of the best periods to visit, offering mild and pleasant weather ranging from 12–22°C, blooming landscapes, and longer days that create ideal conditions for comfortable cycling.

July and August remain good months, bringing warmer temperatures around 18–28°C and a more lively atmosphere, although this period can be busier due to summer holidays.

September and October are again among the finest months, with stable weather, gentle sunshine, and temperatures between 14–22°C, giving cyclists a peaceful and scenic environment.

November and December return to the off season, with cool temperatures around 6–13°C and fewer visitors, perfect for those who prefer quiet and relaxed travel.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Best

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Best

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

Reviews from our friends

You may also like


Passau to Budapest Danube Cycle Path Four Country E-Bike Tour
Self-Guided

Self-Guided Passau to Budapest Danube Cycle Path Four Country E-Bike Tour

casual+  hotelsmoderate to challenging level

10 Daysfrom$1,695/person

View Details
Salzburg to Trieste Alpe Adria Bike Tour
Self-Guided

Self-Guided Salzburg to Trieste Alpe Adria Bike Tour

casual+  hotelsmoderate level

9 daysfrom$1,995/person

View Details