Self-Guided Venice to Florence Art Cities of Italy Bike Tour

Romance, art, history, and exceptional cuisine blend beautifully on this popular tour designed especially for beginner cyclists. This 8-day journey takes you from the canals of Venice to the Renaissance heart of Florence, offering a perfect balance of cycling, culture, and relaxation. Over six memorable riding days, experience the true essence of Italian tradition and landscapes.

Starting among the canals of Venice, you travel past the elegant bridges of Comacchio and the remarkable early Christian mosaics of Ravenna, finishing in the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Along the way, cycle through vineyards and orchards, explore the vibrant ceramic heritage of Faenza, and indulge in unforgettable gourmet cuisine in Emilia-Romagna, widely known as Italy’s most celebrated pasta region.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Venice

Finish

Florence

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

53 km / 33 mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Fly-Out

Florence Airport (FLR)

Highlights

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Italian Cultural Journey

Cycle from Venice to Florence while exploring historic towns, ancient mosaics, and Renaissance architecture. Each day brings a new chapter of Italy’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

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Gourmet Emilia-Romagna

Savor authentic Italian cuisine in the country’s most famous pasta region. Enjoy fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and unforgettable regional flavors.

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Scenic Countryside Rides

Pedal through vineyards, orchards, wetlands, and rolling landscapes. Peaceful roads and changing scenery make every ride both relaxing and inspiring.

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Florence – The Renaissance Finale

Arrive in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance and home to architectural icons like the Duomo. Conclude your journey surrounded by art, history, and elegant Tuscan streets, a fitting finale to an unforgettable ride.

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.

DayPlaceCasual+ InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1ChioggiaHotel Grande Italia (4-star)17 km / 11 micycling
DAY 2Agriturismo ForzelloAgriturismo Forzello (4-star)B58 km / 36 micycling
DAY 3ComacchioB&B Al Ponticello (4-star)B74 km / 46 micycling
DAY 4RavennaHotel Palazzo Galletti AbbiosiB63 km / 39 micycling
DAY 5FaenzaHotel Vittoria (4-star)B52 km / 32 micycling
DAY 6RontaHotel La Rosa B64 km / 40 micycling
DAY 7FlorenceHotel Silla B42 km / 26 micycling
DAY 8DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Chioggia

Welcome to Chioggia, often called Little Venice, set beautifully along the Venetian Lagoon. After settling in, you will get your bicycles adjusted and share all the important route information for the journey ahead.

Later, you can explore Chioggia’s charming center like its peaceful canals, lovely bridges, and the main pedestrian street full of local vibes. If you reach early, we can also recommend a short cycling trip across one of the lagoon islands for a perfect start.

Meals:
Cycling Distance: 17 km / 11 mi
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Day 2: Agriturismo Forzello

Today you leave the Venetian Lagoon and cycle toward the Po River Delta. The route follows quiet levee paths, ideal for relaxed riding and spotting birds along the way. Pick up picnic snacks from a local grocery store or stop at a café for lunch.

If you want to ride further, an optional extra loop into the delta is available in the afternoon. Tonight, you stay at a charming countryside farm bed and breakfast, surrounded by nature.

This day’s highlights include Chioggia, peaceful bicycle routes, and an overnight stay at a countryside farm estate.

Optional Po Delta Loop: 43 km (27 miles), +157 m (515 ft)

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 58 km / 36 mi
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Day 3: Comacchio

Cycle to Comacchio, a lagoon town that was once even more powerful than Venice during the 700–800s. Explore the museum showcasing a Roman boat and its cargo excavated from the canals. Discover the town built on 13 small islands, now connected to the mainland but still surrounded by the Po River and freshwater wetlands.

This day’s highlights include Comacchio and its “Trepponti” bridge.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 74 km / 46 mi
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Day 4: Ravenna

Cycle through the Comacchio wetlands, perfect for birdwatching, on your way to Ravenna. The peaceful wetland scenery makes for a refreshing ride, and you might spot herons, egrets, and other local birds along the paths. Explore this historic city, known for its early Christian mosaics. Visit Dante’s Tomb, San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in the afternoon. Wander through charming streets lined with cafés and artisan shops, soaking in the local atmosphere.

This day’s highlights include wetlands, birdwatching, stunning mosaics, and the lively atmosphere of Ravenna.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 63 km / 39 mi
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Day 5: Faenza

On the way, you can stop at Sant’Apollinare in Classe, a remarkable Byzantine church. Cycle across open plains and fruit orchards to Faenza. The town is vibrant, with colorful buildings and a lively market atmosphere. Stay in a restored convent near the central square. Explore the lively piazza, visit the International Ceramics Museum, and see local artists’ workshops producing hand-decorated ceramics. Take time to wander through the cobbled streets and admire the town’s Renaissance architecture.

This day’s highlights include the Faenza International Ceramics Museum and a beautiful Renaissance town square.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 52 km / 32 mi
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Day 6: Ronta

Cycle into the Apennine mountains, passing through the medieval village of Brisighella. Stop for a break and pick up snacks before the climb. As you pedal through the mountains, enjoy changing scenery from the plains to dramatic peaks. The winding roads offer fantastic viewpoints, and you may see small villages tucked into the hills. Just before the steepest part, a conveniently located train station allows you to skip the hardest section if you choose.

Tonight, stay in Ronta, a peaceful mountain town with fresh, crisp air. Relax on the terrace and enjoy the stunning mountain vistas. Dinner is included.

This day’s highlights include cycling through the Apennines and the scenic Mugello region.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 64 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa
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Day 7: Florence

Start with a short climb to Vetta le Croci, then descend to Fiesole for panoramic views of Florence. Glide down into Florence on your bike. The ride gives a unique perspective of the city before you arrive. The afternoon is free to explore Renaissance Florence and visit famous landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Stroll through bustling streets, enjoy an espresso in a local café, or simply soak in the Florentine atmosphere. Bicycles must be returned by 5:00 pm.

This day’s highlights include Fiesole and its Etruscan ruins, Renaissance Florence, and the famous Uffizi Gallery.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 42 km / 26 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Silla

Day 8: Departure

After a buffet breakfast, explore Florence at your own pace. Visit Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and other masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Grande Italia (4-star)

An elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Chioggia, overlooking the Venetian Lagoon. It offers classic comfort, warm hospitality, and a perfect location near the town’s main sights.

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Agriturismo Forzello (4-star)

A charming countryside farmstay in the heart of the Po Delta Park, surrounded by peaceful nature and lush greenery. It offers comfortable rural-style apartments with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and easy access to cycling and birdwatching trails.

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B&B Al Ponticello (4-star)

harming canal-side bed and breakfast in the heart of Comacchio’s historic centre, with individually styled rooms offering comfortable beds and scenic views of the water.

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Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi

A historic hotel in the heart of Ravenna, set in a former noble residence with elegant, bright rooms and original frescoed ceilings. Guests enjoy a rich breakfast, a peaceful garden, free bicycles for exploring the city, and a welcoming atmosphere just steps from the main cultural sights

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Hotel Vittoria (4-star)

A 4-star property in the historic centre of Faenza, housed in an elegant period building near Piazza del Popolo and the International Museum of Ceramics. The hotel offers distinctive rooms with free Wi-Fi, a rich breakfast buffet, and a prime location for exploring the city’s artistic and cultural highlights.

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Albergo La Rosa (4-star)

Albergo La Rosa is a welcoming hotel in the Apennine foothills of Ronta, with a tranquil garden and terrace perfect for relaxing after a day of cycling. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a cosy restaurant and bar in a peaceful mountain setting

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Hotel Silla

Hotel Silla is a charming historic hotel near the Arno River, just a short walk from Florence’s main sights. It offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with beautiful city views.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

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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

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Premium Hybrid Bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Cannondale Mavaro or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

**Arrival **

Arrival is most convenient via Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Venice Treviso Airport (TSF). From the airport, Chioggia can be reached by private transfer, taxi, or shuttle services, as well as by public transportation such as ACTV buses and ATVO airport coaches to Venice Mestre. From there, onward travel is possible by regional bus connections to Chioggia, or by vaporetto and ferry services through the Venetian Lagoon. These options make reaching the tour start easy, whether you choose a direct ride or a scenic lagoon route.

Departure

Departure at the end of the tour is easiest from Florence Airport (FLR), with additional international connections available via Pisa International Airport (PSA). Florence can be accessed by taxi, private transfer, or local transport such as ATAF city buses. The main railway hub at Santa Maria Novella Station also offers frequent train services to major Italian cities, making onward travel smooth and flexible. With excellent airport, bus, and rail links, continuing your journey after the tour is very convenient.

Weather

The best time for this cycling tour from Venice to Florence is during spring and early autumn, especially in April, May, September, and October, when the weather is mild and comfortable for riding.

In the best months, such as May and September, daytime temperatures usually range from 18–26°C (64–79°F), with sunny skies and pleasant cycling conditions.

October offers a more mixed climate, with cooler days around 15–20°C (59–68°F) and a chance of light rain later in the month.

Summer months like July and August can be very hot, often reaching 30–38°C (86–100°F), while winter months such as December to February are colder and wetter, with temperatures dropping to about 5–12°C (41–54°F).

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Good

May

Best

June

Good

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Best

October

Mixed

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.

Is proof of medical 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.

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.

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.

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