Venice - Florence by bicycle

Rialte, Dante, Ponte Vecchio
Probably the most famous cities of Italy are at the start and end of this cycle tour of outstanding beauty. In between you cycle through an almost unknown Italy. Kiwi, peach, melons, vineyards and sunflowers seam the way, birds are singing and friendly fishermen waving from their pole-huts along the canals. Far off the beaten track you discover typical towns and places. Enjoy a cup of cappuccino in one of the many little cafés on the piazza and listen to the local’s, discussing sports and politics with their melodious language.

Map and bike itinerary

Bike itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival at Venice/Mestre
The hotel is on the mainland in front of Venice with excellent bus connection into the lagoon city.

Day 2: Mestre/Venice – Chioggia/Sottomarina approx. 35 km/22 miles
In the morning tour information. On the cycle path you cross the freedom bridge to Venice. By ferry to Lido and then continue by bicycle via Palestrina with marvellous view over the sea to Chioggia which is a quiet little town which reminds of the Venetian sea power. You will find many typical fish restaurants. Overnight stay in Sottomarina with a wide sand beach.

Day 3: Chioggia/Sottomarina – Rovigo approx. 65 km/41 miles
On quiet roads you cycle today to river Adige. You follow the river through fertile fields, melon plantations and solitary villages to Rovigo. The charming little town with culture, little alleyways and spacious plazas, comfortable cafés and friendly people is a nice place to stay overnight.

Day 4: Rovigo – Ferrara approx. 45 km/28 miles
Today you start with an easy tour along river Po, winding his way through the fertile plain. On the riverbank you cycle to the most famous bicycle-town of Italy. If young or old, wealthy or poor, the bicycle is the most appreciated mode of transport for the Ferrarese. Ferrara – with water castle, dome and Jewish quarter is worth a lengthy visit.

Day 5: Ferrara – Ravenna approx. 50 km + train/31 miles
You go by train to Alfonsine and afterwards by bicycle through Nature Park of Po Delta with the unique flora and fauna. Two short ferry crossings (tickets approx. € 2,-, payable on spot) bring you to the Adria. You cycle along large beaches to Ravenna, the harbour town with a long tradition of arts and culture.

Day 6: Ravenna – Brisighella approx. 55 km/34 miles
The foothills of Apennin change the scenery. But before that you reach Faenza, famous centre of ceramic artisans. Enjoy watching the artists at painting the ceramics. Only a short distance remains to Brisighella, an idyllic medieval village, where you stay overnight. Guarded by Rocca Veneziana and Torre Orogloggio you can enjoy a restful evening.

Day 7: Brisighella – Florence approx. 35 km + train/22 miles
The day starts with an amazing train ride through the wild mountains of Apennins to Borgo San Lorenzo. Two climbs precede the rushing descent via Fiesole to Florence, historic capital of Tuscany.

Day 8: Individual departure or extra days

WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE TRIP:

Duration	8 days/7 nights
Price for guided tour	Euro 1028 per person in a double room Surcharge single room Euro 198 including half-board Rental bike Euro 65 Electric bike euro 160 Hotel Category: 3 and 4 hotels
Calendar 2012 for the guided tours	Arrival every Saturday 09.06.2012-16.06.2012 07.07.2012-14.07.2012 15.09.2012-22.09.2012
Included services in the guided group tour	Personal welcome briefing Company of a skilled and trained travel courier who knows about the country Eurobike-bus present during the whole tour Accommodation in hotels of 3* and 4** category Breakfast buffet style or substantial breakfast At least 3-course dinner, often in typical restaurants Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel All entries and guided tours as mentioned in the program All transfers (ferries, train and bus) during the tour Guided city tour in Venice and Verona Various city tours in Rovigo and Ferrara 24-hours-ticket for Venice (public means of transport, bike tickets have to be paid by your own approx. € 3) Best elaborated route One set of detailed travel documents (maps, route description, places of interest, telephone numbers) per booked room
Price for individual bike tour	Euro 795 per person in a double room Euro 198 single supplement Euro 65 Bike rental Euro 160 Electric bike
Departure dates for the individual bike tour	Arrival every Saturday 14.04. - 30.06.2012 25.08. - 22.09.2012
Included services for the individual tour	Personal welcome briefing Accommodation in the mentioned category Breakfast buffet Luggage transport from hotel to hotel Journey by train Ferrara – Alfonsine and Brisighella – Borgo San Lorenzo 24-hour ticket for Venice (public transportation, bike tickets about € 3 per bike are not included) Best elaborated route One set of detailed travel documents (maps, route description, places of interest, telephone numbers) per booked room 7-days-Service-Hotline E-signposting
Not included services	Parking/arrival and departure Hotel car park or private car park near the starting hotel available for about € 50 per week. Return transfer by mini bus on Saturday morning only after guided group tours; € 50 per person; limited space; reservation required; payable on spot. Advise Visitor’s tax, as far as payable, not included in the price. Special arrangements for groups of at least 6 people on request! Extra nights: Venice mainland 3 & 4-star hotel Euro 59 pp, single supplement Euro 27 Florence 4-star hotel Euro 78 pp in double occupancy, single supplement Euro 29