Venice to Florence: From Rialto Across the Sea to Ponte Vecchio

Day 1: Individual arrival at Venice/Mestre/Marghera

The adventure begins just outside Venice, with accommodations in Mestre or Marghera on the mainland. These towns are well connected to the lagoon city by public transport, making it easy to explore Venice’s canals and St. Mark’s Square before the tour officially begins. A tasting of local Grappa sets the mood for the journey ahead.

Overnight in Marghera/Mestre

Day 2: Marghera/Mestre/Venice – Chioggia/Sottomarina
22 mi / 35 km + ferry

After your orientation, cycle across the Liberty Bridge into Venice and board a ferry to the Lido. Ride along the narrow barrier islands of Lido and Pellestrina, enjoying views of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the lagoon on the other. Continue south to Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice” for its canals, fishing traditions, and historic ties to Venetian naval power. The nearby resort town of Sottomarina offers a wide sandy beach, perfect for an evening stroll.

Overnight in Chioggia/Sottomarina.

Day 3: Chioggia/Sottomarina – Adria
31 mi / 50 km

Follow quiet country roads along the Adige River, cycling through fertile farmland and villages known for melon cultivation. Your destination, Adria, was founded by the Etruscans and gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. Wander its canals and cobbled streets, relax in the piazzas, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this small but historically significant city.

Overnight in Adria.

Day 4: Adria – Comacchio/surroundings
40 mi / 65 km

Today’s route traces the mighty Po River, Italy’s longest river, before following the Po di Goro branch into its vast delta. Cycle through this wetland landscape toward the Adriatic, with an option to pause for a swim along the way. End the day in Comacchio, a lagoon town built on 13 islands and linked by bridges. Once thriving from salt production, Comacchio still boasts elegant palaces, churches, and canals that echo its Venetian past.

Overnight in Comacchio/surroundings.

Day 5: Comacchio/surroundings – Ravenna
40 mi / 65 km

Ride through the Po Delta Natural Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve home to flamingos, herons, and diverse wetland ecosystems. Cycling along embankments, it often feels like riding directly over the water. After a short ferry ride, follow the Adriatic coastline with its broad sandy beaches toward Ravenna. Famous for its Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and remains one of Italy’s great art cities.

Overnight in Ravenna.

Day 6: Ravenna – Brisighella
34 mi / 55 km

Leave the flatlands behind as the Apennine foothills come into view. Stop in Faenza, internationally known for its exquisite majolica ceramics, where artisans still hand-paint traditional designs. Continue into the hills to reach Brisighella, a medieval town with winding streets, the Rocca Veneziana fortress, and the iconic Torre dell’Orologio. This small village offers an authentic glimpse of Emilia-Romagna’s past.

Overnight in Brisighella.

Day 7: Brisighella – Florence
22 mi / 35 km + train ride

Start the day with a scenic train ride through the Apennine Mountains to Borgo San Lorenzo. From here, cycle two short climbs before descending into Tuscany via the town of Fiesole, known for its Roman theater and sweeping views of the Arno Valley. End your journey in Florence, the Renaissance capital, with its world-famous treasures such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery.

Overnight in Florence.

Day 8: Departure from Florence

After breakfast, your tour ends in Florence. If you wish, extend your holiday by combining this route with other popular Italy cycling tours, such as Bolzano to Venice, Florence to Rome, or a Tuscany cycling holiday.