Experience an epic journey through the undiscovered mountains, valleys, flat farmlands and coastal villages between two of Italy's most inspiring art cities. Enjoy Italy's vast culinary treasures from Tuscan wines and cheeses to Emilia Romagna's pastas and hams, to the Venetian seaside's seafood specialties. Perfect for casual to enthusiastic bikers, this popular trip takes in the magnificent views and natural environment of the Apennines, the quaint fishing villages, beaches and protected parklands along the Adriatic coast, the quiet canals and islands of the Venetian lagoons, and some of Italy's most romantic Renaissance cities.

Day 1 - Val di Mugello - Meet in Florence and transfer to hilltop Fiesole, once a pre-Roman Etruscan city still retaining its 1st-century B.C. Roman theater and baths. Ride a panoramic ridge overlooking a quintessential Tuscan landscape of olive groves, vineyards and old stone country homes. Introductory lunch at a renouned trattoria favored by Florentines escaping the city for these magnificent rolling hills and valleys. Cruise into the Mugello valley, the ancestral home of Florence's Medici family.

Day 2 - The Italian Appenines - Ride through Borgo San Lorenzo, and its morning market. Challenge yourself on an exhilarating ride through chestnut and pine forests to the Appenines' 3000 foot Casaglia Pass. Cruise downhill through a sub-alpine landscape of lush pastures and deep forests to the quiet villages along the Tuscan - Emilian frontier.

Day 3 - Faenza and Ravenna - Ride through the Carne Natural Park with its dramatic landscapes of eroded chalk ridges to Brisighella, a picturesque spa town dominated by feudal castles. Visit its morning market. Pass through a sea of fruit trees, from kiwis to peaches, and cherries to apricots. Visit Faenza, the leading Italian ceramics center of the 16th-century where riding a bike is the preferred transportation. Follow quiet sideroads through Emilia Romagna's scented fruit orchards and open farmland to Ravenna, capital of the Byzantine Empire during the early ages, and home to the best preserved mosaics in Western Europe. You might wish to visit the San Vitale Cathedral and the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Day 4 - Ferrara - Pedal into the protected marshlands of the Po River Delta, teaming with white egrets and flamingos. Spin along canals and quiet farm side roads through the flat expanses of the Po Delta to Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Renaissance city still surrounded by 5 miles of Medieval walls. Pass by the spectacular 14th-century moated Estense Castle, built by the Dukes of Este.

Day 5 - Lido di Venezia - Morning ride along the "Destra Po" bike trail, a paved trail that runs along the top of the river embankments of the Po River. Favored by local cyclists, this route is car free and an absolute delight to ride. Visit Chioggia, a mini Venice and one of the Adriatic's most colorful fishing markets. Cycle along the Venetian lagoon's natural sandbanks to Lido di Venezia, Venice's tree lined resort island and home to the annual Venetian Film Festival.

Day 6 - Venice - Homeward bound. Bid a final farewell to the Venetian Lido and take a private transfer into the heart of Venice to your post-trip hotel, the train station or the airport. As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !

NEED MORE TRIP INFORMATION? E-mail or call our professional travel advisers at Club Toscana Reservations at 1-866-563-4248 toll free 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (EST) Mon. to Fri., 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Sat. They are ready to answer your trip questions and arrange all your pre and post-trip travel needs for a truly all-inclusive European Active Vacation.

Please note that the above itinerary is typical for this trip and can be adjusted to accommodate optional route daily distances & effort levels, your daily biking pace and interests, and special local events. Weather conditions and road repairs, etc. can also alter the routes.
In an effort to enhance this itinerary to help you get the most out this destination and your traveling experiences with Club Toscana, we are always in the process of researching additional local routes, accommodations and interesting places to visit.

Villa Campestri - Vicchio (1 night) - a charming 13th-century villa located on an olive oil estate with original wooden beam ceilings, terracotta floors with stone door frames, and a welcoming pool.
Relais Varnello - Brisighella (1 night) - this Michelin rated residence is an intimate and relaxing countryside guest house with some of Emilia Romagna's finest views of its eroded chalk landscapes from the hotel's terrace pool.
Albergo Cappello - Ravenna (1 night) - is one of Ravenna's most prestigious and renowned historic residences. This Venetian era palace, with decorated wooden beam ceilings in all of its rooms, is located in the heart of Ravenna's lively pedestrian zone.
Hotel Duchessa Isabella - Ferrara (1 night) - is an elegant Relais & Chateaux residence that comes with coffered ceilings, ancient frescos, and the owner's collection of antique clocks.
Hotel Quattro Fontane - Lido di Venezia (1 night) - is a gracious country-house inn located among the Lido's leafy boulevards. its gardens, guest and sitting rooms offer a refined and elegant atmosphere.