Bicycle Across Italy! Cycling from Venice to Pisa Classic Self-Guided

Begin your journey in the charming city of Chioggia, often referred to as 'Little Venice'. After settling into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the city center, admiring the canals and bridges. If you arrive early, we suggest a bike ride along one of the islands in the lagoon. Accommodation for the night is at the Hotel Grand Italia (or similar).

Today, we leave Chioggia and cycle towards the Po River Delta. Enjoy the serene landscapes as you ride on quiet levee roads, perfect for birdwatching. Grab some picnic supplies for lunch and if you're up for it, take an extra ride into the delta. Tonight, we'll stay at a lovely country farm bed and breakfast, Agriturismo Forzello (or similar).

Our destination today is the small lagoon town of Comacchio. Once more powerful than Venice, this town is rich in history and culture. Visit the fabulous museum that showcases a Roman boat and its cargo, and explore the town built on 13 islands. Tonight, we'll stay at the B&B Al Ponticello (or similar).

Today, we pedal towards Ravenna, the last capital of the Western Roman Empire. This city is home to more early Christian mosaics than any other city in Western Europe. Visit Dante's Tomb and marvel at the mosaics of San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Tonight, we'll stay at the Hotel Palazzo Bezzi (or similar).

Exiting Ravenna, we head to Faenza, a regional market center known for its hand-decorated ceramics. Explore the bustling market square and visit the International Ceramics Museum. Your hotel for the night is a restored convent near the central square, the Hotel Vittoria (or similar).

Today, we head into the Apennine mountains, passing through the colorful medieval village of Brisighella. The climb over the mountains offers dramatic changes in scenery. If you prefer, you can take the train up and over the mountains. Tonight, we'll stay in Ronta, a small mountain town, at the Albergo La Rosa (or similar). Dinner is included.

We start with a small climb to Vetta le Croci, then it's downhill to the old Etruscan city of Fiesole, offering a great view of Florence. Glide down into Florence on your bike and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this capital of Renaissance Italy. Tonight, we'll stay at the Hotel Silla (or similar).

Spend the day exploring marvelous Florence and its countless jewels. Climb up Giotto's tower for a stunning view of the city and the Duomo, visit the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia, or walk the Ponte Vecchio bridge across the Arno for a different striking view from above. Accommodation for the night is at the Hotel Silla (or similar).

After breakfast, we head out of Florence and down the Arno River valley for a beautiful day of riding in the Italian countryside. Our destination is Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, where you'll have a chance to visit the house where he was born and a museum with scale models of his inventions. Tonight, we'll stay at the Agriturismo Il Piastrino (or similar).

Today, we continue west to Lucca, stopping at the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi for a great view. Lucca was a Roman town and one of medieval Italy's most prosperous city-states. Today, it retains its medieval charm with its small shops and sidewalk cafes. Tonight, we'll stay at the Hotel La Luna (or similar).

Your last day of pedaling takes you to Pisa where you can visit the Leaning Tower and the Piazza of Miracles. After a stroll through Pisa, head back to the less-touristy town of Lucca to enjoy an evening passeggiata along the main pedestrian way. Tonight, we'll stay at the Hotel La Luna (or similar).