Compare Venice to Florence Cycle by UTracks vs Venice, Florence and Rome by Viandando Luxury Travel

Day 1 Join Venice / Mestre / Marghera

The trip begins at your hotel in Marghera/Mestre on the mainland near Venice. With good bus connections to the lagoon city, it is easy to venture on foot into the famous canal city from your hotel. Note that bikes (like cars) are not permitted in the canal city.

Day 2 Cycle across Freedom bridge to Venice and on to Chioggia (35km/21.5mi)

This morning there's a welcome briefing then your cycle begins by crossing the Ponte della Libertà (or Freedom Bridge). Originally built in 1933 and opened by Mussolini, it was renamed after WWII to recognise the end of the Fascist dictatorship and Nazi occupation. The 3.85km bridge links Mestre with Venice and is the only vehicle access point to the canal city. Once in Venice, you take the ferry to Lido then cycle and take another ferry to Pellestrina, with marvellous views of the sea, and another to the small town of Chioggia. Chioggia has many fish restaurants, a market, and in the northern tip of town, some excellent (though decaying) waterfront palazzi which are reminiscent of those found in Venice. Overnight in Chioggia/Sottomarina. Cycling: completely flat route, three ferry crossings

meals : B

Day 3 Follow the Adige River through fertile fields to the charming town of Adria (50km/31mi)

Today on quiet roads you cycle back to the Adige River. You'll follow the river through fertile fields, melon plantations and tranquil villages to Adria. Founded by the Etruscans because of its proximity to the Po & Adige rivers, Adria is a charming little town with branched channels, narrow streets, cosy cafés and friendly locals. Cycling: flat route along the river and small canals.

meals : B

Day 4 Along the Po River to Comacchio (65km / 40.5mi)

This morning is an easy cycle along the Po River, as it winds its way through the fertile plain. One of its branches, the Po di Goro, will lead you through the delta towards the sea. There is time to swim in the Adriatic Sea before heading to the charming town of Comacchio. Magnificent palazzi, ornate churches and numerous bridges bear witness to the prosperity once gained by salt production in the area. Cycling: flat route

meals : B

Day 5 Cycle to the mosaic town of Ravenna via the Po Delta Nature Park (65km /40.5mi)

The first half of today's tour is dedicated to the Nature Park of the Po Delta, with its unique flora and fauna. Riding along a dam you may see flamingos nesting nearby. After a short ferry ride (not included, allow EUR2pp subject to change, payable on the spot) you will reach the Adriatic Sea. There are wide beaches on the way to enchanting Ravenna, once capital of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. A harbour town with a long tradition of art and culture, Ravenna has appeared in famous works by Lord Byron (who lived here between 1819 and 1821), Oscar Wilde and the German poet Hermann Hesse and has a number of important UNESCO World Heritage listed sites to explore. Cycling: flat route

meals : B

Day 6 Cycle to the foothills of the Apennine range and the town of Brisighella (55km / 34mi)

Cycle to Faenza, famous for ceramics. The artisans will be happy to let you watch while they paint the artefacts. Continuing, you'll soon reach the foothills of the Apennines and a marked change in the scenery. Only a short distance remains to Brisighella, an idyllic medieval village where you stay overnight. Guarded by Rocca Veneziana and Torre dell'Orologio, you can enjoy a restful evening. Cycling: mainly flat route until Faenza, then a few gentle climbs. Leaving Ravenna there can be some road traffic for a short period.

meals : B

Day 7 Train to Borgo San Lorenzo then continue by bike to Florence (35km / 21.5mi)

The day starts with a train ride through the wild mountains of the Apennines to Borgo San Lorenzo. Today has two climbs before you're rewarded with a fantastic descent via Fiesole to Florence, the historic capital of Tuscany! Cycling: a steep climb of approx 1.5km and a longer climb of approx 3km to be managed today, however the majority of the day is downhill. When arriving in Florence, expect some heavy traffic.

meals : B

Day 8 Trip concludes

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be organised in Florence, or if you're keen for another adventure you can continue on our Florence to Rome by Bike.

meals : B

Day 1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 2: Venice Wine Tour

Enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari). After meeting your guide in the center of Venice, you will wind through streets and over secondary canals as you learn more about lesser-known legends and hidden places off the beaten track. See unforgettable landmarks, and experience Venice as few visitors do! Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables. This tour is perfect before lunch or dinner. After the tour, you guide will be happy to suggest a great local restaurant for lunch or dinner where you can continue discovering this authentic side Venice!

Day 3: Murano And Burano Tour

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Venice Station, High – Speed Train To Florence And Transfer To Your Accommodation

Following breakfast and check out your private boat driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Venice station. Catch your high – speed train to Florence. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation

PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF FLORENCE WITH ACCADEMIA GALLERY

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery that houses the David by Michelangelo.

Day 5: Cooking Class Followed By Lunch And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Following breakfast your private driver will meet at your accommodation and take you to a lovely agriturismo immersed in a magnificent Tuuscan landscape. Enjoy a fun cooking class and learn all the secrets to prepare a full delicious Tuscan Menu. At the end of your class enjoy the fruits of your labour accompanied by the great wines produced at the Estate. In the afternoon take the chance to visit San Gimignano an enchanting hilly town known as the “medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline, which outlines thirteen medieval watchtowers. Return to Florence late afternoon and overnight stay.

Day 6: Guided Visit Of The Uffizi Gallery And Palazzo Vecchio

Today enjoy a guided visit of the incredible Uffizi Gallery – one of the world’s oldest museums and one of the most important art collections anywhere. With works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Caravaggio.This tour also visits the Palazzo Vecchio; one-time home to the Medici family. Here you’ll visit the Council of 500, made famous by Dan Brown and Michelangelo. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: High – Speed Train To Rome And Trastevere Food Tour

Following breakfast and check out take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation. Late afternoon enjoy our Twilight Trastevere Food Tour. On this guided 4-hour walking food tour we explore this photogenic neighborhood by night. You’ll sample a sumptuous blend of Italian classics like pizza and pasta, real Roman street food, less-known meats and cheeses, and amazing wine in a secret cellar – its history will blow you away. Few activities in Rome deliver as many hidden surprises and enchanting moments as this, so be sure to join us for an unforgettable night in one of our favorite neighbourhoods in Rome. Take advantage of Rome’s vibrant nightlife by walking through the streets of Trastevere with a local.

Day 8: Underground Imperial Rome Tour

Enjoy a VIP tour of the Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor! Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe!

Day 9: Small Group Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

This morning enjoy our Pristine Sistine Early entrance Small group Vatican Tour (the tour starts at 07.15 am). Enter the museums before the general public to see the Sistine Chapel at a quieter time. See the best of the Vatican City in under four hours. With a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, a Vatican Museums tour (including the Raphael Rooms) and a St. Peter’s Basilica tour, you’ll cover all the bases. Engage with the art and architecture of the Vatican. Our guides are passionate art experts, full of stories and familiar with even the smallest details of these massive museums. The tour will end around 11.00 am. Rest of the day at your leisure.

10: Fly Back Home

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Naples International airport to catch your flight back home.