Discover the ultimate cycling adventure in Italy with Out of the Box Florence
This unforgettable gravel cycling adventure was created with the support of CAI Bologna.
At Out of the Box Florence, we design cycling adventures in Italy that are fun, adventurous, and off the beaten path. When we saw the incredible route designed by CAI Bologna, we knew we had to take it one step further. By starting in Venice instead of Spina and finishing in Piombino, we created a journey of a lifetime!
Whether you’re a gravel bike enthusiast or prefer electric MTB, this trip is perfect for expert riders who crave unforgettable landscapes, delicious food, and Italian culture.
At the end of this blog, you’ll find all the GPX routes for your next adventure!
Planning the Venice to Piombino Cycling Adventure
A huge thanks to the volunteers at CAI Bologna for their help in planning this route. Their support was invaluable in finding the perfect tracks and trails.
At Out of the Box Florence, we believe in detailed planning, but we also leave room for spontaneity—the best memories often come from the unexpected!
We started in Venice to connect this iconic city with the heart of Tuscany, and the dream doesn’t stop here. This route will be part of future adventures from Venice to Rome.
This cycling adventure is for anybody looking for a 700 km trip across Italy.
Why Venice?
Bikes are not allowed in Venice, not even to push! Crazy, right? But it makes sense. To work around this, we decided to start our ride from Lido di Venezia, a short ferry ride away. From there, the adventure truly begins!
Summary of the adventure:
- Route: Venice → Piombino (7 days)
- Distance: ~700 km
- Elevation gained: 7.000 mt
- Difficulty: Expert (gravel + climbing)
- Highlights: Delta del Po, Monte Sole history, Val di Cecina, Tuscany vineyards, and Mediterranean swim, Apennine Mountains, Artimino, San Gimignano, Via Francigena, Via della lana e della Seta, Chance to Stop in Florence, Coast to Coast following the Etruscans.
Day 1: Venice to Comacchio (150 km)
Highlights:
- Swamps, riverbanks, and the stunning Delta del Po
- Two scenic ferry rides
- Amazing seafood in Gorino (the eel risotto is to die for!)
We began the trip cycling from Lido di Venezia through Pellestrina and Chioggia, catching two ferries along the way. Flat and easy gravel roads took us through the Po Delta Regional Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise even in winter.
To avoid heavy traffic on the Via Romea, we stuck to gravel paths, soaking in the peaceful scenery until reaching the charming town of Comacchio.
Day 2: Comacchio to Bologna (120 km)
Highlights:
- Cycling through the Argine degli Angeli—gravel paradise
- Spotting pink flamingos in the Comacchio swamps
- Surprising gravel routes around Bologna
After a hearty breakfast at Hotel Al Ponticello, we set off on Argine degli Angeli, a newly opened gravel path surrounded by water—it felt like cycling between two oceans!
We then followed quiet riverbanks and single tracks toward Bologna, which surprised us with its lively vibe and excellent gravel roads. Despite a small detour involving a fence climb (oops!), it was an epic day. Bologna welcomed us with great food and energy.
Day 3: Bologna to Castiglione dei Pepoli (75 km)
Highlights:
- Cycling the historic Via della Lana e della Seta
- Exploring Monte Sole Regional Park and its WWII history
- Incredible family-run trattoria for lunch
Leaving Bologna took longer than expected due to road closures, but once we hit the Via della Lana e della Seta, the adventure came alive.
We pedaled through the Monte Sole Regional Park, where WWII history and stunning scenery collide. Lunch at a small trattoria was pure magic—hands down the best pasta of the trip!
The ride ended in Castiglione dei Pepoli, a quiet town with unforgettable pizza.
Day 4: Castiglione dei Pepoli to Artimino (76 km)
Highlights:
- Climbing through the wild Calvana Protected Area
- A tough day of rain, wind, and fog—but epic memories!
- Visiting a WWII memorial in the mountains
Day four was intense, with rain and mud challenging us all morning. We opted for parts of the EuroVelo 7 route, navigating through the rugged Calvana area.
One unforgettable stop was at a WWII memorial where the Red Bull Division fought bravely—a powerful and humbling moment.
We pushed through tough conditions to end the day in Prato before tackling the climb to Artimino, where dinner and grappa warmed us up perfectly!
Day 5: Artimino to San Gimignano (76 km)
Highlights:
- Tuscany landscapes: olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills
- Riding the historic Via Francigena
- Delicious Tuscan dinner with wild boar pasta
This was Tuscany at its finest. Gravel roads through forests and vineyards greeted us as we cycled toward San Miniato and then joined the legendary Via Francigena.
Arriving in San Gimignano after a rainy day, we recharged with a typical Tuscan feast featuring wild boar and rich pasta sauces—a perfect end to a stunning ride.
Day 6: San Gimignano to Serrazzano (81 km)
Highlights:
- Ancient gravel roads through Val di Cecina
- A climb to Libbiano worth remembering
- Stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea
After conquering a tough climb out of Volterra, we entered the breathtaking Val di Cecina. Ancient gravel roads, rolling hills, and lush greens made this the most beautiful ride of the trip.
Our day ended in Serrazzano, surrounded by geothermal landscapes and unforgettable valley views—the perfect place for a cold beer after a long ride!
Day 7: Serrazzano to Piombino (70 km)
Highlights:
- Incredible gravel roads past geothermal plants and hot springs
- Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea at Populonia
- Celebratory seafood feast in Piombino
The final day was a perfect ending to our adventure. Sunny skies and incredible gravel roads led us through Tuscany’s geothermal areas and ancient Etruscan hot springs.
Arriving at Populonia, we jumped into the Mediterranean Sea for a refreshing swim. Cycling the last 10 km through the Piombino Promontory, we caught a magical sunset over the sea.
In Piombino, we celebrated with fantastic seafood and lively streets—a well-deserved ending to our epic journey.
Ready for Your Next Gravel Adventure?
The Venice to Piombino cycling route is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for expert riders. Gravel bikes are ideal, but prepare to push your bike through some sections, like the rugged Calvana trails.
Let’s Plan Your Custom Adventure
At Out of the Box Florence, we specialize in creating unique and tailor-made cycling experiences in Italy. From gravel adventures to bikepacking journeys, we bring you closer to the beauty of Italy in the most exciting way.
Contact us today to plan your next cycling adventure:
https://www.outoftheboxflorence.com/contact-us-page/
Download GPX Routes
Get access to all the GPX files for this route and start planning your adventure! Reach out to us for more details.
Venice to Piombino is waiting—let’s ride!
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Tours
Home cooking class in Chianti Classico
Tuscany - Chianti Classico| 8 Guests| 5 Hours| Age 9+
