bike-trip-florence-splash
6-days/ 5-nights

From Florence to Cesenatico - From the Hills to the Coast

STARTING PRICE

$1849

From Tuscany’s Rolling Hills to the Romagna Riviera: A bit of Culture, a bit of Climbing, plus a healthy dose of Coastal Charm.

Bucket List Climbs

Overview

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DURATION

6-days/ 5-nights

STARTING PRICE

$1849
Custom trip dates available!
Contact us for details.
Pick-up Airport
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)
Drop-off Airport
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)
Overnight
Poppi-1night
Bagno di Romagna-2nights
Cesenatico-2nights
Terrain
Road
Distance
245‑500km
Elevation
3,900‑9,874m
Difficulty
Quite Challenging
Ride Start
Florence
Ride Finish
Cesenatico

Designed for the cyclist who wants to both see the sights and get off the beaten track, this 6-day cycling adventure takes you from culturally rich Florence to the stylish Romagna Riviera, following in the tracks of the 2024 Tour de France Grand Depart and the cycling legend Marco Pantani.

Ride through the serene Casentino Forest, conquer iconic climbs like Passo di Mandrioli and Colle del Barbotto, and visit the tiny hilltop Republic of San Marino.

Conclude your journey with coastal breezes as you cycle along the Adriatic Sea or take on some of the hills from the oldest Gran fondo in the world, the 'Nove Colli'.

Included in this trip

  • 5 nights accommodation in select boutique hotels including breakfast
  • Pick-up and transfer from the airport to the pick-up hotel (also if arriving in advance of trip start)
  • Support with set-up of rental bike, or assembly/disassembly of own bike
  • Orientation meeting on day 1
  • All on-trip luggage transfers
  • Daily on-trip van support
  • All on-trip transfers
  • Exclusive access to the CyclingHero Companion App with daily multiple route options and local insights
  • Access to Hammerhead Karoo-2 bike computer with pre-installed CyclingHero route options
  • Bike box storage for the entire duration of the trip
  • Post trip drop off at the airport

* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices

Day-to-Day Schedule

Day
1
Intro to the Beauty: the Tuscan Hills

After a short transfer from Florence and bike set-up, it's time to stretch your legs and experience the beautiful landscape surrounding the medieval town of Poppi. Along the way stop in to take in the tranquility at the Eremo di Camaldoli, a still-functioning hermitage dating from the 11th century. Return to Poppi to enjoy an evening aperitivo and dinner in the shadow of magnificent Poppi castle. Benvenuti in Toscana!

Distance
26‑43km
Elevation
490‑1,040m
Overnight
Poppi
Day
2
From Tuscany to Romagna, Crossing the Apennine Mountains

After a nice warm up along a flatter stretch through the Historic center of Bibbiena, it's time to take on the main challenge of the day, the Passo dei Mandrioli, which acts as the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. A long, spectacular descent bring you all the way to your base for the next two nights, the thermal town of Bagno di Romagna. Call it a day and relax in the hotel spa, or take in an additional challenging loop that circles the Monte Comero.

Distance
50‑83km
Elevation
1,350‑2,180m
Overnight
Bagno di Romagna
Day
3
Apennine Mountains Challenge

If you can tear yourself away from the comfort of your spa retreat in Bagno di Romagna, a stunning loop awaits. This route climbs around Monte Fumaiolo, a spectacular area known as the source of the mighty Tiber River which flows through Rome. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Venice on the horizon. For something with a bit less uphill a beautiful loop over the Passo del Carnaio to Saint Sophia is an option.

On the other hand, if you are ready to do something truly challenging, embark on a pilgrimage to the Monte Carpegna, a grueling climb that was Marco Pantani's favourite.

Distance
42‑123.6km
Elevation
1,000‑2,944m
From Bagno di Romana to Monte Carpegna loop-389-735
(343m)
From Bagno di Romana to Monte Carpegna loop-1076-1350
(648m)
Monte Carpegna climb
(584m)
From Bagno di Romana to Monte Carpegna loop-2284-2702
(744m)
From Bagno di Romana to Monte Carpegna loop-0-281
(327m)
Overnight
Bagno di Romagna
Day
4
Going Coastal to the Romagna Riviera

Riding out of Bagno di Romagna, the route follows the Savio River Valley to the day's main challenge, the Colle del Barbotto. One of the most famous climbs of the Romagna region and an important obstacle of the Nove Colli Granfondo, the Barbotto was also a favourite of a certain Marco Pantani. With the Barbotto claimed, you can either head straight for the coast or extend the ride with a scenic but challenging detour up and through San Marino, one of the smallest and oldest Republics in the world.

Distance
86‑115km
Elevation
980‑1,750m
Overnight
Cesenatico
Day
5
Cesena & the Nove Colli

For your last riding day, you have several options to choose from. If an easy ride sounds appealing, take the flat route out to charming Cesena and back. Alternatively, head back into the hills to follow the trace of the medium route of the Nove Colli Gran fondo. Lastly, for a coastal experience, head through Rimini and Riccione on an out-and-back into the Monte San Bartolo regional park.

Make sure to leave time for a visit to the Pantani Museum and a final relaxing walk along the Lungomare waterfront walking path before dinner.

Distance
41‑135km
Elevation
80‑1,960m
Overnight
Cesenatico
Day
6
Arrivederci Romagna Bella

It’s time to pack up your bike and head home, or perhaps extend your stay, exploring the enchanting Romagna coast or revisiting the timeless beauty of Florence. The choice is yours!

* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices

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