Bikepacking from Florence to Bologna

Set off from the Renaissance heart of Florence and ride north towards Bologna—this is a cycling adventure that sweeps you through the dramatic backbone of Italy, the Apennine Mountains. It’s a challenging route, clocking in at just over 156 kilometers, with some serious climbs (over 4500 meters of ascent!) and a max elevation topping 1100 meters. So, bring your climbing legs!

The journey takes you from Florence’s historic streets, lined with grand architecture and world-class gelato, through quiet country roads, occasional cycle paths, and rugged hillside tracks. The scenery is breathtaking—expect rolling vineyards, thick woodlands, and picturesque villages perched on ridges. You’ll tackle a mix of surfaces, mostly paved but with a fair share of rougher patches—making this a true all-rounder’s tour.

Your destination, Bologna, is a lively university city famous for its food—think tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella! Once you roll past Bologna’s iconic porticoes, reward yourself with a well-earned plate of pasta and a cold drink. This route is all about the beauty of the ride—and what a ride it is!