Bike Touring Collection by Francesco | Cyclo Ergo Sum
13
Tours
40:42 h
412 mi
13,650 ft
The Ciclopista del Sole is a route that connects the Brenner Pass (with its variant from Prato alla Drava) and Florence, in northern Italy, via 600 kilometres (370 mi) of greenways, cycle paths and secondary roads.
Waymarked as BI1, the route largely coincides with that of Eurovelo 7, an ambitious project also known as the Sun Route, or Ciclovia del Sole, which intends to connect Cape North in Norway to Malta, crossing numerous European countries mostly on cycle paths or slow-moving secondary roads.
On the proposed route, you can either cycle faithfully along the BI1 track from the Brenner Pass or follow the variant that goes along the Drava Cycle Path from Prato alla Drava.
Whichever option you choose, you'll be fascinated by the breathtaking landscapes: from the Alps to the Apennines, passing through the Po Valley and the hills, skirting legendary rivers, passing through fascinating forests, tasty orchards, verdant vineyards, and cities of art and culture such as Bolzano, Trento, Rovereto, Peschiera del Garda, Mantua, Modena, to finally reach the cradle of the Renaissance and culture, Florence.
Furthermore, the cuisine en route is extraordinary. For example, you'll be able to savour the strudel of Alto Adige, the Apennine and Tuscan main courses, the sbrisolona (almond cake) of Mantua and the first courses of Emilia.
The route is designed to allow for all abilities and fitness levels and is suitable for any type of bike; however, I’d urge caution if you’re using a road bike. In addition, the stages allow you to stop and take advantage of the extensive network of accommodation facilities scattered throughout the area, making this trip accessible.
You can ride the Ciclopista del Sole in practically any season, although I’d recommend cycling it in spring, summer or autumn, when temperatures are more pleasant, especially at higher altitudes.
This route, designed to discover northern Italy from the Brenner Pass to Florence, is well-connected: both the Brenner Pass (but also the variant from Prato alla Drava) and Florence can be reached by train.
All that remains is to plan your trip and set off to discover the wonderful Ciclopista del Sole. Enjoy your trip through the variety of Italian regions!
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.
Last updated: July 17, 2023
This Tour represents the first stage of the Ciclopista del Sole from the Brenner Pass to Bressanone-Brixen, where it reconnects with its variant along the Eurovelo 7. You can reach the Brenner Pass by public transport, from where you can start right in the vicinity of the border between Austria and Italy…
This Tour is the slightly more demanding variant of the first stage of the Ciclopista del Sole for those who do not want to start from the Brenner Pass. This stage connects, in about 80 kilometres, Prato alla Drava (if you choose to reach it by train, get off at Weitlanbrunn station) to Bressanone-Brixen…
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This Tour is the second stage of the Ciclopista del Sole: today continue with a splendid and simple ride on the old railway now cycle path of the Valle Isarco, from Bressanone to Bolzano.
After a well-deserved rest, without forgetting a morning stroll through the narrow streets of Bressanone under the…
The third stage on the Ciclopista del Sole to discover Italy from the Brenner Pass to Florence takes you from the capital of South Tyrol to that of Trentino, from Bolzano to Trento. From the Isarco Valley cycle path you pass to the Adige cycle path, always in a protected location or in any case on dedicated…
The fourth stage on the Ciclopista del Sole from the Brenner Pass to Florence provides for another super day and takes you from the splendid Trento to the small Belluno Veronese area. Thus the ride continues on the splendid Adige cycle path, always in a protected area or on dedicated secondary roads…
You have warmed up your legs enough: you have reached the necessary training to move the stages and add a little difference in height, after so much riverside.
The fifth stage on the Ciclopista del Sole from the Brenner Pass to Florence takes you from tiny Belluno Veronese to the fortified Peschiera del…
The sixth stage on the Ciclopista del Sole from the Brenner Pass to Florence coincides with the unmissable Peschiera del Garda-Mantua cycle path, also called the Mincio cycle path, which runs on the grounds of the old railway that connected the two centres, active from 1934 to 1966.
Inaugurated in 2000…
After many stages around 50 kilometres, the seventh stage on the Ciclopista del Sole allows you to dedicate the morning to an in-depth visit of Mantua, leaving you with a few restful kilometers in the plain towards Quistello. Don't miss anything in the city of the Gonzagas: San Lorenzo, the Clock Tower…
The eighth day of pedaling on the Ciclopista del Sole allows you to venture on the part of Eurovelo 7 also called the Secchia cycle path, because you almost entirely follow the course of this river.
The departure from Quistello soon makes you leave the city center to stay on a very low-traffic road, and…
After a few days on the plains, it's time to say goodbye to the flatness and dedicate yourself to the hills and the Apennines, on this crossing from the Brenner Pass to Florence on the Ciclopista del Sole. After all, you've reached a dazzling shape after a good eight days of pedaling and for this ninth…
Compliments! You are in the tenth stage of the journey from the Brenner Pass to Florence on the Ciclopista del Sole, in this variant of Eurovelo 7 called "Modena" now behind you. After the climb of the previous stage, this Tour allows you to ride on the crest for most of the time, thus exploring the…
Entering the Apennines is synonymous with only one thing: go up! In this eleventh stage of the Ciclopista del Sole from the Brenner Pass to Florence, your Apennine crossing continues, after already covering about 400 kilometers from the Alps to the Po Valley.
In this stage you start from below the Rocchetta…
After cycling through the Alps, following rivers and canals, crossing the Po Valley and the Apennines, here you are at the last stage on the Cyclopath of the Sun from the Brenner Pass to Florence. There isn't much left to do, except to discover this other part of Italy too, from the Apennines to the…
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