The good weather is (almost) here. Now that you can finally enjoy the sun, do it with your bike: Swide tells you the 5 spots you need to see on two wheels.  

From Milan to the landscapes along Navigli

 

It's an easy cycle path along the banks of the Navigli. Francesco Sforza - Duke of Milan from 1450 until 1466 - commissioned the construction of Naviglio della Martesana, that was completed in 1475, with 90 km of canals. Leonardo Da Vinci perfected the project later: its dikes made possible to navigate the canals the whole way from Valtellina to Milan. Today the Naviglio della Martesana is reserved for cyclists who can stop any time and take the green line that runs underground to go back to city centre with minimum effort.

Along the banks of Orta Lake

 

It takes about 40 km from the train station stop of Verbania-Pallanza to cycle to the banks of the Orta lake (an alpine lake of Piedmont). It is quite easy to complete as the path is basically free from traffic and very safe. On arriving at the lake (about 10 km), keep cycling along the Cusio (the ancient name of the lake) until you reach Orta San Giulio, with very interesting architecture. A steep hill will take you to the Sacro Monte where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the Orta lake and the San Giulio Island.

Florence Surroundings

 

Want to see the best of Florence without entering the city? Then discover the path of Sesto Fiorentino, North-west of Florence. Visit Villa di Pratolino (Francesco de Medici’s – Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1574 until 1587), the Castello of Castiglione, Calenzano - where you will be able to spot the Roman aqueduct (I-II Century AD) - Sesto Fiorentino with its archaeological ruins, Villa della Petraia and Villa di Careggi, both, too, belonging to the De Medici’s dynasty.

Bologna

 

Bologna is the must-bicycle city in Italy. Very difficult, then, to suggest which way to go so just venture yourself from wherever you are to the historical centre and enjoy the monuments, like the Due Torri, Il Nettuno, the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Re Enzo, and many others. You can also dedicate your entire day to art, starting from the S.Petronio Basilica, passing through the monuments mentioned above – visit also the GeniusBononiae museums - and ending your visit at the complesso di Santo Stefano.

Lazio

 

Rome is beautiful, but also its surroundings are worth a visit. Visit Ostia bicycling around, visiting the Castello of Giulio II, or discover the Veio Park, where you can safely bicycle around. If you are an art lover (and keen cyclist) take the Via Appia Antica to the Grande Raccordo Anulare and you will enjoy a trip that retraces Rome history and displays the Roman countryside.

For each of this suggested itinerary, don’t forget before leaving to check the detailed direction online and the level of difficulty the paths need. 

Written by: Elisa della Barba