Bologna to Florence via the Acquerino Cantagallo Nature Reserve

This itinerary takes you to discover the Reno valley and slowly climbs up to the highest point of the Tour in the Acquerino Cantagallo nature reserve. From here a steep descent quickly takes you to the city of Prato and then Florence. Some climbs in this Tour are quite short but steep, so I advise you to go slowly and listen to your breathing, there is no rush anyway. You will find both asphalt and dirt roads, so I recommend a bicycle suitable for different types of terrain.

From Bologna station follow the cycle path, very popular with many Bolognese, which runs along the Reno canal up to Casalecchio di Reno. In the Renaissance, Bologna was full of canals and was renowned for the craftsmanship of the silk veil, which was very expensive and rare. To spin the silk, the current of the water from the canals was used to activate the mills. From the cycle path near Casalecchio you can see the Casa del Ghiaccio, a building built above the canal. During the winter, the custodian had the task of removing the ice from the canal to prevent the ice from ruining the very important mills made of wood.

After Casalecchio the ups and downs begin. In Marzabotto you will find a bar for a coffee break before continuing along the cycle-nature path that runs along the river. The ups and downs continue up to Vergato and Riola. In Riola you pass in front of the majestic Rocchetta Mattei which is worth a visit. Go up again passing by the lake of Suviana, where you will find campsites and restaurants. I recommend another break here to recharge your batteries.

From the lake you pedal in silence, as this area of the Apennines is truly isolated and with few houses; only the ruins of the farmhouses and commercial activities that once animated these areas remain. Chestnut and beech trees, which shelter the animals of the area, including the Acquerino deer, surround you. Following the trail you find yourself at almost 1,000 meters above sea level in the Acquerino Cantagallo nature reserve, a wonderful place where you can also find farmhouses and places to sleep. From here you can admire the panorama of Prato, the city of textiles. The descent to Prato is steep and fast: pay attention to the hairpin bends and the road surface. The last 20 kilometers to get to Florence follow the Bisenzio river and then the Arno river.

Follow the river, arriving at Parco delle Cascine, the urban green lung. Once in the centre, you can relax and enjoy this lovely city. Before arriving at the station, it is worth a visit to the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and Palazzo Strozzi where some very curated exhibitions are held.