Cycling through Valleys and "Delizie"

Cycling route through nature reserves and Este residences

CYCLING THROUGH VALLEYS AND "DELIZIE" 

Day 1: Ferrara – Ostellato (41 km)

The journey begins in the wonderful city of Ferrara, a Renaissance city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its imposing walls, the Este Castle and cobbled streets. Leaving the city, you cycle south-east until you reach Voghiera, where you can visit the "Delizia del Belriguardo" and the Civic Museum housed inside. After a few kilometres, you reach another of the sumptuous "Delizie" Estensi, the Verginese, the leisure residence of Laura Dianti, donated by Duke Alfonso I d'Este. The last stretch of the route runs along the Canale Circondariale, until you reach Ostellato, the gateway to the Po Delta Park. Here you can visit the "Vallette di Ostellato", a nature reserve with wildlife observatories, trails and small lakes. It is the perfect place to end the day, relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Overnight stay in Ostellato

Day 2: Ostellato – Comacchio (31 km)

The second stage is shorter but rich in natural charm. You will cross wetlands and reclaimed areas, cycling alongside canals and lagoons, with the chance to spot herons, black-winged stilts and other species typical of the Delta area. You will arrive in Comacchio, a charming lagoon town known as “little Venice”, with its bridges, canals, Trepponti bridge and thousand-year history linked to eels. You can choose to visit the historic centre with its museums linked to the history and traditions of Comacchio or take a boat trip into the heart of the valleys to discover the mysteries of eels and the fishing traditions of the town.

Overnight stay in Comacchio

Day 3: Comacchio – Argenta (62 km)

The longest stage of the tour, combining nature and historical memory. We leave the lagoon behind and head inland, passing through the Comacchio Valleys, a paradise for birdwatchers. The route takes us along one of the most picturesque cycle paths in the Po Delta Park, the "Argine degli Angeli", before skirting the southern shore of the Valleys and crossing the reclaimed countryside to Argenta.

Overnight stay in Argenta

Day 4: Argenta – Portomaggiore – Argenta – Ferrara (48 km)

Before setting off on your bike, it is worth stopping off to visit the Argenta Valleys, one of the most important wetlands in Emilia-Romagna region. They represent what remains of the ancient valley system that once covered much of the Ferrara plain. Today, they are a protected area of great naturalistic value, consisting of freshwater small lakes, reed beds, woods and wet meadows, which provide shelter for numerous species of water birds. Back on your bike, you cycle towards Portomaggiore, admiring the "Delizia di Benvignante" and its lush park along the way. We continue towards Bando, where we can visit the Porto - Bacino di Bando valley bends, a natural oasis of great interest, especially for the presence of wild geese and storks.

Return to Argenta or transfer to Ferrara

• Reccomended bike: city bike, trekking bike or e-bike
• Equipment: helmet, repair kit, water bottle, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
• Ideal time in the year: spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and nature is at its most beautiful
• Accomodation options: farmhouses, B&Bs, bike-friendly hostels
• Suitable for: families, groups, couples, solo travellers

DOWNLOAD THE KML TRACK

DOWNLOAD THE GPX TRACKS

Starting from: €300.00 per person
The price includes: 3 nights in a double room with breakfast, luggage transfer from one accommodation to another, organisation and assistance.

• bike hire
• dinners
• booking of excursions and guided tours at museums and nature reserves along the route
• transfer on the last day from Argenta to Ferrara
• additional night in Argenta or Ferrara

INFO

• +39 0532 783944
• comunicazione@visitferrara.eu

•   Download the brochure