Category Archives: Italy

An interesting two day train ride to Venice (Venezia) from Florence (Firenze)

. Our World Tour Adventure ., Italy

Tuesday April 15, 2014, 79 miles (127 km) – Total so far: 1,874 miles (3,016 km)

April 13, 2014 16 miles To save a few days we decided to take a train from Florence (Firenza) to Venice (Venezia). But the Italian regional train system had other plans for us as they went on strike that day. We had heard that the train system is unstable and strikes occur often and usually on Sundays. So we did what we do best – ride our bikes. We rode the 16 miles to the Prato train station and arrived within minutes of a train (not on strike, very confusing) that dropped us off at Bologna. This train then went on strike. No other trains arrived or left Bologna so we decided to get a room and explore Bologna on Sunday afternoon. Excellent choice.

April 14, 2014 Train Ride The strike was over so we trained to Venice. We immediately found out that Venice is not a town to cycle in due to crowds and pedestrian bridges connecting the numerous islands. So we quickly found a hotel, stored our bikes, and then spent the rest of the day and night having fun as a tourist. Venice is simply a spectacular city on the water.

April 15, 2014 63 miles We carried our bikes over 18 bridges to the ferry side of the island and arrived on the mainland mid-morning. After pushing hard we got to within 14 miles of the border with Slovenia and expect to cross into our next country early tomorrow. From there we will ride to Austria.

The Florence Train Station.
The Florence Train Station.
A scene out of "Airplane". They picked the smallest guy to clean the windows!
A scene out of “Airplane”. They picked the smallest guy to clean the windows!
On Sunday we did get a ride from the Prato station to Bologna after cycling to the Prato station 16 miles from the Florence station. But then at Bologna no trains were running.
On Sunday we did get a ride from the Prato station to Bologna after cycling to the Prato station 16 miles from the Florence station. But then at Bologna no trains were running.
The next day, Monday, the strike was over so our bikes had a rest from there to Venice. Both train rides totaled 140 miles.
The next day, Monday, the strike was over so our bikes had a rest from there to Venice. Both train rides totaled 140 miles.
TRENITALIA.
TRENITALIA.
Venice - the canal island in Italy.

Venice – the canal island in Italy.
What a cool place to spend a day.
What a cool place to spend a day.
Since we didn't see James Bond in Monte-Carlo we looked for his tricked out gondola here.
Since we didn’t see James Bond in Monte-Carlo we looked for his tricked out gondola here.

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Gondodla rides cost 80 euro (about $112)for up to six people and 40 minutes. We passed.
Gondodla rides cost 80 euro (about $112)for up to six people and 40 minutes. We passed.

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Crowds everywhere.
Crowds everywhere.
Cool clock.
Cool clock.
And they kept coming by ferry.
And they kept coming by ferry.
Cool bell.
Cool bell.
Spectacular architecture.
Spectacular architecture.

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A common pedestrian bridge. Venice is composed of many islands connected by these. On Monday we lead our bikes over 18 of these in 55 minutes to our ferry pier. A very hard process.
A common pedestrian bridge. Venice is composed of many islands connected by these. On Monday we lead our bikes over 18 of these in 55 minutes to our ferry pier. A very hard process.
All deliveries are made by boat and all trash removed by boat.
All deliveries are made by boat and all trash removed by boat.
One person helped Jocelyn over the first bridge. After that we were ignored.
One person helped Jocelyn over the first bridge. After that we were ignored.
Finding our way to the ferry pier on the other side of Venice. Difficult at best. Many times the alleys ended and we turned around. What a maze!
Finding our way to the ferry pier on the other side of Venice. Difficult at best. Many times the alleys ended and we turned around. What a maze!
Finally on the ferry for a 5 mile ride off the island.
Finally on the ferry for a 5 mile ride off the island.
About 2/3 to the right is a typical pedestrian bridge. There must be a few hundred.
About 2/3 to the right is a typical pedestrian bridge. There must be a few hundred.
After the ferry ride we are now on a EuroVelo Bikeway!
After the ferry ride we are now on a EuroVelo Bikeway!
Huge bird.
Huge bird.
After three days, 16 biking miles, 140 train miles, and a spectacular day in Venice we are finally on the road again.
After three days, 16 biking miles, 140 train miles, and a spectacular day in Venice we are finally on the road again.
I wonder why this establishment is flying the american flag in distress.
I wonder why this establishment is flying the american flag in distress.
The upcoming Alps showing snow!
The upcoming Alps showing snow!
Two train rides - 140 miles, two bikes rides - 79 miles.
Two train rides – 140 miles, two bikes rides – 79 miles.
Our route to April 16, 2014. Includes a car ride for 200 miles (Morocco) and two train rides for 160 miles (Spain) and 140 (Italy) miles. Bicycle miles = 1,874
Our route to April 16, 2014. Includes a car ride for 200 miles (Morocco) and two train rides for 160 miles (Spain) and 140 (Italy) miles. Bicycle miles = 1,874