Canals of Bologna Guided Bike Tour

The Canals of Bologna guided bike tour is an urban cycling excursion in Emilia-Romagna, run by Bologna Welcome and booked through the information point at Piazza Maggiore 1. Bologna once had a dense network of canals fed by the Reno and Savena rivers, which powered mills, fed the silk industry and carried goods to the port, and most of the network was later covered over. The tour reveals what remains of this hidden water system, including the visible stretches of the Reno canal and the waterways that run toward the Certosa district. The route is flat and short, roughly 10 to 15 kilometres depending on the plan, and takes about two and a half hours of guided riding. The price of EUR 60 for adults includes two hours of bike rental after the tour, so participants can keep exploring on their own, and a lower fare of EUR 45 applies to riders who bring their own bike. No special fitness is needed beyond the ability to ride a standard bicycle in city traffic and on cycle paths. Bikes and helmets are usually provided by the operator, but this should be confirmed at booking, and riders bring comfortable shoes, water, a light jacket and an identity document for the bike hire. The guide explains the history of the canals and manages the group through crossings, and a short safety briefing on riding in a group and in traffic is normally given at the start. The route stays within the city, so help and public transport are never far away if a rider needs to stop. The tour runs year-round on dry days, with March to June and September to November the most comfortable periods. Riders should avoid days of heavy rain, when the paths are slippery, and the peak heat of July and August afternoons. Current schedules and fares should be checked with Bologna Welcome on +39 051 6472113 or bolognawelcome.com, since departures may depend on a minimum number of participants.