Milano – Pavia and back, cycling along the two main canals of Milano. This circular itinerary is a proposal for a weekend biketour full of history, culture, spirituality and good food. Pavia, the former capital of the Lombard Kingdom and home to one of the oldest Italian universities, is rich in historical places sometimes even hidden, as in the case of the underground market. The Visconti domination is testified above all by the castle and by one of the most important monuments of the Italian Renaissance, that is the monastic complex of the Certosa di Pavia, located on the outskirts of the town. Local products are wine and rice.
The route winds along the Naviglio Grande, passing through the village of Abbiategrasso. You will head towards the Morimondo Abbey, which worths a visit. The return route follows the greenway until the Certosa and winds the Naviglio Pavese until Milano.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Individual arrival in Milano.
Hotel accommodation and briefing: delivery of information package and bicycles. Overnight stay in Milano.
Day 2: Milano – Abbiategrasso – Pavia km 56
The cycle route starts from Milano, in the last stretch of the Naviglio Grande, the oldest canal of the Milanese canal system. Along the way you can admire the navigation locks, remarkable works of hydraulic engineering. In Abbiategrasso do not miss the visit of Convento dell’Annunciata. A short detour from the route towards the city centre allows you to visit the Castle and the picturesque streets of the old town. The route continues south along the bike path of the Bereguardo Naviglio, where you can see the historical boat bridge. The Cistercian abbey of Morimondo may be the right place for a break before reaching the town of Pavia, where the final stretch of the Ticino river runs. Overnight stay in Pavia.
Day 3: Pavia and Suburbs km 35 (extra day)
You can admire the city of Pavia thanks to its medieval streets, the impressive Duomo and the Visconti Castle: Pavia is a city on a human scale to be discovered slowly. With a circular bike path you can reach the river PO, the longest river in Italy that crosses virtually the whole of northern Italy from Piedmont to the Adriatic Sea. Obviously for you only a short stretch and then return to Pavia. Overnight stay in Pavia.
Day 4: Pavia – Milano km 42
You still have time to see the historic centre of Pavia. The cycle path starts along the “Via Verde of the Battle“, a great example of a green belt built to perfection, which links the monumental Certosa of Pavia, shrine and a monastery of uncommon beauty, to the city centre. Cycling along the Naviglio Pavese, your make your way back to Milano. Overnight stay in Milano.
Day 5: Milan
Breakfast and end of the biketour.
You may ask for an extra night.
