A traveler favorite among our Classic tours line-up, you'll ride through Italy's premier pasta (and foodie) region, where you can delight on extraordinary local dishes made according to tradition. Every day of pedaling takes you on unique experiences and behind-the-scenes visits, like a family-run parmesan cheese producer or a historical balsamic vinegar mill and cellar. Cycle through picturesque medieval towns, elegant cities and world heritage UNESCO sites, and countryside scenery that reminds of nearby Tuscany (but without the crowds!). Not just about the food, Emilia-Romagna offers its rich history, art, culture and traditions, all conspiring to make this an unforgettable tour!
Highlights
- The Red City and its marvelous porticoes and alleways
- Rails-to-trails bike paths, Bazzano, World Heritage Site of historic Modena
- Explore Modena; optional loop ride on the hills
- Modena's covered street market, Balsamic vingegar, stay in an agriturismo
- Cassona Castle ruins or city of Reggio Emilia
- Parma cured ham and parmesan cheese
- Lovely ride in the hills near Parma and the castle of Torrechiara and lunch with a view; explore Parma
- World Heritage Site of Parma
Itinerary
- Day 1: Bologna welcome
- Day 2: From Bologna to Modena (63 km by bike)
- Day 3: From Modena to Castelvetro loop ride (60 km by bike)
- Day 4: Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside (47 km by bike)
- Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills (22 km or 57 km by bike)
- Day 6: Reggio Emilia to Parma (65 km by bike)
- Day 7: Torrechiara Castle loop ride (48 km by bike)
- Day 8: Tour ends in Parma - arrivederci!
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork. In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bologna welcome
Check in to the centrally located hotel in Bologna, enjoy the views of the old town from the rooftop terrace, and get yourself situated. Bologna today is Emilia-Romagna's administrative capital and, arguably, its culinary capital too. Home to the oldest continually operating university in the world, the city boasts its rich history and long tradition in the arts and gastronomy. Bologna gave birth to the mortadella, vulgarly distorted abroad as "bologna", although the fresh, artisanal mortadella has nothing to do with processed ham! Make sure you put this culinary delight on your 'must try' list! After meeting our staff at your for a tour briefing and bike fitting (normally in the early afternoon), you are ready to go! We recommend getting out to explore this afternoon and check out our suggested dinner locations! First Overnight stay in Bologna: Houtel Touring, or similar
Day 2: From Bologna to Modena | Approx. 39 miles | 63 kilometers by bike
Leave Bologna on its city bike paths and next to the one-of-a-kind porticoes, to get to the first hills where great views reward you after a short climb. A rails-to-trails bike path leads you out to the fortress town of Bazzano, before heading to Modena. Don't forget to visit the historic town center of this city with the marble covered cathedral and its Ghirlandina bell tower.
2. Overnight in Hotel Canalgrande, or similar.
Day 3: Modena to Castelvetro Loop ride | Approx. 38 miles | 60 kilometers by bike
Take time to explore Modena today by climbing up the bell tower or visiting the Palace of the Duchy. Alternatively, enjoy a ride to the foothills of the Apennines along quiet roads and bicycle lanes. Visit the picturesque town of Castelvetro with its fortified historical center and balsamic vinegar production. If you are a car fan, Modena is the home of Ferrari and other historical brands so there are museums and exhibitions you can indulge in! 3. Overnight in Hotel Canalgrande, or similar.
Day 4: Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside | Approx. 29 miles | 47 kilometers by bike
Before heading out of Modena on your bike, we suggest a visit of the local covered market that has been selling local products since the Middle Ages: fruits and vegetables, but also gourmet selections of Lambrusco wine, Amaretti cookies, truffles, cheese and Prosciutto, and of course traditional balsamic vinegar. With your senses alight by the sounds, sights and smells, you will visit the lovely Acetaia Cavalli estate, where the family has been producing the highest quality balsamic for over a hundred years. An easy ride today will lead you along back roads to tonight’s very special stay - an "agriturismo" country house estate with a working farm, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar production, vineyards and winery, and more, within a wonderful natural setting.
4. Overnight Agriturismo La Razza, or similar.
Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills | Approx. 12 miles | 19 kilometers by bike + 102 m (335 ft) elevation gain
Head for the hills today on a ride to Canossa Castle ruins, where the Holy Roman Empire Emperor Henry 4th had to show penance to the Pope, waiting in the snow barefoot at the gate of Matilda's castle for three days before Matilda, countess of Canossa, convinced the Pope to open. Alternatively, for a shorter loop ride follow the bike path to Reggio Emilia for a visit of this bustling, pretty town. 5. Overnight Agriturismo La Razza, or similar.
Day 6: Reggio Emilia to Parma | Approx. 39 miles | 63 kilometers by bike
You'll start the morning with a guided visit of a parmesan cheese factory on the road to Parma. This wonderful experience, in which you'll learn why Parmiggiano-Reggiano is known as "the king of cheeses”, is one of the tour highlights. With your senses awakened, you are ready for today's destination - yet another place where your taste buds will not be disappointed, Parma! Famous for its culinary traditions, the arts also flourished outside of the kitchen in this lovely, stately city: Parmigianino, Correggio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of its most famous citizens, and their influence are present to this day. The city is still an important cultural and artistic center. Explore and enjoy the historic center, and delight your palate with Parma's signature cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, eaten as an aperitivo or sprinkled on homemade pasta dishes. No place better to do this than from a table in a piazza! 6. Overnight Hotel Button, or similiar.
Day 7: Torrechiara Castle loop ride | Approx. 30 miles | 48 kilometers by bike
Get ready for your last day of bicycling amidst ancient castles and local traditions! Today's ride will loop to the breathtaking Torrechiara Castle. Dominating the Val Parma, the castle was constructed between 1448 and 1460, devised as an instrument of defense as well as a distinguished home for the count and his lover. This area is famous for its cured prosciutto and local salame—taste them in this historic setting! 7. Overnight Hotel Button, or similiar.
Day 8: Tour ends in Parma - arrivederci!
Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Enjoy this lovely city in the morning - with your newly refined palate, hit the shop or market and take some recipes home to try in your own kitchen!
PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
- Total Distance: 275-325 km (170-200 miles)
- Daily Distance: 20-62 km (12-38 miles)
This tour is available between March 1 and October 31
Starts every Sunday. Other start days available by request (extra fee applies). Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits (such as museums or tastings) impossible.
Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €685. This fee includes the cost of the single/double room supplement, as well as a GPS unit with the pre-loaded routes.
Group Discounts are available for participants booking together on the same departure! Please inquire for details through our contact form below.
