Flavors of Italy: The very best of Emilia-Romagna
Italy Bike Tours
Fine food, fine art & biking between Parma, Modena, & Bologna
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices from€1075 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This is an easy multi-faceted cycling journey through Italy's gorgeous Emilia-Romagna region, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the region's gastronomic specialties on-site, directly from the source.
Lying between the Po River to its north and the Apennine Mountains, to the south, it is one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy due to its coastal climate. Many of Italy’s finest Protected Denomination of Origin products (PDO), such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena authentic Balsamic Vinegar, Parma ham, and traditional hand-made stuffed pasta, not to mention DOCG classified wines can be found in this region.
Food and wine are not all you will enjoy. As you pedal the landscape, you can also experience the art and history of the area with its castles and heritage villages dating back to the Ducal period, a time when extraordinary art flourished.
Showcased during this tour is the Via Emilia. This road, built by the Romans in 187 B.C., gave rise to important cities such as Bologna, Modena, and Parma at a time when the greatest artists and architects worked in this domain.
Highlights
- Food and wine of the region
- Parma and its towering cathedral
- UNESCO porticoes
- Modena and the preserved medieval center
- Bologna, rich in palaces and medieval towers
- Numerous castles including Torrechiara, Montecchio, and Vignola
This tour is designed to explore the Italian Savoir Vivre; the historical and artistic heritage, the pleasure of good food and wine, and the love of good music!
*This tour is offered as a 7-day guided or self-guided tour over 5- or 8-days. See itinerary details.
Don’t forget that Tripsite offers other amazing bike tours in Italy along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore 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 roadworks. In this case please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Parma
Day 2: Loop ride to Torrechiara Castle, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 3: Parma - Reggio-Emilia, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 4: Parma - Maranello - Castelvetro di Modena, 28 mi. (46 km)
Day 5: Loop ride to Modena, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 6: Castelvetro di Modena - Bologna, 33 mi. (52 km)
Day 7: Bologna
Day 1: Parma
Individual arrival in Parma. Considered among the culinary capitals of Italy, Parma is also known as one of Italy’s art cities: Parmigianino, Correggio, and Giuseppe Verdi are among its lustrous citizens. Take a stroll to Parma’s city center where you will find masterpieces of art, open green spaces, and significant treasures from across the ages. Or do as the locals do, and find a piazza table where you can delight your palate with Parma’s famous cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, enjoyed with an aperitivo. After a bike fitting, your local guides will host a welcome dinner where you will meet your cycling companions.Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel ButtonDay 2: Loop ride to Torrechiara Castle, 30 mi. (49 km)
On your first of cycling, you will ride over delightful rolling hills amidst ancient castles and local tradition. Your goal is the Torrechiara Castle, a breathtaking structure dominating the Val Parma. Constructed between 1448 and 1460, as an instrument of defense as well as a distinguished home for the count and his lover, it offers spectacular views over the landscape. The area is today famous for its cured prosciutto ham and salami, and we recommend stopping for a taste at lunchtime. After a downhill return to Parma, your tour leaders will suggest a local trattoria for dinner and activities for your last evening in this lovely city.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Button
Elevation gain: +242 mDay 3: Parma - Reggio-Emilia, 33 mi. (53 km)
Heading out of Parma today, you'll cycle over back roads and bike paths, through farmland and small villages, towards Reggio-Emilia, in the heart of where Parmigiano is produced along with the famous Parma ham. Parma’s delicate flavor, slightly salty with a fragrant aroma, is the result of the particular climate conditions in which this ham is dried and aged. The air of the region, scented by the pine woods and Versilia chestnuts of the Parma hills and balanced by the mountains of Cisa, produces the essential features of real Parma Ham. Today’s destination - an agriturismo working farm and inn - will be another trip highlight. You will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your visit here. The agriturismo also houses a parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar factory, among other wonderful surprises.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza
Elevation gain: +300 mDay 4: Parma - Maranello - Castelvetro di Modena, 28 mi. (46 km)
An early start will see you visit the artistry of a working Parmesan cheesemaker. The proud Consorzio will explain the intricacies of this poignant but delicate cheese on your guided tour of the small factory (ending with a tasting, of course). Continue cycling en route to Maranello, home of the factory and testing track of the fabled Ferrari sports cars, as well as the Ferrari Museum (visit is optional). Today’s ride ends in the delightful medieval hilltop town of Castelvetro di Modena, your base for the next two nights. Take a stroll among the locals over lovely cobbled lanes and alleys this evening. You might also consider an optional visit to the balsamic vinegar acetaia – or mill - where another traditional culinary mystery will be unveiled. Learn how leftovers from grapes are transformed into the sweet, rich vinegar that can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars. Dinner near the piazza is a must, where you’ll enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside below you and the Apennine mountain chain in the distance.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Guerro
Elevation gain: +470 mDay 5: Loop ride to Modena, 30 mi. (49 km)
You'll glide down on our bikes as you begin an optional loop ride to Modena, another wonderful historic art city – and UNESCO World Heritage Site - where you will have time to explore its historical town center, the magnificent Duomo and the Ghirlandina medieval tower. Your visit to Modena will not be complete without a visit to the famous covered outdoor market, and a gelato stop as well! Modena is also the birthplace of Dino and Enzo Ferrari, founders of the namesake brand, as well as Luciano Pavarotti, the legendary tenor. After your exploration of Modena, you'll ride back to Castelvetro in the afternoon for another night in town.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Guerro
Elevation gain: +300 mDay 6: Castelvetro di Modena - Bologna, 33 mi. (52 km)
Our last ride today is lovely, cycling by small farms and Lambrusco vineyards, always near the foothills of the Apennines. Bologna awaits – the capital of Emilia-Romagna is an important Italian city with a rich history and a fascinating medieval center. The beautiful city center, famous for its nearly 40 km arcades, the longest in the world, has been nicknamed “The Fat” for its food tradition. The city is also a "UNESCO Creative City of Music". Among the symbols of Bologna are the medieval towers, particularly the magnificent Two Towers: Asinelli tower (98 m) and neighboring “twin” Garisenda (48 m, mentioned in Dante's Inferno).
Your tour ends with a bang in the red city (as Italians call it). You'll meet with a Bologna local who will share their secrets and passion for cooking, while you prepare a traditional meal and eat together on your celebratory good-bye dinner.Meals: Cooking class dinner
Accommodation: Hotel II Guercino
Elevation gain: +220 mDay 7: Bologna
Bologna is a great place to spend another night or two, or to use as a base for further exploration. For those returning home today, we will assist you in arranging your transportation to the nearby Bologna airport.
Meals: BreakfastDay 1: Bologna
Day 2: Bologna - Modena, 39 mi. (63 km)
Day 3: Modena to Castelvetro loop ride, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills, 12 to 35 mi. (22 to 57 km)
Day 6: Reggio Emilia - Parma, 40 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Torrechiara Castle loop ride, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 8: Parma
* This tour can be shortened to 5 days or lengthened to 15 days. Ask us for a customized itinerary.
Day 1: Bologna
Bologna today is Emilia Romagna's administrative capital and, arguably, its culinary capital too. Home to the oldest continually operating university in the world, Bologna has a long tradition of studies, arts, and gastronomy. Speaking of 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! Your optional dinner is at a local trattoria.
Meals: Dinner (optional)
Accommodation: Hotel TouringDay 2: Bologna - Modena, 39 mi. (63 km)
After meeting our staff this morning at your for a tour briefing and bike fitting, you are ready to go! Leave Bologna on its city bike paths 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.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Canalgrande
Elevation gain: + 212 mDay 3: Modena to Castelvetro loop ride, 37 mi. (60 km)
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!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Canalgrande
Elevation gain: + 374 mDay 4: Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside, 29 mi. (47 km)
Before heading out of Modena on your bike you can visit 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. Your senses will come to life by the sounds, sights, and smells. 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 hotel with a working farm, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar production, vineyards and winery, and more, within a wonderful, natural setting.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza
Elevation gain: + 219 m
Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills, 12 to 35 mi. (22 to 57 km)
Head for the hills today on a ride to Canossa Castle ruins, where the Holy Roman Empire Emperor Henry 5th had to show penance to the Pope, waiting in the snow barefoot at the gate of Matilda's Castle for 3 days before Matilda, countess of Canossa, convinced the Pope to open. Alternatively follow the bike path to Reggio Emilia for a visit of this bustling, pretty town.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza
Elevation gain: +102 and +801 m
Day 6: Reggio Emilia - Parma, 40 mi. (65 km)
You'll start the morning with a visit of the parmesan factory at your Agriturismo. Paolo the friendly owner and manager of the La Razza establishment will guide you through a truly wonderful experience, learning why Parmiggiano-Reggiano is known as "the king of cheeses".
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!Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Button
Elevation gain: +305 mDay 7: Torrechiara Castle loop ride, 30 mi. (48 km)
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!Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Button
Elevation gain: +240 mDay 8: Parma
Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Now with a refined palate, shop well and take some recipes home to try in your own kitchen!Cooking classes are available in more than one location along the way. Contact us for more details!
Day 1: Bologna
Day 2: Bologna - Modena, 39 mi. (62 km). +212 m
Day 3: Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside, 29 mi. (47 km). +219 m
Day 4: Regio Emilia - Parma, 40 mi. (65 km). +305 m
Day 5: Tour ends in ParmaYou can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
Quality 3-4-star hotels and inns with the guided option. Good quality 3-4 star hotels with the self-guided option. In the daily itinerary, you will find the preferred hotels listed under each day. If the preferred hotel is not available, a hotel of equal standard is offered. Room upgrades are possible depending on the hotel. Please ask us for more information.
Bicycles
Titanium hybrid or road
- Van Nicholas Amazon 3AL/2,5V titanium hybrid/mixte frame and VN Slx carbon fork
- Continental Contact 700×25 tires with an anti-puncture layer
- Solid rear rack for panniers or trunk bag
- Fenders
- Chain-guard and kickstand
- Ergon GP2 grips
- 3×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain (hybrid)
- Shimano 2x11 drivetrain (road)
- Step-through frame available (hybrid)
Inclusions
What’s Included
Guided
- 6 nights accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels
- Breakfast
- Two dinners with local wine
- 10-speed aluminum hybrid touring bike (Shimano with straight handlebars)
- Accessories: rear rack bag, helmet, odometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
- Bike fitting and briefing
- Bilingual English-Italian cycling guide
- Support vehicle and driver on most days
- Luggage transfer
- Cooking class
- Parmesan cheese factory visit and tasting
- GPS tracks on request
- 4/7 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
- Breakfast
- 10-speed aluminum hybrid (Shimano with straight handlebars)
- Accessories: rear rack bag, helmet, odometer, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit
- Bike fitting and briefing
- Roadbook and map
- Luggage transfer
- GPS with pre-loaded navigation routes
- Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook
- Guided visit of artisanal parmesan factory
- Guided visit and tasting at family-run vinegar mill
Self Guided
What’s Not Included
Both
- Transport to and from start/end
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Entrances to museums or other activities
- Clipless / SPD pedals
- City taxes (€2-5 per person per night)
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
- GPS device
- Cooking classes
Guided
Self-guided
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Self-guided
* Departures every Sunday between March 1 to October 31, 2023
Confirmed departures (5-day): May 14, June 4, and August 27, 2023
Confirmed departures (8-day): April 22, May 2, June 4 & 18, and September 4, 9, & 17, 2023* Other start dates possible (supplement will apply). Please enquire.
Guided
Daily departures from March 1 through October 31, 2023
* If you are interested in joining an existing group departure date, don't hesitate to get in touch with us for details
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Guided - 7-day
Double/twin sharing: $ 2775 £ 1603 $ 2,647 € 1790 ₪ 6829 NZ$ 3058 NOK 19631 kr 20462 $ 1,985 High season surcharge (May, June, Sep, Oct 1-8): $ 155 £ 90 $ 148 € 100 ₪ 381 NZ$ 171 NOK 1097 kr 1143 $ 111 Single supplement: $ 302 £ 175 $ 288 € 195 ₪ 744 NZ$ 333 NOK 2139 kr 2229 $ 216
* Pricing is based on a minimum of 6 people. Please request a quote for other group sizes.
Self-guided - 8-day
Double/twin sharing: $ 2078 £ 1200 $ 1,982 € 1340 ₪ 5112 NZ$ 2290 NOK 14696 kr 15318 $ 1,486 High season surcharge (May, June, Sep, Oct 1-8): $ 155 £ 90 $ 148 € 100 ₪ 381 NZ$ 171 NOK 1097 kr 1143 $ 111 Single supplement (min 2 pax): $ 481 £ 278 $ 458 € 310 ₪ 1183 NZ$ 530 NOK 3400 kr 3544 $ 344 Supplement solo travelers: $ 961 £ 555 $ 917 € 620 ₪ 2365 NZ$ 1059 NOK 6800 kr 7087 $ 688
Self-guided - 5-day
Double/twin sharing: $ 1667 £ 963 $ 1,590 € 1075 ₪ 4101 NZ$ 1837 NOK 11790 kr 12289 $ 1,192 High season surcharge (May, June, Sep, Oct 1-8): $ 155 £ 90 $ 148 € 100 ₪ 381 NZ$ 171 NOK 1097 kr 1143 $ 111 Single supplement (min 2 pax): $ 295 £ 170 $ 281 € 190 ₪ 725 NZ$ 325 NOK 2084 kr 2172 $ 211 Supplement solo travelers: $ 767 £ 443 $ 732 € 495 ₪ 1888 NZ$ 846 NOK 5429 kr 5658 $ 549
* High season surcharge is waivered if you join an existing departure
Extra Options
7-day guided
Electric bike: $ 163 £ 94 $ 155 € 105 ₪ 401 NZ$ 179 NOK 1152 kr 1200 $ 116 Titanium hybrid/road bike upgrade: $ 54 £ 31 $ 52 € 35 ₪ 134 NZ$ 60 NOK 384 kr 400 $ 39 Tandem bike: $ 31 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 76 NZ$ 34 NOK 219 kr 229 $ 22
8-day self-guided
Electric bike: $ 186 £ 107 $ 177 € 120 ₪ 458 NZ$ 205 NOK 1316 kr 1372 $ 133 Titanium hybrid/road bike upgrade: $ 62 £ 36 $ 59 € 40 ₪ 153 NZ$ 68 NOK 439 kr 457 $ 44 Tandem (limited): $ 31 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 76 NZ$ 34 NOK 219 kr 229 $ 22
5-day self-guided
Electric bike: $ 116 £ 67 $ 111 € 75 ₪ 286 NZ$ 128 NOK 823 kr 857 $ 83 Titanium hybrid/road bike upgrade: $ 39 £ 22 $ 37 € 25 ₪ 95 NZ$ 43 NOK 274 kr 286 $ 28 Tandem bike: $ 20 £ 12 $ 19 € 13 ₪ 50 NZ$ 22 NOK 143 kr 149 $ 14
Tag-along trailers/child bikes: no additional fee
Bologna Airport to Bologna (1-3 pax): $ 78 £ 45 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 191 NZ$ 85 NOK 548 kr 572 $ 55 Bologna Airport to Bologna (4-6 pax): $ 93 £ 54 $ 89 € 60 ₪ 229 NZ$ 103 NOK 658 kr 686 $ 67 Parma to Bologna Airport (1-3 pax): $ 287 £ 166 $ 274 € 185 ₪ 706 NZ$ 316 NOK 2029 kr 2115 $ 205 Parma to Bologna Airport (4-6 pax): $ 318 £ 184 $ 303 € 205 ₪ 782 NZ$ 350 NOK 2248 kr 2343 $ 227
Cooking class available in Bologna (includes tasting meal, min. 2 pax): $ 186 £ 107 $ 177 € 120 ₪ 458 NZ$ 205 NOK 1316 kr 1372 $ 133 Supplement for solo traveler: $ 116 £ 67 $ 111 € 75 ₪ 286 NZ$ 128 NOK 823 kr 857 $ 83
Bologna
Hotel Touring (Classic 4-star): $ 155 £ 90 $ 148 € 100 ₪ 381 NZ$ 171 NOK 1097 kr 1143 $ 111
Upgraded room (urban/gold category): $ 180 £ 104 $ 172 € 116 ₪ 443 NZ$ 198 NOK 1272 kr 1326 $ 129
Classic single room (French bed): $ 228 £ 132 $ 217 € 147 ₪ 561 NZ$ 251 NOK 1612 kr 1680 $ 163
Gold single room (French bed/urban room): $ 260 £ 150 $ 248 € 168 ₪ 641 NZ$ 287 NOK 1842 kr 1920 $ 186
Gold single room (Double bed/urban room): $ 293 £ 169 $ 280 € 189 ₪ 721 NZ$ 323 NOK 2073 kr 2160 $ 210
*French bed - bigger than a twin but smaller than a double
Hotel Guercino (4-star outside city center): $ 82 £ 47 $ 78 € 53 ₪ 202 NZ$ 91 NOK 581 kr 606 $ 59
Single room (single bed): $ 130 £ 75 $ 124 € 84 ₪ 320 NZ$ 144 NOK 921 kr 960 $ 93
Double for single-use: $ 147 £ 85 $ 141 € 95 ₪ 362 NZ$ 162 NOK 1042 kr 1086 $ 105
Parma
Hotel Button (3-star): $ 122 £ 71 $ 117 € 79 ₪ 301 NZ$ 135 NOK 866 kr 903 $ 88
Single room: $ 195 £ 113 $ 186 € 126 ₪ 481 NZ$ 215 NOK 1382 kr 1440 $ 140
Pallazo della Rosa Prati (upgrade): Pricing on request
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate guided or self-guided tour with a terrain that varies from flat to hilly with some gentle climbs and descents. The average length of the daily rides vary from 44-62 km. You will cycle on paved backroads and bike paths with little traffic, although there are stretches where we share the roads with cars. The roads are 90% asphalted and 10% unpaved surfaces and trails.
Vehicle support is provided on most cycling days. With a group of 8 or more participants, vehicle support is provided every day (no additional cost).Airport Info
Closest international airport to the tour start of Parma is Bologna, located 6 km from the city center.
Local Travel
From the airport you can take the Aerobus service that departs Terminal Patrenze hourly to Bologna Centrale Train station. From here, you can take the train to Parma. Total travel time is about 1 hour and one half.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Remarks
The cooking class is run by Le Cesarine, a company that organizes culinary experiences at local people’s houses. Classes can take place in Bologna (best for large groups), Modena and Parma. Your class will last about 3 hours, during which you will help the Cesarina prepare 3 courses. In the 4th and final hour, you will enjoy a meal (lunch or dinner) made of the courses you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine every 3 people are included.
Luggage transfer is included in your package. Normally, the luggage is collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.30. Every luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally you cannot use the luggage transport service to skip the stage. In case you need help to skip the stage, please contact our emergency number.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycle Europe.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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