Flavors of Italy: The very best of Emilia-Romagna
Italy Bike Tours
Fine food, fine art and biking between Parma, Modena, and Bologna
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6–7 days
- Prices from€1095 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, 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
- Correggio’s frescoes
- Modena and the preserved medieval center
- Bologna, rich in palaces and medieval towers
- Numerous castles including Torrechiara, Colorno, Fontanellato, Soragna, Montecchio, Carpi, 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 or self-guided tour. 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.
7-day guided option
Day 1: Parma
Day 2: Loop ride to Torrechiara Castle, 28 mi. (45 km) (246 m)
Day 3: Parma - Reggio-Emilia, 38 mi. (62km) (292 m)
Day 4: Parma - Maranello - Castelvetro di Modena, 30 mi. (48 km) (250m)
Day 5: Loop ride to Modena, 28 mi. (44 km) (140m)
Day 6: Castelletto di Modena - Bologna, 33mi. (53 km) (320 m)
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 Button
Day 2: Loop ride to Torrechiara Castle, 28 mi. (45 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
Day 3: Parma - Reggio-Emilia, 38 mi. (62km)
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
Day 4: Parma - Maranello - Castelvetro di Modena, 30 mi. (48 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
Day 5: Loop ride to Modena
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
Day 6: Castelletto di Modena - Bologna, 33mi. (53 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 Regina
Day 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: Breakfast8-day self-guided option
Day 1: Bologna
Day 2: Bologna - Modena, 34 mi. (55 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 36 mi. (20 to 58 km)
Day 6: Reggio Emilia - Parma, 34 mi. (54 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 Touring
Day 2: Bologna - Modena, 34 mi. (55 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
Optional Activity: Balsamic vinegar producer visit
Day 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. Dinner (optional) - closed Sunday and Monday.
Accommodation: Hotel CanalgrandeDay 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. Dinner (optional)
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza
Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills, 12 to 36 mi. (20 to 58 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
Day 6: Reggio Emilia - Parma, 34 mi. (54 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!Day 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 ButtonDay 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!
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Good quality 3-star hotels and inns on the guided option. Good quality 3-4 star hotels on the self-guided option. Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the preferred accommodation that is used. Of course in the event of lack of availability, a comparable alternative will be offered.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Guided
- 6 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel
- Breakfast
- Two dinners with local wine
- 10-speed aluminum hybrid touring bike (Shimano with straight handlebars) with pump, rear rack bag, lock and under-seat repair pack
- Helmet
- 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
- Self-Guided
- 7 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
- Breakfast
- 10-speed titanium hybrid (Shimano with straight handlebars) or 11-speed racing bike with pump, rear rack bag, lock and under-seat repair pack
- Helmet
- Bike fitting and briefing
- Roadblock and map
- Luggage transfer
- GPS tracks on request
- Guided visit of artisanal parmesan factory
- Guided visit and tasting at family-run vinegar mill
What’s Not Included
- Both
- Transport to and from start/end
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Helmets
- Clipless / SPD pedals
- GPS device
- City taxes
- Gratuities
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
- Guided
- Balsamic vinegar mill and Ferrari Museum visits
- Self-guided
- Cooking classes
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Self-guided:
Friday departures
March 1 to October 31, 2021Guided:
Dates coming soon!
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Guided
Double/twin sharing: $ 2140 £ 1206 $ 2,101 € 1330 NZ$ 2299 kr 13695 $ 1,651 Single supplement: $ 280 £ 158 $ 275 € 174 NZ$ 301 kr 1792 $ 216
Self-guided
Double/twin sharing: $ 1762 £ 993 $ 1,730 € 1095 NZ$ 1893 kr 11275 $ 1,359 Single supplement (min 2 pax): $ 418 £ 236 $ 411 € 260 NZ$ 449 kr 2677 $ 323 Supplement solo travelers: $ 812 £ 458 $ 798 € 505 NZ$ 873 kr 5200 $ 627 Hotels may be subject to availability, and a hotel supplemental fee may be applied.
Extra Options
Titanium bike (guided): $ 322 £ 181 $ 316 € 200 NZ$ 346 kr 2059 $ 248 Titanium bike (self-guided): $ 64 £ 36 $ 63 € 40 NZ$ 69 kr 412 $ 50 Electric bike (guided): $ 426 £ 240 $ 419 € 265 NZ$ 458 kr 2729 $ 329 Electric bike (self-guided): $ 193 £ 109 $ 190 € 120 NZ$ 207 kr 1236 $ 149 Tandem (limited): $ 257 £ 145 $ 253 € 160 NZ$ 277 kr 1648 $ 199
Private transfers (price per group):
Bologna Airport to Bologna (1-3 pax): $ 64 £ 36 $ 63 € 40 NZ$ 69 kr 412 $ 50 Bologna Airport to Bologna (4-6 pax): $ 80 £ 45 $ 79 € 50 NZ$ 86 kr 515 $ 62 Parma to Bologna Airport (1-3 pax): $ 274 £ 154 $ 269 € 170 NZ$ 294 kr 1751 $ 211 Parma to Bologna Airport (4-6 pax): $ 306 £ 172 $ 300 € 190 NZ$ 328 kr 1956 $ 236Dinners (self-guided)
Bologna (Day 1): $ 64 £ 36 $ 63 € 40 NZ$ 69 kr 412 $ 50 Agriturismo (Day 4): $ 45 £ 25 $ 44 € 28 NZ$ 48 kr 288 $ 35 Parma (Day 5 or 6): $ 40 £ 23 $ 39 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 257 $ 31 Aperitif in Parma (Day 5 or 6): $ 21 £ 12 $ 21 € 13 NZ$ 22 kr 134 $ 16Activities (self-guided):
Gelato Museum and tasting: €7
Balsamic vinegar producer visit: €5
Parmesan cheese maker visit: $ 16 £ 9 $ 16 € 10 NZ$ 17 kr 103 $ 12 Cooking classes (includes tasting meal)(min 2 pax): $ 129 £ 73 $ 126 € 80 NZ$ 138 kr 824 $ 99 Cooking classes supplement (includes tasting meal)(solo travelers): $ 40 £ 23 $ 39 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 257 $ 31Room upgrade (self-guided)
Double room: $ 225 £ 127 $ 221 € 140 NZ$ 242 kr 1442 $ 174 Single supplement: $ 282 £ 159 $ 276 € 175 NZ$ 302 kr 1802 $ 217Extra nights (self-guided)
Bologna: $ 129 £ 73 $ 126 € 80 NZ$ 138 kr 824 $ 99 Parma: $ 88 £ 50 $ 87 € 55 NZ$ 95 kr 566 $ 68Extra 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. The roads are 90% asphalted and 10% unpaved surfaces and trails.
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.
Dinners consist of 3-course set menus (some restaurants allow multiple-choice menus). Drinks are not included. Please check the scheduled time of your dinner, as some restaurants in Italy open for dinner as late as 7:30 or 8:00 pm.
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.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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