Day 1: Arrive in Bologna
Highlights: Bologna! UNESCO World Heritage porticoes and culinary traditions
Arrive in Bologna, 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 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! Lots to see and explore in this beautiful city. Come early and book a genuine cooking class at a renowned cooking school or enjoy dinner at a local trattoria!
Accommodation: Il Guercino Boutique Hotel, or similar.
Day 2 Ride to Modena
Highlights: Rails-to-trails bike paths, Bazzano, World Heritage Site of historic Modena
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.
Daily distance: 63 km (39 miles)
Elevation gain: +212 m (695 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Estense, or similar.
Day 3 Modena loop ride
Highlights: Explore Modena; optional loop ride on the hills
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!
Daily distance: 60 km (37 miles)
Elevation gain: +374 m (1227ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Estense, or similar.
Day 4 Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside
Highlights: Modena’s covered street market, Balsamic vinegar, stay in an agriturismo
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.
Daily distance: 47 km (29 miles)
Elevation gain: +219 m (720ft)
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar.
Day 5 Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills
Highlights: Canossa Castle ruins or city of Reggio Emilia
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.
Short option: 22 km (12 miles) with +102 m (330 ft) elevation gain.
Long option: 57km (35 miles) with +801 m (2650 ft) elevation gain.
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar.
Day 6 Bike to Parma
Highlights: Parma cured ham and parmesan cheese
We suggest you start your day with an optional visit of a parmesan cheese factory. This wonderful experience, in which you’ll learn why Parmigiano-Reggiano is known as “the king of cheeses”, is one of the tour highlights.
Your destination today is a city 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 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.
Daily distance: 63 km (39 miles)
Elevation gain: +291 m (955 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar.
Day 7 Torrechiara Castle loop ride
Highlights: Lovely ride in the hills near Parma and the castle of Torrechiara and lunch with a view; explore Parma
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!
Daily distance: 48 km (30 miles)
Elevation gain: +240 m (755 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar.
Day 8 Last day in Parma, tour ends
Highlights: World Heritage Site of 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!
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