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Your Cycling Holiday in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

On this self guided cycling tour you'll ride through Italy's premier pasta region.

After a day of leisurely cycling, enjoy gourmet evening meals that will include some of the finest traditional fayre in the world ... delightful local dishes made according to Italian traditions. You'll get away from the main tourist trail and pedal quiet roads. On the route, you'll have the chance to enjoy behind-the-scenes visits of parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar producers, but also ancient castles and various UNESCO world heritage sites*.

We love

In this stunning region of Italy, history, art and culture - combined with fantastic food - provide an unforgettable Taste of Italy.

What's included

• Delightful 3-star and 4-star hotels
• Delicious restaurant meals on 4 nights
• High quality aluminium frame touring bikes
• GPS navigation tracks provided via 'Ride with GPS'
• Tour roadbook including maps, cultural info and lunch suggestions
• Personalised bike fitting and detailed briefing
• Luggage transferred between your hotels
• E-Bikes available upon request
• 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL

*food tours and factory visits are an added cost with limited availability; speak to your account manager to discuss at time of booking. They may be difficult to secure if you are departing on a non-standard departure day.

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

Day 1 | Arrive in Bologna
Bologna 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 dinner tonight is at a local trattoria. We meet for your full tour briefing and personalised bicycle fitting.

Day 2 | From Bologna to Modena | Distance 39 miles (62km)
Today we highly recommend visiting a local gelato maker! Then you'll pedal out from Bologna in to beautiful hills and countryside. Enjoy stunning views on the 'rails-to-trails' bike path that follows the old railway track to the fortress town of Bazzano, before heading on to magnificent Modena. Be sure to take an evening stroll through the historic centre before enjoying a fantastic evening meal. 

Day 3 | Ride in to Reggio Emilia countryside | Distance 32 miles (51km)
Before heading out of Modena on your bicycle, we suggest a visit to 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. Another culinary mystery is unveiled today on an optional visit at an 'acetaia' - a traditional balsamic vinegar factory to learn how leftover grapes are transformed into the sweet, rich vinegar that can sometimes be worth hundreds of pounds. Tradition is beautifully preserved here as the historic methods of production are still in use. You'll continue on along back roads to reach your 'agriturismo', a country house hotel with a working farm, where you'll stay tonight.

Day 4 | Bike to Parma | Distance 39 miles (62km)
Get up early for an optional visit to observe the artistry of a working Parmesan cheese maker on your mornings ride. You'll route will be along bike paths following an old railroad. Your destination is Parma, a city where your taste buds will not be disappointed. It is, however, a city where the arts also flourished outside of the kitchen: Parmigianino, Corregio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of the most famous citizens. Enjoy time in the historic centre and delight your palate with Parma's signature cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, eaten as an aperitivo or perhaps sprinkled on homemade pasta dishes.

Day 5 | Tour ends in 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. Thanks for joining us and 'buon viaggio'.

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

Day 1 | Arrive in Bologna
Bologna 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 dinner tonight is at a local trattoria. We meet for your full tour briefing and personalised bicycle fitting.

Day 2 | From Bologna to Modena | Distance 39 miles (62km)
Today we highly recommend visiting a local gelato maker! Then you'll pedal out from Bologna in to beautiful hills and countryside. Enjoy stunning views on the 'rails-to-trails' bike path that follows the old railway track to the fortress town of Bazzano, before heading on to magnificent Modena. Be sure to take an evening stroll through the historic centre before enjoying a fantastic evening meal. 

Day 3 | Modena to Castelvetro loop ride | Distance 37 miles (60km)

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 centre 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! 

Day 4 | Ride into Reggio Emilia countryside | Distance 32 miles (51km)
Before heading out of Modena on your bicycle, we suggest a visit to 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. Another culinary mystery is unveiled today on an optional visit at an 'acetaia' - a traditional balsamic vinegar factory to learn how leftover grapes are transformed into the sweet, rich vinegar that can sometimes be worth hundreds of pounds. Tradition is beautifully preserved here as the historic methods of production are still in use. You'll continue on along back roads to reach your 'agriturismo', a country house hotel with a working farm, where you'll stay tonight.

Day 5 | Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills  | Distance 12-36 miles (20-58km) 
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 to this bustling, pretty town.

Day 6 | Bike to Parma | Distance 39 miles (62km)
Get up early for an optional visit to observe the artistry of a working Parmesan cheese maker on your morning's ride. You'll route will be along bike paths following an old railroad. Your destination is Parma, a city where your taste buds will not be disappointed. It is, however, a city where the arts also flourished outside of the kitchen: Parmigianino, Corregio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of the most famous citizens. Enjoy time in the historic centre and delight your palate with Parma's signature cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, eaten as an aperitivo or perhaps sprinkled on homemade pasta dishes.

Day 7 | Round trip from Parma to the castle of Torrechiara | Distance 30 miles (48km)
Get ready for your last day of riding - a round trip loop to the breathtaking castle of Torrechiara. 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. There's nothing better than tasting the local cured prosciutto and salame in this historic setting.

Day 8 | Tour ends in 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. Thanks for joining us and 'buon viaggio'.

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

  • Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia

    4 Star

    This historic hotel is one of the oldest in Italy, with over 500 years of history. Decorated with classical touches, almost every room is filled with antiques or tapestries showcasing the beauty of the region.

  • Agriturismo La Razza, Reggio Emilia

    2-star to 3-star

    ‘La Razza’ is home to a wide range of farming activity: from the dairy farm to pork rearing, from the centre of operations to the fodder factory and cattle shed, from the vineyard to the lake and their most recent addition: the agriturismo and sporting centre. The agriturismo has nine rooms that are all furnished in country and rustic style. Every room has a private bathroom with shower. The rooms of the 'casale' are wide and bright with lovely views to the hills. 

  • Hotel Button,Parma

    3-star

    An elegant 3-star hotel dating back to the late 1700's. Hotel Button is situated just a few minutes walk from major historical and cultural icons of Parma: The Cortesi family have managed the hotel for over fifty years and guarantee you a warm welcome. All rooms are decorated in a classic style, fitted with tiled floors and wooden furniture.

  • Hotel Canalgrande, Modena

    4-star

    A classic and refined hotel in the centre of Modena. The Hotel Canalgrande if the only 4-star hotel in the heart of the historic city center. The hotel is located 400 metres from Piazza Grande and is a 6-minute walk from Modena Cathedral. The origins of the hotel date back to 1530, when it was built to be used as a convent and then rebuilt in the late 1700s on a project by Giuseppe Soli, for the singer Caterina Bonafini, whose cultural salon was one of the best-attended in the city.

  • Hotel Touring, Bologna

    4-star

    The hotel is a peaceful hideaway in the heart of Bologna that combines up-to-the-minute sophistication with ample old-world charm. Just steps from the main square Piazza Maggiore, expect friendly service, understated comfort and new furnishings throughout. A bistro style fifth floor terrace specialises in Italian aperitivo.

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

Tour Dates & Prices

Please note, this tour runs scheduled departures on specific start days. If you’d like to begin your holiday on another date, please enquire about our private departures which may incur a small supplement.

4 nights: Sunday Departure
7 nights: Sunday Departure

May, June, September and early October may incur a high season supplement.

Available Duration Tour Only Package
(Flights & Transfers Included)
Self Drive
(Eurotunnel Included)
Board Basis
1st Apr 2024 to 31st Oct 2024 7 Nights £1,715pp £2,065pp Bed & Breakfast + 4 dinners
1st Apr 2024 to 31st Oct 2024 4 Nights £1,405pp £1,765pp Half Board

E-Bike Supplement: £135 per person 

Premium Titanium Bike Upgrade: £40 per person 

GPS Device Rental: £60 per person 

Child prices and single supplements are available on request. Please speak to our Activities Experts on 020 7471 7760 for more details.

*Where tour pricing is displayed in your local currency, please note this is for indicative purposes and your final holiday will be confirmed and transacted at the time of booking with our team in Pound Sterling.

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

Your Cycling Holidays in Emilia Romagna

Classic | A Taste of Italy | Self Guided

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