Flavors of Italy: The very best of Emilia-Romagna

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 your welcome briefing and 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, 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 m

Day 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 m

Day 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 m

Day 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 you explore Modena, you'll ride back to Castelvetro in the afternoon for another night in town.

Meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Hotel Guerro
Elevation gain: +300 m

Day 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 m

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: Breakfast 

Day 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, 39 mi. (63 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
You will have your welcome briefing and bike fitting (at a scheduled time) after you have checked into your first hotel. 
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, 39 mi. (63 km)
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 m

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
Accommodation: Hotel Canalgrande
Elevation gain: + 374 m

Day 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 4th 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, 39 mi. (63 km)
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 is 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 m

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 salami - taste them in this historic setting!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Button 
Elevation gain: +240 m

Day 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!