Cycling Emilia-Romagna’s Culinary Wonders

Highlights: Parma historic center, bike fitting, welcome dinner

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. We suggest an afternoon stroll through the city center, where Parma’s rich history is still evident (the historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site); or do as the locals do, finding 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 our bike fitting, our local guides will host a welcome dinner where you will meet your cycling companions.

Daily distance today: optional test ride.

Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar.

Highlights: Torrechiara Castle

On your first cycling day, you will ride over delightful rolling hills amidst ancient castles and local tradition. Our goal is the Torrechiara Castle, a breath-taking structure dominating the Val Parma – it was constructed between 1448 and 1460, as an instrument of defense as well as a distinguished home for the count and his lover. The area is today famous for its cured prosciutto ham and salame, and we recommend stopping for a taste at lunchtime. After a downhill return to Parma, our tour leaders will suggest a restaurant for dinner, and activities for your last evening in this lovely city.

Daily distance: 49 km (30 miles) 
Elevation gain: +355 m (1166 ft) 
Terrain: rolling hills

Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar.

Highlights: Agriturismo country estate

Heading out of Parma today, we’ll cycle over back roads and bike paths, through farm land and small villages, towards Reggio-Emilia, in the heart of Parmesan country. After visiting the regional capital (and possibly the farmer's market when open!), we'll arrive at tonight's destination, an agriturismo - a working farm and estate - which will surely be another trip highlight. Plenty of time to relax and enjoy thevisit here. The agriturismo also houses a parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar factory, among other wonderful surprises.

Daily distance: 50 km (31 miles) 
Elevation gain: +300 m (985 ft) 
Terrain type: mostly flat

Accommodation: Hotel La Razza , or similar.

Highlights: Visit parmesan cheese maker, Ferrari Museum

We’ll get an early start this morning to visit a dairy farm and learn the craft of traditional Parmesan cheese makers. The proud Consorzio will explain the intricacies of this poignant but delicate cheese on our guided tour of the factory (ending with a tasting, of course). With our senses alight, we’ll 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, our base for the next two nights. We suggest a stroll among the locals over lovely cobbled lanes and alleys this evening, and dinner near the piazza where you’ll enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside below you and the Apennine mountain chain in the distance.

Daily distance: 63 km (39 miles) 
Elevation gain: +541 m (1778 ft) 
Terrain type: mostly flat

Accommodation: Hotel Guerro, or similar.

Highlights: The elegant Modena; Balsamic vinegar

We’ll glide down on our bikes as we begin an optional loop ride to Modena, another wonderful historic art city – and UNESCO World Heritage Site - where we will have time to explore its historical town center, the magnificent Duomo and the Ghirlandina medieval tower. We suggest a visit of the famous covered outdoor market, and time for 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 our exploration of Modena, we’ll ride back to Castelvetro in the afternoon, for a visit of a small balsamic vinegar "acetaia" - or mill - where another traditional culinary mistery will be unveiled. You will learn how leftovers from grapes are transformed in the sweet, rich vinegar that can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars for a small bottle. Overnight in Castelvetro, dinner on your own.

Daily distance: 51 km (32 miles) 
Elevation gain: +367 m (1207 ft) 
Terrain type: rolling hills

Accommodation: Hotel Guerro, or similar.

Highlights: Cooking class dinner

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. Our tour ends with a bang in the red city (as Italians call it) - we’ll meet with a Bologna local who will share their secrets and passion for cooking, while we prepare a traditional meal we’ll eat together on our celebratory good-bye dinner.

Daily distance: 49 km (31 miles) 
Elevation gain: +203 m (667 ft) 
Terrain type: mostly flat

Accommodation: Hotel Il Guercino, or similar.

Highlights: Farewell!

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.
 

PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. 

Tour Starting point: Hotel Button - Borgo Salina, 4, Parma
We recommend flying into Bologna Aeroporto G. Marconi.

Options for getting to the starting hotel:

- Marconi Express is a monorail connecting Aeroporto Marconi (BLQ) to Bologna Main Train Station (Bologna Stazione Centrale).
- A taxi from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Bologna Main Train Station (Bologna Stazione Centrale) takes about 20 minutes
- There are several direct trains connecting Bologna and Parma. The ride takes about an hour, depending on the type of train
- The hotel is located about 3 km from the train station. Take a 15-minute taxi ride or take a bus from the train station to “Piazza Garibaldi        municipio” stop and walk to hotel

Private airport transfers available if you prefer to be driven from airport to hotel in a private vehicle transfer, please inquire for cost - we will be happy to include this service in your tour package

Final arrival and departure instructions along with other detailed pre-travel documents, will be e-mailed prior to your travel, with information specific to your departure (including the actual hotels used on your tour dates, which may vary from the hotels listed above.)

Ending point: Hotel Il Guercino – Via Luigi Serra, 7 40129 Bologna
We recommend flying out from Bologna Aeroporto G. Marconi.

To get to Bologna main train station (Bologna Centrale) you can walk 5 minutes (your hotel is 400m from the train station)

See “Starting point” for transportation info

Final arrival and departure instructions along with other detailed pre-travel documents, will be e-mailed prior to your travel, with information specific to your departure (including the actual hotels used on your tour dates, which may vary from the hotels listed above.)