The best of Italian culinary tradition awaits you on this unforgettable bike tour of the Emilia-Romagna region. Starting in Ravenna, the last capital of the Western Roman Empire and renowned for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, you’ll cycle through charming towns like Faenza, Brisighella and Dozza. As you cross the unofficial border into Emilia, you’ll find yourself immersed in a land of flavors: Bologna (ragu, mortadella), Modena (balsamic vinegar), Reggio Emilia (Parmesan cheese), and Parma (prosciutto). Ride along quiet country roads we’ve refined over time through classic Italian landscapes, along the way experiencing cultural gems and culinary delights making this a perfect bicycle holiday!
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Day 1
Arrive in Ravenna
Highlights: Byzantine mosaics, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Arrive in Ravenna today, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Your centrally located hotel allows you to walk to Dante's Tomb and the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia this afternoon. Don't miss these early Byzantine churches with their colorful mosaics that draw travelers from around the world, as well as the beautiful Renaissance historical center of Ravenna.
Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 2
Welcome meeting and bike fitting, Cycle to Faenza
Highlights: Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square
Meet our staff in the early morning to fit bikes and get ready for your tour ahead. Exiting Ravenna you have the choice to visit another very important Byzantine masterpiece: Sant'Apollinare in Classe. Cross the plains through fruit orchards and arrive at Faenza. Your hotel is a restored convent near the central square of this regional market center and famous ceramics town. Enjoy the bustle in the market square and the main "piazza" which is always full of bicycle riders of all ages. Faenza is world-renowned for its hand-decorated ceramics; we recommend a visit to the International Ceramics Museum as well as several of the local artists' studios specialized in this colorful pottery.
Daily distance: 53 km (33 miles)
Elevation gain: +167 m (548 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Vittoria, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 3
Faenza loop ride to Castrocaro and Terra del Sole
Highlights: Castrocaro Castle, Terra del Sole Medicean Fortress, Romagna farms
A lovely, gentle loop ride out and back to Faenza. After exiting Faenza, you will pedal past farms and fruit orchards, mostly on quiet backroads, with the nearby Apennines in view. Cycle through Terra del Sole and its impressive fortress - once an outpost of the Medici Family when Tuscany bordered with Romagna in late Medieval times - to Castrocaro Terme, a picturesque medieval city on the lower hills below the Apennines. We recommend a visit of the castle at Castrocaro if open! On your return ride to Faenza, you may choose to pick up supplies for an outdoors picnic in any of the countless farms along the way!
Daily distance: 58 km (36 miles)
Elevation gain: +280 m (918 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Vittoria, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 4
Bicycle Faenza to Brisighella and Riolo Terme
Highlights: Medieval Brisighella; Via degli Asini
Enjoy a quiet ride through vineyards and kiwi orchards on your way to the enchanting Medieval town of Brisighella. You should certainly plan to explore the historic town center and to see the unique Via degli Asini, one of the best preserved medieval artisan streets anywhere in Italy. The homemade pasta in Brisighella is worth a lunch stop (and the gelato is not bad, either)! Your ride continues through lovely scenery on to Riolo Terme, a picturesque town on the Romagna hills, with its medieval castle and moat still intact.
You have two options for your ride today:
Short option: 26 km (16 miles), with + 382 m (1253 ft) elevation gain.
Long option: 61 km (38 miles), with + 996 m (3267 ft) elevation gain.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Riolo Terme, or similar. -
Day 5
Cycling Riolo Terme to Imola via Dozza
Highlights: Wine village of Dozza; beautiful views across the Po Valley; historic Imola
Your ride today takes you through more vineyards and orchards to the medieval hill town of Dozza, famous for its wall murals. The castle in Dozza houses the Emilia-Romagna Regional Enoteca, or wine, museum. Regional specialties include the red Sangiovese (father grape of Chianti) which is gaining more and more worldwide recognition as an important wine in and of itself, the light and fizzy Lambrusco from the hills of Modena and Bologna (excellent accompaniment to the regional cold cuts like prosciutto and salame), or the sweet Albana di Romagna. Tonight's destination is Imola, famous for its Formula 1 racetrack. Originally built as a Roman town along the Via Emilia, the historical center is definitely worth exploring this evening.
Daily distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Elevation gain: +520 m (1706 ft)
Accommodation: B&B Callegherie 21, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 6
Bicycle from Imola to Bologna
Highlights: Bologna - Italy's Culinary Capital
We'll leave Imola to ride to Bologna today, 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!
Daily distance: 67 km (42 miles)
Elevation gain: +330 m (1082 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Touring, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 7
Bologna 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 foot hills of the Apennine Mountains, where great views reward you as you approach Bazzano. A rails-to-trails bike path in the countryside will then take you all the way 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 Canalgrande, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 8
Modena to Castelvetro 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 (38 miles) Elevation gain: +374 m (1227 ft)
Accomodation: Hotel Canalgrande, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 9
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 (720 ft)
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar. -
Day 10
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: 35 km (21 miles) with +236 m (774 ft) elevation gain.
Long option: 57km (35 miles) with +801 m (2650 ft) elevation gain.
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar. -
Day 11
Reggio Emilia to Parma
Highlights: Parma cured ham and parmesan cheese
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 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!
Daily distance: 63 km (39 miles)Elevation gain: +291 m (954 ft)
Accomodation: Hotel Button, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 12
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 (787 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details. -
Day 13
Tour ends in Parma
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!
PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
| Includes | Includes 12 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels and B&Bs of similar quality; All breakfasts; Bike fitting and briefing in English by our professional staff at tour start; Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook; Luggage transfers; Guided visit of artisanal parmesan factory; Guided visit and tasting at family-run balsamic vinegar mill. Not Included Travel to and from the tour start and end; Bicycle rental (see Prices tab); Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included; City hotel tax (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)*; * due to the 2025 Rome Jubilee, some cities may charge a higher per night tax; Any meals or beverages not indicated as included. Any type of insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental) Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire. Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights before or after the tour, please inquire - we will be happy to provide a quote and add the nights to your tour package. Extra meals & activities: (please inquire for price and availability) Cooking classes available in various tour locations! Organized by Le Cesarine, experts in Italian culinary experiences. You will be hosted by a local at their home - your "Cesarina" - in a class that lasts about three hours, during which you will help the Cesarina prepare three courses. In the fourth and final hour, you will enjoy the meal (lunch or dinner) which you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine for every 3 people are included. Additional optional activities: ________________________________________ Navigation and roadbook On our self-guided tours, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through the free smartphone app Ride With GPS - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app. Downloading the app content also allows for offline mode navigation. Participants can also upload the routes to their own GPS device, and even print the detailed route notes before leaving home On our self-guided tours, GPS device rental, as well as a printed roadbook, are available at an optional extra fee: For more information on our navigation options, as well as the smartphone app, please read our blog: What's it like to navigate on our self-guided tours?. ________________________________________ Luggage transfers Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 09.30 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.00 hrs. Please use the luggage tags provided by Cycle Europe on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay 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, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you. PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included. Tour code: itbs3946a |
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| Countries | Italy |
| Begin/End | Ravenna / Parma |
| Arrive/Depart | Starting point: Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi - Via Di Roma, 140 - Ravenna - We recommend flying into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) - Take the monorail from Bologna airport to Bologna main train station, then a train to Ravenna. The meeting time on this self-guided tour is typically set at 8:30am on day 2. We recommend travelers plan accordingly allowing plenty of time to arrive at the determined meeting place. Please note a late fee may be applied for late arrivals - please see our terms page for details. Ending point: Hotel Button – Borgo della Salina, 7 Parma You can fly out from Bologna (BLQ), which is connected to Parma by train. - The hotel is located about 1 km from the train station. Take a 5-minute taxi ride to the train station or take a bus (ask at the hotel front desk for help). There are several direct trains connecting Parma and Bologna and the ride takes about an hour, the cost varies depending on the type of train - From Bologna Centrale train station to the airport, you can catch the Marconi Express or a taxi (see “Starting point” for more info) 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 Long-term Parking: if you choose to drive to Bologna and leave your car parked there (taking a direct return train Parma at tour end) a private, secure parking lot is available at the airport. 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.) |
| Total Distance | 554-627 km (345-390 miles) |
| Daily Distance | 19-67 km (12-42 miles) |
| Rating |
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| Notes | Difficulty description: Relatively short distances and mostly flat riding every day make this epic bike tour accessible to most cyclists in decent shape. Some loop days into the lower hills, with some short climbs. Bike paths along rivers or rails-to-trails, and quiet country roads. Some of the bike paths are on hard packed dirt roads or levees. For cyclists looking for more challenging rides, two optional longer rides are available. |
| Terms | Terms & Conditions |
| Dates | Prices | Single Supplement | |||
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| Dates | This tour is available between March 1 and October 31 Starts every Tuesday. Other start days available by request (extra fee applies). Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits impossible (such as museums or tastings). Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €955. This fee includes the cost of the single/double room supplement, as well as a GPS unit with the pre-loaded routes. Group Discounts are available for participants booking together on the same departure! Please inquire for details through our contact form below. For more ways to save, see our Discounts and Promotions ________________________________________ *2025 prices: per person, based on double occupancy; minimum 2 participants per departure. High-season dates: : May 1 – June 15 and September 1 to October 15 (all other tour departure dates are considered low season). 2025 Confirmed departure dates: April 1 May 27 June 10 ________________________________________ Bike Rental options: We offer quality bikes in different styles, all great options for this bike tour. Our bikes are maintained and delivered in optimal working condition. The prices below are per bike for the duration of the tour, including delivery to starting point in Bologna and collection from ending point in Parma. Bike rental rates Aluminum hybrid: €240 Premium Titanium road or hybrid: €300 Touring E-bike (hybrid with straight handlebar): €420 Tandem: €445 (priced per bike, for 2 cyclists) Tag-along or kid trailer: €120 Bike rental insurance is available for purchase with all our rental bikes – see details in the Bike Rental Insurance section of our Terms and Conditions page. For detailed specs and photos of our bikes, see our website - Bike Rentals Italy. Don't have 13 days? Our shorter versions of this tour still offers great cycling and all the highlights: Taste of Italy 8-day, and Bicycle Romagna 7-day. ________________________________________ Additional useful information: • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page! • Curious about the difference between our Classic and Casual self-guided tours? See our blog on Casual Self-Guided Tours. • We offer various tools for navigation - this page details what it's like to navigate on our self-guided tours. • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours. |
Prices | Price per person: €1975 (low-season)* €2075 (high-season)* |
Single Supplement | €515 (in double room for single use) |
| Next Step | Request space on this Bicycle Tour » |
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“Thanks - the hotels and meals were great! On day 3 the route was long and hilly and we were late for our cooking class - they accommodated and all was good - I actually really liked the town of Reggio Emilia!”
Cathy Thibault (Canada)
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“10 out of 10 - Great trip, thank you! Look forward to riding with you again soon!”
James McGee (USA)