Taste of Italy, Emilia-Romagna Culinary Cycling
Classic Self-Guided - Bologna to Parma - 8 days
A traveler favorite among our Classic tours line-up, you'll ride through Italy's premier pasta (and foodie) region, where you can delight on extraordinary local dishes made according to tradition. Every day of pedaling takes you on unique experiences and behind-the-scenes visits, like a family-run parmesan cheese producer or a historical balsamic vinegar mill and cellar. Cycle through picturesque medieval towns, elegant cities and world heritage UNESCO sites, and countryside scenery that reminds of nearby Tuscany (but without the crowds!). Not just about the food, Emilia-Romagna offers its rich history, art, culture and traditions, all conspiring to make this an unforgettable tour!
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Day 1
Bologna welcome
Highlights: The Red City and its marvelous porticoes and alleways
Check in to the centrally located hotel in Bologna, enjoy the views of the old town from the charming rooftop terrace, and get yourself situated. Bologna today is Emilia-Romagna's administrative capital and, arguably, its culinary capital too. Home to the oldest continually operating university in the world, the city boasts its rich history and long tradition in the arts and 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!
After meeting our staff at the starting hotel for a tour briefing and bike fitting (normally in the early afternoon), you are ready to go! We recommend getting out to explore this afternoon and check out our suggested dinner locations!
Accommodation: Hotel Touring, or similar. Upgrades available - please inquire for details -
Day 2
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 3
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 -
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 (720 ft)
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar. Upgrades not available -
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: 19 km (12 miles) with +102 m (335 ft) elevation gain.Long option: 57km (35 miles) with +801 m (2650 ft) elevation gain.
Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar. -
Day 6
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 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 (787 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Button, or similar. -
Day 8
Tour ends in Parma - arrivederci!
Highlights: World Heritage Site of Parma
Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Enjoy this lovely city in the morning - with your newly refined palate, hit the shop or market 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 change according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
| Includes | Includes 7 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); 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. ________________________________________ 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: itbs4006 |
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| Countries | Italy |
| Begin/End | Bologna / Parma |
| Arrive/Depart | Starting point: Hotel Touring- Via De' Mattuiani, 1/2 Bologna We recommend flying into Bologna Aeroporto G.Marconi (BLQ). - Marconi Express is the new monorail that connects the Bologna airport and train station. The trip is 7 minutes long and it runs every 7 minutes approximately. - Alternatively, you can choose to take a taxi from Bologna Airport to your hotel in the center The meeting time for our self-guided tours is typically set between 2pm and 4pm. 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 | 275-325 km (170-200 miles) |
| Daily Distance | 20-62 km (12-38 miles) |
| Rating | 101 |
| Notes | Difficulty description: Perfect for cyclists who prefer shorter distances and mostly flat riding. 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. |
| Terms | Terms & Conditions |
| Dates | Prices | Single Supplement | |||
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| Dates | This tour is available between March 1 and October 31 Starts every Sunday. 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 €685. 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: May 4, 25 June 1, 8 ________________________________________ 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: €160 Premium Titanium road or hybrid: €200 Touring E-bike (hybrid with straight handlebar): €280 Tandem: €295 (priced per bike, for 2 cyclists) Tag-along or kid trailer: €80 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 8 days? Our shorter version of this tour still offers great cycling and all the highlights: Taste of Italy 5-day self-guided tour. ________________________________________ 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: €1370 (low-season)* €1470 (high-season)* |
Single Supplement | €355 (in double room for single use) |
| Next Step | Request space on this Bicycle Tour » |
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The countryside riding was a joyful experience. There were some not so easy loops for those who are not experienced riders. (Heads up!) There were always good places to stop along the way for lunch/drinks. We did sometimes find the traffic tricky getting out of bigger cities. A must-do to escape the touristy places of Italy.
Anon. (.
2023 -
Really appreciated the excellent hotels and the excellent quality of the bikes. Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Phil H.
USA
2023 -
Great bike ride with some great friends (group of 15). We cycled through small towns, farmland, and vineyards. We were always surrounded with friendly Italian people, even the drivers passing by drove carefully. The bicycles (mostly E-bikes) were very nice. The tour was easy riding with mostly flat roads. The food and vine were delicious. All the hotels were nice. I highly recommend this tour for a first-time bike tour. Everything was first rate from the pre-trip planning and communication with Sara to the bike fitting, bikes, route, and sights to see along the way. Loved every minute. I think I'm going to start learning Italian:-)
Brynja J.
Iceland
2023 -
10 out of 10!
Kari H., Iceland, 2019
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So much fun and easy on my e-bike. Thank you for your fabulously efficient service. We send an email asking a question about a dinner and immediately received an phone call in our hotel room to explain the details. Over and above and such a nice touch. We definitely would like to do another tour.
Chery T., Australia, 2019
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Extremely well organized with quality, friendly accommodations and top notch equipment. The bikes were phenomenal. The luggage transfers and logistics were flawless.
Jane K, Naples, Florida / USA
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Excellent routes and GPS mapping information. All of the hotels were good to very good. I like the towns we visited. Stephania and Giovani were a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. I hope to see them on my next trip.
Traveler
September, 2019 -
So much fun and easy on my e-bike. Thank you for your fabulously efficient service. We send an email asking a question about a dinner and immediately received an phone call in our hotel room to explain the details. Over and above and such a nice touch. We definitely would like to do another tour.
Chery T.
Australia
August, 2019 -
We we very satisfied with our tour. Thank you for your help.
Traveler
April, 2019 -
We have gone on the amazing Taste of Italy tour this spring and the experience was awesome. The staff was friendly and very helpful all time. The quality of the bikes are excellent, perfect for the long rides from Bologna to Parma. The restaurants, the cooking class, the visits to the gelato factory, the acetaia and the cheese makes allow us to dive in the italian culture and gastronomy. Great company!! Thanks Cycle Europe for the great vacation!!
Sandra P.
Brazil
April, 2019 -
Great service Started with a very helpful briefing We really appreciated the tour which you specifically tailored for our requirements
David R.
Australia
September, 2018 -
This was our first cycle tour. The gentleman from bike plus (the local tour company) gave us our booklet which contained maps, detailed directions and details of hotel, tours and local information. He also went over how to use the gps. We chose to bring our own bikes and he offered gear that we could use on the tour. We found having the combination of the gps and written detailed instructions were perfect together for getting around. My husband and I really enjoyed the tours (cooking class, balsamic vinegar & cheese making fun and fascinating). The hotels were great. Our first hotel was different then what is on the list due to the original was booked full. The tour company sent us the website of the optional hotel for us to approve of. The new B&B people were very helpful and the room was a nice size studio. The Cycle Europe had booked different types of lodgings, B&B, Hotels and a farm hotel, which we enjoyed the variety. We would of loved to had an extra night at the farm hotel. The locations of the other hotels were in the old town of the cities. I would recommend this tour to anyone who asked us for a recommendation.
Carla M.
April, 2018 -
We did a self-guided tour, biking from Ravenna to Bologna. Everything worked out exceedingly well and we were extremely pleased.
Jennifer G.
USA
September, 2017 -
We found the trip to be amazingly well organized with the tours, hotels, and the bike set-up at the first hotel, allowing us to relax and enjoy the sights and experiences. I appreciated the detailed instructions and the maps that were included. The hotels were excellent, it was so nice to always be in the historic part of the cities. The tours were amazing, fascinating, and informative and added depth to our exploration of this region of Italy.
Ellen K.
USA
September 2018 -
Hotel Touring was terrific. Great staff. Great rooftop bar. "Based on this experience with Cycle Europe on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the company?" 10
Marilyn S.
USA
July 2018 -
All the hotels were excellent. "What was your favorite experience on this trip?" Tough to decide between the cooking class (Davide was great, and we had him to ourselves); the acetaia and the caseificio.
Laurence S.
USA
June 2018 -
Thank you for an amazing bike trip; it was very well organized.
Amir F.
USA
July 2017 -
All hotels were above expectation, your recommendation on restaurants was excellent. All so helpful with the storage of the bikes which gave us peace of mind. Cooking Class was excellent. We enjoyed the experience and hope that we are still able to participate in another trip in a couple of years.
Peter M.
Australia
Sept 2016 -
The route notes provided as much detail as possible. Your bikes were good quality and the mechanic that explained them was very helpful. We loved the hotel and location in Bologna. Nice. The cooking Demonstration was a lot of fun too. The food at the restaurant you picked was very good and traditional. We enjoyed it. CanalGrande in Modena was pretty good too. We liked the location very much.The tour of the gelato place was very interesting. We didn''t expect much but they did a good job. The Acetaia we visited was one of favorite stops. The lady hosting us was very nice. They gave us an amazing lunch that we didn''t expect. Really enjoyed that stop. Thanks for a very nice trip.
Phillip A.
Florida, USA
Sept 2016 -
The hotels are really pleasant, very very good hotels
Mayra P.
USA
July 2016 -
I experienced the tour and was absolutely amazing. I really want to thank you for such great organization and experience. I had an amazing time!
Daniel F.
USA
April 2016 -
My favorite experience on this trip? Finding great restaurants. Touring the country side....away from cities. Visiting Parmesan, Balsamico, and Gelato processing facilities. Least favorite experience on this trip? Too much food at the include dinners.
Robert R.
PA, USA
October 2015 -
We are all back home after a wonderful trip in Italy thanks to you and Bike Rentals Plus. The trip was great. I would like to take the opportunity to point out the highlights and lowlights of the trip: 1.Hotel Touring was very nice. The staff were accommodating and the location was great! Our room was clean and comfortable. Good breakfast, too. - 2.Your staff, Sara and Danilo were friendly and through in setting up our bikes and giving us all of the information that we needed for our bike trip. They were great. - 3.Dinner that night was not well-planned. Every dish was very rich and most of us were not able to finish our secondo as it was too rich following a very rich primo. The appetizer was boring.- 4. The first day of biking was much too difficult for the first day. - 5. The cooking class was great! It was a great way for all of us to bond. The instructor was engaging and informative. And the food was very good and even included wine. Great choice! - 6. The next day's ride to Modena was much more our speed. The distance was very long but the riding was relatively flat. We really enjoyed the ride. - 7. The Gelato Museum was great! We had a very good tour guide and we learned all about the history of gelato. The tasting at the end of the tour was delicious. The hotel in Modena was very nice and we wish we had another day in Modena because it is such a beautiful city. But the ride must go on. - 8. The next day, we rode to the Agriturismo with a stop at the Acetaia. This was fascinating. The owners were very hospitable and provided a very nice lunch along with a wonderful explanation of the makings of balsamic vinegar. This was another great stop! - 9. The agriturismo, La Razza was perfect. The staff were very friendly. Our accommodations were wonderful. Our dinner that night was very good and the service was good, too. - 11. The next morningthe Parmigiano Reggiano demonstration was by far the most fascinating demonstration that we saw on the trip. The owner's son had stepped in to do the tour and although his english was extremely limited, he was friendly and informative. Another great stop! - 12. The ride that day was also a good one. It was long but relatively easy. We really enjoyed the beautiful countryside. - 13. The hotel in Parma was very nice indeed and Parma was a great city in which to finish our trip. Our dinner was fabulous. The service was great and the wine was affordable. Having dinner on the last night was truly a great way to finish our trip and celebrate together.
John C.
NH, USA
October 2015 -
I was very happy with every hotel. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful, especially at Hotel Touring. I would stay at each hotel again if traveling in the area. Each of the visits was a highlight. Perhaps the most enjoyable were the cooking class and the visit to the balsamic vinegar producer.A good tour, well designed and with great hotels and meals. Excellent value.
Jim H.
USA
October 2015 -
The route notes provided were by far and away the best I've ever seen. Hard to see how to make them better. Getting in and out of the larger towns is tricky but hard to see how to avoid. I think sometimes the road was preferable to the cycle lanes but the latter are safer and to be appreciated. The countryside was wonderful, people delightful, the cities interesting. I loved it all. I'd have liked a second day in Modena though the agro-tourisme stay was fascinating. Sara's bike set up was as good as it gets and the bikes very comfortable and better equipped than I expected. A wonderful tour by a wonderful company (in a wonderful country). Delightful people to work with.
Andrew G.
NY, USA
September 2015 -
Greatly enjoyed the balsamic factory tour and the gelato tasting. We really enjoyed our trip and if we ever come back to Italy for a bike tour, it will be with BikeRentalsPlus!
Anna F.
Poland
May 2015 -
Thanks to Stefania and BikeRentalsPlus! for putting together such a great trip for us on short notice. While we traveled on a self-guided basis, we always felt that you and your team were there supporting us, even though we never needed to call in to the office (despite a very full week including intensive logistics). The routes were very well thought out to minimize traffic, the scheduled non-riding events were very enlightening and fun, and the included meals were delicious. This was our first self-guided trip. At other times, we have planned our own trips, creating routes from maps, which is very time-intensive. And, you can't judge the road quality or traffic from the map, and that can make those trips a scary or uncomfortable experience. We never had those problems on this trip. We have also done fully guided trips, but those are much more expensive. This was a great compromise. Finally, the rides were just the right length for my wife and me, and every time we pulled up to a hotel, our bags were in our room waiting for us, which was wonderful. Thanks again!
Tom C.
MA,USA
October 2014 -
We want to emphasize again here that we loved our time in Emilia Romagna and are grateful to you for your care in outfitting us with excellent bikes and in choosing such a wonderful itinerary. The hotels were uniformly good and we were more than happy with your choices. The rooms and bathrooms were clean and comfortable. Hotel Touring in Bologna was recently renovated and the staff was so friendly and helpful. This was particularly welcome after our fatigue from the plane travel. The real standout was The Razza, the agriturismo. Paolo was particularly congenial as he showed us around the cheese-making operation. We did have a bit of trouble with the directions, sometimes they were too detailed. Overall the trip was a great success and we were so impressed with the food, people and landscape of Emilia Romagna that we are already talking about our next visit.
Ron and Cynthia C.
MN,USA
May 2014