Self-guided Emilia Romagna Bike Tour

Our journey begins in the charming city of Parma, renowned for its artistic, cultural, and gastronomic heritage. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and take some time to explore this vibrant city.

A perfect starting point is Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning octagonal Baptistery. Just a short stroll away lies the magnificent Palazzo della Pilotta, where we can admire two remarkable treasures—the Farnese Theatre and the National Gallery. As we wander through the city’s historic streets, we experience the warmth and generosity of Parma’s people and its deeply rooted culinary traditions. Officially designated as UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy, Parma invites us to savor its world-famous delicacies, including Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

This first day offers an exciting glimpse into the rich culture, history, and flavors that will define our week-long adventure. We settle in for a restful night in our Parma hotel.

Our first cycling day leads us through the scenic hills surrounding Parma. The gentle slopes and lush vineyards frame our ride as we follow the riverbed of the Parma River. This fertile land is home to one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures—Prosciutto di Parma.

Our journey takes us to the majestic Torrechiara Castle, a stunning medieval fortress perched atop a hill. The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its picturesque village adding to the charm.

After soaking in the beauty and history of Torrechiara, we cycle back to Parma, where we indulge in a well-deserved dinner at a traditional restaurant. Tonight’s menu features fresh homemade stuffed pasta, a flavorful roast typical of the region, and the famous Italian dessert, tiramisù.

This delightful meal sets the tone for the incredible flavors we will experience throughout our journey. We spend another comfortable night in Parma.

Elevation: +250 m. / - 250 m

Today our journey takes us deeper into the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s cheese-making traditions.

We cycle through the renowned production region of Parmigiano Reggiano, often referred to as the ‘King of Cheeses.’ The route takes us through idyllic countryside, nestled between the rolling hills to the south and the vast flood plains of the Po River to the north.

Along the way, we pass through charming medieval villages, including Montechiarugolo and Montecchio, each boasting well-preserved castles and a rich history.

Our day’s ride concludes in Reggio Emilia, a city famous for being the birthplace of Italy’s national flag, the Tricolore. Here, we immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, exploring its elegant piazzas and historic streets.

We check into our hotel for the night, ready to continue our adventure the following day.

Elevation: +180 m. / - 180 m.

Our journey continues through the picturesque Po Plains, a landscape defined by lush vineyards and cultivated fields. A highlight of today’s ride is the chance to taste Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine produced in this region.

Today's route takes us to the enchanting village of Correggio before we arrive in Carpi, a historic town known for its grand Renaissance architecture and one of Italy’s largest squares. As we pedal toward Modena, we are drawn to its reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its Romanesque cathedral.

Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and prepare for another unforgettable culinary experience. Tonight’s dinner is a feast of Modena’s traditional delicacies—‘gnocco e tigelle,’ small pieces of toasted or fried bread dough, served alongside the region’s finest cured meats, cheeses, and jams. This meal perfectly encapsulates the rich flavors of Modena.

Elevation: +50 m. / - 50 m.

Today’s ride offers a deep dive into the world of Modena’s most famous export—Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Before leaving the city, we visit a traditional ‘acetaia’ to learn about the intricate process of aging this liquid gold.

We then embark on a scenic cycling path leading us to Vignola, a town famed for its cherries. Continuing our ride, we arrive in Castelvetro, a charming hilltop village ideal for a leisurely gourmet lunch featuring local cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a glass of fine wine.

The return route to Modena offers an optional stop at the Luciano Pavarotti House-Museum, where we can pay tribute to the legendary opera singer. Back in Modena, we unwind and reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and exquisite flavors.

We spend another night in this captivating city, preparing for the next leg of our adventure.

Elevation: +200 m. / - 200 m.

Our longest ride of the journey takes us from Modena to Bologna, passing through Nonantola and San Giovanni in Persiceto.

The day begins with a peaceful ride along country roads, leading us to the historic Benedictine Abbey of Nonantola. We continue toward San Giovanni in Persiceto, a charming town that serves as a gateway to Bologna.

As we approach the city, the iconic domed church of San Luca comes into view, marking our arrival in one of Italy’s most vibrant cities. Entering Bologna via the Navile Canal, we cycle through greenways lined with trees and parks, a refreshing contrast to the urban setting.

Our evening is a celebration of Bologna’s culinary heritage, featuring its world-famous ‘tortellini,’ ‘lasagne verdi,’ and ‘polpette alla bolognese,’ followed by the delectable chocolate dessert, ‘tenerina.’ This meal is the perfect introduction to Bologna’s rich food culture.

Elevation: +70 m. / - 30 m.

Our final full day is dedicated to exploring Bologna, a city known as ‘La Dotta’ (the Learned) for its ancient university, ‘La Rossa’ (the Red) for its distinctive rooftops, and ‘La Grassa’ (the Fat) for its exceptional cuisine.

We immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, cycling past historic towers, elegant porticoes, and bustling markets. For those eager to delve deeper into Bologna’s culinary traditions, there is an option to participate in a local cooking class. Here, we can learn the secrets behind the city’s most beloved dishes and even prepare our own meal. As we savor our last taste of lasagna alla bolognese and a glass of Sangiovese wine, we reflect on an incredible week of cycling, history, and gastronomy. We spend our final night in Bologna, cherishing the memories of our adventure.

Elevation: +60 m. / - 60 m.

Our journey through Emilia-Romagna comes to a close as we check out from our hotel in Bologna after breakfast.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary region, we take with us unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the art, history, and culinary traditions of Italy.

Whether it was cycling through scenic vineyards, discovering medieval castles, or indulging in the finest Italian cuisine, this adventure has truly been a feast for the mind, body, and soul. Until the next journey!