Emilia – Romagna: a Taste of Italy

Arrive in Bologna and meet us for bike fitting and briefing. 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 dinner tonight is at a local trattoria!

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.

Distance : 55Km (34mi).

Elevation : 450m

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!



Distance : 60km (37mi)

Elevation : 374m

Before heading out of Modena with your bicycle, we suggest a visit to 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. Another culinary mystery is unveiled today as you stop at an "acetaia," a traditional balsamic vinegar factory to learn how leftover grapes are transformed into the sweet rich vinegar that can sometimes be worth hundreds of dollars. Tradition is beautifully preserved here as the historic methods of production are still in use. You'll continue on along back roads to reach your agriturismo, a country house hotel with a working farm, where you'll stay tonight.

Distance : 51Km (32mi).

Elevation : 224m

Head for the hills today on a ride to Canossa Castle ruins, where the Holy Roman Empire Emperor Henry 5th 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.



Distance : 20km (12mi) or 58km (36mi)

Elevation : 200m or 810m

Get up early to observe the artistry of a working Parmesan cheese maker on your way out this morning. You'll ride along bike paths following an old railroad. Your destination is a city where your taste buds will not be disappointed. It is, however, a city where the arts flourished also outside of the kitchen: Parmigianino, Corregio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of the most famous citizens. Enjoy time in the historic center and delight your palate with Parma's signature cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, eaten at an aperitivo or perhaps sprinkled on homemade pasta dishes.

Distance : 65Km (40mi).

Elevation : 271m

Get ready for your last day of bicycling amidst ancient castles and local traditions! Today's ride will loop to the breath-taking castle of Torrechiara. 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!

Distance : 48Km (30mi).

Elevation : 210m + 35m

Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Now with a refined palate, shop well and take some recipes home to try in your own kitchen! Thanks for joining us and buon viaggio!