Flavours of Emilia Romagna

Day 1 | Arrive in Bologna

Bologna is Emilia Romagnas 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. We meet for your full tour briefing and personalised bicycle fitting.

Day 2 | Round trip into the surrounding hills

You have an optional cooking demonstration this morning, where you will learn a few secrets from local artisans. Youll have time in the afternoon for a short loop ride that takes you on the hills south of Bologna, where Partisans were fighting during the Second World War.

Day 3 | From Bologna to Modena

Today we highly recommend visiting a local gelato maker! Then youll pedal out from Bologna in to beautiful hills and countryside. Enjoy stunning views on the rails-to-trails bike path that follows the old railway track to the fortress town of Bazzano, before heading on to magnificent Modena. Be sure to take an evening stroll through the historic centre before enjoying a fantastic evening meal.

Day 4 | Ride in to Reggio Emilia countryside

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 on an optional visit 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. Youll continue on along back roads to reach your agriturismo where youll stay tonight.

Day 5 | Bike to Parma

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

Day 6 | Round trip to the castle of Torrechiara

Get ready for your last day of bicycling amidst ancient castles and local traditions! Todays 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 salametaste them in this historic setting!

Day 7 | Tour ends in 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. Thanks for joining us and buon viaggio.