On this popular bicycle tour, you'll ride through Italy's premier pasta region. Every meal will include extraordinary local dishes made according to tradition. Every day of pedaling will not only take you on behind-the-scenes visits of parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and wine makers, but also to ancient castles and world heritage UNESCO sites. Visit a vinery before heading to Faenza, where you can purchase some beautiful ceramics to display the culinary delights you'll come to crave and dream about on this tour. History, art, culture, and tradition conspire to make this tour unforgettable!
***If this sounds great but you'd like a shorter tour check out our, Cycling Italy's Culinary Delights tour, which shortens this itinerary by 3 days.***
There are no upcoming tours scheduled at this time.
Cremona - home to torrone or Italian nougat, Balsamic vinegar cellar, Parma famous cured ham, Parmesan cheese, Bologna, Castle of Torrechiara, Modena, Faenza and its ceramics, Olive oil tasting, Visit to a violin workshop
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We highly recommend you spend an additional day in Cremona before the beginning of the tour. It's a true little gem to discover. For things to do, we recommend visiting the amazing Museo del Violino (note it is closed on Mondays). Read our article about Cremona here.
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA IN MODENA: This restaurant has been voted one of the world’s top 50 restaurants! If you’d like to enjoy an evening here on your free night (Day 6), you will need to make reservations online in advance: www.osteriafrancescana.it
Includes
11 days, 10 nights' accommodation; all breakfasts, 5 dinners, 5 lunches; cooking demonstration in Bologna; guided tours in Bologna and Sabbioneta; special culinary highlights and tastings listed in itinerary
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Highlights: Cremona, home to creamy Italian nougat, handcrafted Stradivari violins, and an impressive plaza
Arrive in Cremona, home of the noble tradition of violin making. Visit the Museo del Violino to learn how Antonio Stradivarius raised violin-making to an art form and taste some torrone (the creamy nougat made from honey, nuts, and egg whites) in one of the several pasticcerie in town! We meet in the afternoon for our bike fitting at the hotel. After enjoying an aperitivo together, we celebrate the beginning of our culinary experience with a welcome dinner.
Highlights: Guided visit to the violin lab, Po River valley, Gonzaga summer residence of Sabbioneta, guided tour of Sabbioneta
Today we cycle along quaint bike paths along the Po River to the town of Sabbioneta, a UNESCO world heritage site. Sabbioneta was named the "Little Athens of the Gonzaga" after the local ruling family for its importance as an artistic center in the Renaissance. Inside the well-preserved walls, we will have a guided tour to see the architectural jewels of the town such as the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo del Giardino, and Teatro Olimpico as a group. If you get the chance to try a slice of sbrisolona cake, an almond crumble cake of ancient origins, try some!
Distance: 57km (36mi)
Gain: 221m (725ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging:
Albergo Giulia Gonzaga
DAY 3: Bike to Parma
Highlights: Regal residence of Colorno, quiet country roads, Parma cured ham and Parmesan cheese, World Heritage Site of Parma
We head south to Parma today, one of the undisputed culinary capitals of Italy, through pleasant country roads where you can catch a glimpse of our local farm life. Our journey takes us to the ducal palace of Colorno. While it passed through the hands of many rulers, today, it houses the headquarters of ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine. We continue on to Parma, a city where your taste buds will not be disappointed. It is a city where the arts have flourished Parmigianino, Correggio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of the most famous citizens. Take a stroll around the historical center before dinner together.
Highlights: Parma hills, castle of Torrechiara, lunch with a view
Get ready for another 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--we will have lunch in this historic setting to taste them! We return to Parma, where, if you are still hungry, our tour leaders will suggest restaurants for dinner.
Distance: 45km (28mi)
Gain: 247m (810ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Ride to Reggio nell'Emilia countryside
Highlights: Stay in an agriturismo
We'll cycle to Montecchio today before heading to Reggio Emilia where you can grab lunch and explore this lovely village. Reggio Emilia was also known as the Tricolor town because it was here that the future Italian flag was first adopted in 1797. We'll continue along back roads and bike paths to reach our agriturismo, a country house/hotel with a working farm, where we'll stay tonight.
Highlights: Parmesan cheese making, a balsamic vinegar visit in a historical vinegar cellar, World Heritage Site of historic Modena
We have an early start this morning to observe the artistry of a working Parmesan cheese maker. The proud Consorzio will explain the intricacies of this poignant but delicate cheese on our guided tour. Another culinary mystery is unveiled today as we 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. A picnic lunch will follow the visit to the acetaia before continuing on to Modena. Don't miss a visit to the historic center of town.
We leave Modena's Duomo and the Ghirlandaia tower along a rails to trails bike path that leads to the fortress town of Bazzano, a perfect spot for a morning snack before enjoying stunning views of the hills along our route to Bologna. However, there is a very important stop to make before our arrival in Bologna, the Gelato Museum! We'll have a guided tour of the museum and enjoy a tasting before continuing to Bologna. Later this afternoon we'll have a guided visit of this great city.
Highlights: The World Heritage Porticoes of Bologna, cooking class
Rest day in Bologna, Emilia Romagna's administrative capital, and, arguably, its culinary capital as well. 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 meat! Make sure you put this culinary delight on your 'must try' list! Join us for a cooking class as we learn a few secrets from local artisans. A stroll through the historic center and its porticoes completes a perfect afternoon. If you're still hungry, stroll over to Eataly, the worlds biggest "agri food park" and a tribute to farming and food diversity in Italy.
Highlights: Lunch and visit at a winery, ceramic capital Faenza
We'll leave bustling Bologna this morning and work our way to the foothills of the Appenines near Castel San Pietro Terme, where we visit a winery. We'll learn about Sangiovese, Pignoletto, Albana and all the wines that represent the core production of Romagna hills. A delicious lunch together at the winery will stimulate all of our senses. We provide a shuttle to Faenza after lunch, our home for the next two nights. Enjoy a stroll in town, have an organic gelato, or visit the International Ceramic Museum in town.
Highlights: Bicycle to the medieval village of Brisighella, visit ExperiencePlus! headquarters at "The Farm"
Our ride today takes us through the medieval village of Brisighella also famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil. We finish our ride with a stop at ExperiencePlus! headquarters in the middle of a plum and peach orchard and vineyards for a late lunch. Once back in Faenza, you'll have time to visit the sites you missed yesterday including one of our favorite ceramic studios.
Our cycling tour ends in Faenza. Now with a refined palate, head out and explore more of Italy's culinary delights, and take some recipes home to try in your own kitchen!
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on your itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
The airports closest to the tour start are
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) and
Milano Malpensa (MXP) both of which are 2 to 3 hours from Cremona.
Note: If you are flying into Milan, note that flights from the U.S. arrive at the Malpensa Airport (MXP). Most European flights arrive at the Linate (LIN) airport.
Flying into BLQ
Taxi from Bologna airport to the Bologna Centrale main train station (20 min/EUR 20-25) or Airport Shuttle Bus (Aerobus-BLQ), no pre-purchase necessary (20 min/EUR 6)
Train from Bologna Centrale to Cremona (2.5 hours/fares vary)Flying into MXP
If you stop over in Milan: Train rom Malpensa Aeroporto to Milano Centrale (www.malpensaexpress.it) (50 min/EUR 13)
If you continue directly to the tour start: Train from Malpensa Aeroporto to Cremona (you will still need to change trains at Milano Centrale) (2-3 hours/fares vary)
Your bicycle tour ends after breakfast at the ending hotel in Faenza
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Bologna Airport (BLQ).
Taxi from the ending hotel to the Faenza Train Station (5 min/EUR 10)
Train from Faenza to Bologna Centrale (30-45 min/fares vary)
Taxi to the Bologna airport (20 min/EUR 20-25) or Airport shuttle (20 min/EUR 6)
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We highly recommend you spend an additional day in Cremona before the beginning of the tour. It's a true little gem to discover. For things to do, we recommend visiting the amazing Museo del Violino (note it is closed on Mondays). Read our article about Cremona here.
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA IN MODENA: This restaurant has been voted one of the world’s top 50 restaurants! If you’d like to enjoy an evening here on your free night (Day 6), you will need to make reservations online in advance: www.osteriafrancescana.it
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling Italy's Alpine Valleys
