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. History, art, culture, and tradition conspire to make this tour unforgettable!
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Cremona - home to torrone or Italian nougat, Visit to a violin workshop, Balsamic vinegar cellar, Parma famous cured ham, Parmesan cheese, Bologna, Castle of Torrechiara, Modena, Resort country house in the hills, Gala seafood dinner on the coast, Casa Artusi cooking demo.
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
12 days, 11 nights accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; 3- two-night stays at the same hotel; activities listed in itinerary; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Arrive / Depart
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) or Milan–Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Great tour for novice cyclists in terms of mileage and terrain, but bike handling skills are necessary due to starting/stopping and negotiating popular bike paths.
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: Giuseppe Verdi’s homeland, Po River valley, Local gastronomy
A quick visit to Cremona’s important “liutai” or violin makers sets the tone for the day as we pedal through opera composer Giuseppe Verdi’s homeland. We’ll leave the city cycling along the Po River bike path and wind our way through a rural area to the small town where Verdi was born, raised, and started his music career at age 8 as the official organist. Continue pedaling to our boutique hotel, famous for its cuisine and maintenance of local culinary traditions including its special cold cut ageing and production (King Charles III has prosciutto here being cured for him!). A visit allows us a deep understanding of the local gastronomy.
Highlights: Regal residence of Colorno, quiet country roads, Parma 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 local farm life. Our journey takes us to the ducal palace of Colorno. While it has 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, 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.
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.
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. 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.
DAY 9: Shuttle to Brisighella and bicycle to Corte San Ruffillo
Highlights: Romagna, country villa dinner
We’ll leave the bustling city of Bologna today to head to the 'heart of Romagna', a quieter and “smaller” part of Emilia Romagna. With fewer large cities compared to Emilia, this region within a region, is known for its hospitality and exceptional food. We'll shuttle from Bologna to Brisighella and visit an olive oil cooperative to learn more about shared production and selling efforts between local growers. After our visit we'll get on the bikes to pedal past orchards and fortress towns nestled in the Apennine foothills ending at a beautifully restored parish house – your home for two nights. Lovingly renovated by architect Sara and her husband, this elegant resort and farm is a tribute to food, agriculture and architectural traditions.
Highlights: Lunch and walk in the Romagna hills, visit to winery and learning about farm
We'll take a day off the bikes to get to know the area with a walk, picnic lunch and visit to our hosts’ farm and winery. This region traditionally has been farmed by families with small/medium plots of land who pool their resources into local cooperatives to share farming equipment. As younger generations inherit the land, fewer and fewer are interested in working their family land. Thankfully there are still some, like our hosts, who are returning to the land and are using modern and innovative farming and marketing techniques to create a niche market for their products.
Highlights: Casa Artusi, cooking institute, piadina demo, gala seafood dinner
Coast down hill on our way to the world famous institute for traditional “home” cooking. The “Casa Artusi” honors Pellegrino Artusi, the first writer and chef to compile recipes from all over Italy into one cookbook titled “The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well” in 1891. Hailed as the first person to document and therefore establish a national Italian cuisine, Artusi claimed all recipes were scientifically tried and true by his housemaid/collaborator Marietta. Today women who act as teachers (alongside chefs) in the institute are referred to as "Marietta." We learn to make piadina from a “Marietta” before continuing to the beach town of Cesenatico where a seafood gala dinner awaits at ExperiencePlus! founder's and owner's family restaurant. A wonderful celebration to end our culinary bike tour.
There is the option for an extra ride of 35 km (22 miles) to the beach.
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before heading off to further adventures, or spend a few days at this beautiful, historic hotel to pamper yourself in the spa or on the beach. Whatever you do, buon viaggio and buon appetito.
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the 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.
Airports within 2-3 hours of the tour start are:
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) Bologna is a transportation hub connecting the south and north of Italy by train (e.g. Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence)
Milano Malpensa (MXP)
Flying into Bologna and continuing to Cremona
Taxi from Bologna airport to the Bologna Centrale main train station (20 min/EUR 20-25) or Marconi Express light rail, no pre-booking necessary, 8 departures/hour (8 min/EUR 8)
Train from Bologna Centrale to Cremona (2.5 hours/fares vary)
Flying into Milano Malpensa and continuing to Cremona
If you stop over in Milan: From Malpensa Aeroporto to Milano Centrale (www.malpensaexpress.it) (50 min/EUR 13)
If you continue directly to the tour start: From Malpensa Aeroporto to Cremona (you will still need to change trains at Milano Centrale) (2-3 hours/fares vary)
Your bicycle tour ends on the final day after breafast.
The below information will help you plan your departure.
We recommend flying out of the Bologna Airport (BLQ).
Taxi from the ending hotel to the Airport bus stop Cesena Sud (20 min/EUR 15-20)
Airport bus from Cesena Sud to Bologna Airport; departures every 2 hours, reservations necessary at least 24 hours prior to departure, Tour Leaders can assist while on tour. (1h/EUR 50)
Or
Private transfer from the Ending Hotel to the Bologna Airport; can be arranged at hotel or with Tour Leaders (EUR 190 (2 pax) to EUR 240 (4 pax)/90 min)
You will also have frequent train connections from Cesenatico to other cities in Italy (via Bologna and Rimini).
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 right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), 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.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
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.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
It was one of the best bike trips I’ve had with the right combination of riding, scenery, food, and wine. I especially appreciated the food tours and lunches. I learned a lot during the tour about Italian cheese, Balsamic vinegar, and Italian cooking technique.
Dave G., Denver, CO - Sept 2019
It was one of the best bike trips I’ve had with the right combination of riding, scenery, food, and wine. I especially appreciated the food tours and lunches. I learned a lot during the tour about Italian cheese, Balsamic vinegar, and Italian cooking technique.
Dave G., Denver, CO - Sept 2019
I have already recommended the tour during and after the experience! I had been to Italy before with a local, but never had the in-depth experience as I had with ExperiencePlus. This is the only way we will travel from now on!
Rebecca J., Fredericksburg, TX - May 2019
Fabulous. What was your favorite experience on this trip?
everything. More than riding from hotel to hotel, with lunch and coffee stops.
Jeanne E., Centerville, OH - June 2017
Great guides, incredible food, fun learning and relatively easy cycling. We have cycled with several companies and not one of them compare to Experience Plus, your guides and...those chalk arrows can''t be beat!
Kathy S., Elk Rapids, MI - June 2017
Best experience of my life. Can''t wait to plan another one with Experience Plus! Thank you for an awesome experience!
Karen B., Brooklyn, NY - June 2017
The trip of a lifetime. I''ve been recommending it to all my friends. What was your favorite experience on this trip?
So many. I loved the concert at the Teatro in Parma; our dinner in Cremona, and Gelato University. I have to say, though, that my favorite experiences were the insider tours on Parmesan; prosciutto and balsamic vinegar. It was like being on the Food Network.
Gloria K., Saratoga Springs, NY
I have described this tour to frinds as "trip of a lifetime."
Michael K,, Saratoga Springs, NY
Excellent bicycle and vacation experience.
Sandy Z., Berkeley, CA
Outstanding chance to enjoy the culinary delights of Italy! Our third trip with ExperiencePlus! tour we loved it and will be back!
Dennis D., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The tour was such an incredible experience for us. We enjoyed meeting the other tour members and our guides. We had alot of laughs together, as well as serious discussions. I can''t wait to do another tour! Cycling in this manner is definitely the way to see a country.
Lynda P., Pisgah Forest, NC
Great trip. Leaders were fantastic. Enjoyed first trip to the ExperiencePlus! "farm".
Dave A., Black Forest, CO
Pasta making was a great. The picnic at the balsamic vinegar maker was wonderful. Biking with Italians on the road was priceless.
Susan A., Colorado Springs, CO
The new hybrid bikes are fantastic! Happy to do another great trip with EexperiencePus! This one was about as perfect as it gets.
Tom R., Lake Tahoe, CA
The pre planning materials were really excellent (especially the what to pack and what to leave home). The meals and hotels were terrific, the whole trip was wonderful. Amazing trip, thanks SO much!
Traci P., Denver, CO
Great, fun, easy, satisfying, full of interesting experiences, a great way to see the region and taste the cheeses, vinegars, wines, and olive oils, in context with great meals.
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
Very hilly
Mountainous
Emilia Romagna's Culinary Delights
