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 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.
You will be riding on popular bike paths and through some urban areas where cobblestones are common. Though the terrain is gentle bike handling skills are necessary.
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 and maybe catching one of the concerts (note it is closed on Mondays). Read our article about Cremona.
Restaurant Osteria Francescana: This restaurant in Modena, our Day 6 location, 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: osteriafrancescana.it
If you are looking for a more laid-back alternative, you may enjoy the Restaurant Franceschetta 58 in Modena, our Day 6 location. Franceschetta 58 is a bistro-style restaurant under the same ownership as the Osteria Francescana. If you’d like to take this opportunity, be sure to make your reservations in advance: franceschetta.it
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.
Penciling in on a tour is a great way to temporarily hold a space while you think about your travel logistics and find some friends to join you. We encourage you to book your space on the tour dates that interests you as soon as possible. Many departures are already sold out.
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.
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.
Meals : Breakfast
Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.
Surcharge: $300 for 6-8 days; $375 for 9-15 days; $600 for 16+ days
Frame : Alloy with carbon fork
Type : E-Road
Plan your trip
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:
Milano Malpensa (MXP)
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Getting from Milano Malpensa to the tour start location in Cremona:
If you stop over in Milan: Malpensa Express train from Malpensa Aeroporto to Milano Centrale (50 min/EUR 13). Purchase tickets online or on the spot, no reservations necessary.
If you continue directly to the tour start: Train from Malpensa Aeroporto to Cremona (one change at Milano Centrale) (route and tickets available via Trenord, 2-3 hours/fares vary).
Getting from Bologna airport to the tour start location in Cremona:
Marconi Express light rail from Bologna airport to the Bologna Centrale central train station (7 min/EUR 11. Purchase your ticket online or on the spot by contactless payment, no reservations necessary. Roundtrip tickets are available for returns within 30 days of arrival.); or Taxi (20 min/EUR 20-25)
Train from Bologna Centrale to Cremona (2.5 hours/fares vary)
From the Cremona train station to the Day 1 Hotel:
Taxi (5 min/EUR 8-10)
Approximate travel times from other locations in Italy to Cremona:
Venice (Mestre or Santa Lucia Stations): 3-4 hours
Your bicycle tour ends on the final day after breakfast.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
Airport: We recommend flying out of the Bologna Airport (BLQ).
Getting from the tour end location to the Bologna airport:
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. (1 hour/EUR 50)
Or
Private transfer from the ending hotel to the Bologna airport; can be arranged at hotel or with Tour Leaders (EUR 250 (2 pax) to EUR 280 (4 pax)/90 min)
Note: You will also have frequent train connections from Cesenatico to other cities in Italy (via Bologna and Rimini).
Certainly culinary. Biking lite. Wonderful stops for food, cooking, violin making (my favorite) cheese making and vineyard walk. And olive oil and balsamic production. What a great visit to the region
Larry B., Keswick, VA – August 2024
A great ride with so many, many cultural experiences. The culinary ones that were anticipated plus the violin making visit that was a real bonus.
Patricia S., Alexandria, VA – August 2024
Great food and wine! Interesting cultural stops. Three wonderful agriturismos.
Ellen L., Boulder, CO – August 2024
Great food and wine! Interesting cultural stops. Three wonderful agriturismos.
Dale L., Boulder, CO – August 2024
Great way to see a country. Spend a few hours touring the countryside and gently exercising, interspersed with coffee and snacks, followed by a nap and a shower and then an amazing dinner. Oh, and personalized behind-the-scenes tours of cultural and foodie attractions.
Bonnie J., Loveland, CO – May 2024
A delightful tour of Emilia Romagna with culinary and cultural wonders. Although relatively easy it was great to visit
Peter K., Williston, VT – May 2024
I love traveling this way. Cycling through the countryside, weaving my way into a city on bike paths and quiet neighborhoods, stopping when I want at a little cafe, or something interesting that catches my eye, choosing when to be with other people or be alone.
Bonnie J., Loveland, CO – June 2024
picking a favorite is difficult, but the things I particularly enjoyed were: 1. The riding was great. Beautiful. Quiet roads or bike paths. The castles were also beautiful.
Patty J., Incline Village, NV- August 2023
Outstanding, easy enough for weekend bikers like myself but enough biking to justify the great food we had!
Nanette S., Denver, CO – August 2023
It was truly a perfect tour for me..I was totally looked after & loved all the cultural and culinary opportunities .. well done.
Marilyn H., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Over the top experience with regard to guides, planning and accommodations, food. Highly recommend.
Lisa M., Fort Collins, CO – August 2022
Fun. Easy rides. GREAT food. Wonderful cultural experiences. The special tours – violin maker, cooking class, walking tours, balsamic vinegar and cheese making — all super.
Juliana P., Arvada, CO – August 2022
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.
