Lapped by the Adriatic to the east, with Tuscany and Liguria sharing its borders, the relatively unknown region of Emilia Romagna definitely holds its own against its more famous neighbours.
Blessed with UNESCO recognized cities steeped in history and culture and incredibly pretty countryside, the region is Italy's respected foodie capital with an abundance of culinary delights being produced within its borders. This 7 night self guided holiday takes you on a tasty tour from the region's capital Bologna, resplendent with its leaning medieval towers and romantic porticoes, to picture perfect yet compact Parma, a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy and birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi. There are plenty of discoveries - and tastings - en route, including magnificent Modena, a hedonistic mix of stunning architecture, fast cars and opera and Reggio Emilia, home town of the ubiquitous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and a respected gastronomic city in its own right.
Discover how the legendary sweet balsamic vinegar is made, sample Parma's signature dry cured ham at family run osterie throughout the city and savour Bologna's traditional tortellini, filled with succulent pork meat and parmigiano and served in a delicious, silky broth: Emilia Romagna really is a treat for the taste buds.
Routes are mainly paved with under 5% along gravel roads (strada bianca). Routes on days 2, 4 and 6 are relatively flat with only gentle undulation; the optional rides on days 3, 5 and 7 have climbs, some of which are steep in places. The route follows bike paths along rivers and a former railway line, as well as quiet country roads.
Arrive in UNESCO recognised Bologna. Home to the world's oldest university, explore the ancient porticoed streets, medieval towers and cobbled alleyways before choosing one of the city's wonderful restaurants for dinner.
You stay at the Hotel Touring, Bologna (breakfast included)
A cycle path following the porticoes takes you out of Bologna and soon you are in the hills with lovely views of verdant countryside. Stop off in the pretty town of Bazzano, with its elegant fortress come Renaissance style manor house, before continuing to the beautiful village of Spilamberto, which specialises in the production of balsamic vinegar and where you'll find a museum in its honour. A tasting maybe, before a downhill stretch takes you to Modena and its cobbled centro storico.
You stay at the Hotel Canalgrande (breakfast included)
There's plenty to discover in Modena ranging from its UNESCO recognised Piazza Grande and Baroque Ducal Palace to the renowned Enzo Ferrari Museum (both Ferrari and Maserati have factories here), whilst opera lovers will be delighted by the former home of Modena's most respected son, Luciano Pavarotti. Alternatively head out to the foothills of the Apennines and the picturesque medieval town of Castelvetro, surrounded by rolling hills swathed in Lambrusco Grasparossa vineyards. There are lots of opportunities to try the local balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano cheese - as well as wine of course!
You stay at the Hotel Canalgrande (breakfast included)
Pick up picnic provisions from Modena's historic covered market with its vast selection of fresh local produce, including breads, cheeses, prosciutti, and sweet treats. Back in the saddle, it's gentle pedalling across the plain past fertile fields to the Acetaia Cavalli estate, where they have been making their punchy balsamic vinegar for over a century (guided visit included). Then it's on along quiet country lanes to your accommodation, a stunning Agriturismo surrounded by vineyards, where they produce their own wine, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar.
You stay at the Agriturismo la Razza (breakfast included)
It's a short ride along the bike path to the lively town of Reggio Emilia, renowned throughout Italy for its excellent gastronomy - Parmigiano Reggiano is from here - and being the birthplace of the Italian tricolour flag. It's a perfect place to try the local speciality, erbazzone - a tasty flaky pie stuffed with spinach, shallots and Parmigiano - followed by torta di riso, a traditional cake brimming with rice, nuts, liqueur and lemon. Alternatively, for those wanting a challenge, climb to the panoramic ruins of Canossa Castle, where in the 11th century, the excommunicated Holy Roman Emperor stood barefoot in the snow seeking penitence from an unforgiving Pope.
You stay at the Agriturismo la Razza (breakfast included)
Start the day with a visit to a parmesan cheese producer where you discover why this world famous cheese is so well loved. Then ride along a former rail road through sleepy villages and cultivated farmland to the 15th century fortified castle at Montechiarugolo - complete with moat! - before heading to the gastronomic and cultural hotspot of Parma. Renowned as much for its art and music as it is for its cuisine, famous former residents include Renaissance painter Correggio and composer Giuseppe Verdi, who is celebrated here in an annual opera festival. Wander through the town's leafy parks, visit the National Gallery housed in the monumental 16th century Pilotta Palace and explore the winding cobbled streets of the atmospheric Old Town. No visit to Parma would be complete of course without trying some prosciutto crudo di Parma (dry cured ham) which traditionally is served with a torta fritta, a crispy bread.
You stay at the Hotel Button (breakfast included)
Head into the hills as you make your way to the 15th century Torrechiara Castle which proudly stands guard over the Parma valley. This stunning fortress was also a nobleman's home and boasts perfectly preserved frescoed rooms. Take time to drink in the views, then it's downhill all the way back to Parma and your final delicious dinner of the week.
You stay at the Hotel Button (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Good overall. Very prompt service and comprehensively covered everything, except that I had requested a quote for travel insurance, and the contact details weren't provided until I chased for them.
Prompt contact and delivery of service. Friendly and accommodating. Andrew reassured us when going through the details, offered support if ever we should need it.
Great service.
Joanne was very helpful in dealing with my booking and answering my queries thoroughly. She was obviously enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the holiday. Really friendly service.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
All breakfasts
Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Agent supplied navigation app for your smartphone
Bike hire
Luggage transfers between hotels
Guided visit of a artisanal parmesan cheese producer
Guided visit and tasting at a balsamic vinegar estate
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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24th Mar 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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31st Mar 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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7th Apr 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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14th Apr 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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21st Apr 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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28th Apr 2024 | US$2600 | Tour only: US$2600 | Check availability |
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5th May 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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12th May 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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19th May 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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26th May 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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2nd Jun 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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7th Jun 2024 | US$3085 | Tour only: US$3085 | Check availability |
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9th Jun 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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16th Jun 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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23rd Jun 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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30th Jun 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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7th Jul 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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14th Jul 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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21st Jul 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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28th Jul 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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4th Aug 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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11th Aug 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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18th Aug 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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25th Aug 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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1st Sep 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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8th Sep 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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15th Sep 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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22nd Sep 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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29th Sep 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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6th Oct 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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13th Oct 2024 | US$2900 | Tour only: US$2900 | Check availability |
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20th Oct 2024 | US$2750 | Tour only: US$2750 | Check availability |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Sundays from 24th Mar 2024 to 20th Oct 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.