Trip code: C07EM 4.7 (3 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
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 HOTEL TOURING.
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Located next to Bologna's law courts in a quiet part of the Old Town, this 4* hotel is in an elegant 18th century building that has been tastefully modernised in a contemporary design. There's a quiet reading room as well as a roof terrace where you can enjoy the panoramic view over the roof tops of Bologna, whilst in the summer months you can relax and admire the view from the jacuzzi (generally open June-September; additional charges apply). Headwater customers are allocated the gold rooms at the Hotel Touring - spacious and comfortable with balcony.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
A cycle path following the porticoes takes you out of Bologna and soon you are out of the city 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, then continue to Modena and its cobbled centro storico.
You stay at HOTEL CANALGRANDE.
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Phi Hotel Canalgrande can be found in the heart of Modena's historic city centre, just a short walk from the cathedral. It has an interesting history, amazingly dating back to the 1530s when it was first built to be used as a convent, before being converted into a stately residence. Today, it retains its grandeur with an impressive entrance hall and lounge area, complete with antique paintings. The hotel also benefits from a restaurant, bar, terrace and garden. Headwater customers are allocated the spacious superior rooms at the Phi Hotel Canalgrande.
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!
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 AGRITURISMO LA RAZZA.
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This beautiful, family run agriturismo is located in the foothills of Reggio Emilia, surrounded by the greenery of their 150 hectares of cultivated land, where their produce is grown organically. They also have 10 hectares of vineyards and pigs! The 17 rooms are split between the main, more modern building - the scuderie - and the traditional style annexe. The breakfast room overlooks the vineyards - stunning in autumn when the colours are changing - whilst the outdoor pool is open during the summer months (typically from the last week of May to mid September). There is also a restaurant on site. Headwater customers are allocated the scuderie superior rooms.
It's a short ride (elevation profile below) 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 AGRITURISMO LA RAZZA.
MastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconTea/coffee
This beautiful, family run agriturismo is located in the foothills of Reggio Emilia, surrounded by the greenery of their 150 hectares of cultivated land, where their produce is grown organically. They also have 10 hectares of vineyards and pigs! The 17 rooms are split between the main, more modern building - the scuderie - and the traditional style annexe. The breakfast room overlooks the vineyards - stunning in autumn when the colours are changing - whilst the outdoor pool is open during the summer months (typically from the last week of May to mid September). There is also a restaurant on site. Headwater customers are allocated the scuderie superior rooms.
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 HOTEL BUTTON or PALAZZO DALLA ROSA PRATI.
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Located in the very heart of historic Parma, the Hotel Button is housed in a 19th century building, with a contempory and rather quirky décor in the public areas. Headwater guests are allocated the superior rooms, which come with a simple decor, but are spacious and comfortable. Please note that the superior rooms are only available as a double so customers requiring separate beds will be allocated a classic twin room and given a discount.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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Located in Piazza Duomo, right next to the baptistery, the Palazzo dalla Rosa Prati has been in the Prati family since the 15th century. It is an elegantly furnished historic residence, with deluxe rooms on the second floor coming with a small kitchen and period furniture from the family's collection. Breakfast is taken at the cafe next door.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £323.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Bologna airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
