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Emilia Romagna – Bologna to Parma Cycling

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    C07EM
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided cycling
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
    , and
  • Activity level
  • From $2600per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Guided visit of a artisanal parmesan cheese producer
  • Guided visit and tasting at a balsamic vinegar estate
  • Optional Upgrades
  • hotel upgrade in Parma available
  • ebike hire
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, wine lovers, flora & fauna, art & history, vegetarian meals

Italy: Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna – Bologna to Parma Cycling

  • Emilia Romagna, Italy's most celebrated 'foodie' region: sweet balsamic vinegar, flavoursome cured ham, rich parmigiano cheese, mouthwatering ragu bolognese
  • Stay in vibrant Bologna - Conde Nast's World Capital of Food in 2022
  • Discover UNESCO recognised Modena and Verdi's historic Parma
  • Evocative castle ruins, elegant fortresses, picturesque medieval towns, outstanding street food

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.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Cycling information

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.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: ARRIVE IN BOLOGNA

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)

Day 2: BOLOGNA TO MODENA 64KM/40MI

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)

Day 3: CASTELVETRO LOOP RIDE 62KM/39MI

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)

DAY 4: MODENA TO AGRITURISMO (NEAR REGGIO EMILIA) 47KM/29MI

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)

Day 5: LOOP RIDE TO REGGIO EMILIA OR CANOSSA 20KM/12.5MI or 56KM/35MI

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)

Day 6: AGRITURISMO TO PARMA 67KM/42MI

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)

Day 7: TORRECHIARA LOOP RIDE 50KM/31MI

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)

Day 8: LEAVE PARMA


Where you stay

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.

HOTEL TOURING, BOLOGNA

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

PHI HOTEL CANALGRANDE, MODENA

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

AGRITURISMO LA RAZZA, NEAR REGGIO EMILIA

Swimming Pool IconHair dryer icon NEARBY:

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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

HOTEL BUTTON, PARMA

Hair dryer icon NEARBY:

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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Palazzo dalla Rosa Prati, Parma

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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.

Travel

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.

Reviews

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.


02/12/2023

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.


12/11/2023

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.


28/04/2023

Great service.


Anthony Fosgate, 12/01/2023

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.

Dates and prices

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.

  • Mar 2024
  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Jul 2024
  • Aug 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices  
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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5th May 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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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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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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25th Aug 2024 US$2750 Tour only: US$2750 Check availability
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DepartingTour only Prices  
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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DepartingTour only Prices  
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.

Holiday details

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

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

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.