Discover Emilia-Romagna, the Gastronomic Heart of Italy - Casual self guided 8day

Welcome to Bologna, the administrative and culinary capital of Emilia Romagna. Start your journey by exploring the city's UNESCO World Heritage porticoes. Don't forget to try the city's famous mortadella, a culinary delight that is a must-try. You can also book a cooking class at a renowned cooking school or enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Il Guercino Boutique Hotel or similar.

Leave Bologna behind as you cycle along the city's bike paths towards the fortress town of Bazzano. Continue your journey to Modena, a World Heritage Site known for its marble-covered cathedral and Ghirlandina bell tower. The day's ride covers a distance of 63 km with an elevation gain of 212 m. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Hotel Estense or similar.

Spend the day exploring Modena. Climb up the bell tower, visit the Palace of the Duchy, or take a ride to the picturesque town of Castelvetro. If you're a car enthusiast, don't miss the chance to visit the home of Ferrari and other historical brands. The day's ride covers a distance of 60 km with an elevation gain of 374 m. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Hotel Estense or similar.

Start your day with a visit to Modena's local covered market, a place teeming with local products since the Middle Ages. Then, head to the Acetaia Cavalli estate, known for its high-quality balsamic vinegar. The day's ride, covering a distance of 47 km with an elevation gain of 219 m, will lead you to Agriturismo La Razza, a country house estate with a working farm, vineyards, and winery. Your accommodation for the night will be at Agriturismo La Razza or similar.

Today, you have two options. You can either head for the hills to visit the Canossa Castle ruins or follow the bike path to the bustling city of Reggio Emilia. The short option covers a distance of 22 km with an elevation gain of 102 m, while the long option covers a distance of 57 km with an elevation gain of 801 m. Your accommodation for the night will be at Agriturismo La Razza or similar.

Start your day with an optional visit to a Parmesan cheese factory. Then, cycle towards Parma, a city renowned for its culinary traditions and artistic heritage. The day's ride covers a distance of 63 km with an elevation gain of 291 m. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Hotel Button or similar.

Your last day of bicycling takes you to the breathtaking Torrechiara Castle. This area is famous for its cured prosciutto and local salame, which you can taste in this historic setting. The day's ride covers a distance of 48 km with an elevation gain of 240 m. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Hotel Button or similar.

Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Spend the day exploring the World Heritage Site, shopping for local products, and trying out local recipes. Please note that city hotel taxes are not included.