€ 575 per person
A new take on our classic tour of charming Romagna. Still being discovered by foreigners, this is the heart of Italy’s homemade pasta and one of the most bicycle-friendly regions in Italy. You will explore the famous ceramics town of Faenza, enchanting hilltop villages like Bertinoro (famous for its wineries and cuisine), Brisighella (officially among The Most Beautiful Hamlets in Italy), and renaissance Terra del Sole (built by the Tuscan Medici family in 1564 as an “ideal city”). Start in marvelous Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and now a UNESCO world-heritage art city, cycling all the way to postcard Dozza, known for its murals and lively colors. Easy flat rides, or many options for more serious hill rides make for a cycling paradise. After pedaling, delight your culinary taste buds with freshly made tagliatelle, lasagne, ravioli and more, all washed down with local Sangiovese wine.
Total Distance 194-272 km (120-169 miles), with choices for more – Daily Distance 40-70 km (25-46 miles) with optional rest days.
March 1 to October 31, 2022- starts every Tuesday* (other start days available by request)
Please inquire about possible discounts when joining one of the following 2022 confirmed departures*:
April 8
May 30
Day 1: Marvelous Ravenna – welcome to the Romagna region, Highlights Byzantine mosaics, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Arrive in Ravenna today, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Your centrally-located hotel allows you to walk to Dante’s Tomb and the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia this afternoon. Don’t miss these early Byzantine churches with their colorful mosaics that draw travelers from around the world.
Day 2: Ravenna to Bertinoro -Highlights Forlimpopoli, hilltop wine town of Bertinoro
As you head out of Ravenna, you may choose to visit another Byzantine masterpiece: Sant’Apollinare in Classe. Cycle across the plains through fruit plantations and arrive at Forlimpopoli, hometown of Pellegrino Artusi, famed worldwide for being the first to document Italian “home cooking”. In 1891 he authored the most famous cookbook in Italy: The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well, translated then in many languages. Artusi is still hailed as the father of Italian cooking (although the Institute that commemorates him rightly credits his cook, Marietta, as the actual creator of the recipes). Arrive at the foothills and after a short climb reach Bertinoro, the hilltop wine town famous for its hospitality and its white wine “Albana di Romagna” (and marvelous views of the nearby Adriatic and green plains below). Daily distance: 49 km (30 miles) Elevation gain: +304 m (997 ft)
Day 3: Bertinoro to Faenza -Highlights: Terra del Sole, Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square
Enjoy the views from the lower hills today as you ride to Terra del Sole, a border town built by the Tuscan Medici family in 1564 to protect the northern frontier of Tuscany (this region still lies close to the Tuscan border today), and designed with the new Renaissance concept for the “Perfect City”. If the Palazzo Pretorio is open, take a peek inside for one of the few double-helix staircases in the world, designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Stop at Castrocaro and at its gelato shops (or take a detour into the historic center, below the amazing hilltop castle), before continuing to Faenza, a regional market center and important ceramics town. Enjoy the bustle in the market square and the main “piazza” which is always full of bicycle riders of all ages. Faenza is world-renowned for its hand decorated ceramics; we’ll point you to a local artisan’s studio to see how the ceramics is decorated in the Majolica style (a visit of the International Ceramics Museum is also highly recommended). Daily distance: 58 km (36 miles) Elevation gain: +625 m (2050 ft)
Day 4: Faenza to Riolo Terme Highlights: Medieval Brisighella and the Via degli Asini ; Agriturismo night
Enjoy a quiet ride through vineyards and kiwi orchards on your way to the enchanting Medieval town of Brisighella (officialy in the list of The Most Beautiful Hamlets in Italy). You should certainly plan to explore the historic town center and to see the unique Via degli Asini, one of the best-preserved medieval artisan streets anywhere in Italy. You can also climb to the clocktower or the castle that perches above the town. Enjoy some homemade pasta or the regional flatbread sandwich (the famous piadina) , and try the Zabaione gelato here too! Continue through lowhills, vineyards and olive groves to your charming Agriturismo, a country house that serves as a small hotel with a working farm, where the friendly owners will welcome you. Daily distance – short option: 26 km (16 miles) with 371 m (1217 ft) elevation gain .Daily distance – long option: 61 km (38 miles) with 1066 m (3497 ft) elevation gain
Day 5: Riolo Terme loop ride. Highlights: Riolo Terme and the Romagna countryside; Challenging ridge ride to the feet of the Apennines, or easier ride to Castel Bolognese
Today offers options for the avid cyclist and for the more relaxed rider alike. Riolo Terme is a spa town so you can always enjoy a plethora of thermal water spa treatments, play a round of golf, get a massage, participate in a fun pasta making demonstration and class – or just take it easy. We’ll recommend a long ride into the hills for those wanting to put some hill rides on their legs and an easy ride to Castel Bolognese for those who want just a little exercise, both rides in a lovely setting of low hills, vineyards, farms and olive groves all around, with the Apennines in view. Daily Mileage – short option: 30 km (19 miles) with 377 m (1236 ft) elevation gain. Daily Mileage – long option: 61 km (38 miles) with 1178 m (3865 ft) elevation gain.
Day 6: Riolo Terme to Dozza Highlights: Wine village of Dozza; beautiful views across the Po Valley: wall murals in Dozza
Your ride today takes you through more lovely scenery of vineyards and rich orchards, to the Medieval hill town of Dozza, famous for its wall murals. The castle in Dozza houses the Emilia-Romagna Regional Enoteca (a wine museum and tasting cellar). Regional specialties include the red Sangiovese (father grape of Chianti) which is gaining worldwide recognition lately as an important wine in and of itself, the light and fizzy Lambrusco from the hills of Modena and Bologna (excellent accompaniment to the regional cold cuts like prosciutto and salame), or the sweet Albana di Romagna. Plan to arrive mid-afternoon so you can tour the castle and taste a little wine! Daily distance – short option: 28 (17 miles) with 507 m (1663 feet) elevation gain . Daily distance – long option: 42 km (17-26 miles) with 730 m (2395 feet) elevation gain
Day 7: Tour ends in Dozza -Highlights: Early morning in this charming hamlet
Your bicycle through through Romagna ends this morning after breakfast in Dozza. The regional capital of Bologna is nearby and can easily be reached by bus, train or private shuttle (we will provide detailed info to travel there on your own, or can help you make arrangements for a private transfer) PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
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| Tour code: itbs3990 |