Itinerary
- Day 1
Bologna
You'll check in to your hotel in Bologna's city center and get settled before the early afternoon. After meeting with staff for a briefing and getting your bike fitted properly, you'll have the rest of the day to wander around the city on your own. Bologna has serious food credentials, so try the local mortadella if you can. The historic university is worth a look if you're interested, and there are some good dinner recommendations to follow up on when evening hits.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Touring)
Included Activities
- Tour briefing and bike fitting
- Rooftop terrace access at Hotel Touring
Optional Activities
- Explore Bologna's historic city center
- Visit suggested dinner locations
- Try local mortadella
Landmarks Bologna University (Alma Mater Studiorum) 
- Day 2
Bologna to Modena
This morning you'll start cycling from Bologna using the city bike paths heading toward the Apennine Mountains foothills. You'll pass through Bazzano where the views open up nicely. From there, you'll continue on a converted rails-to-trails path through the countryside, which makes for smooth riding and nice scenery. By afternoon you'll arrive in Modena. Check out the marble-covered cathedral and the Ghirlandina bell tower in the historic center when you get there.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Canalgrande)
Included Activities
- Cycling route from Bologna to Modena
Optional Activities
- Visit Modena cathedral
- Visit Ghirlandina bell tower
- Explore Modena historic town center
Landmarks Modena Cathedral Ghirlandina Bell Tower - Day 3
Modena to Reggio Emilia
Start your day at Modena's historic covered market, which has been operating since medieval times. You can browse local products like wines, cookies, truffles, cheese, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar. Next, visit the Acetaia Cavalli estate to see how traditional balsamic vinegar is made. After that, you'll cycle on quiet back roads heading to Reggio Emilia. If you want something different for the night, there's an agriturismo option outside the city where they produce parmesan, run vineyards, and operate a winery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Posta)
Included Activities
- Visit Modena covered market
- Guided visit and tasting at Acetaia Cavalli balsamic vinegar mill
- Cycling route to Reggio Emilia
Optional Activities
- Stay at agriturismo (farm hotel) outside Reggio Emilia
- Farm restaurant dining (note: certain nights farm restaurant is closed - Reggio Emilia 20 minutes by taxi for alternative dining)
Landmarks Modena Covered Market Acetaia Cavalli 
- Day 4
Reggio Emilia to Parma
You'll start with a guided tour of a parmesan cheese factory to understand why Parmigiano-Reggiano has such a big reputation. Then cycle to Parma, a city known for both its food culture and art history (it's where Parmigianino and Correggio worked, and where Verdi was from). Explore the historic center and try Parma's prosciutto crudo and Parmesan cheese. Sitting in the piazza with a plate of these is exactly how to experience the city properly.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Button)
Included Activities
- Guided visit of artisanal parmesan factory
- Cycling route to Parma
Optional Activities
- Explore Parma historic center
- Taste prosciutto crudo and Parmesan cheese
- Visit cultural sites associated with Parmigianino, Correggio, or Giuseppe Verdi
Landmarks Parma Cathedral - Day 5
Parma
Your cycling tour wraps up in Parma. Spend the morning there with what you've learned about food throughout the week. Shop at the market or visit vendors, and maybe pick up recipes to take home and try later. If time allows before you need to leave, Torrechiara Castle is close by and worth the side trip if you're interested in medieval architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Shop at local markets for regional products and recipes
- Visit Torrechiara Castle
Landmarks Torrechiara Castle
