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Cycling, Food Tours, and Cultural Landmarks from Bologna to Parma
On this cycling tour of Emilia-Romagna, you’ll ride through Italy’s pasta heartland, a region famous for its food traditions. Each day combines scenic cycling with immersive experiences: visit a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy to see why this cheese is called the “King of Cheeses,” taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena, and enjoy Prosciutto di Parma where it has been cured for centuries.
Beyond food, you’ll wander under miles of UNESCO-listed porticoes and glimpse the medieval Two Towers that have watched over the city of Bologna for 900 years. In Modena, you’ll explore the Romanesque cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that symbolize civic pride and artistic achievement. Cycling through the countryside, you’ll pass vineyards, hilltop villages, and eventually reach Torrechiara Castle, a Renaissance fortress built as both a stronghold and a love nest, decorated with extraordinary frescoes.
From Bologna to Parma, this journey blends cycling, cuisine, and history for travelers seeking a true taste of Italy.
Highlights
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory tour
- Prosciutto di Parma & mortadella tastings
- Modena balsamic vinegar tour
- Cycling in the Apennine foothills
- Bologna Old Town & medieval towers
- Parma’s opera, art & historic piazzas
- Torrechiara Castle
- UNESCO sites, Modena Cathedral & Ghirlandina Tower
Learn More
Learn about our self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Italy.
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Tour Photos
![Emilia-Romagna countryside in Italy. Roberto Gramellini@Unsplash]()
![Castello di Torrechiara near Parma, Italy. Samuele Bertoli@Unsplash]()
![Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Josh Petersen@Flickr]()
![Emilia-Romagna countryside in Italy.]()
![Lambrusco wines originate from Emilia-Romagna's wine zones. Ricardo Bernardo@Flickr]()
![Modena grapes in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Sefano Zocca@Unsplash]()
![Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Petr Slovacek@Unsplash]()
![Cycling the province of Emilia-Romagna, Italy!]()
![<i>Tagliatelle al ragù bolognese</i> is the local dish in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Pug Girl@Flickr]()
![Palazzo del Governatore, Parma, Italy, CC:Pjt56]()
![Wine tastings! Zan@Unsplash]()
![Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Kent Wang@Flickr]()
![Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Daniel Seßler, Unsplash]()
![Parma Cathedral, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Richard Mortel@Flickr]()
![Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Kent Wang@Flickr]()
![Parmigiano Reggiano tastings with Modena vinegars in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. CC:Sputnikcccp]()
![Castello di Torrechiara near Parma, Italy. CC:Mdntb]()
![Italian treats including their famous prosciutto! Daniel Uvegard@Unsplash]()
![Biking through Emilia-Romagna, Italy.]()
![Great churches in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Kent Wang@Flickr]()
![Desserts in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Kent Wang@Flickr]()
![The porticos of Bologna are abundant. Maria Bobrova@Unsplash]()
![Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Stefano Zocca@Unsplash]()
![Cheese tastings in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Kent Wang@Flickr]()
![Locals in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.]()
![Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. German Poo-Caamano@Flickr]()
![Parma Cathedral, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Richard Mortel@Flickr]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
This tour starts on Sundays to allow for the full benefit of all possible attractions and excursions. Starting on other days may be possible for a surcharge. If you start this tour on a day other than Sunday, some of the optional services may not be available due to businesses being closed.
Day 1: Arrive in Bologna
Arrive in Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna and Italy’s culinary heart. After checking into your centrally located hotel, take in views of the medieval old town from the rooftop terrace. Bologna is famous not only for its food but also for its intellect. Home to the University of Bologna, it's the oldest continuously operating university in the world, founded in 1088. Stroll under the city’s UNESCO-listed porticoes, marvel at the Two Towers (Le Due Torri), and get your first taste of Emilia-Romagna’s cuisine. Be sure to try authentic mortadella di Bologna, the original delicacy that inspired the international “bologna,” though the real version is far superior, crafted with centuries-old artisanal methods.Later in the afternoon, you’ll receive a tour briefing and bike fitting at the hotel. Afterwards, venture into the city and perhaps enjoy dinner at a local trattoria with homemade tagliatelle al ragù (known abroad as “spaghetti bolognese”)!
Overnight in Bologna
Day 2: Bologna – Modena (40 mi / 64 km; elev. +830 ft/+253 m)
Cycle out of Bologna along its modern city bike paths, gradually approaching the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. The ride passes through Bazzano, a charming town crowned with the medieval Rocca dei Bentivoglio fortress. From there, follow a peaceful “rails-to-trails” route through the countryside all the way to Modena, a UNESCO World Heritage city.Modena’s historic center is a feast for the eyes: the Duomo di Modena, with its Romanesque marble façade, and the iconic Ghirlandina bell tower dominate the skyline. Both are UNESCO-listed and symbolize the city’s spiritual and civic pride.
Overnight in Modena
Day 3: Modena – Castelvetro loop ride (37 mi / 60 km; elev. +1289 ft/+393 m )
Today you can explore Modena in depth or cycle to nearby Castelvetro di Modena, a hilltop village with medieval walls, watchtowers, and breathtaking vineyards. Castelvetro is one of the birthplaces of traditional balsamic vinegar, produced using age-old methods and aged in wooden barrels for decades.If you stay in Modena, visit the Palazzo Ducale, once the seat of the Este dukes, or climb the Ghirlandina tower for sweeping city views. For car enthusiasts, Modena is also the spiritual home of Ferrari, Maserati, and Pagani—the Museo Enzo Ferrari is a must for anyone fascinated by Italian automotive excellence.
Overnight in Modena
Day 4: Reggio Emilia countryside (30 mi / 48 km; elev. +702 ft/+214 m)
Before leaving Modena, wander through the historic Albinelli Market, where locals have shopped since the Middle Ages. Browse seasonal fruits, aged cheeses, truffles, Lambrusco wines, and traditional pastries like amaretti. From here, your ride takes you to the Acetaia Cavalli estate, a family-run balsamic vinegar producer operating for over a century.Continue along quiet back roads to your overnight stay at a traditional agriturismo, a working farm that produces Parmigiano Reggiano, wine, and cured meats. Here, you’ll experience Emilia-Romagna’s countryside lifestyle firsthand, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
Overnight in Reggio Emilia
Day 5: Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills (21-35 mi / 35-56 km; elev. +774 ft/+236 m or +2972 ft/+906 m)
Cycle into the hills outside Reggio Emilia, where history and legend meet. The highlight is Canossa Castle, where in 1077 the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV stood barefoot in the snow for three days, pleading with Pope Gregory VII for forgiveness, a pivotal moment in medieval European history.Alternatively, take a gentler loop ride to Reggio Emilia itself, a lively town known for its beautiful squares, neoclassical architecture, and the Tricolore Room, where the Italian flag was first adopted.
Overnight in Reggio Emilia
Day 6: Reggio Emilia – Parma (39 mi / 63 km; elev. +850 ft/+259 m)
Your morning begins with an exclusive guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where you’ll see how this world-renowned cheese is crafted by hand using traditional methods. Taste it fresh and learn why it’s called the “King of Cheeses.”Then cycle toward Parma, a refined city famous not just for its food but also its arts and culture. Parma is home to composers Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini, painters like Correggio and Parmigianino, and one of Italy’s most elegant opera houses, the Teatro Regio. In the historic center, treat yourself to Parma’s signature flavors: prosciutto di Parma paired with chunks of aged Parmesan, enjoyed in the atmosphere of a lively piazza café.
Overnight in Parma
Day 7: Loop ride to Torrechiara Castle (30 mi / 48 km; elev. +788 ft/+240 m)
Your final ride takes you through the rolling Parma countryside to Torrechiara Castle, a spectacular Renaissance fortress overlooking the Val Parma. Built in the 15th century by Pier Maria Rossi for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini, the castle combines military architecture with romantic frescoed halls.Along the way, indulge in tastings of local cured meats like prosciutto and salame, foods that have defined Parma’s culinary identity for centuries.
Overnight in Parma
Day 8: Departure from Parma
The cycling tour concludes in Parma, but the city invites you to linger. Visit the Baptistery of Parma, a pink Verona marble masterpiece, or shop for local delicacies at traditional markets to bring a taste of Emilia-Romagna home with you.There is also a shorter version available(4-night/5-day). Please inquire for more details.
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Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Bologna: Hotel Touring Via De' Mattuiani
Modena: Hotel Canalgrande
Canali di Reggio: Agriturismo La Razza Via Monterampino
Parma: Hotel Button Borgo della Salina
Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €1-5 per person/night). Hotel upgrades are possible; please inquire about pricing.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
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Bikes
Aluminum standard bike
Frame Aluminum frame and fork Gearing Shimano Deore 3x10 drivetrain: 11-34 cassette and 26-36-46 chainring Tires 700x35 These bikes are ideal touring machines, equipped with Continental Contact 700×35 tires with anti-puncture layer, a solid rear rack for panniers or trunk bag, fenders, chain-guard and kickstand. The geometry and the Ergon GP2 grips provide a comfortable position, and the reliable 3×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain provides enough gears for a steep climb. The ladies/mixte version has step-through frame for easy mounting/dismounting. Equipped with cyclometer, bell, lock, pump, bottle cage/s, under-seat pack with spare tube, tire irons and patch kit.
Premium titanium standard bike
Frame Titanium with carbon fork Gearing Shimano SLX 3x10: 11-34 cassette and 42-32-24 crankset Tires 700x32 The perfect combination of light and comfortable for long rides or the cyclists who wants performance but sitting in more of an upright position. The mixte version has step-through frame for easy mounting/dismounting. Van Nicholas Amazon 3AL/2,5V titanium hybrid/mixte frame and VN Slx carbon fork. All bikes come with cyclometer, bell, lock, pump, water bottle cage/s, a water bottle, an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons and patch kit. Rear rack and rear light.
Premium titanium road bike
Frame Titanium with carbon fork Gearing Sram Rival 1x11: 11-42 cassette and a 40 teeth chainring or Shimano 105 2x11: 11-32 cassette and a 34-50 crankset Tires 700x25 Van Nicholas Yukon 3AL/2,5V or Nevi titanium road frame and carbon fork – a light, agile bike for touring or riding classic alpine climbs of Europe, with performance and comfort in one package! All bikes come with cyclometer, bell, lock, pump, 2 water bottle cages, an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons and patch kit. Rear rack and rear light (can be removed on request).
Electrically-assisted bike
Frame Aluminum frame and front suspension fork Gearing rapid fire Shimano Deore with 10 speed drivetrain Tires 700x50 or 20x2" tires, 47-622 Bosch Performance Line, 250W, 65Nm, 25km/h Bosch PowerTube 625Wh The e-bike fleet is made up of mostly Cannondale Mavaro and Tesoro, and Fantic 7 Days Living Easy models, with 625Wh batteries providing plenty of kilometers. With state of the art technology, the pedal-assist bikes are a fantastic option for cyclists who desire a little extra push. Although you still have to pedal, the e-bike drive gives a nice boost for your efforts – when your pedal stroke increases to go up a hill, for example, so does the amount of power the electric motor outputs. Less effort on your part translates to less power assist. The ladies/mixte version has step-through frame for easy mounting/dismounting. Equipped with rapid-fire shifters that operate the gears the just like a regular bike.
Tandem bike
Frame Cannondale aluminum or Co-motion steel depending on size Gearing Shimano 105 gruppo triple FSA crankset 30-39-52 teeth and 10 speed 11-32 cassette Tires 700x32 Two tandem bike types available: Cannondale tandem road 6061 smart formed alloy frame with Fatty tandem fork / Co-Motion tandem with zonally-butted cro-moly steel tubing and taper gauge, with CNC tandem steerer fork. Weight: 10kg. Adjustable captain stem and stoker stem. Bikes come with cyclometer, bell, lock, pump, 2 water bottle cages, an under-seat pack with spare tube, tire irons and patch kit. Rear rack and rear light.
The tandem bikes are always in high demand so we recommend reserving early.
Additional details
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals with optional toe cages. If you bring your own pedals, be sure to bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available for purchase on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Self-guided
- Low Season 2025 Oct 16–31 from € 15392025 departures: Sundays Oct 16–31
2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1539 Single occupancy € 1934 Bike rentals Price Aluminum standard bike Included Premium titanium standard bike € 42 Premium titanium road bike € 42 Touring electric bike (with straight handlebars) € 126 Tandem bike rental Discount € -13 - High Season 2025 Sep 1–Oct 15 from € 16392025 departures: Sundays Sep 1–Oct 15
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1639 Single occupancy € 2034 Bike rentals Price Aluminum standard Included Premium titanium standard € 42 Premium titanium road € 42 Touring electric bike (with straight handlebars) € 126 Tandem bike rental Discount € -13 - Extra options
Extra options GPS device rental € 50 Printed Roadbook € 45
Self-guided
- Low Season 2026 Mar 1–Apr 30, Jun 16–Aug 31 & Oct 16–31 from € 16042026 departures: Sundays Mar 1–Apr 30, Jun 16–Aug 31 and Oct 16–31
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1604 Single occupancy € 1999 Solo traveler € 2366 Bike rentals Price Aluminum standard bike Included Premium titanium standard bike € 42 Premium titanium road bike € 42 Touring electric bike (with straight handlebars) € 126 Tandem bike rental Discount € -13 - High Season 2026 May 1–Jun 15 & Sep 1–Oct 15 from € 17042026 departures: Sundays May 1–Jun 15 and Sep 1–Oct 15
2026 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1704 Single occupancy € 2099 Solo traveler € 2466 Bike rentals Price Aluminum standard Included Premium titanium standard € 42 Premium titanium road € 42 Touring electric bike (with straight handlebars) € 126 Tandem bike rental Discount € -13 Confirmed self-guided departure: May 24, 2026. Please inquire about other confirmed departure dates! - Extra options
Extra options GPS device rental € 50 Printed Roadbook € 45
Included services
- 7 nights' accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome meeting and bike fitting
- Standard touring bike with helmet
- Luggage transfers
- Guided visit of artisanal Parmesan factory
- Guided visit and tasting of family-run balsamic vinegar mill
- Navigational app with tracks and digital roadbook
Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €1-5 per person/night).
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
This route features paved bike paths, quiet back roads, and smooth country lanes, with mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Some sections in the foothills of the Apennines include modest climbs, with optional longer routes for stronger riders. Expect a mix of easy cycling through farmland and vineyards, plus short stretches over cobblestones in historic towns.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport and train station: Bologna (BLQ), ItalyTour end
Nearest airport: Bologna (BLQ), Italy
Nearest train station: Parma, ItalyTaxis are available at the Bologna airport (there is a specific line for this near the arrivals area).
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Reviews
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★★★★★ Joshua Klein May 23, 2024
Best way to see the region
This trip was amazing and everything we hoped it would be. The bikes and the hotels were great and everything was very smooth. Having the loop days being optional was great as we were able to choose to explore the different cities those days when we needed a day off from riding.
We did the optional dinner package and while the food was good the restaurants themselves seemed a bit confused and unprepared, if we were to change one thing we did it would be to not include that and just find dinner ourselves.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Moira Quigley November 21, 2023
Interesting part of Italy
Well organised, GPS system worked well for us most of the time, person greeting us and setting us up was fantastic, bikes excellent. Loved the parmesan and balsamic vinegar factory tours - wonderful hosts. We did not enjoy the route as much as other tours we have done. There were more main roads and traffic than we were expecting and have experienced on previous bike tours. The agritourismo accommodation was so nice we did not want to leave.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- Three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ Cathie Macmillan November 7, 2023
Enjoyable trip through the food bowl of Italy
This tour was well organised and easy to follow using the Ride with GSP App. It was great to spend 2 nights at each destination and not rush from one town to the next. The e bikes were very well maintained and comfortable to ride. Unfortunately one of my drink holders broke as I cycled down a hill!
The route was a mix of bike paths, main roads and smaller roads. We didn't enjoy the main roads as the traffic was quite busy and passed us very quickly which was scary at times. I wouldn't recommend the tour to first time bike tourists or families as it was a bit dangerous on so many main roads.
Most accommodation was comfortable and met our needs. Our favourite accommodation was definitely La Razza Agritourismo! Hotel Button was our least favourite as it didn't have a fridge or tea making facilities in the room.
Cycling through the food bowl of Italy gave us the opportunity to see how Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar are made. Tasting the products was even better! We took the dinner options but in hindsight probably would have preferred to organise our own dinners.
On reflection, we probably should have chosen a tour with a harder rating and more hills. The route was very flat so we didn't experience many good views of the scenery. We enjoyed the loop ride into the hills of Reggio Emilia. We didn't do the loop ride from Modena due to illness and poor weather so perhaps missed one of the good scenery days.- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 23
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ Desmond Barnett September 23, 2023
Nice way to see parts of Italy
Self guided, hotels generally good but thought the hotel in Reggio Emilio was poorly sited. One restaurant fully booked little opportunity without taxi’s. Accomodation needs to be located in a town.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4-5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Chris MacMillan August 29, 2023
Hot in Italy in August
Enjoyable cities and food. Bike routes a bit bumpy but easy. Unfortunately very hot ? this year in Italy. Tour operator helpful with flat tires.
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★★★★★ Daniel Serventi June 30, 2023
An Exquisite Way To See Italy!
To be honest we did not fully know what we were getting ourselves in to - but this trip checked every box and surprised us with how well thought out it was. Each hotel was beautiful in accommodations and city placement. Dinner and activity recommendations were on point. And most importantly, the bike support and GPS were perfect. I would recommend this tour to everyone and anyone! Would recommend that you purchase the additional cooking class- It was the highlight.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is our first!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ John Hastie June 5, 2023
Wonderful trip!
Evrything was great, but we didi have a couple of issues:
* The Garmin GPS unit was programed for an incorrect departure hotel. Destpite our attempts to join up with the route, it constantly told us we were off course. We ended up abandoning it and using google maps to get from point to point.
* Our hotel in Parma informed us that our reservation didn't include breakfast, which was unexpected.Other than that, the trip was wonderful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- many self-guided. two through tourig companies.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Francisco Averhoff April 25, 2023
great riding, great food
Great way to see and feel the country and the food was amazing. the restaurants selected by the tour company were all excellent, just a little too much food. the bike paths were also wonderful with very little street riding and when we did need to ride on the street, the traffic was light. The tour company could have given us better instructions regarding use of the GPS and odometer. We were never able to get the odometers to work. we missed the parmigiana tasting since the GPS instructions were not clear. the GPS loop rides were also not clear and we missed the turn offs on a few occasions.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ csilva September 30, 2019
Best Bike Tour even 3 plus years passed
Best way to see the most underrated area of Italy!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 11/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ MarkE November 12, 2018
Great 1st self guided tour - mixing cycling and culinary experiences
Mostly flat terrain so easy riding at moderate pace which allowed plenty of time for stops, photos etc. Each of the towns had unique architecture/character. Great selection of hotels in the old town sections. All meals excellent whether part of package or self selected. A little challenging following directions out and back into towns in order to avoid major roads. Each of the tours very educational (and tasty) - we learned so much.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 10/13/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ TomS June 18, 2018
the combination of biking and food was excellent
This was our third time out with biketours and each has been unique and fun. The Taste of Italy was well-named. Stops to see the production of parmesan cheese, gelato, and especially balsamic vinegar were terrific. Loved the cooking class! Level of difficulty was not bad--although some of the hills on the first day required us to dismount. The night at the Agritourismo was memorable.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 3
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ DeniseCS October 19, 2017
By Far, the Best Bicycle Tour Ever
We encourage any cyclist with a spirit of adventure to take this tour. We call it a self-guided tour with training wheels! We have used other companies (Back Roads, VBT) but by far BikeTours.com and the local tour company (CycleEurope) was the best experience we ever had.
Even though this is a self-guided tour, the local representative, Giovanni, spent over two hours with us at the inception, going over every detail. They provided us with a huge binder with everything needed: maps, written instructions; points of interest; restaurant recommendations; info on each city we visited.
Their titanium framed bikes looked brand new and were maintained beautifully.
Giovanni informed and reassured us that if we had any trouble along the way, he could reach us within two hours maximum wherever we were.
Do take advantage of their provided GPS. It was the first time we used one on a bike and it was a blast.
The hotels were all 5 Star and our suites in Modena and Reggio Emilia were incredible. The cooking class included with Manuel was one of the best experiences. We learned so much and will use our new cooking skills at home. The included dinners were at top restaurants in that particular city and the food and staff were phenomenal. The included meal at the Agritourismo was one of the best we have ever had. The steak was truly the best beef we ever ate. The owner, Paolo and his wife Cecelia treated us like family.
Please do not miss this experience. The staff at BikeTours.com will make your self-guided tours the most fabulous trip of a lifetime.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/22/17 to 10/1/17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Chloe March 31, 2017
A Taste of Italy
- What was the date of your tour?
- 3/9-3/16
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ kirbymom October 19, 2016
Great Effort but we were frequently lost
We had titanium bikes and a very intro. Unfortunately we were lost so often that instead of enjoying time at q location, we were biking around asking locals and using our compass. I think Bike Tour tried too hard to use route with less traffic or a bicycle trail. This made it very hard to get in and out of cities. We had both a bike gps with the routes inputted and the written instructions. Just give us the most direct route out of the cities.
The hotels were nice and mostly well located. Sometimes they weren't well located like the one on the farm. We very much enjoyed the cooking class, the visit to the balsamic vinegar producer, and the gelato machine making -- that ws great. Also the dinners and breakfasts were very good to excellent.
I would recommend this tour IF the routes were adjusted and the visit to the farm was eliminated- What was the date of your tour?
- 10-4-16
- How many tours have you completed?
- thousands of miles w/o guides
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash October 20, 2016
Hi, thanks very much for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that the cooking class, hotels, and food experience on this tour was wonderful. However, we're sorry to hear of your problems with the directions and route. We'll share your feedback with the local tour operator and work together to make sure this experience is improved. Thank you again for your review and for helping us share in the joy of bicycle touring!
Kind regards,
Lindsay
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The “Manhattan of the middle ages”, San Gimignano is one of the most fantastic spots to stop at on a tour of Tuscany. The region may be famous for its vineyards and wine, which you’ll of course get to try in a tasting session at the end of the day, but… More
Take a big bite out of Palermo on this guided flavor adventure through the city’s markets and sightseeing spots, with the added benefit of bike rental! With 5 street-food stops, you’ll sink your teeth into… … …arancini &ndash… More
Hop on a bike tour that tantalizes your tastebuds with sublime Sicilian craft beers, with the added benefit of bike rental! As well as visiting some of the standout landmarks of Palermo, this bicycle tour gives you the chance to visit the city’s main… More
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