On arrival into Milan Bergamo airport, we’ll transfer you to Cremona (approx 1.5 hour drive). Time permitting, we recommend visiting the Museo del Stradivario – Cremona is the hometown of the Stradivarious violin and music is very much at the heart of the town.

Food is also central to the town of Cremona, with famed chef Mario Batali writing that Cremona is “absolutely essential to the gastrovoyager.” Being on the border of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, means influences from both. Expect charcuterie, Grana Padano cheese, and stuffed pastas such as marubini and tortelli di zucca. Let’s not forget, the famous Mostarda di Cremona, a sweet and gently spiced fruit preserve with mustard, usually served with a classic stew called bollito misto, traditional to Cremona.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 160 Metres Approx.

This morning you will receive your welcome meeting and also your bike fitting (if renting). Now is the perfect time to ask any questions to your local representative.

Leaving Cremona, you’ll follow the River Po bike path heading into the open countryside. The River Po separates the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, serving somewhat as a cultural bridge, a delight for those interested in gastronomy. You’ll pass cultivated fields and small farms, arriving in the hamlet of Le Roncole where Giuseppe Verdi was born and spent his first years, starting his long and illustrious musical career by playing the village organ.

A short ride will take you to the quiet town of Busseto, home to the Teatro Verdi and the Giuseppe Verdi National Museum which merits a visit. Another must-see whilst you’re in Busseto is Piazza Verdi – an old winery set at the end of the Food Valley Bike route, where you can sample cold meats and Italian cheeses, paired with a great local wine.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

Heading back towards the Po River, you’ll continue riding through rural countryside and the Food Valley Bike route, through a region renowned for the production of the Culatello di Zibello, a type of meat known as the King of Dried Meats, as well as the classic Parma Ham. Culatello di Zibello can only be certified as PDO (Denominazione Origine Protetta) if it is produced in a very small region of Emilia-Romagna, sandwiched between the Po River and the main autostrada that runs from Milan to Bologna.

Meandering along the cycle Food Valley Bike route you’ll reach Colorno. Known as the Versailles of Parma, the Reggia di Colorno is an 18th century ducal palace well worth a visit. True to its location close to Parma, it houses the headquarters of ALMA, the International School of Italian cuisine.

The town of Parma itself is yet another Italian cultural (and culinary!) gem, famed for its dried meats. Parma is world renowned for its ham and salami, as well as it’s Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. In Parma, it’s all about how unique and high quality the products are that make their way to the table whether that is cheese or truffles. Make sure to find the time to walk around the historic centre and its piazzas before sitting down for dinner. Please keep in mind that restaurants in Parma are open for dinner between 7pm and 11:30pm (as is traditional in Italy).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 500 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll ride closer to the hills and into the Val Parma, passing several fortified hill top settlements and castles on your way to Reggio Emilia. Torrechiara is the most imposing of them all, with its 15th century castle overlooking the valley. This fairytale castle is not to be missed, enveloped in a romantic story between the count who built it and his lover.

Cycling on through the Parma countryside you’ll make your way to today’s overnight stop, Reggio Emilia – the birthplace of the Italian flag and home to Cappelletti (a stuffed pasta dish, usually filled with meat and served in broth) and Gnocco fritto (fried dough).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

From Reggio Emilia today you will cycle on quiet country lanes to Modena.

Along the way you will pass through the towns of Correggio and Carpi both of which preserve several splendid churches and civilian palaces, as well as offering plenty of opportunities for a cappuccino or gelato break. In Carpi, if you’re not feeling gelato, Zuppa Inglese might hit the spot. A dessert made with vanilla and chocolate pudding, Savoiardi biscuits and a splash of liqueur, it’s almost a mix of a tiramisu and an English trifle.

Your destination today is Modena, a modern bustling town dating back to the Roman era. Here make sure to visit the Duomo, the Torre Civica and the Piazza Grande, all of which made it onto the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in 1997.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 350 Metres Approx.

This morning you can opt to stay in Modena to explore its numerous sights or enjoy another day on the bike.

If opting to ride, from Modena you’ll head south along the Panaro River in the direction of Spilamberto, famous as the regional centre for Aceto Balsamico production. Food buffs here definitely need to visit the Museo dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.

You’ll then continue to Vignola where in the late spring you can refresh yourself with the locally produced black cherry of Vignola (moretta di Vignola). On reaching the village of Marano sul Panaro you’ll start heading north again cycling back to Modena through slightly hillier countryside.

If you‘re staying in Modena today, consider a visit to the Mercato Albinelli (open in the morning, closed on afternoons, Sundays and holidays) – a food market where you’ll find authentic family-owned stalls that sell aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, and tortellini. A must-see for foodies.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 270 Metres Approx.

Your last cycling day will take you from Modena to the region’s capital; Bologna. Sticking predominantly to quiet, secondary, country roads you will soon reach the outskirts of the town where you’ll pass through Borgo Panigale, home to the Moto Ducati factory.

The town of Bologna is the seat to the oldest university of the western world and boasts an extensive historic center. Symbols of the town are its shady porticoes and the twin towers Torre degli Asinelli and Torre della Garisenda. Make sure you also visit the splendid Piazza Maggiore with the Basilica di San Petronio.

With Tagliatelle al Ragu, Erbazzone, Mortadella, and Tortellini coming from Bologna, it’s no wonder that it’s known as the culinary capital of Italy. You definitely won’t be disappointed when going out for dinner!

• Meals: Breakfast

Arrivederci! Time to head to the airport for flights home (approx. 30 min transfer to airport).