Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

OVERVIEW

This tour allows you to explore the famous ceramics town of Faenza, medieval villages such as Brisighella and Dozza and the planned renaissance village of Terra del Sole, built by the Medici family to protect the northern flank of Tuscany in 1564. Start in Ravenna once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and cycle through Romagna region all the way to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy. Easy, flat rides and more serious hill rides make for a cycling paradise through the heartland of homemade pasta, so don't wait until you arrive to Bologna to delight your culinary taste buds with freshly made "tagliatelle", "lasagna", "ravioli" and more, all washed down with local Sangiovese wine. ______

For more detailed tour information download the Tour Factsheet

HIGHLIGHTS

Ample choice of easy or challenging rides; Medieval town of Brisighella; Ravenna and its 6th century mosaics; Bologna and its 60km of porticoes; Faenza, one of Italy's most famous ceramics towns; Wine village of Dozza and Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Museum; Planned Renaissance town of Terra del Sole built by the Medici family in 1564.

TOUR FACTS

Tour Style : Learn more about our tours at https://www.experienceplus.com/tours/bike-tour-styles/-tours Includes 6 nights in 3- and 4-star lodgings; all breakfasts; 2 dinners; bike fitting and briefing in English by our professional staff at tour start; GPS device with pre-loaded navigation routes (one for every two cyclists); access to smartphone app with tracks and digital "roadbook"; printed roadbook with detailed daily information, maps and more; luggage transfers.

Not Included Travel to and from the tour start and end; bicycle rental (see Prices tab); entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included; city hotel tax (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler); Any meals or beverages not indicated as included.

Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available - please inquire.

Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability

Extra nights: Please inquire about adding nights along the itinerary or before/after the tour. Rates for extra nights as follows In Ravenna: - Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi (4-star equivalent, central location) - prices per person: €75 in shared double room; €125 in double room for single use. - Hotel Centrale Byron (3-star central location) - prices per person: €55 in shared double room; €80 in single room

In Bologna: Hotel Touring (4-star central location) - rates per person: €85 in shared double classic room, €100 in shared double gold room; €145 in classic double room for single use, €145 in gold double room for single use

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

Hotel Regina (3-star central location) - rates per person: €60 in shared double room, €105 in double room for single use. Hotel Guercino (charming B&B outside city center) - rates per person: €44 in shared double room, €80 in double room for single use

Extra meals & activities:

Dinners, tastings and guided visits packages available - 2021 descriptions and packages coming soon!

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. Countries Italy Begin/End Ravenna/Bologna Arrive/Depart Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) Total Distance 181 - 261 km (112 - 162) more by choice Avg. Daily Distance 0 - 62 km (0 - 39 miles) No mileage on rest days by choice per riding day Optional hill rides make this a dream trip for those who want to alternate easy rides with more Tour Level challenging rides. We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour. Tour code: itbs1463 ______Includes Navigation and roadbook: On our CLASSIC self-guided tours, detailed daily information and route navigation are provided through a GPS device (one included for every two cyclists), a smartphone application, as well as a printed roadbook with thorough daily descriptions and maps. Our app allows you to download the information into your smartphone, where you can the daily routes even in offline mode. Hotel itinerary, daily ride descriptions, cultural information, visit suggestions, elevation profiles, and emergency numbers are all stored in one organized place. Downloading maps and routes also allows you to navigate in offline mode. If you prefer, you can download the routes into your GPS device and print the detailed route notes before leaving home and use them on tour, or rely on the detailed roadbook that we will print for you and delivery before the tour start

For more information on the smartphone app, visit RideWithGPS Experiences.

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Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.30. Every piece of luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may have to pay a local taxi for the service.

Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage.

Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will 2 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

arrange it for you.

Keep in Mind

Please Note: We may have small itinerary changes to this trip after you download this PDF document. If you have booked this trip and there are major changes, including changes to towns or activities, we'll email you directly. However, you should always be sure to refer to the online itinerary for the most up-to-date trip information including arrival and departure tips before you depart for your trip: https://www.experienceplus.com/guided-bike-tours/italy/classic-romagna-ravenna-bologna-cycling-culinary-tour

3 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Dates & Prices

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

DATES & PRICES

Dates Price Single Supplement* *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a DAILY RIDE SUMMARY roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. Day Distance/Gain Terrain Day Level Notes

5 42km (26mi)

6 71km (44mi)

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

Arrive in Ravenna, Fit bicycles DAY 1

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.

Bicycle to Faenza DAY 2

Highlights Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square Meals Breakfast

Exiting Ravenna you have the choice to visit another very important Byzantine masterpiece: Sant'Apollinare in Classe. Cross the plains through fruit plantations and arrive to Faenza. Your hotel is a restored convent near the central square of this regional market center and famous 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 recommend a visit to the International Ceramics Museum as well as several of the local artists' studios specialized in this colorful pottery.Daily mileage: 56 km (35 miles).

Bicycle Faenza to Brisighella and on to Riolo Terme DAY 3

Highlights Medieval Brisighella; Via degli Asini Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a quiet ride through vineyards and kiwi orchards on your way to the enchanting Medieval town of Brisighella. 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. The homemade pasta in Brisighella is worth a lunch stop (and the gelato is not bad, either)! Your ride continues on to your Agriturismo, a country house hotel with a working farm just outside Riolo Terme. Dinner is included at the Agriturismo tonight. Daily Mileage: 26-61 km (16-38 miles)Accommodation: Agriturismo Rio Manzolo, or similar.

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

Riolo Terme day - loop rides, spa treatments, and more! DAY 4

Highlights Riolo Terme and the Romagna countryside; Challenging ridge ride to the feet Meals Breakfast of the Apennines, or easier ride to Castel Bolognese

The Riolo Terme area offers options for the avid cyclist and for the more relaxed rider alike. The town itself is a lovely small spa center, 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 at the Agriturismo - 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, or 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. Dinner is included at the agriturismo tonight. 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 Accommodation: Agriturismo Rio Manzolo, or similar. Cycling Riolo Terme to Dozza DAY 5

Highlights Wine village of Dozza; beautiful views across the Po Valley; wall murals in Distance 42 km (26 mi) Dozza Meals Breakfast

Your ride today takes you through more 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 or wine museum. Regional specialties include the red Sangiovese (father grape of Chianti) which is gaining more and more worldwide recognition 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: 28-42 km (17-26 miles)BreakfastLodging: Albergo Ristorante Canè

Bicycle from Dozza to Bologna DAY 6

Highlights Bologna - Italy's culinary capital Distance 71 km (44 mi) Meals Breakfast We'll leave the hills of Dozza to ride to Bologna today, Emilia Romagna's administrative capital, and, arguably, its culinary capital too. Home to the oldest continually operating university in the world, Bologna has a long tradition of studies, arts, and gastronomy. Speaking of gastronomy, Bologna gave birth to the mortadella, vulgarly distorted abroad as "bologna," although the fresh, artisanal mortadella has nothing to do with processed ham! Make sure you put this culinary delight on your 'must try' list!Daily Mileage: 45-70 km (28-44 miles)

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta - Classic Self-Guided

Tour ends in Bologna DAY 7

Highlights Tour End Meals Breakfast

Your bicycle ride in Emilia Romagna ends this morning in Bologna. If you have the time you might consider an extra night or two in Bologna to enjoy the rich cultural history here . Alternatively, train connections are convenient to Rome, Venice or Milan. Thanks for joining us and buon viaggio! 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.

INCLUDED

WHAT'S INCLUDED You'll receive a highlighted route map each day or a briefing with the GPS tracks. On Classic, Bike and Boat, When you book a tour with ExperiencePlus! our goal is to Spotlight and Expedition tours we also navigate using our ensure your only focus each day is to hop on your bike and signature chalk dust arrows. Our arrows make navigating explore scenic cycling routes in new destinations. very easy—you may never need to look at the map. On Inclusions may differ depending on which tour style you Explorer tours the terrain and destinations are not always pick but all ExperiencePlus! tours include the three most conducive to using chalk arrows so we'll ride as a group or important aspects of a guided bike tour. you can navigate on your own with the GPS tracks. Superb tour leaders who are fun and multilingual, bi- Before each tour we offer the opportunity to download GPS cultural experts, and cycling enthusiasts. They will tracks of most tour routes to your personal GPS device or support you and help you navigate confidently on and off smartphone using RideWithGPS.com. We do not provide the road. GPS tracks for tours in South America. High quality bikes selected for the terrain you are cycling on and correct bike fitting to ensure comfortable cycling. On tour you will have a support van providing water and More details on our bikes page. snack resupply, mechanical assistance, a lift for tired cyclists, and luggage transfers. On some itineraries the van Thoughtfully designed itineraries and routes that take will not be able to follow sections of the route that stray advantage of stunning cycling destinations and the from the road for example onto cycling paths. freedom of bicycle travel. Need More Miles? On many days it is possible to add miles PRE-TRIP SUPPORT to the day, just talk to your tour leader about your options. Bicycle training programs designed specifically for your Need Fewer Miles? If you aren't sure about your abilities or tour and fitness level. how much you want to ride remember the support van is available to offer snacks, encouragement, a lift over the Planning tips on what to pack, hotel recommendations next hill, or to the next hotel. You are on vacation and we're and other helpful details from our Travel Planning here to help make it perfect for you. Pages. A gift of your choice (cycling jerseys, socks, or a t-shirt) TIPPING YOUR TOUR LEADER TEAM: as our way of saying thanks for choosing ExperiencePlus! If you feel your tour leader team has demonstrated great *Traveler services including assistance booking extra expertise and service, common practice within the travel nights at the tour starting and ending hotels. (*Not industry is to tip. Tipping is voluntary and greatly included on Explorer Tours.) appreciated, and gratuity amounts vary widely. Should you decide to leave a tip, as a guideline, we suggest 5% of the ON TOUR tour cost per traveler – this is for the entire tour leader team, not each tour leader. You can give the tip to any See "What's Included" on your tour Itinerary for tour- member of the tour leader team, as they share it evenly. In specific inclusions. order to avoid social tensions, we encourage you to tip as individuals and not as a group. If you feel your tour leaders BICYCLES did not quite meet your expectations, please let us know. For a full list of what's included with your bike see Our *Tips are included in Expedition pricing. Bikes page. If you would like to bring your own pedals and PHOTOS: shoes we recommend doing so. On Explorer tours we include a GPS device on all bikes. We ask that you bring By reserving space on tour, you agree that ExperiencePlus! your own helmet to ensure the best fit. Please ask if you may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or would like us to provide you with a gently used helmet and videos sent to us, or taken by our guides or travelers free of we will do so. charge and without your right to inspection. If you do not want us to use any images of you on tour, you must inform NAVIGATING, DAYSHEETS AND VAN SUPPORT: your tour leader in writing at the start of the tour. Each day you'll receive a daily briefing with a highlighted route map and daysheet (print or digital) that includes information on the day's activities, meals and ride. Daily information also includes Tour Leader phone numbers, hotel information and interesting historical and cultural information.

STYLES

OUR TOUR STYLES Spotlight Tours: Multi-nights stays, loop rides, choose from a selection of activities or enjoy hotel amenities during your We realize that one size does not fit all and there are as free time. many ways to travel by bike as there are different types of cyclists and travelers. No matter what you are looking for in Tour Length: 6-7 days a cycling vacation, we have a tour with just the right pace Hotels: 3-5 stars, typically 3-nights spent in one hotel for you. and 2-nights in the other. Classic Tours: Dream of traveling through a region by bike? Road Type: Pavement then our Classic style bike tours are for you! Our unique chalk arrows lead the way as you explore small villages and Multi-night Stays: Min 2 night stays world-class cities while traveling at your own pace. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-15 days Price: $$$ Hotels: 3-4 stars, most itineraries include at least one Tour Levels: 1-4 two-night stay at the same hotel. Bike and Boat Tours: Spend days cycling and your Road Type: Pavement, bike paths. evenings relaxing on a private boat as you cruise to your Multi-night Stays: Occasionally next port. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-8 days, some itineraries have land-based Price: $$$ extensions available. Tour Levels: 1-4.5 Barge/Boat: 3-4 star, same cabin for the entire boat trip. Road Type: Pavement Explorer Tours: Travel further off the beaten path - we let the destination dictate where we ride, not the road surface. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Length: 7-8 days Tour Levels: 1-4 Hotels: 2-3 stars, occasional multi-night stays at the same hotel. Expedition Tours: Multi-week tours where you spend long Road Type: 30-50% gravel or hard-packed dirt, the rest days on the bike with the added satisfaction of pedaling pavement. across multiple countries. Multi-night Stays: Occasionally Tour Length: 15-40 days Navigation: Group riding and GPS Hotels: 2-4 stars, typically there is a 2-night hotel stay Price: $$ every 5-7 days. Tour Levels: 1-4 Road Type: Pavement with occasional hard-packed dirt or gravel. Multi-night Stays: On rest days Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Levels: 4-5

LEVELS

We know that travelers have different cycling abilities and LEVEL 4 - 4.5 preferences for the number of miles, elevation gain, and Level 4 - 4.5 days are the best riding days for avid cyclists type of terrain they want on a bicycle tour. We have rated or very active individuals who are excited to challenge each day of our tours on a scale of 1-5. Our Tour Level's themselves on a bike. are an average of the day rating on tour. We recommend looking at the daily summary on the PDF and Website Average daily mileage: 70-90km (45-55 miles) Be sure Itinerary to see details about each day's ride. to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 1 - 1.5 Gain: 900-1000m (2800-3600 ft) Level 1 - 1.5 days will be mostly flat and the distance will rarely exceed 50 km. Level 1 - 1.5 tours are suitable for Terrain: Presents multiple steep climbs (6% to 8% beginner cyclists, those traveling by bicycle for the first grades), 1 to 3km long. Alternatively, 4 – 6% grades for time, or multi-generational groups with a desire for a nice 6 kilometers or more. and easy bike tour with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. LEVEL 5 (EXPEDITIONPLUS!) Average daily mileage: 20 - 50 km. (12-30 miles) Be Our ExpeditionPlus! tours designed for strong riders looking sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the for the challenge of riding across countries or continents. tour you are considering for specific mileages. Long daily mileages mean limited van support so we recommend these tours for riders who feel confident that Gain: 0-400 M (0-1200 ft) they can ride every mile. Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional gentle climbs at a Average daily mileage: 120 km (75 miles). Be sure to grade of less than 3%, that are sustained for a maximum check the day by day itinerary description for the tour of 3km. There might be a steeper but short climb. you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 2 - 2.5 Gain: 500-2000 m (1600- 6500 ft) Level 2 - 2.5 days are ideal for riders newer to bicycle Terrain: Expect and be prepared for any and everything. touring looking for a bit of a challenge. REMEMBER Average daily mileage: 30-60 km (18 - 38 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the A tour level is the average of the days so we recommend tour you are considering for specific mileages. you look at the day level on each day of the itinerary to help you better understand what to expect from your tour. Gain: 400 - 600 m (1200 - 2000 ft) Terrain: Mostly rolling terrain around 3%. Presents multiple 3% to 4% climbs. May present an occasional steeper climb.

LEVEL 3 - 3.5 Level 3 - 3.5 days are great for active individuals (who run, bike, swim etc. on a regular basis). Average daily mileage: 50-70km (30-45 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. Gain: 600 - 900m (2000 - 2800 ft) Terrain: Multiple Climbs with grades of 4 - 6%.

CHECKLIST

TO DO ONCE YOU'VE BOOKED! Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip! Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country. Complete the Customer Information Form: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/customer-information-form/ We recommend you take out travel insurance. Find details at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/travel-insurance/ Choose a bicycle training program: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/bicycle-tour-training/ Peruse our country-specific Travel Planning Pages: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/

6 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure. Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Begin your chosen training program Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike & Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.

6 TO 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/. Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/ We'll email your Hotel Itinerary, the Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date.

DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack one day of cycling gear in your carry-on just in case. See you soon!