Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8Day

Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

OVERVIEW

A new spin on our classic cycling and culinary adventure through Italy's renowned foodie region! Wonderful riding through pretty countryside and farms, picturesque towns and great cities. This region offers amazing scenery and a number of UNESCO world heritage sites, renowned food and drink, art and history, and the legendary friendliness of its locals. ______

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HIGHLIGHTS

Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma; World-famous culinary products like, balsamic vinegar, Parma prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, mortadella; Medieval castles like Torrechiara; Picturesque towns like Castelvetro.

TOUR FACTS

Tour Style : Learn more about our tours at https://www.experienceplus.com/tours/bike-tour-styles/-tours Includes: 7 nights in 2-,3- and 4-star hotels and B&Bs of similar quality; all breakfasts; access to smartphone app with preloaded tracks and digital "roadbook"; luggage transfers.

Half-board option available: €215 per person

Not Included: Travel to and from the tour start and end; bicycle rental (see Prices tab); GPS device; entrance to museums or other activities; city hotel tax (€2 to 5 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 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 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

In Parma: Hotel Button (3-star central location) - rates per person: €70 in shared double room; €115 in single room Hotel Brenta (3-star central location) - rates per person: €50 in shared double room; €100 in double room for single use.

Extra meals & activities:

- Balsamic Vinegar Producer Visit on day 4 or day 5: €5 per person

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

- Parmesan Cheese maker visit on day 5: €10 per person (closed Saturdays and Sundays)

- Cooking class available in Bologna (includes tasting meal at the end) €80 per person (min 2 participants / supplement of €25 for solo travelers)

The Cooking class is run by Le Cesarine, a company that organizes culinary experiences at local people’s houses. Your class will last about 3 hours, during which you will help the Cesarina cook prepare 3 courses. In the 4th and final hour, you will enjoy the meal (lunch or dinner) which you prepared during the class. Water and one bottle of house wine for every 3 people are included.

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 Bologna / Parma How to get there and away: In and out of Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Starting point: Hotel Il Guercino - Via L. Serra 7, Bologna Includes - We recommend flying into Bologna Aeroporto G.Marconi. - Take a shuttle bus connecting Aeroporto Marconi to the city center and Bologna Main Train Station or take a 10-minute taxi ride from Bologna Airport to your hotel.

Ending point: Hotel Brenta – G.B. Borghesi 12, Parma - You can fly out from Bologna, which is connected to Parma by train. Arrive/Depart - From the train station in Bologna to the airport, you can catch a shuttle bus or a taxi (see “Starting point” for more info).

Private airport transfers (subject to change depending on flight time and delays): - Bologna airport – Bologna hotel Guercino: €40 (1-3 pax) | €50 (4-6 pax) - Parma - Bologna airport: €160 (1-3 pax) | €180 (4-6 pax)

Long-term Parking - If you choose to drive to Bologna and leave your car parked there (taking a direct return train Parma at tour end) a private, secure parking lot costs €17 - €21 per day. Total Distance 275-325 km (170-200 miles) 20-62 km (12-38 miles)

Difficulty description: Perfect for cyclists who prefer shorter distances Avg. Daily Distance and mostly flat riding. Some loop days into the lower hills, with some short climbs. Bike paths along rivers or rails-to-trails, and quiet country roads. Some of the bike paths are on hard packed dirt roads or levees. per riding day Tour Level 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: itbs3980 ______

Navigation and roadbook: Detailed daily information and route navigation are provided through a smartphone application. Our app allows you to download the information into your device, where you can access them even in 2 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

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.

For more information visit RideWithGPS Experiences.

GPS devices with pre-loaded routes are also available for rent - please inquire.

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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 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/discover-emilia-romagna-casual-8day

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

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

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

1 Rest day

8 Last day

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

Arrive in Bologna DAY 1

Highlights Bologna! UNESCO World Heritage porticoes and culinary traditions

Arrive in Bologna, 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 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! Lots to see and explore in this beautiful city. Come early and book a genuine cooking class at a renowned cooking school or enjoy dinner at a local trattoria!Accommodation: Il Guercino Boutique Hotel or similar

Ride to Modena DAY 2

Highlights Rails-to-trails bike paths, Bazzano, World Heritage Site of historic Modena Meals Breakfast

Leave Bologna on its city bike paths to get to the first hills where great views reward you after a short climb. A rails-to-trails bike path leads you out to the fortress town of Bazzano, before heading to Modena. Don't forget to visit the historic town center of this city with the marble covered cathedral and its Ghirlandina bell tower.Daily distance: 55 km (34 miles)Elevation gain: +450 m (1475 ft)Accommodation: Il Fonticolo B&B, or similar.

Modena loop ride DAY 3

Highlights Explore Modena; optional loop ride on the hills Meals Breakfast

Take time to explore Modena today by climbing up the bell tower or visiting the Palace of the Duchy. Alternatively, enjoy a ride to the foothills of the Apennines along quiet roads and bicycle lanes. Visit the picturesque town of Castelvetro with its fortified historical center and balsamic vinegar production. If you are a car fan, Modena is the home of Ferrari and other historical brands so there are museums and exhibitions you can indulge in!Daily distance: 60 km (37 miles)Elevation gain: +374 m (1227ft)Accommodation: Il Fonticolo B&B or similar

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

Cycle the Reggio Emilia countryside DAY 4

Highlights Modena's covered street market, Balsamic vinegar, stay in an agriturismo Meals Breakfast

Before heading out of Modena on you bike, we suggest a visit of the local covered market that has been selling local products since the Middle Ages: fruits and vegetables, but also gourmet selections of Lambrusco wine, Amaretti cookies, truffles, cheese and Prosciutto, and of course traditional balsamic vinegar. With your senses alight by the sounds, sights and smells, you will visit the lovely Acetaia Cavalli estate, where the family has been producing the highest quality balsamic for over a hundred years.An easy ride today will lead you along back roads to tonight’s very special stay - an agriturismo country house hotel with a working farm, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar production, vineyards and winery, and more, within a wonderful natural setting. Daily distance: 47 km (29 miles)Elevation gain: +219 m (136ft)Accommodation: Agriturismo La Razza or similar

Reggio Emilia loop ride on the hills DAY 5

Highlights Canossa Castle ruins or city of Reggio Emilia Meals Breakfast

Head for the hills today on a ride to Canossa Castle ruins, where the Holy Roman Empire Emperor Henry 5th had to show penance to the Pope, waiting in the snow barefoot at the gate of Matilda's Castle for 3 days before Matilda, countess of Canossa, convinced the Pope to open. Alternatively follow the bike path to Reggio Emilia for a visit of this bustling, pretty town.Daily distance: 20-58 km (12-36 miles)Elevation gain: +813 m (2667ft) for the longer ride optionAccommodation: Agriturismo La Razza, or similar.

Bike to Parma DAY 6

Highlights Parma cured ham and parmesan cheese Meals Breakfast

Your destination today is a city where your taste buds will not be disappointed, Parma! Famous for its culinary traditions, the arts also flourished outside of the kitchen in this lovely city: Parmigianino, Correggio, and Giuseppe Verdi are some of its most famous citizens, and their influence are present to this day. The city is still an important cultural and artistic center. Explore and enjoy the historic center, and delight your palate with Parma's signature cured ham (prosciutto crudo) and Parmesan cheese, eaten as an aperitivo or sprinkled on homemade pasta dishes. Daily distance: 54 km (34 miles)Elevation gain: +256 m (839ft) for the longer ride optionAccommodation: Hotel Brenta, or similar.

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover Emilia-Romagna Cycling Bologna to Parma - Casual Self-Guided 8day

Loop ride into the hills and the Torrechiara Castle DAY 7

Highlights loop ride into the Parma hills and the castle of Torrechiara and lunch with a Meals Breakfast view; explore Parma

Get ready for your last day of bicycling amidst ancient castles and local traditions! Today's ride will loop to the breathtaking Torrechiara Castle. Dominating the Val Parma, the castle was constructed between 1448 and 1460, devised as an instrument of defense as well as a distinguished home for the count and his lover. This area is famous for its cured prosciutto and local salame—taste them in this historic setting!Daily distance: 48 km (30 miles)Elevation gain: +813 m (755ft) for the longer ride optionAccommodation: Hotel Brenta or similar

Last day in Parma, tour ends DAY 8

Highlights World Heritage Site of Parma Meals Breakfast

Your cycling tour ends in Parma. Now with a refined palate, shop well and take some recipes home to try in your own kitchen!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!