Self-Guided Ravenna to Parma Ultimate Emilia Romagna Bike Tour

Arrive in Ravenna, a historic city in Emilia-Romagna that once served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later as a key center of Byzantine Italy. Your centrally located hotel makes it easy to explore on foot, including Dante’s Tomb and Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Basilica of San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. These 5th–6th century monuments are internationally recognized for their remarkably preserved Byzantine mosaics.

Spend the afternoon discovering Ravenna’s compact historic center, where Roman, early Christian, and Renaissance influences coexist within easy walking distance, an ideal introduction to your Italy cycling tour.

Meet our staff this morning for your bike fitting and route briefing before setting out from Ravenna. As you leave the city, you may choose to visit Sant’Apollinare in Classe, an important 6th-century basilica known for its early Christian mosaics. The ride continues across the flat plains of Emilia-Romagna, passing cultivated fields and orchards en route to Faenza.

Your hotel, set in a restored former convent near the main square, places you in the heart of this active market town. Faenza is internationally associated with fine ceramics — the term “faience” originates from here — and the city is home to the International Museum of Ceramics. Take time to explore the Renaissance-era Piazza del Popolo and, if interested, visit local workshops where this long-standing craft tradition continues today.

Enjoy a pleasant, easy loop ride today, starting and finishing in Faenza. After leaving town, you will cycle past peaceful farms and fruit orchards along quiet country backroads, with beautiful views of the Apennine Mountains in the distance.

Ride through Terra del Sole, home to its remarkable Medicean fortress, built when Tuscany once bordered Romagna during the late Medieval period. Continue onward to Castrocaro Terme, a charming medieval hill town nestled at the foot of the Apennines. If the castle is open, a visit to Castrocaro Castle is highly recommended for its history and panoramic views.

On the way back to Faenza, you may wish to stop at one of the many local farms to pick up fresh supplies for a relaxing outdoor picnic.This day highlights include the historic Castrocaro Castle, the impressive Medicean Fortress of Terra del Sole, and the peaceful Romagna countryside with its orchards and scenic backroads.

Ride Options:

Option 1: 40 km (25.3 miles) | Elevation gain: +202 m (665 ft) | Rolling hills Option 2: 38 km (24.1 miles) | Elevation gain: +277 m (909 ft) | Rolling hills

Cycle along quiet country roads lined with vineyards and kiwi orchards as you head toward the enchanting medieval town of Brisighella. Take time to explore its historic center and discover the unique Via degli Asini, one of the finest preserved medieval artisan streets in Italy. Brisighella is also an ideal lunch stop, famous for its homemade pasta and tasty gelato. The ride then continues through scenic Romagna hills to Riolo Terme, a picturesque town featuring a medieval castle and an impressive moat still intact.

Ride Options:

Short option: 28 km (17 miles) | Elevation gain: +421 m (1381 ft) | Hilly terrain Long option: 55 km (35 miles) | Elevation gain: +854 m (2804 ft) | Hilly terrain

Today’s ride leads you through rolling vineyards and fruit orchards to the medieval wine village of Dozza, celebrated for its colorful wall murals. Visit the hilltop castle, home to the Emilia-Romagna Regional Enoteca, where you can learn about local wines such as Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and the sweet Albana di Romagna.

Continue on with beautiful panoramic views across the Po Valley before arriving in Imola, a historic town known for its Formula 1 circuit and charming Roman-era center, perfect for an evening stroll.

Highlights include the charming wine village of Dozza, sweeping views across the Po Valley, and the historic town of Imola.

Today you will leave Imola and cycle toward Bologna, the administrative heart of Emilia-Romagna and widely known as Italy’s culinary capital. Famous for its rich traditions of learning, art, and food, Bologna is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university. The city is also the birthplace of authentic mortadella, a true local specialty that is far removed from the processed version known abroad. Be sure to add this delicious treat to your must-try list while exploring Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere.

Option 1: 66 km (41 miles) | Elevation gain: +324 m (1063 ft) | Mostly flat Option 2: 63 km (39 miles) | Elevation gain: +771 m (2529 ft) | Hilly terrain

Depart Bologna along its network of city bike paths, heading toward the gentle foothills of the Apennines, where beautiful views open up as you near the town of Bazzano. From here, a peaceful rails-to-trails cycle route through the countryside leads you all the way to Modena. Be sure to explore Modena’s UNESCO-listed historic center, famous for its stunning marble cathedral and the iconic Ghirlandina bell tower.

Highlights include scenic rails-to-trails bike paths, the charming town of Bazzano, and the UNESCO World Heritage historic center of Modena.

Spend the day discovering Modena, whether by climbing its famous bell tower or visiting the grand Ducal Palace. For those who wish to ride, an optional loop takes you along peaceful roads into the Apennine foothills, reaching the charming town of Castelvetro, known for its fortified old center and traditional balsamic vinegar. Modena is also a paradise for car enthusiasts, with Ferrari museums and exhibitions showcasing its legendary automotive heritage.

Highlights include exploring Modena’s historic landmarks, an optional scenic hill ride to Castelvetro, and discovering the city’s famous balsamic vinegar and Ferrari heritage.

Before leaving Modena, take time to wander through its historic covered market, where local produce and gourmet specialties have been sold since the Middle Ages. From Lambrusco wine and Prosciutto to truffles, cheese, and the region’s famous balsamic vinegar, it is a feast for the senses. Later, visit the renowned Acetaia Cavalli estate, where traditional balsamic has been crafted by the same family for over a century.

An easy ride along quiet country roads then brings you to a memorable overnight stay in a charming agriturismo, surrounded by vineyards, farm life, and authentic Parmesan and balsamic production in a beautiful natural setting.

Highlights: Modena’s covered street market, traditional balsamic vinegar tasting, and a unique agriturismo countryside stay.

Today you can choose between a rewarding hill ride to the dramatic ruins of Canossa Castle, a site famous for the historic moment when Emperor Henry IV waited barefoot in the snow for three days to seek forgiveness from the Pope. For a shorter and easier option, follow the bike path to the lively city of Reggio Emilia, known for its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. Return to your peaceful countryside accommodation at Agriturismo La Razza, or a similar stay.

Short option: 35 km (21 miles) | Elevation gain: +236 m (774 ft) | Mostly flat Long option: 56 km (35 miles) | Elevation gain: +906 m (2972 ft) | Hilly

Highlights include Canossa Castle ruins and the historic city of Reggio Emilia

Begin the day with a guided visit to a Parmesan cheese factory on the way to Parma, where you will discover why Parmigiano-Reggiano is celebrated as the “king of cheeses.” After this delicious introduction, continue cycling toward Parma, a city renowned for its extraordinary culinary heritage and rich cultural history. Stroll through its elegant historic center, shaped by artists like Correggio and Parmigianino and the legacy of composer Giuseppe Verdi. End the day savoring Parma’s famous prosciutto crudo and Parmesan cheese, best enjoyed at a café table in a lively piazza.

Highlights include Parma cured ham, Parmesan cheese tasting, and the city’s artistic historic center.

Enjoy your final day of cycling with a beautiful loop ride through the rolling hills near Parma, surrounded by ancient castles and local traditions. The highlight is the magnificent Torrechiara Castle, dramatically overlooking the Val Parma. Built in the 15th century as both a fortress and a noble residence, it remains one of the region’s most stunning landmarks. This area is also renowned for its prosciutto and salame, making it the perfect place to enjoy a memorable lunch with panoramic views before returning to Parma for more exploration.

Highlights include Scenic hill ride near Parma, Torrechiara Castle, and a delicious lunch with a view.

Your cycling tour comes to an end in Parma, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in history and flavor. Spend the morning enjoying its elegant streets and vibrant markets, and with your newly refined palate, pick up local specialties and recipes to recreate a taste of Italy back home.