June 16 - 25
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Mountains
and Lavender |
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The Appennines are Italy’s
mountainous backbone, an eternal backdrop to the
historic fortresses, inspiring art, and rich culinary traditions that
grace these regions. This
tour combines the challenging climbs and switchback descents of our
Mountain Trilogy Series with the verdant vistas and gastronomic
indulgences of our Classic Road Vacations.
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The Land of Parmigiano-Reggiano |
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Emilia-Romagna produces some of the most delicious and
beautiful things in the world: Prosciutto
di Parma, Tortellini Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Ferrari, Ducati.
It’s Tuscan neighbor, the Mugello, produced none other than
Michelangelo. See the
region that inspired all that beauty and seize the chance to taste the
best pasta in Italy.
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June 16
- Overnight flight
to Milan’s Malpensa airport.
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June 17 -
Benvenuto in
Italia!
After
our airport shuttle, assemble your bike and take a test ride through
the Monferrato wine country before our welcome dinner of piemontese
delights.
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Ferrari Museum
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June 18 - Maranello’s Galleria Ferrari
is the perfect starting point for our ascent into the Appennines. After a morning van transfer, get inspired by the
four-wheeled art before cycling into the Lambrusco hills. Panoramic ridge-top roads lead to a final climb up the slopes
of Monte Cimone. You’ll
arrive at the charming ski town of Sestola with a good appetite
for our group dinner featuring the famed Cucina Emiliana.
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“Pedala Forte!”
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June 19
- Switchback
lovers can’t do better than today’s ride through the Appennino Modenese.
This route features more scenic climbs, twisting descents and
spectacular views than you can count.
Choose between 73- and 43-mile loops that weave together quiet
lanes and sleepy villages before the final ascent back to our hotel.
Stop at a bar or caffé to sample warm crescentine
or tigelle spread with savory herb pesto.
Tonight join the locals for an evening passeggiata
through Sestola’s quiet streets and dine at the local ristorante
of your choice.
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June 20 - Today's loop offers a climb to
Corno alle Scale, scene of Damiano Cunego's daring attack
on stage three of the 2004 Giro d'Itatlia. Enjoy a peaceful pranzo
at Rifugio Cavone at 1945 meters before a thrilling descent and return
to Sestola. Open night for dinner.
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June 21
- Verdant hillsides contrast
with azure skies as we skirt the edges of the Parco
Regionale dell’Alto Appennino and pass through Gaggio Montano,
home of SAECO coffee machines, on our way to our lodging near Loiano.
You’ll have earned your dip in the pool and sumptuous
group dinner before enjoying a peaceful night’s rest in our
authentically restored 17th century palazzo.
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Relax! |
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June 22
- Awaken to the sounds of
songbirds at historic Palazzo Loup, then enjoy a
buffet breakfast. You’ll
need the fuel to challenge the climbs of Madonna dei Fornelli,
Passo della Futa and Passo Raticosa. More serious vacationers might opt to spend the whole day
relaxing by the peaceful and panoramic pool.
We’ll visit the town of Loiano tonight for cena.
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Fresh
Piadine
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June 23 - The
Strada Lavanda (road of lavender) graces today’s route, which begins
with some short, sharp climbs and a lunch stop in Tuscany, then roller-coasters its way through the
scenic Colline Imolese, on the way to historic Dozza. A sharp climb to the restored monastery of Monte del Re, now
one of Italy’s best hotels, makes a fitting finale to our tour of the Appennines.
Take a refreshing dip in the panoramic pool before indulging in
an elegant group dinner complimented by local
Sangiovese alla Romagna.
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Dozza
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June 24 - Vibrant murals grace the
art-town of Dozza, our morning’s destination after
a leisurely breakfast. Visit
the Enoteca Regionale of Emilia Romagna and make some
souvenir purchases of local wine and food specialties, or just enjoy a
walk through the quiet cobbled lanes.
After lunch we’ll transfer back to the Monferrato
hills for our farewell dinner, complete with local spumante.
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June 25 - Morning airport shuttles or stay on
and join us for Dolomites
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