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| Appennines of Emilia Romagna 2008 |
June 20 - 29 |
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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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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 20
- Overnight flight
to Milan’s Malpensa airport. |
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| June 21 - 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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| June 22 - 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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June 23 - 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 24 - 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 25 - 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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June 26 - 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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June 27 - 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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June 28 - 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 29 - Morning airport shuttles or stay on and join us for Dolomites |
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Elevation |
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Our 2008 Tours: |
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