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
Legendary Climbs Series with the verdant vistas and gastronomic
indulgences of our Classic Road Vacations.
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.
June
19 - Overnight
flight to Milan's Malpensa
airport.
June
20 - 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.
June
21 - 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.
June
22 - 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.
June
23 - 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.
June
24 - 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.
June
25 - Awaken
to the sounds of songbirds at 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.
June
26 - 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.
June
27 - 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. We’ll transfer back to the Monferrato
hills for our farewell dinner, complete with local spumante.
June
28 - Morning
airport shuttles.
Elevation 
Profile
