CycleItalia
On-Demand ~ Emilia Romagna
These tours are
not currently on our schedule
but are available on a custom/private
basis depending on the size
of your group and the dates
which work best for you. Contact
us for more details about enjoying
your own private CYCLEITALIA.
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.
Day
1 - Overnight
flight to Milan's Malpensa
airport.
Day
2 - 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.
Day
3 - 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.
Day
4 - 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.
Day
5 - 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.
Day
6 - 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.
Day
7 - 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.
Day
8 - 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.
Day
9 - 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.
Day
10 - Morning
airport shuttles.
Contact
us about this CycleItalia
"On Demand" Tour.
Elevation  Profile
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