Cyclando
Emilia Romagna is one of the most beautiful regions to discover while cycling. Art cities, castles and landscapes so different from one another come in rapid succession, creating a perfect route for all lovers of fine cuisine. In fact, it is here that some of the most famous typical Italian products are made, including Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena. In spring, but also in Summer and Autumn, there is always a good reason to set off for a weekend full of taste and art, feeling just like you were in a movie from the nineteen fifties.
Must-see cities
Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna are the main cities to be visited during a bike trip in Emilia Romagna. Although they are close to one another, they are very different: Parma is known for its noble past and for the French imprint left by the Duchess Maria Luigia, Reggio Emilia is the city of the Italian flag, known as the Tricolore, Modena the city of Ghirlandina, as the locals call the bell tower of the Cathedral and the splendid Piazza Grande, both UNESCO heritage sites, and Bologna which oozes a unique charm.
In the middle there are a myriad of hamlets, villages, villas and castles scattered between the lowlands and the hills, which travelers cannot help falling in love with. The Cistercian Abbey of Valserena in Parma inspired Stendhal in his masterpiece The Charterhouse of Parma, while in Soragna you can visit the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum and the splendid Rocca Meli Lupi.
In Fontanellato, apart from the historic fortress, there is also the largest maze in the world, which in Summer hosts also an interesting electro music festival: a surreal place you simply must see and experience. Then there is Torrechiara with its beautiful castle and Langhirano, the city of prosciuttifici (ham factories).
Before reaching Reggio Emilia and its splendid historic center you cycle through Montecchio, after which you get to Correggio which bears the name of the famous painter.
Lambrusco lovers can cycle through the vineyards of Santa Croce DOP to reach Carpi: Modena and its province welcome everyone.
Between Vignola and Castelvetro you can taste excellent DOP Balsamic Vinegar, the Grasparossa Lambrusco, and the classic Parmigiano Reggiano. Finally, cycling through Nonantola between master villas and Romanesque churches, you first arrive in San Giovanni in Persiceto and then Bologna. The history, the culture and the traditions of this region which continue to enchant travelers from all over the world, are all enclosed in about 100km.
There are so many things to see, do and savor that it would take a fortnight to write about all the beauties of Emilia Romagna. That's why on Cyclando.com we offer you a wide selection of tours lasting from two to nine days, allowing you to choose the stopovers you would like to make, and create your own trip: more art, more food and wine tasting, or more nature? The choice is yours!