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Pedal through the heart of Emilia Romagna on a 6-day cycling adventure like no other. Explore Italy's famed Food Valley, glide past sparkling lakes, and immerse yourself in the romance of Verona and the Renaissance charm of the Veneto region. From Parma's culinary delights to breathtaking landscapes, discover the soul of Northern Italy on two wheels.
Begin your adventure in Parma, cycling through picturesque countryside to the 11th-century Antico Borgo di Tabiano castle. Explore Italy's Food Valley with a ride through the Po River Valley, a visit to a Parmigiano-Reggiano farm, and a cooking class at a local agriturismo. Discover the UNESCO sites of Sabbioneta and Mantua, then cycle along the Mincio River to Lake Garda for a waterfront lunch. Relax at the luxurious Villa Cordevigo, enjoy Verona’s historic charm, or ...
Begin your adventure in Parma, cycling through picturesque countryside to the 11th-century Antico Borgo di Tabiano castle. Explore Italy's Food Valley with a ride through the Po River Valley, a visit to a Parmigiano-Reggiano farm, and a cooking class at a local agriturismo. Discover the UNESCO sites of Sabbioneta and Mantua, then cycle along the Mincio River to Lake Garda for a waterfront lunch. Relax at the luxurious Villa Cordevigo, enjoy Verona’s historic charm, or savour the villa’s amenities. Conclude with scenic rides through Bardolino wine country, wine tastings, and a vineyard picnic before ending in Cavaion Veronese. Shuttle options to Verona or Venice complete this unforgettable journey.
This package includes 5 nights' accommodation in hotels on a twin-share basis. All meals and transfers are included as specified. You will be escorted by two support vans and three tour leaders on each departure for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. With multiple biking options to choose from each day, we accommodate varied activity levels, giving you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. An experience tailored to suit your priorities and personal style; bike in true comfort and elegance.
Experience the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery as you cycle through Northern Italy’s most enchanting regions. Let the flavours of Parma, the beauty of Verona, and the timeless charm of the Veneto leave you inspired at every turn.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Level 1, Approx. 26km (16 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 91m (300 ft) Level 2, Approx. 35km (22 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 305m (1000 ft)
Your Italian adventure begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Parma train station, where your Trip Leaders will be waiting. Look for them just outside the station's main entrance on the top floor, in the parking area to the left (not by the modern glass doors on the lower level). Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes with your luggage and a daypack containing rain gear and any other essentials for today's ride. While we transport your luggage to our first hotel, a proper changing area may not be available after our initial shuttle.
Benvenuti in Italia! From Parma, we will shuttle to Corte di Giarola, a historic convent and farm. Here, we'll enjoy a hearty lunch before your Trip Leaders conduct a bike fitting and safety briefing. Your first ride then begins, taking you through the picturesque Italian countryside. You'll cross the Taro River and pedal past rolling cornfields and acres of wheat, tracing the northern edge of the Apennine Mountains.
Our ride concludes at Antico Borgo di Tabiano, a beautifully transformed 11th-century castle complex where we will stay for the next two nights. Upon arrival, you are invited to an exclusive welcome aperitivo with views overlooking the Parman hills. Afterwards, we will gather for a traditional dinner at the hotel's restaurant, a former parmesan cheese factory, where you will dine on handmade pasta and a curated selection of fine Italian wines.
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: Level 1, Approx. 27km (17 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 91m (300 ft) Level 2, Approx. 39km (24 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft) Level 3, Approx. 60km (37 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 488m (1600 ft) Level 4, Approx. 66km (41 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 640m (2100 ft)
Today is all about exploring the incredible cuisine of Italy's Food Valley. Start by biking through the Po River Valley, passing the charming town of Fontanellato, known for its medieval fortresses and Parma's historic palaces. After lunch, visit a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm to see how this famous cheese is made and enjoy some tastings.
You can then either shuttle back to the hotel to relax by the pool or visit the spa (spa treatments at own expense) or continue cycling through the farmland to return to the hotel. Later in the day, take part in a cooking class at a nearby agriturismo, where you'll learn to make traditional Italian dishes. The evening wraps up with a meal of your own creations, paired with local wines chosen by the sommelier.
THREE BIKING OPTIONS:Level 1, Approx. 29km (18 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122m (400 ft)Level 2, Approx. 50km (31 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)Level 3, Approx. 60km (37 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 244m (800 ft)
After leaving Parma, we take a morning shuttle to Sabbioneta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great example of Renaissance city planning. Before starting the bike ride, you can explore the city's defensive walls, roads, public spaces, and monuments, all designed based on Renaissance ideals. From there, we ride peacefully to the Po River, Italy's longest river, and continue to Mantua. Known as "la bella addormentata" (the sleeping beauty), Mantua has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages and is also a World Heritage site. This afternoon, a local guide will lead a walking tour of Mantua's historic centre, covering its cathedrals, palaces, and plazas.
Dinner is on your own at one of Mantua's many excellent restaurants. For tonight's stay, you'll check into Casa Poli, a modern boutique hotel in a 19th-century building, conveniently located in the heart of town.
THREE BIKING OPTIONS:Level 1, Approx. 31km (19 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft)Level 3, Approx. 47km (29 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274m (900 ft)Level 4, Approx. 68km (42 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 518m (1700 ft)
After breakfast, you'll cycle along the shores of Mantua's lakes, tracing a path north along the Mincio River to Borghetto sul Mincio, celebrated as one of Italy's most beautiful hamlets. Take a moment to admire its ancient mills and enjoy a quick espresso before continuing along the river's curves through verdant parkland and into wine country.
Your ride leads you to the shores of Lake Garda, the source of the Mincio and the largest of the Italian lakes. Pause for lunch at one of the lovely waterfront restaurants lining the canals of Peschiera del Garda, a fortified village at the lake's southern tip. Its turquoise waters, historic squares, and artisan gelaterias invite a post-lunch stroll.
After settling in, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish—perhaps lounging by the pool, indulging in the spa, or venturing into Verona. Known as the home of literature's most famous star-crossed lovers, Verona is also a World Heritage site, boasting extensive archaeological ruins, including an imposing Roman arena and handsome palazzi.
Tonight, we will dine at Villa Cordevigo's charming restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste wines from the estate's own Bardolino vineyards. During the tasting, you will sample the Amarone di Valpolicella, one of Italy's "big three" and most celebrated red wines.
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:Level 1, Approx. 21km (13 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274m (900 ft)Level 2, Approx. 32km (20 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 366m (1200 ft)Level 3, Approx. 40km (25 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 457m (1500 ft)Level 4, Approx. 50km (31 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 549m (1800 ft)
This morning, a scenic bike path guides you alongside the Biffis Canal, an elevated section of the Adige River that irrigates the farmlands north of Verona. A climb up a switchback path leads to the charming town of Rivoli Veronese, known for its historic Austrian fort. From there, the route continues to Caprino Veronese, where you'll pause for a classic Italian espresso or cappuccino at a family-run bar.
Refreshed, you will begin a gentle ascent into the lush hills that surround Lake Garda, pedalling through renowned Bardolino wine country. We’ll stop at a local winery for a picnic lunch and a tasting of the region's signature wines, including its namesake light red and several crisp whites. Afterward, you can choose to return to the hotel by bike or take the shuttle.
The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or enjoy the hotel's spa. This evening, we will gather to raise a glass to our journey from Parma to Verona before heading to one of our favourite local restaurants for a final celebratory dinner.
Level 1, Approx. 15km (9 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)
Awaken to the Italian morning for a brief yet picturesque ride through the sun-drenched vineyards. Our path leads to the quiet village of Cavaion Veronese, where you might pause for a cappuccino at Bar Centrale beside the town's lovely church before cycling back to the hotel.
Spend some time to relax in the pool. In the late morning, our journey concludes with a shuttle transfer to the Verona train station or back to Venice.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- The departure point is Parma. Meet trip leaders at 10.30 a.m. at Parma train station in Parma, Italy
- The finish point is Verona or Venice. Your trip ends at 11.45 a.m. at the Verona train station in Verona, Italy or 12.45 p.m. at the Venice Marco Polo Airport in Venice, Italy
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Parma. The closest airport to Parma, Italy, is Parma Airport (PMF), also known as Giuseppe Verdi Airport, located approximately 3.6 km to 10 km from the city centre. Another close airport is Bologna Airport (BLQ), also known as Guglielmo Marconi Airport, is approximately 82 km (51 miles) from Parma, Italy. We suggest flying into Bologna Airport.
- Getting from Bologna's airport to Bologna's Centrale train station: Bologna's airport is located about 4 miles from the Bologna Centrale train station. A shuttle bus is available for this 20-minute transfer. You can also take a 10-minute taxi. Trains from Bologna to Parma run regularly. Travel time on Eurostar Italia trains (Frecciarossa or Frecciargento) is about 1 hour, or about 1¼ hours on Regionale Veloce Trains.
- Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. Do not schedule your flights until your reservation is confirmed.
In Northern Italy, the cities of Parma and Verona experience four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures reaching 30°C. In autumn, the heat subsides, and daytime temperatures average in the low 20s. Winter is cool and often misty, with temperatures hovering just above freezing, though they can occasionally drop lower. Spring sees a gradual return to warmer weather, with temperatures rising from single digits into the high teens.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Performance Bike
(Included in trip price) Ideal for avid cyclists. Redesigned for 2024. Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels. Responsive, efficient and comfortable. Drop handlebars only
Hybrid E-Bike
(Included in your trip price) Lightweight titanium frame. Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Upright handlebars only. Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours. Mininum age to ride e-bike: 16+
Performance E-Bike
(Additional fee) Fully internal battery with quick-swap capability for extended range Industry-leading Bosch drive unit with electronic shifting Featherweight titanium chassis Carbon wheels and hydraulic disc brakes Drop handlebars only. Minimum age to ride e-bike: 16+
Tandem Bike
(Additional fee) Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train. Custom upgraded wheelset. Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.