Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta Tour Itinerary

The Facts | Full Itinerary | Interactive Map

Day 1: Arrive in Forli or Faenza, Fit bicycles

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Highlights: Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square
Arrive in Faenza today, an easy train ride from Bologna or a quick taxi from the Bologna/Forli airport (RyanAir and other internet carriers fly here). Your hotel is a restored convent near the central square of this regional market center and famous ceramics town. Enjoy the bustle in the market square and the main "piazza" which is always full of bicycle riders of all ages. We suggest a number of restaurants for dinner. Daily mileage: If you arrive early you'll have time for a short warm up ride (30 km / 19 miles).

Day 2: Loop ride to Castrocaro and Terra del Sole

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Highlights: Sixteenth century planned Medici Fortress town of Terra del Sole; alternative bicycle ride over Monte Trebbio
You have two options today. Both include a ride to Terra del Sole, a planned border town built by the Medici family in 1564 to protect the northern frontier of Tuscany. On your way to Terra del Sole you'll pass by our headquarters so we'll plan to show you around, give you morning coffee and cake and send you on your way. Those who want an easy day will ride to Terra del Sole and back to Faenza at the base of the low foothills. This will give you time to explore the famous International Ceramics Museum. Those with more energy can climb one of the most famous mountain rides for cyclists in the area, Monte Trebbio. Daily Mileage: 38 - 64 km (24 - 40 miles).

Day 3: Bicycle Faenza to Brisighella and on to Riolo Terme

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Highlights: Medieval Brisighella; Via degli Asini
Enjoy a quiet ride through vineyards and kiwi orchards on your way the enchanting Medieval town of Brisighella. You should certainly plan to explore the historic town center and to see the unique Via degli Asini, one of the best preserved medieval artisan streets anywhere in Italy. The homemade pasta in Brisighella is worth a lunch stop (and the gelato is not bad, either)! Your ride continues on to Riolo Terme, a small spa town. Daily Mileage: 30 km (19 miles) plus more for those who wish.

Day 4: Riolo Terme loop ride

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Highlights: Delightful hill and ridge rides through vineyards and orchards; alternative easy ride to Castel Bolognese
Today offers options for the avid cyclist and options for the more relaxed rider. Riolo Terme is a spa town so you can always elect to relax in town, play a round of golf, get a massage, and just take it easy. We'll recommend a long ride into the hills for those wanting to put some hill rides on their legs and an easy ride to Castel Bolognese for those who want just a little exercise. Daily Mileage: 24 - 74 km (15 - 46 miles).

Day 5: Bicycle from Riolo Terme to Dozza

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Highlights: Wine village of Dozza; beautiful views across the Po Valley
Your ride today takes you through more vineyards and rich orchards to the Medieval hill town of Dozza. The castle in Dozza houses the Emilia-Romagna Regional Enoteca or wine museum. Plan to arrive mid-afternoon so you can tour the castle and taste a little wine! Daily Mileage: 40 km (25 miles).

Day 6: Bicycle from Dozza to Argenta

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Highlights: Cycling the flat Po Valley to the wetlands of the Valli di Argenta; site of the World War II battle of the Argenta Gap
This pleasant ride into the flat Po Valley takes you to residual wetlands of the ancient Po River Delta. Since Roman times settlers in this valley have sought to reclaim these wetlands in order to farm it. A natural history museum explains the land reclamation process. Argenta itself is a busy farm town that was completely destroyed during the allied advance in April 1945. Daily Mileage: 45 km (28 miles).

Day 7: Bicycle from Argenta to Ravenna

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Highlights: The wetlands of the Valli di Comacchio; Ravenna
This is a wonderful ride through some of the most pristine wetlands in southern Europe. If you are a naturalist or a bird watcher bring your binoculars as you'll likely see a variety of water fowl, including large numbers of grey herons. Take the short route or the long, depending on your travel plans. If you will stay an extra day or two in Ravenna, then take your time. If you wish to arrive in Ravenna to enjoy its Byzantine churches this afternoon, then take the shorter route. We'll suggest a lunch stop at an Agriturismo near Sant'Alberto. You'll be in Ravenna mid to late afternoon. Daily Mileage: 54 - 68 km (34 - 42 miles).

Day 8: Tour ends in Ravenna

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Highlights: Early Christian churches in Ravenna; Dante's Tomb
Your bicycle ride in Romagna ends this morning in Ravenna. If you must be on your way, train connections are convenient to Bologna, Forli and Ferrara from Ravenna. If you have the time you might consider an extra night or two in Ravenna to enjoy the rich cultural history here. Ravenna was the last capital of the western half of the Roman empire. Its early Byzantine churches with their colorful mosaics draw travelers from around the world. (The food here is excellent, too!) Thanks for joining us and buon viaggio!