From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Lush countryside, golden beaches, incredible food and significant art and architecture—Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region has it all, along with some of the country’s most hospitable people.
Dive deep into foodie heaven in Emilia-Romagna’s three epicurean capitals: Bologna, Parma and Modena. Sample incredible local produce including world-famous prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, handmade pasta and Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan), washing your delicacies down with the region’s excellent wines.
Discover gourmet offerings, gorgeous architecture and cobbled back streets in the ancient city centres of Parma and Modena, and explore the rich history and architecture of Bologna, home to Europe’s oldest university and a beautiful terracotta cityscape of medieval towers and majestic palazzi, connected by kilometres of ancient porticoes.
Cycle between the two romantic cities of Florence and Venice to discover the beauty of regional Emilia-Romagna, from the pretty fishing villages and lush bird-filled lowlands of the Po River delta to the sandy beaches of the ‘Romagna Riviera’ and the exquisite mosaics of Ravenna.
Or ramble at your own pace along a section of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage trail from Pavia to Fidenza, crossing the Po River and stopping to visit splendid cathedrals and sample local wine, cheese and charcuterie.
Join us as we explore beautiful Emilia-Romagna!
8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
50Days
Moderate
6Days
7Days
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
We use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its food and wine – sample the charcuterie and Gutturnio wine that Piacenza is famous for, or sample Parma ham and Parmesan cheese in Parma
Experience the real Italy when you follow the Via Emilia long-distance road built by the Roman Emperor in 187 BC
Admire the carved interiors of the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, whose perimeter is said to have been outlined to monks by a white dove
Marvel at the facade of the 11th century Fidenza Cathedral, which is dedicated to pilgrims travelling on the Via Francigena to Rome
Ferrara attracted some of the best minds of the Italian Renaissance – its intact medieval walls, historic buildings and bike-friendly streets make it a pleasure to explore
Comacchio is a beautiful town on the Po Delta with picturesque palazzi, elaborate churches and countless bridges
Explore the tracks, trails and waterways of Po Delta Park
Former capital of the Roman Empire and then Byzantine Italy, seaside Ravenna is a paradise for mosaic lovers
Watch ceramic artists produce ‘faience’ pottery in medieval Faenza
Surrounded by three picturesque hills, Brisighella is considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy
Located in the Apennine Mountains with numerous trails on its doorstep, Berceto is full of old stone houses, rustic buildings and local delicacies like mushrooms and ‘pattona’ cake
Italian summers are hot. From late June to September, highs of 35 degrees Celsius are common. If you decide to walk over the summer months you will need to be prepared to start early, and carry plenty of water.
Spring and autumn are the nicest times of year, though rainfall in November can be heavy.
Specifically, April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant months to walk or cycle. Average daytime highs are around 20-25 degrees Celsius.
Italy is +2 hours ahead of UTC/GMT
Italian (official), German, French, Slovene
Euro
+39
Electricity in Italy is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.