Emilia Romagna by Bike, Gastronomic Cycling from Parma to Bologna

Difficulty level 2/5, easy to moderate cycling.

Stages from 55 to 70km/34.2 to 43.5mi per day according to the programme, one stage is 15km/9.3mi. The terrain is mostly flat, you will have to face a maximum of 250m/820ft of difference in height for 3 days. Possibility to rent an E-bike to make the trip easier.

You only carry your daily belongings in a small bag or saddle bag. Your luggage is transported by taxi each day and you’ll get your luggage at your hotel in the evening. We ask you to limit your luggage to 1 bag/item per person, 15kg/33lbs maximum.

Possible for groups of 2 and above.

8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Days of Cycling

Start

On Day 1 in Parma at hotel check-in.

Finish

On Day 8 in Bologna after breakfast and hotel check-out

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet will be sent by email that includes: the list of your accommodations, travel vouchers, all the detailed information you need to make your trip a success and access to our phone travel app for navigating bike rides and accessing local maps.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

You can choose to book this trip in two different categories: Classic Comfort Category: 3* hotels or B&B. (7 nights) Superior Comfort Category: 4* hotels or B&B (7 nights) Accommodation in double room with private bathroom 7 nights. It is possible to book a single room (with supplement fee). Accommodations may require additional supplements during high season market periods.

Meals

All breakfasts and three dinners included. These dinners will be taken in typical local restaurants near hotels and includes 3 courses (drinks are not included and will have to be paid locally). For lunch, you can eat on the ride each day; either buying picnic supplies from local stores and/or stopping at restaurants along rides.

-It is important to inform us about any food allergies or dietary requirements upon booking, in order to properly communicate these needs to restaurants and hotels we book on your behalf.

Extra Night(s)

It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in Parma or Bolonga. It is also possible to add an extra night in Reggio Emilia or Moderna. Please contact us for availability.

Cooking classes in Bologna (optional)

This cooking class is the perfect introduction to Italian cuisine. The course lasts 3 hours and is held in a private home with a real local cook.

Learn 3 authentic local recipes (1 starter, 1 pasta recipe, and 1 dessert), dine on the cooked dishes, drinks included (water, local wines and coffee).

Bike rental

The bikes we offer come in different models: unisex, women’s and men’s.

Hybrid Bike

18-21 speeds, depending on availability. Women or men frames. Aluminium/steel frame. Handlebar brakes.

Hybrid Bike Emilia Romagna

E-Bike

Women or men frames. Atala or Cube or similar. Bosch battery (400 – 500 W). Shimano speeds, disk brakes.

Electric Assistance Bike Emilia Romagna

Bike Rentals Include: side pannier, a front pannier or card holder, a telephone holder, a water bottle holder, a repair kit per room, a lock.

Assistance Included: The bikes are fitted with puncture-proof tires. Should you nevertheless get a puncture, you can use the repair kit provided during the bike fitting (1 per room). If the damage is more serious, you can contact our staff on site who will reach you as quickly as possible, depending on your location, to repair your bike or provide you with another one. You will be charged for repairs or replacement parts damaged as a result of careless or negligent behavior. This service is only provided for rented bikes.

You will be asked to sign a bike hire contract on site.

Bringing Your Own Bike: We recommend that you use a hybrid bike for this trip, and that you make sure to check everything is working well before you set off for your holiday. At the end of the trip, you will need to take care of getting your bike home with you.

Return by train: several trains per day between Bologna and Parma, 1 hour journey (Train R or RV with bike transport, about € 10 + bike € 5.50).

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Parma, Italy

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Bologna, Italy

By Plane/Train/Bus

Regular airlines or low-cost airlines to Bologna, Milano or Bergamo, then connection by train to Parma. There are train options from most EU cities to reach Parma.

For more information on trains: EN - Trenitalia

Bologna airport (BLQ): Airport G. Marconi Bologna BLQ - Official Website | Find your car park: (bologna-airport.it)

Bus + train from Bologna - From Bologna airport to Bologna train station: Marconi Express train, departure every 7 minutes (12.80€)

From Bologna Airport to city centre in 7 minutes | Marconi Express Bologna Shuttle

From Bologna Centrale train station to Parma: direct train (journey is around 1 hour, tickets from 10 €)

Bergamo Orio Al Serio airport (BGY): Milan Bergamo Airport • SACBO S.p.A.

Bus + train from Milan - From Bergamo Orio al Serio to Milano Centrale: bus every 30 minutes (journey is around 1 hour, 12 €) Autostradale Bus - Bus Tourism Lines & Airport Shuttle | Autostradale Orio Bus - Orioshuttle - direct bus from Orio al Serio Airport to Milan Central Station and Malpensa Airport Terravision Bus - Airport Transfers: no booking fee, book now | Terravision

From Milano Centrale train station to Parma: regional train R or RV, or high speed train (journey 1 hour to 2.5 hours, tickets from 25€ to 60 €, depending on the train)

Milano Malpensa airport (MXP): https://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en

Bus / train + train - From the airport to Milano Centrale station: Malpensa Express train, every 30 minutes from 6am to 11pm (Journey is around 1 hour, 15 €).

- From Milano Centrale train station to Parma: regional train R or RV, or high-speed train (journey 1 hour to 2.5 hours, tickets from 25 € to 60 €, depending on the train).

Bus Option

- Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/ - Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

*Please note, schedules must be checked, we cannot be held responsible for any changes.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
• Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
• Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Windbreaker Layer – a light jacket or pullover
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (may not be needed in summer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:

• Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a saddlebag is included with rental
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
• Cycling Helmet – (Mandatory for this trip) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a helmet is included with the rental.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Map or Phone Holder – for handlebars, included with bike rentals
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
• Money – It is good to have some local currency; often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

Optional Items & First Aid Kit Suggestions

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we’ve learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available at the destination you are travelling. That’s why it’s good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL: It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & “Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Luggage transfers are limited to 1 bag/item per person, 15kg/33lbs max.

Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement and is not easily stored due to different starting and ending destinations.

Saddlebags/bike bag (not provided unless you add bike rental): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

To Transport Your Belongings: If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Italian Tourist Information Office

Phone: +390142660366.

Website: https://www.italia.it/en

Country code for calling Italy: +39

European Emergency Number: 112

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

Italian, some english is spoken in tourist areas

Italy is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Italian banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Italy more than other EU destinations, still prefer cash in most settings, but credit card use is becoming more and more available.