Included: 8-day Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels, agriturismi, and guesthouses (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms) Breakfasts Local representative (with bike delivery and welcome meeting) Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation Luggage transfers Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona Airport (VRN) Add-ons: Bike rental — city bike for $310, e-bike for $485 Single supplement — $445 Not included: Transportation to Italy Meals not listed in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute Local tourist tax — to be paid locally, approximately 2 euros per day Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional *Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).

How fit do I need to be and what’s the terrain like?

Fitness and experience While this tour is also suitable for those who have recently gotten into cycling, there will be some days and sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb, and perhaps some varying terrain. The most important thing for this Emilia-Romagna cycling self-guided tour is that you have a decent level of physical fitness, capable of covering distances and elevation gains that you’ll find in the day-by-day itinerary. You’ll be covering between 25 miles (40 km) to 43 miles (70 km) per day . Terrain and roads You’ll be riding predominantly on quiet country roads shared with vehicle traffic (approx. 60% of the route), while the remaining 40% will be on cycle paths (some mixed use, i.e., shared with pedestrians) or on cycle lanes . Day 4 will pose the biggest challenge being the longest in distance and in terms of climbing, but you can take it at your own pace. There are some short sections throughout the week on hard-packed gravel tracks and on gravel / dirt roads, so hybrid or gravel bikes are recommended for this tour. A road bike would be suitable if you are happy to push it over these short sections. An e-bike is also good for this tour and will make Day 4’s distance and climbing in particular a little more manageable, and it’s a good option to help manage the heat on those hot summer days in June and September! E-bikes are generally heavier than hybrid bikes, which is worth bearing in mind if needing to lift the bike up / down steps or over cobbles in some of the towns. Although the tour is available to book in the summer months, Emilia-Romagna is a flat region, usually with little wind, so it can get hot during July and August. That said, if you manage your day to avoid riding at the hottest times of day, seek shade when you can and take lots of water with you. The route is still manageable, even in the summer months! You may however want to consider riding an e-bike if you’re not accustomed to riding in the summer heat or humidity.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Bike — available to rent Helmet — available to rent Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material Padded shorts Peaked helmet Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Sunglasses Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder Daypack with snacks Biking gloves are optional but recommended Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What are the rental bikes like?

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent. These bikes are typically 21 speed aluminium city bikes for $310, with both unisex frames and frames with a cross bar available (usually height dependent – please specify at the time of booking if you have a preference). E-bikes are available for $485. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump, and a phone mount . If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour. Helmets can be provided locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.

What is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. By going on this Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour, you’ll have lots of things arranged for you, making your cycling experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable: accommodation at small hotels, agriturismi, and guesthouses (shared twin or double ensuite rooms) all breakfasts airport transfer on arrival app for information and navigation luggage transfers local representative for a welcome meeting After you get transferred to Cremona and once you’ve talked to a local representative, the self-guided tour starts! Keep in mind that your guides offer support along the way should you need anything.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour, the maximum group size is generally set to 15 participants. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate. Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund! Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour is Cremona in Italy. If you fly into Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) , your guiding company will pick you up and transfer you to Cremona (approximately a 1.5-hour drive). This is included in the price of the tour.

Safety measures and insurance

Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

EMILIA-ROMAGNA | ITALY

Self-Guided Cycling in Italy’s Food Valley: Explore Emilia-Romagna

5.00

Busseto town in Italy and Verdi monument

Intro
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

8 days

Season

March through October

Self-guided adventure

Accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transfers, airport transfer, bike rentals, and route notes arranged

Accommodation

Comfort: Comfortable hotels, agriturismi, and guesthouses (ensuite, double rooms)

There’s something about Emilia-Romagna—Italy’s region known as the Food Valley—that makes it so inspiring and irresistible to artists. It’s where the classical composer Giuseppe Verdi is from, it’s home to Stradivarius violins, and it’s the setting of your 8-day self-guided cycling adventure! It’s where you’ll pedal through the authentic Italian countryside, taste some of the finest food the country has to offer, and discover culturally rich towns—what more could you ask for? Starting from the charming Cremona and ending in the bustling Bologna, you’ll sample the very best of this region, including beyond-this-world delicacies: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, cappelletti pasta, and much more! Let the quiet cycle paths and the atmosphere of this region inspire you for years to come.

Adventure highlights

Cremona, Bologna, Modena, Parma…

Take your time exploring Emilia-Romagna’s favorite towns, sit at cafes, sip on Aperols, and stroll through piazzas
Quiet country roads through lush landscapes

Nature here is just as impressive as Renaissance towns—discover the pastoral countryside at your own pace
Mamma mia, the food here!

It’s not called the Food Valley for no reason—this is where you’ll find some of the tastiest food in Italy

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Simon

Great cycling – would recommend this holiday. The Skedaddle representative was excellent. Helpful, pulled out the stops when we had an emergency, and provided an emergency bike repair overnight before the final day. Without them the holiday would have been very different.

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Self-Guided Cycling in Italy’s Food Valley: Explore Emilia-Romagna

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle was founded by a couple of MTB pros (Paul and Andrew) while trapped in a snowstorm during their year-long biking adventure in Chile. They believe travel should move you and that there’s no better way to see a place properly—its people, culture, and natural wonders—than by bike. Saddle Skedaddle currently runs tours in 36 destinations, offering adventure junkies incredible places to tour on two wheels.

5.00(1 review)

Simon

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Things to know

Included:
- - 8-day Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels, agriturismi, and guesthouses (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms)
  - Breakfasts
  - Local representative (with bike delivery and welcome meeting)
  - Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation
  - Luggage transfers
  - Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona Airport (VRN)
Add-ons:
- - Bike rental — city bike for $310, e-bike for $485
  - Single supplement — $445
Not included:
- - Transportation to Italy
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Personal clothing and equipment
  - Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.)
  - Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute
  - Local tourist tax — to be paid locally, approximately 2 euros per day
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Fitness and experience
While this tour is also suitable for those who have recently gotten into cycling, there will be some days and sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb, and perhaps some varying terrain. The most important thing for this Emilia-Romagna cycling self-guided tour is that you have a decent level of physical fitness, capable of covering distances and elevation gains that you’ll find in the day-by-day itinerary. You’ll be covering between 25 miles (40 km) to 43 miles (70 km) per day.

Terrain and roads
- You’ll be riding predominantly on quiet country roads shared with vehicle traffic (approx. 60% of the route), while the remaining 40% will be on cycle paths (some mixed use, i.e., shared with pedestrians) or on cycle lanes.
- Day 4 will pose the biggest challenge being the longest in distance and in terms of climbing, but you can take it at your own pace.
- There are some short sections throughout the week on hard-packed gravel tracks and on gravel / dirt roads, so hybrid or gravel bikes are recommended for this tour. A road bike would be suitable if you are happy to push it over these short sections. An e-bike is also good for this tour and will make Day 4’s distance and climbing in particular a little more manageable, and it’s a good option to help manage the heat on those hot summer days in June and September! E-bikes are generally heavier than hybrid bikes, which is worth bearing in mind if needing to lift the bike up / down steps or over cobbles in some of the towns.
- Although the tour is available to book in the summer months, Emilia-Romagna is a flat region, usually with little wind, so it can get hot during July and August. That said, if you manage your day to avoid riding at the hottest times of day, seek shade when you can and take lots of water with you. The route is still manageable, even in the summer months! You may however want to consider riding an e-bike if you’re not accustomed to riding in the summer heat or humidity.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Bike — available to rent
  - Helmet — available to rent
  - Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
  - Padded shorts
  - Peaked helmet
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Sunglasses
  - Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Daypack with snacks
  - Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent. These bikes are typically 21 speed aluminium city bikes for $310, with both unisex frames and frames with a cross bar available (usually height dependent – please specify at the time of booking if you have a preference). E-bikes are available for $485.

Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump, and a phone mount.

If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

Helmets can be provided locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps.

By going on this Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour, you’ll have lots of things arranged for you, making your cycling experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable:
- - accommodation at small hotels, agriturismi, and guesthouses (shared twin or double ensuite rooms)
  - all breakfasts
  - airport transfer on arrival
  - app for information and navigation
  - luggage transfers
  - local representative for a welcome meeting
After you get transferred to Cremona and once you’ve talked to a local representative, the self-guided tour starts! Keep in mind that your guides offer support along the way should you need anything.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour, the maximum group size is generally set to 15 participants.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate.
  - Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Emilia-Romagna self-guided cycling tour is Cremona in Italy. If you fly into Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), your guiding company will pick you up and transfer you to Cremona (approximately a 1.5-hour drive). This is included in the price of the tour.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A non-refundable $250 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If the Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, the Client will forfeit the deposit.
  - For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the trip price.
  - If you cancel your booking less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the departure date, Client is not entitled to any refund.
If you need to cancel the trip, please contact us in writing. If you wish to transfer a booking to another person, please write to us at least seven (7) days before your trip. Administration charges may arise.