Voyages Terra Natura: Detail page

Emilia-Romagna, located between the Apennines, the Adriatic Sea and the fertile Po Delta, is the perfect example of a destination to explore. For many, the region is synonymous with Italian gastronomy par excellence, but it has much more to offer: some of the most beautiful medieval and Renaissance buildings in Italy can be found here, as well as the factories of the "Motor Valley" where the most prestigious sports cars in the world are built.

Let's go by bike to discover this beautiful and multifaceted region! Rich in gastronomic culture and varied nature, it is home to fascinating cities such as Bologna, Ferrara and Ravenna. We also follow the longest river in Italy and discover the fantastic lagoon landscape around Comacchio. As cyclists need to regain their strength, between Parma and Ravenna, we take time to enjoy the local delicacies of spicy parmesan, pink Parma ham, delicious "healing" balsamic vinegar and fruity, sparkling lambrusco. And in Ferrara, we probably enjoy the best bread in the world! Who could resist such temptations?

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Day 1: Bologna

You will meet your guide in the afternoon at your hotel in the center of Bologna. We begin our journey of discovery with a meeting with Georg Duhr, an expert on Italy who has lived in the north of the country for many years. He will meet us at the Neptune Fountain in Piazza Maggiore and explain to us the impressive monuments of Bologna and its arcades during a guided tour of the city. The culinary scene is also revealed along the way through coffee breaks and a visit to the famous Mercato di Mezzo, where on three floors, the gastronomic life of Bologna is in full swing. After tasting regional cured meats and cheeses, we'll round off the day with lasagna - Bolognaise style - and local wine for dinner at Caffè della Corte.

Day 2: Pavarotti, Parma and balsamic vinegar - about 47 km

We leave "la grassa", as Bologna is known, by train. In Crespellano we pick up our bikes and head for Vignola. We are welcomed at the farm "Acetaia La Ca' Dal Non 1883", which reveals the secrets of the traditional production of vinegar and we end the visit with a tasting. Shortly before Modena, we visit the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti, the vibrant property of the world famous tenor. We check into our hotel before ending the evening in a fine restaurant in Modena.

Day 3: Renaissance Splendors and Twisted Bread - approx. 42 km

In the morning we explore Modena, including the Piazza Grande with its town hall and cathedral, before leaving by bus for the small town of Bondeno, once famous for its hemp culture. Today, sweet watermelons have replaced hemp. We enjoy them at picnic time near the little church of Madonna della Pioppa. We then cycle along the Po River to Ferrara under the shade of many poplars. In the 15th century, Biagio Rossetti created a real setting for magnificent Renaissance palaces. We'll settle in at the hotel before dinner and enjoy, among other things, coppia, the IGP-labelled twisted bread of Ferrara. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the medieval streets.

Day 4: The king of Italian rivers - approx. 40 km

We leave Ferrara and after a short bus transfer, we get on our bikes in Serravalle to follow the Po to the delta. As we journey through the Parco del Delta del Po natural park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, we'll discover a stunning aquatic ecosystem renowned for its exceptional diversity of species. This includes everything from playful otters, marsh turtles, and garter snakes to over 300 bird species and thousands of unique plants. In the port of Goro, we swap the bike for a boat and, under the expert supervision of Captain Dario, we head out into the wilderness of the delta. In the early evening the boat takes us back to our small hotel, conveniently located, where the day ends with a rustic fish menu.

Day 5: Lido and lagoons - approx. 58 km

The sea is calling us! We head for the Lido di Volano, located at the edge of a shady pine forest and recognizable by its 100-meter long pier. Those who wish can take a dip in the fresh water. We then continue our journey south. En route to the charming coastal village of Comacchionous, we'll ride along the lagoons, marveling at the stunning brant and flamingos. We can stop for a refreshing cup of coffee at the quaint little Venice before resuming our bike ride to the picturesque lagoon Valli di Comacchio, where we'll enjoy a delightful picnic. From there, we'll take the train from Alfonsine to the mosaic capital, Ravenna, where we'll spend two nights.

Day 6: Ravenna, mosaics & Adriatic Sea - approx. 25 km

Former capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna enchants us with its magnificent mosaics and its old town of unique beauty. During a guided tour, we will admire the mosaic-decorated church of San Vitale and the mausoleum of Empress Galla Placidia. The tomb of Dante and the Piazza del Popolo with its Venetian look are also on our way. After so many impressions, we set off towards the Adriatic Sea around noon. We cross the "Dante's pine forest" to reach the small coastal town of Cervia, where delicious ice cream is served during a break by the sea (optional). We return by train to Ravenna at the end of this day.

Day 7: Departure

Following breakfast, we'll visit Arianna Gallo's mosaic workshop to gain insight into the intricate art of mosaic making. You can choose to depart on your own or opt for our organized tour package (feel free to contact us for more details). We'll be delighted to arrange individual extensions to Ravenna or Bologna, tailored to your preferences.