Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s Best Kept Secret

With the fertile vineyards and history of Tuscany to the left, chic Lombardy to the north, and the famed Veneto to the north-east, Emilia-Romagna often gets overlooked. You could say it’s one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

But look a little closer and you’ll see that it boasts its fair share of Italian culture and great cities - there are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ferrara, Ravenna, Parma, and Modena, and if that’s not enough, there’s historical Bologna as well. Add in some of the world’s most iconic food, and Emilia-Romagna deserves a closer look.

And when it comes to cycling, Emilia-Romagna has a varied, stunning landscape in which to immerse yourself and be dazzled by. Beautiful, unique towns like Bagno di Romagna, the beaches of Ravenna, long, winding rivers and the Apennine mountains… for cyclists and gourmands, Emilia-Romagna has it all.

A Cornerstone of Italian Culture

Say Emilia-Romagna to people and it won’t take long for the subject to turn to food. The region is where tagliatelle al ragù (AKA spaghetti bolognese), pumpkin-filled cappellacci pasta, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano (Parmesan cheese) all originate from.

If that wasn’t enough, the region is also home to Ferrari, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini, meaning that style is something the natives know well! However, the region is also characterised by its chilled vibe, its foothills, Italy’s longest river (Po) and its proximity to the coast, as the east side of the region looks out onto the shimmering Adriatic. All this means that while Emilia-Romagna doesn’t grab as many headlines as its illustrious neighbours, there’s plenty here to see, experience and immerse yourself in. Whether it be the historic porticoes of Bologna, the mosaics of Ravenna, the Gothic Palace of Piacenza or the Roman frontier town-turned-seaside resort of Ravenna on the coast, Emilia-Romagna has something for everyone.

Ride like an Italian

The region has a bona fide link to Italian cycling royalty – the legendary Marco “The Pirate” Pantani (an IBT favourite) was born in Cesena, and went on to enjoy a fabulous career. We already host eight different cycling tours around the region, one of which allows you to pay your own tribute to Pantani. In our nine-day The Best Of Italy tour you’ll glide through picturesque villages, visit San Marino and Pantani’s monument – the Cippo – as well as Emilia-Romagna’s only ski resort, Erema.

We’re also giving you the opportunity to ride off the beaten track and discover some of the very best gravel roads Italy has to offer. In our Adriatic Coast To Tuscany tour you’ll be able to escape the tarmac and immerse yourself in the countryside. As you ride west from the Adriatic coast, you’ll experience some seriously beautiful scenery throughout Emilia-Romagna, La Marche, Umbria and Tuscany.

And, if you’re new to gravel cycling, our Gravel For Softie is ideal. Manageable distances, quiet country roads and a pedal along the banks of the River Po mean that this tour is leisurely but no less an impressive way to experience the region.

Starting off in Ravenna, you’ll hug the coast until you venture inland, to see some incredible sights – including the stunning mountain village of Brisighella.

Off the beaten track

All of our tours are carefully curated and provide a real authentic Italian experience. And, in a region like Emilia-Romagna, that’s not only beautiful but less heralded than its illustrious neighbours, it’s the perfect region to feel like you have the room and the space to take in everything all around you.

In these uncertain times, where social distancing is the norm - and is likely to be for a while - Emilia-Romagna might just be the best place to experience Italy at its best – clear, open roads and gravel paths, exceptional, world-beating cuisine and some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever witness.

Based permanently on Lake Iseo we’ve built a reputation as one of the leading organisers of cycling tours and experiences in Italy. With unparalleled knowledge and the best staff in the industry, we curate and build tours all over Italy for every level of cycling, making sure that you experience the best of both worlds - luxury off the bike, and stunning routes through which to cycle. Talk to a member of our friendly team today, and start building some incredible memories!