From high octane Milano (or Milan) to historic Ravenna, People On Bikes will tour along the Po River through beautiful towns of Cremona, Parma, Modena, Bologna, and Ferrara.  This trip offers something for first time visitors to Italy as well the experienced traveler.  It is also an ideal ride for new riders - the area is quite flat with gorgeous vistas along the way.  What really makes this area so great is the food!  Signature Italian food comes from this region - prosciutto crudo, parmigiano-reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar and outstanding pastas make the Emilia-Romagna region a gastronomic paradise.  Combine the opportunity to savour great food with the opportunity to experience historical mosaics and castles in the Ravenna and Ferrara area, along with the cultural and historic richness of Bologna, and the European energy that is Milano and you will be able to experience a spectacular area of Italy that few North American tourists consider visiting - their loss is your gain.

Here is the planned itinerary for this People On Bikes exclusive trip:

Days 1 & 2 - Few cities offer the combination history and modern excitement as does Milan.  Like Bologna, a city often overlooked in the eyes of tourists, Milan has everything Italy has to offer - a fabulous Duomo, a variety of museums and a rich nightlife.  We have two days (your arrival day and a second day) to tour the old city, stroll the amazing shopping and fashion district, check out the magnificent castle and, of course, view The Last Supper.  Once everybody has arrived, we will kick off our tour with a group dinner to sample a taste of Milano.

Day 2 - After a short drive from Milano, our ride commences along the Po River as we wind our way through small towns, past castles and rolling hills.  Our first night on the road, we end up in Cremona where we stay at a very “hip” hotel.

Day 3 - Our second day on the road and we continue to ride along the Po.  We’ll spend some time in Colorno - a surprising town with a vibrant market and beautiful buildings.  And, then it’s off to Parma where we will stay the evening and enjoy some wonderful food and walk the fabulous streets of this operatic town.

Days 4 & 5 - A leisurely ride from Parma, back along the Po River, ultimately ending our ride in Carpi.  After a short look around, we will transfer first to Modena for a tour of a Balsamic Vinegar producer and then it is off to Bologna where we will spend the evening. Often described as the “underrated gem” of Italy, Bologna is an exciting, vibrant city.  Strong influences from the universities give Bologna a vibrant night life.  History shows clearly with the many medieval towers - a sign of wealth in years past.  So much to do and see, we will make Bologna a two day stop to allow us to get the full flavour of this fabulous city.

Day 6 - From Bologna, we will ride north to Ferrara, a Unesco World Heritage site, for our next evening’s stay.  Ferrara is symbolized by a huge castle, ancient streets, and a rich history featuring the wealthy, if somewhat eccentric, Este family.  We will also enjoy a toast together at Europe’s oldest wine bar after our arrival.

Day 7 - After a tour of the Castle Estense and other local attractions, it is back on the bike where we will rejoin the Po River and wind our way east on a most enjoyable ride ultimately ending in the delta town of Comacchio at the north end of Valli di Comacchio.  Water, water everywhere, and some spectacular buildings to visit.

Days 8 & 9 - From Comacchio, we will ride south around the Valli di Comacchio until we reach the fabled mosaic town that is Ravenna.  Ravenna at one time was the capital of the Roman Empire, although that status was short lived.  Enjoy the brick palaces, cobble stoned streets, monuments, and fabulous Byzantine mosaics.  A group dinner will be held this evening.  Click here if you want to see more of the mosaics - we have posted some pictures on the site for you to enjoy.

Day 10 - People On Bikes will help you get to the airport for your return home or to the next leg of your journey.  Both Milano and Venice are short train rides away as is Bologna for return flights home or to start the next part of your journey.

People On Bikes is very excited to be offering this unique taste of Italy and we are certain that this itinerary will become a signature People On Bikes adventure.  We have looked for comparable trips, but have found none.  Those that seem similar have a price that is much higher.  Come along for the ride and you’ll be hooked on cycling adventures forever.

Do you want more to taste in Italy?  Then couple this People On Bikes trip with a top cooking school, Toscana Saporita, and People On Bikes will either pick you up or drop you off at the school.  Say “Hello” to Sandra for us - you’ll love the cooking!