From Cesenatico to Bologna - Coastlines and Castle Towns
Discover the best of Emilia-Romagna, from coastal breezes to spectacular vistas. Ride from the Adriatic shores of Cesenatico, through the vineyard-covered hills of beautiful Brisighella, and into the historic heart of Bologna. Enjoy a great blend of coastal beauty, rural charm, and cultural depth, all woven together with some outstanding riding.
Overview
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The riding starts in Cesenatico, birthplace of Marco Pantani. Over the next days, you'll be riding the very roads that shaped il Pirata's legendary career.
As you head inland, the terrain shifts to rolling vineyards and orchards on the approach to Brisighella, considered one of the most unique and picturesque towns in all Romagna. From there, the serene Apennine foothills await, with quiet roads winding through medieval villages, offering a rewarding mix of challenge and scenery.
The journey’s grand finale leads to Bologna, with one final (optional) test of true grinta or grit: the ascent to the San Luca Sanctuary. This short but brutal climb, with its infamously steep gradients, is a proving ground for elite cyclists and the dramatic finale of the Giro dell’Emilia pro cycling race. From its summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Bologna’s historic rooftops, marking a triumphant finish to an unforgettable journey through the cycling heartland of Emilia-Romagna.
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I was more than satisfied and had a terrific time. The riding, routes, hotels, the Giro watching spots, dinner spots…all top notch. It felt very "bespoke" without being stuffy. Bob and Caterina and Puppers…Italy’s best hosts. I will return…Stelvio next!
"CyclingHero: really, the best cycling experience of my life, bar none."
"If you want to book a cycling trip in Italy in the Dolomites and Prosecco Hills region, then CyclingHero is the tour company for you! The personal touch and attention to detail will allow you to enjoy your vacation and experience the Italian culture."
"What a great trip! We were comfortable from start to finish with the itinerary, logistics, routes, directions, app, places to go post-ride, etc. What an experience. Across the board it was awesome and we are planning on taking another tour."
"This CyclingHero adventure was absolutely amazing - I saw parts of Italy that I'd never likely see during a normal tourist visit, all while doing what I love more than anything - cycling! The terrain was incredible, the vistas unforgettable, and the organizers are highly experienced, and thus have thought through all the fine details of a cycling adventure of this sort."
"Everything a cycling trip should be with a twist of technology!"
"What an incredible experience. High end, fantastic hotels, and incredible scenery. I love the concept. I'm not one for organized events with people that I don't know. There can be too much starting, stopping, waiting, and indecision when you have a group of different people of different abilities that don't know each other."
"The selection of hotels, bars and restaurants recommended were top notch, and the whole trip was delivered at a great price considering the high-end nature of the itinerary."
"Without a doubt, the CyclingHero tour was the best cycling week of my 20+ years of cycling. A real challenge, but perfectly curated, and with excellent support throughout the trip."
"The itinerary was very well thought out and rides built on each other, culminating in a spectacular climb of the Monte Grappa. A memorable experience - highly recommended!"
Day-to-Day Schedule
After a short transfer from Bologna to the Emilia Coast, continue your explorations by bike with a loop ride to Cesena and an optional visit to the Spazio Pantani Museum. Relive the career of il Pirata through displays of memorabilia and archive footage.
For those preferring a coastal experience, follow the route that passes through Cattolica and the rolling hills of Monte San Bartolo all the way to Pesaro before returning along the same route. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, head inland and follow part of the route of the 'Nove Colli', considered the grandfather of all Granfondos with the first edition dating from 1971.
Heading inland from Cesenatico, quiet roads lead to lively Cesena then continue through Faenza to Brisighella. The main climb of the day is up to the charming town of Bertinoro, from where it's a mostly flat run into enchanting Brisighella. For those interested in a bit more riding, an additional short loop out of Brisighella offers fantastic views of the Apennine foothills.
This day starts with a flat run into Faenza for further exploration and a coffee on its massive main square. The route continues to Modigliana, a beautiful town known for its wine and the Ponte della Signora, a medieval bridge located just outside of the center.
From Modigliana, the shorter loop starts with the main challenge of the day, the Passo Beccugiano, while the longer option ascends first the Monte Chioda, followed by the Monte Busca and finally the relatively short but challenging Monte Corno. Return to Brisighella and perhaps taste some wines from the vineyards you passed earlier in the day.
For this final day of riding you can choose to take it relatively easy with only a few climbs along the way and the easier way up to the San Luca Sanctuary in Bologna, or leave it all on the road with an epic route that includes the Gallisterna and the Monte Calderaro before taking on the infamous San Luca climb above Bologna, a fixture of the Giro del'Emilia cycling race, and the finale of Stage 2 of the 2024 Tour de France 'Grand Depart'.
Both routes also include a visit to the Imola race car track, which hosted the finish of the 2020 World Cycling Championships won by Julian Alaphillipe.
Bologna reached, soak in the fantastic views from the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca before descending back down into town for a final evening in this lively and historic city.
Prolong your visit to Bologna, take in other parts of the rich Emilia-Romagna region, or head to places further afield. A la prossima!
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Why CyclingHero
Life is busy. Your vacation should fit your schedule and preferences. As your locally-based cycling concierge, we will customise an unforgettable trip for you in spectacular Northern Italy, where we live and ride every day.
A good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast are fundamental to an enjoyable day of riding. But a great place to stay is also about connecting with where you are, and having an authentic experience.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we'll be in touch with our customised recommendations just for you.