Cycling Emilia-Romagna & Tuscany
Journey through the mesmerizing expanse between Florence and Bologna, embracing the legendary Emilia region. Here lies the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, a rugged terrain sculpted by nature, adorned with peaks and valleys and perfectly preserved villages and towns.
Head to the Romagna Riviera and the coastal towns of Riccione, Rimini, and Cesenatico. Marco Pantani, the cycling champion, roamed these paths, etching his legacy into the epic climbs located near his hometown. It's a pilgrimage through cycling history amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Apennines and the Adriatic Coast.
Facts
History
Dating back to prehistoric civilizations, Emilia-Romagna was under the same rulers as Tuscany during the Roman Empire. Bologna, home to notable medieval and Renaissance architecture, hosts the oldest university in Europe and one of the best cuisines in the world. Florence, Tuscany’s gem, boasts masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and Brunelleschi's Duomo.
Cycling
The Nove Colli in Emilia-Romagna is the world's oldest Granfondo race, as well one of the most challenging. Tuscany hosts the famous Eroica, a vintage bike race celebrating cycling's heritage on gravel roads amidst stunning landscapes. A region which has fostered a lineage of cycling champions like Marco Pantani, Davide Cassani, Paolo Bettini, Mario Cipollini, Learco Guerra, and Gino Bartali.
Climate
United by the Apennine mountain range, the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany are famous for their microclimates. However, temperatures are generally mild in the winters and warm to hot in the summers. Cooler temperatures are the norm in the higher altitudes of the Apennines.
Terrain
The region provides a diverse range of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast to the rugged beauty of the Apennine Mountains. The rolling hills of Tuscany are adorned with vineyards and olive groves, complemented by cypress-lined roads, and punctuated with historic towns. It is truly a visual feast for ambitious cyclists.
Tours that Include this Region
Points of Interest
Dozza
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval hamlets in Italy, it hosts the Rocca Sforzesca. The walls of many houses in the town are adorned with vibrant and artistic murals, creating an open-air art gallery known as the "Biennale del Muro Dipinto" (Biennial of the Painted Wall).
Guglielmo Marconi
Bologna is the birthplace of Guglielmo Marconi who pioneered the development and implementation of wireless telegraphy and radio communication. He earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 and became one of the key figures in the history of modern telecommunications.
The Gothic Line
The last German defensive fortification in World War II. It was a formidable line of bunkers, trenches, and obstacles intended to impede the Allied advance towards Germany stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains. It was eventually breached by Allied forces in 1944.
Vena del Gesso
A stunning natural reserve renowned for its unique gypsum ("gessi" in Italian) formations stretching 25km long and 2km wide, which create a striking white ridge. This geological wonder spans across hills and valleys, offering scenic hiking trails, caves, and an array of flora and fauna. It has been nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marco Pantani
Known for his explosive attacks in the mountains, Marco was affectionately called "Il Pirata" (The Pirate) for his bandana and earring. In 1998 he achieved an incredible double victory, winning both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. He tragically passed away in 2004 at the age of 34.
"You can't become a champion without having trained yourself to exhaustion, without having risked everything to win."
Why Choose Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany for Your Next Cycling Vacation?
For cyclists seeking a mix of rolling hills, mountain climbs, and fantastic cuisine, the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna offer one of Italy’s most rewarding cycling experiences. A Tuscany cycling tour typically conjures images of Chianti vineyards and gravel roads, but lesser-known Apennine routes provide challenging ascents, breathtaking views, and quiet, traffic-free roads. This is cycling in Tuscany Italy at its most authentic, far from the tourist crowds. In addition to visits to the famous culinary towns of Emilia, such as Parma and Bologna, our trips take you to the relaxed atmosphere of the Romagna riviera, birthplace of Marco Pantani. Ride through the coastal towns of RImini, Riccione, and Cesenatico, or head into the nearby hills that are part of the world's oldest Gran fondo, the Nove Colli.
Whether you’re cycling in Emilia-Romagna or exploring the hidden gems of Tuscany, our tours take you through historic villages, rugged mountain passes, and the famous culinary heartland of Italy.
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