The Veneto region of Italy is one of Europe’s treasures troves, boasting lovely biking between charming cities including Parma, Mantua and Verona. Each of these towns is filled with art, monuments and great restaurants (hey, it’s Italy), and arriving by bike after a day pedaling along river-side paths and fertile farmland is simply divine.
Location
Parma
Parma, Italy
Day 1+2
Mantova
Mantova, Italy
Day 3+4
S. Pietro in Cariano
San Pietro in Cariano, VR, Italy
Day 5+6
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
5 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Transfer on Day 3 from Tabiano to Sabbioneta with bikes (approx 1 hour)
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Can start any date between March and November
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
6 days / 5 nights with 5 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Parma / Verona
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
TERRAIN
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $1,875
Single Supplement: US $470
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,295
Single Supplement: US $580
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$240
E-Bikes: US$400
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
Parma can be reached from Milan, Venice, or Bologna by train. The hotel in Tabiano can be reached by taxi.
1
Day 1
Start your trip from just outside Parma, the riverside city synonymous with fine food – Parma ham, Parmesan cheese & Lambrusco wines. Parma was recently awarded a Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy (the first city in Italy to receive this honor). But in addition to gastronomy, there is much else on offer – this compact city has a wealth of artistic, theatrical, musical and historical interests. Stay at Antico Borgo di Tabiano, a castle in the countryside.
Ride Distance: 47 km; 630 m gain*
2
Day 2
Today’s ride passes through two beautiful villages of Soragna and Fontanellato. There will be an opportunity to visit an organic farm for a cheese making demonstration and tasting before the ride back to your hotel. There is an option on this evening for a cooking course (additional fee).
Ride Distance: 55 km; 325 m gain or 66 km; 525 m gain*
3
Day 3
Today begins with a transfer to a small village part way between Tabiano and Mantua to make the riding distance more manageable. In the Unesco World Heritage Site of Sabbioneta, visit the Teatro all’Antica (one of the first purpose-built theatres in the world). Afterwards, follow the Oglio and Po Rivers to the charming village of Mantua, the second World Heritage site of the day. Stay at Casa Poli, a lovely hotel in the center, steps to restaurants and cafes.
Ride Distance: 65 km; 250 m gain or 75 km; 288 m gain*
4
Day 4
Your route today winds through the Parco del Mincio following the Mincio River Valley. Have lunch in the lakeside village of Peschiera del Garda and then continue to the Valpolicella wine region, where the Luxe option stays at the fabulous 5-star Relais & Chateaux property Villa Cordevigo; the Classic hotel option is a wine makers inn nearby.
Ride Distance: 65 km; 380 m gain (to Cordevigo)*
5
Day 5
Start the day with an easy sweep downhill towards Bardonlino and then a flat ride towards Garda. There is a hilly option into the hills above Lake Garda, where splendid views reward your effort (and a great lunch spot near the town of San Zeno di Montagna).
Ride Distance: 26 km or 55 km; 850 m gain*
6
Day 6
Depart. You can reach Verona train station by taxi from the hotel.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Alba del Borgo
This is an agriturismo (farmhouse style) inn with renovated guest rooms, wellness center and restaurant. The setting is tranquil with lovely views. The property itself is over 70 hectares and includes a vineyard and orchard with more than 800 plants of ancient fruit, berries, vegetables, alfalfa and wheat fields, all organic. The Alba del Borgo farm provides fresh and organic products every day of the year to the restaurant.
Casa Poli, Mantova
This 4-star hotel property offers a pleasant, sophisticated environment, tastefully designed and furnished down to the finest detail. Boasting a location in the center of Mantova means the artistic and architectural treasures are close by.
Diamora Buglioni Wine Relais
Boasting a superb location surrounded by Valpolicella vineyards, this property exudes a simple and elegant atmosphere in a warm and authentic farmhouse. The Osteria del Liar and Locanda Buglioni are open daily and feature wines from the property.
Luxe
Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello
This unique hotel sits inside an ancient settlement in the green hills of Parma. The Castle’s original fortress is now a hotel with two restaurants, one in the original dairy and cheese factory. There are two wellness centers, two swimming pools and large grounds to enjoy.
Casa Poli, Mantova
This 4-star hotel property offers a pleasant, sophisticated environment, tastefully designed and furnished down to the finest detail. Boasting a location in the center of Mantova means the artistic and architectural treasures are close by.
Villa Cordevigo, Verona
This Relais & Chateaux property is an 18th century villa, historically the residence of noble families which over the course of the centuries have wrought wonderfully artistic changes to the sumptuous rooms of the villa, adding frescoes and works of art. After an ambitious restoration project which has maintained the nature and soul of the villa, this beautiful place has turned into one of Italy’s most magical hotels, full of charm, art and history. Member, Relais & Chateaux.
Trip Reviews
“We had a fabulous trip! The weather was perfect and the scenery never censed to be breathtaking. The bike routes were challenging in terms of hills but very pleasant because of the lack of traffic and the never-ending views. The accommodations were all good and got progressively better as we went. Same for the meals. It was an unforgettable trip.”
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