Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Biking
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Parma to Verona & Venice Bike Tour
Emilia-Romagna & Veneto's Wine & Cuisine
From Parma to Verona, passion is everywhere. In the air. In the water. In the art. Food is prepared with it. Wine is produced with it. The culture is steeped in it. Even the people themselves are famously passionate—look at Romeo and Juliet. And when you experience this place for yourself, you'll be passionate too.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual & Premiere Hotels*
FROM:
$3,899 pp dbl occ
($540 for sgl occ)
Italy
Start Parma / End Verona or Venice
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Ride on peaceful one-lane roads while meandering through the winding northern Italian countryside
- Cook fresh tortelli alle erbette and learn the secrets of Italian cuisine in a private chef-led cooking class
- Explore fascinating World Heritage towns like Sabbioneta, Mantua and Verona—immortalized by Shakespeare
- Taste wonderful regional wines—including Amarone, Bardolino and Valpolicella—right in their places of origin
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
A scenic ride leads from the Taro River along the foothills of the Apennine Mountains | An exclusive tour reveals the opulent living quarters at the Castle of Tabiano | Enjoy an aperitivo on the terrace with stunning views of the Po River Valley and the Apennine Mountains | Visit a small Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm in the quaint village of Noceto | A local chef shares the secrets of la cucina italiana during a private cooking class | Take in a bucolic countryside sunset before sitting down to a delicious dinner.
Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello
Parma
| Casual Hotel This grand 11th-century castle has been transformed into an elegant hotel offering comfort, relaxation and romance. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Explore ancient Sabbioneta, a World Heritage site known for its impressive theater and Renaissance design | Pedal along the placid Po River to UNESCO-designated Mantua, home to grand palaces, magnificent architecture and superb regional fare | Explore the town's fascinating history in the company of an expert guide.
Hotel Casa Poli
Mantua
| Casual Hotel A sophisticated hotel with modern minimalist style, conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant city.
Days 4-6
Follow the lush Mincio River past serene parks and beautiful villages to Peschiera del Garda, a walled town that Dante once described as a "fortress fair and strong" | Relax at our elegant hotel, a former 18th-century noble residence | Take a stroll through Shakespeare's fair Verona | Pair regional cuisine with Veneto wines | Follow the Adige River to the foot of the Alps | Relax over lunch at a cantina near the shore of Lake Garda | Bike through renowned Bardolino vineyards, where world-famous wines are produced.
Villa Cordevigo
Verona
| *Premiere Hotel Once home to 18th-century nobility, this beautifully restored villa is surrounded by cypress, oak, and vineyards—the perfect place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. A Relais & Châteaux Member. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
Performance Road Bike
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Traffic
Our exploration of Parma and the Po River basin traverses Italy's most productive agricultural region. Most routes travel on tranquil farm roads but, on occasion, you can expect to encounter increased traffic as we pass through larger towns that produce gastronomic delights such as prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Of course, the van is nearby if you want a lift.
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