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.
Day
1 A scenic ride leads from the Taro River along the foothills of the Apennine Mountains 
An exclusive tour reveals the opulent personal living quarters at the Castle of Tabiano Toast with an aperitivo on the terrace with stunning views of the Po River Valley and the immense Alps beyond.
Day
2 Visit a small Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm in the quaint village of Noceto for an introduction to the superb cuisine of the region 
A local chef shares the secrets of la cucina italiana at a private cooking class Discover the complex rich flavor of real aceto balsamico Relish a sunset spin through the rustic Italian countryside before sitting down to a dinner, sommelier-paired with local wines.
Day
3 Explore the age-old town of Sabbioneta, known for its impressive ducal palace and lavish synagogue Pedal along the placid Po River to Mantua, a town once inhabited by the powerful Gonzaga family and now home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Day
4 Follow the lush and winding Mincio River past natural parks—and arguably some of the most beautiful villages in Italy—before reaching Peschiera del Garda, a walled town that Dante once described as a fortress fair and strong Enjoy a lively ride through farmlands and vineyards Savor locally produced wines in Shakespeare's Fair Verona.
Days
5-6 Follow the Adige River to the foot of the Alps Relax over lunch at a cantina that makes Bardolino wine near the shores of Lake Garda Bike through renowned Valpolicella vineyards, where world-famous amarone is produced.
Absolutely wonderful! Everything was so beautifully organized and we got to experience things that we could never have done on our own.- Ann Arbor, MI
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. Read the 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.
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Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the Dates & Prices tab.
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This grand 11th-century castle has been transformed into an elegant hotel offering comfort, relaxation and romance. (pool, spa)
A sophisticated hotel with modern minimalist style, conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant city.
Surrounded by antique walls which hide gardens, fountains, vineyards, olive and lemon trees, this historic hotel is rich in charm and hospitality. (pool)
There's no better way to find out about Backroads than by hearing it from the people who have traveled with us. For more about the Backroads Experience, read our Guest Testimonials.
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Reviewed by 2 customers
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Comments about Parma to Verona Bike Tour:
Absolutely wonderful! Everything was so beautifully organized and we got to experience things that we could never have done on our own.
Comments about Parma to Verona Bike Tour:
We loved the trip from Parma to Verona, combining rides through picture book scenery and historic villages with fine wine and extraordinary cuisine. As always, the Backroads staff were outstanding. They were very hard working, resourceful, and responsive to the needs of individuals and the group. We also were impressed by the expertise of the two local guides. Everyone worked very well as a team and ensured that trip was as smooth as possible.
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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.
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
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AVAILABLE TO BOOKi GOING FASTi CONTACT USi PRIVATE TRIP - RESERVEDi
Interested in a Private Trip? Check out the Make It Private tab for private dates available, or call us at 800-462-2848.
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.
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| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 15* | 400 | 21* | 1200 | ||||||
| 2 | 22* | 300 | 30* | 600 | 37 | 1100 | 41 | 1600 | ||
| 3 | 20* | 400 | 26* | 500 | 30 | 500 | ||||
| Walking Tour of Mantua (1 Hour) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 17* | 200 | 20* | 400 | 29* | 700 | 46 | 1700 | ||
| 5 | 15* | 900 | 23* | 1300 | 35 | 1800 | 42 | 2100 | ||
| 6 | 13 | 600 | ||||||||
Note:
* Includes shuttle.
Learn more about how we determine our activity levels and fully support a range of abilities and interests.
Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.
We design and support our Parma and Verona area trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.
Choose a Backroads Custom Titanium or Custom Electric Assist bike—both are included in your trip price. Maybe a Specialized carbon-fiber pro model is more your speed or go for double fun on a tandem. Our fleet is the best in active travel, so you don't have to roll the dice on this vital trip component. Learn why our titanium bikes are ideal for most riders. See the bike options for this trip.
Your ride comes equipped with a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, the best bike-touring GPS device on the market. This is a Backroads exclusive, and it's included with your bike in Parma and Verona area. If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.
In addition to the ideal balance of comfort and hospitality in our choice of lodgings, this Casual Inns trip includes nearly all of your meals, plus everything from cocktail receptions to the best snacks along the road. So there's rarely a need to reach for your wallet – we've got you covered.
It may seem obvious to say the great hotels we tell you about are the ones you'll actually stay in. But the fact is many companies haven't even booked the places they promise and are later forced to settle for inferior alternatives. We book our hotels and exact rooms long in advance—often over two years—so you stay where you expect to stay.
Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in Parma and Verona area—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.
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Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group of 8 or more. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.
Click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 8 OR MORE GUESTS 16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 16 OR MORE GUESTS RESERVED
Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date! i
Invite your family and friends on an adventure that's entirely your own - for your group of 8 or more. Find out more
I simply can't imagine a better way to immerse yourself in the life of a region, to explore hidden corners and appreciate nuances while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides amazing leaders, superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.
— Tom Hale, Founder & President
