Parma to Verona & Venice Bike Tour

Emilia-Romagna & Veneto's Wine & Cuisine

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 1-4

Casual & Premiere Hotels

From: $4,399 - $4,699 pp dbl occ

($750 - $850 for sgl occ)

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.

Detailed Itinerary

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 winding one-lane roads while meandering through the peaceful northern Italian countryside
Cook fresh tortelli alle erbette and learn the secrets of Italian cuisine in a private chef-led cooking class
Explore captivating 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

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.

6 Days Casual & Premiere Hotels*

Accommodations may vary based on departure.

Days 1-2

Ride a scenic bike route 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 Parman hills | Learn all about Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and taste one of the region's most well-known products | A local chef shares the secrets of la cucina italiana during a private cooking class | Take in a bucolic countryside sunset before 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 | Bike along the placid Po River to UNESCO-designated Mantua, home to grand palaces, magnificent architecture and superb northern Italian 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 | Wind by bike along the Adige River to the foot of the Alps | Relax over lunch at a cantina near the shore of Lake Garda | Ride through renowned Bardolino vineyards, where world-famous wines are produced | Extend your vacation in Venice, our incomparable gateway city.

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)

Detailed Itinerary

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 in USD.

2023 2024

Oct 1 - Oct 6

Sold out

Oct 8 - Oct 13

Limited Availability — Contact Us

Go Private

Go custom

Activity Level: 1-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.

Day 1

Biking

Level 1 | 14 miles* | 300 ft. gain

Level 2 | 21 miles* | 1000 ft. gain

Day 2

Biking

Level 2 | 23 miles* | 300 ft. gain

Level 3 | 37 miles | 1200 ft. gain

Level 4 | 41 miles | 1700 ft. gain

Day 3

Biking

Level 1 | 18 miles | 400 ft. gain

Level 2 | 31 miles | 700 ft. gain

Level 3 | 37 miles | 800 ft. gain

Other

Walking Tour of Mantua (1 hour)

Day 4

Biking

Level 3 | 29 miles* | 900 ft. gain

Level 4 | 42 miles | 1700 ft. gain

Day 5

Biking

Level 2 | 20 miles | 1200 ft. gain

Level 3 | 25 miles | 1500 ft. gain

Level 4 | 31 miles | 1800 ft. gain

Day 6

Biking

Level 1 | 9 miles | 700 ft. gain

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

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

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this 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.

Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

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.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability

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 would like a lift.

Parma to Verona & Venice Bike Tour