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 - For Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond
Emilia-Romagna & Veneto's Wine & Cuisine
One or more kids 20+ required (siblings 17+ ok)
Family — 20s & Beyond
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
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 your family experiences this place for yourselves, you'll be passionate too.
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Parma and verona italy bike tour map
Italy
Start Parma / End Verona or Venice
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Ride with your family 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
Description
Take a scenic ride 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 | 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 family dinner.
Accommodations
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
Description
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 majestic palaces, magnificent architecture and superb regional fare | Explore the town's fascinating history in the company of an expert guide.
Accommodations
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
Description
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 historic 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 | Extend your family journey in the inimitable gateway city of Venice.
Accommodations
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.
From our Guests
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#MyBackroadsTrip
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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
What's 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
- 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.
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.
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