A delightful break in the vineyards of Emilia Romagna

The transfer is planned from Bologna airport to your splendid accommodation.
Transfers can be arranged from other airports, so do not hesitate to ask.

Discover your hotel located in the heart of a vineyard. Your first dinner will be served at the Osteria, the restaurant hosting typical regional cuisine.

During your cycling holiday the daily rides will gradually increase in length, starting with a ride of 55Km and ending with a ride of 100Km. Your path will guide you in the footsteps of Marco Pantani. It is indeed in this region that the famous cyclist grew up and made his first laps on the track!

This is a short route starting from your hotel, but if, as the title suggests, you stop off at the wine cellars along the way to enjoy some tastings, it may seem quite demanding: not just because of the wine, but also because of the short, steep climbs as you leave the cellars (about 100 metres at 20%)! If you do intend to taste some wine, it’s a very good idea to go with a guide, who can organise the tastings for you. Shortly after Settecrociari, you can choose to turn left for Lizzano and tackle a short but intense climb up to Villa Silvia, with its historic public park. The Villa is open at weekends and contains a collection of mechanical musical instruments. The ascent from San Carlo to Oriola is very strenuous. When you reach the Monte Lorenzone winery, you can either turn round and retrace your steps, or continue to Cima Pantani and descend to Borello, before returning to your hotel.
Distance: 56Km
Elevation gain: 892m

Cycle towards Forlimpopoli, where you can visit the 16th-century fortress built by the Ordelaffi family, and the Casa Artusi. You will also be able to visit a 15th-century church, built to a circular plan. This place of worship is unique in the whole of Europe because it contains another church, also circular in form (visits must be booked in advance). 
Continue towards Bagnolo and take the road that runs beside the River Ronco and leads to Ravenna. In the town centre, the tourist trail will guide you to the most important monuments constructed between the 5th and 6th centuries (Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 403 to 453 A.D., and then the capital of Italy until 750 A.D.). Many of these fine buildings also contain beautiful mosaics. On the trail through the city, you can also visit the Dante Zone, with the tomb of the poet, and in Via Zagarelli alle Mura you can see the home of Francesca da Polenta, the unfortunate lover of Paolo Malatesta. On your return journey, follow the cyclists’ route: all cyclists in Ravenna who head towards Bertinoro ride along the Via Cella starting from Madonna dell’Albero. You will be sure to encounter fellow riders throughout the day. Return to Forlimpopoli, and then follow your original route back to your hotel.
Distance: 77Km
Elevation gain: 100m

This itinerary is really more “difficult” than “average”, because it involves 6 ascents, of which two are long and hard and four are shorter. However, it takes you to some beautiful places, and notably to Predappio, where you can see examples of Rationalist architecture commissioned by Mussolini in his place of birth. At Castrocaro and Terra del Sole, you can visit charming historic centres with 15th-century fortresses built by the Medici, as well as a spa bath complex in the Liberty style. At the top of Monte Trebbio, there’s a statue of a cyclist with a plaque dedicated to Marco Pantani, for this was one of his favourite ascents. You will pass through Predappio Alta, home to the Cà de Sanzves (Casa del Sangiovese), a typical bar and temple to wine with an interesting old cellar. The ascent/descent of Rocca delle Caminate with its eighteen bends is a delightful route between lines of cypresses, leading to the 15th-century fortress.
Distance: 99Km
Elevation gain:1700m

After breakfast a transfer to Bologna's airport will be organised, marking the end of your cycling holiday in northern Italy.