ROLL ON EMILIA-ROMAGNA!

A few miles south of Venice, the region of Emilia-Romagna awaits keen cyclists looking for fantastic riding in a holiday with a classic Italian flavour. The hills on the eastern side of the Apennines were a favourite stomping ground of Marco ‘the Pirate’ Pantani. The much loved Italian cyclist was considered one of the best climbers of the 1990’s.

This region provides sensational riding. We follow roads used by the Pirate and the Giro d’Italia. The area is often the gateway for the Pro peloton as it makes its way north to the Dolomites, through Emilia-Romagna. The terrain is hilly, with short, sometimes steep climbs, great for bite-sized challenges. Flatter, coastal riding is a wonderful contrast with the sparkling Adriatic Sea for company.

The tour begins in the beautiful hills around the thermal spa village of Bagno di Romagna. From Bagno we head towards the coast, visiting historically fascinating towns such as San Leo and the fifth smallest country in the world, San Marino. Tuscany and Venice are close neighbours, and the food reflects the best of Tuscan and Venetian cooking, with the freshest seafood at hand. Emilia-Romagna is home to signature Italian produce such as Parma ham and parmesan cheese.

To secure your spot riding (and feasting) with PuntoTours, book pronto!

FULL ITINERARY

DAY ONE TUE 22 SEP | WELCOME AND TRANSFER TO BAGNO DI ROMAGNA

Early morning group transfer 9:30AM to Bagno di Romagna, a 3 hour drive. On arrival at our lovely hotel there will be a light lunch and Ride Briefing. After lunch, bike fit for those who have hired bikes, and assistance with assembly of bikes for those who have brought their own. A short warm-up ride to check the bikes, stretch those legs after travelling and get a taste of the wonderful rides to come. Welcome dinner and Tour Introduction in the evening.
DISTANCE | 30KM | 19MI
ELEVATION | 650M | 2100FT

DAY TWO WED 23 SEP | LOOP TO PASSO FUMAIOLO

A brilliant introduction to the area with a very gradual climb to Passo Fumiaolo. Used in the Giro d’Italia as recently as 2017, quiet roads wind through thickly wooded slopes. At the bottom of the fun descent, the short and long route options diverge, with both courses returning via the climb to Lago Aquapartita. Downhill all the way to Bagno!
DISTANCE | 45-80KM | 28-50MI
ELEVATION | 1100-2000M | 4600-6550FT

DAY THREE THU 24 SEP | LOOP TO PASSO MANDRIOLI

A choice of ride distances today on another Giro d’Italia ascent, as we head out on a loop to Passo Mandrioli. This is a shorter climb, only 12km, but the average gradient is a little higher.
DISTANCE | 54-85-95KM | 34-53-59MI
ELEVATION | 1400-1850-2300M | 4600-6050-7550FT

DAY FOUR FRI 25 SEP | BAGNO DI ROMAGNA TO RICCIONE

A longer day in the saddle but lots of downhill. Fantastic route through the hinterland with amazing views from the ridges of undulating hills. Beautiful lunch stop before the last few flat kilometres to our wonderful hotel by the beach.
DISTANCE | 90KM | 56MI
ELEVATION | 1150M | 3800FT

DAY FIVE SAT 26 SEP | LOOP TO URBINO

Today’s ride is undulating all the way through to Urbino and on to the stunning Furlo Gorge. We’ll ride through the gorge although you’ll have to stop for photos, and loop back to Urbino for lunch. This is a delightful town so we'll give you time for a wander before the return, back to our hotel by van.
DISTANCE | 90KM | 56MI
ELEVATION | 1500M | 4900FT

DAY SIX SUN 27 SEP | LOOP TO PANORAMICA

A leisurely, coastal ride to the scenic Natural Park overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Lunch once we're back in Riccione with time to relax by the pool or go (window?) shopping in town.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 850M | 2800FT

DAY SEVEN MON 28 SEP | LOOP TO SAN MARINO

Fun day out for our last ride on the Individual Time Trial course of this year’s Giro d’Italia, up to the picturesque republic of San Marino. After admiring the views, we’ll head onto the amazing village of San Leo. Celebration dinner to cap a wonderful week of riding!
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT

DAY EIGHT TUE 29 SEP | GOODBYE

Morning transfer to Venice, 3 hours.
We suggest staying on a few days to enjoy the most magical of cities. If you do need to fly out today, book flights departing from late afternoon onwards.
Time to say farewell, until next time.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

FLIGHTS | INSURANCES | BIKE HIRE | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | COFFEE STOPS | PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES | PRE- OR POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION