Emilia-Romagna: Cesenatico to Bologna
A 6-day ride from the Adriatic coast to Bologna, blending seaside roads, vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, and outstanding cycling in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
Bucket List Climbs
Bike Tour Overview
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The riding starts in Cesenatico, birthplace of Marco Pantani. Over the next days, you'll be riding the very roads that shaped il Pirata's legendary career.
As you head inland, the terrain shifts to rolling vineyards and orchards on the approach to Brisighella, considered one of the most unique and picturesque towns in all Romagna. From there, the serene Apennine foothills await, with quiet roads winding through medieval villages, offering a rewarding mix of challenge and scenery.
The journey’s grand finale leads to Bologna, with one final (optional) test of true grinta or grit: the ascent to the San Luca Sanctuary. This short but brutal climb, with its infamously steep gradients, is a proving ground for elite cyclists and the dramatic finale of the Giro dell’Emilia pro cycling race. From its summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Bologna’s historic rooftops, marking a triumphant finish to an unforgettable journey through the cycling heartland of Emilia-Romagna.
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Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
The Romagna Riviera and Spazio Pantani
After a short transfer from Bologna to the Emilia Coast, continue your explorations by bike with a loop ride to Cesena and an optional visit to the Spazio Pantani Museum. Relive the career of il Pirata through displays of memorabilia and archive footage.
Along the coast to Pesaro, or into the Nine Hills
For those preferring a coastal experience, follow the route that passes through Cattolica and the rolling hills of Monte San Bartolo all the way to Pesaro before returning along the same route. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, head inland and follow part of the route of the 'Nove Colli', considered the grandfather of all Granfondos with the first edition dating from 1971.
Through Cesena and Faenza to Brisighella
Heading inland from Cesenatico, quiet roads lead to lively Cesena then continue through Faenza to Brisighella. The main climb of the day is up to the charming town of Bertinoro, from where it's a mostly flat run into enchanting Brisighella. For those interested in a bit more riding, an additional short loop out of Brisighella offers fantastic views of the Apennine foothills.
Exploring the Apennine Foothills
This day starts with a flat run into Faenza for further exploration and a coffee on its massive main square. The route continues to Modigliana, a beautiful town known for its wine and the Ponte della Signora, a medieval bridge located just outside of the center.
From Modigliana, the shorter loop starts with the main challenge of the day, the Passo Beccugiano, while the longer option ascends first the Monte Chioda, followed by the Monte Busca and finally the relatively short but challenging Monte Corno. Return to Brisighella and perhaps taste some wines from the vineyards you passed earlier in the day.
From Brisighella to Bologna and up the Epic San Luca Climb
For this final day of riding you can choose to take it relatively easy with only a few climbs along the way and the easier way up to the San Luca Sanctuary in Bologna, or leave it all on the road with an epic route that includes the Gallisterna and the Monte Calderaro before taking on the infamous San Luca climb above Bologna, a fixture of the Giro del'Emilia cycling race, and the finale of Stage 2 of the 2024 Tour de France 'Grand Depart'.
Both routes also include a visit to the Imola race car track, which hosted the finish of the 2020 World Cycling Championships won by Julian Alaphillipe.
Bologna reached, soak in the fantastic views from the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca before descending back down into town for a final evening in this lively and historic city.
Arrivederci Romagna Bella!
Prolong your visit to Bologna, take in other parts of the rich Emilia-Romagna region, or head to places further afield. A la prossima!
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Why Travel With CyclingHero
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