Emilia-Romagna & Tuscany
Journey through the mesmerizing expanse between Florence and Bologna, embracing the legendary Emilia region. Here lies the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, a rugged terrain sculpted by nature, adorned with peaks and valleys and perfectly preserved villages and towns.
Head to the Romagna Riviera and the coastal towns of Riccione, Rimini, and Cesenatico. The cycling legend Marco Pantani roamed these paths, etching his legacy into the epic climbs located near his hometown of Cesenatico. It's a pilgrimage through cycling history amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Apennines and the Adriatic Coast.
History
Dating back to prehistoric civilizations, Emilia-Romagna was under the same rulers as Tuscany during the Roman Empire. Bologna, home to notable medieval and Renaissance architecture, hosts the oldest university in Europe and one of the best cuisines in the world. Florence, Tuscany’s gem, boasts masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and Brunelleschi's Duomo.
Cycling
The Nove Colli in Emilia-Romagna is the world's oldest Granfondo race, as well one of the most challenging. Tuscany hosts the famous Eroica, a vintage bike race celebrating cycling's heritage on gravel roads amidst stunning landscapes. A region which has fostered a lineage of cycling champions like Marco Pantani, Davide Cassani, Paolo Bettini, Mario Cipollini, Learco Guerra, and Gino Bartali.
Climate
United by the Apennine mountain range, the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions are famous for their microclimates. However, temperatures are generally mild in the winters and warm to hot in the summers. Cooler temperatures are the norm in the higher altitudes of the Apennines.
Terrain
The region provides a diverse range of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast to the rugged beauty of the Apennine Mountains. The rolling hills of Tuscany are adorned with vineyards and olive groves, complemented by cypress-lined roads, and punctuated with historic towns. It is truly a visual feast for ambitious cyclists.
Tours that Include this Region
Points of Interest
Dozza
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval hamlets in Italy, it hosts the Rocca Sforzesca. The walls of many houses in the town are adorned with vibrant and artistic murals, creating an open-air art gallery known as the "Biennale del Muro Dipinto" (Biennial of the Painted Wall).
Guglielmo Marconi
Bologna is the birthplace of Guglielmo Marconi who pioneered the development and implementation of wireless telegraphy and radio communication. He earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 and became one of the key figures in the history of modern telecommunications.
The Gothic Line
The last German defensive fortification in World War II. It was a formidable line of bunkers, trenches, and obstacles intended to impede the Allied advance towards Germany stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains. It was eventually breached by Allied forces in 1944.
Vena del Gesso
A stunning natural reserve renowned for its unique gypsum ("gessi" in Italian) formations stretching 25km long and 2km wide, which create a striking white ridge. This geological wonder spans across hills and valleys, offering scenic hiking trails, caves, and an array of flora and fauna. It has been nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marco Pantani
Known for his explosive attacks in the mountains, Marco was affectionately called "Il Pirata" (The Pirate) for his bandana and earring. In 1998 he achieved an incredible double victory, winning both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. He tragically passed away in 2004 at the age of 34.
"You can't become a champion without having trained yourself to exhaustion, without having risked everything to win."
Why Choose Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany for Your Next Cycling Vacation?
For cyclists seeking a mix of rolling hills, mountain climbs, and fantastic cuisine, the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna offer one of Italy’s most rewarding cycling experiences. A Tuscany cycling tour typically conjures images of Chianti vineyards and gravel roads, but lesser-known Apennine routes provide challenging ascents, breathtaking views, and quiet, traffic-free roads. This is cycling in Tuscany Italy at its most authentic, far from the tourist crowds. In addition to visits to the famous culinary towns of Emilia, such as Parma and Bologna, our trips take you to the relaxed atmosphere of the Romagna Riviera, birthplace of Marco Pantani. Ride through the coastal towns of Rimini, Riccione, and Cesenatico, or head into the nearby hills that are part of the world's oldest Gran fondo, the Nove Colli. Ride off the beaten path and stay in Brisighella, one of the "Borghi piú belli d'Italia", one of the top 10 European Hidden Gems.
Whether you’re cycling in Emilia-Romagna or exploring the hidden gems of Tuscany, our tours take you through historic villages, rugged mountain passes, and the famous culinary heartland of Italy.
Why Choose Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany for Your Next Cycling Vacation?
For cyclists seeking a mix of rolling hills, mountain climbs, and fantastic cuisine, the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna offer one of Italy’s most rewarding cycling experiences. A Tuscany cycling tour typically conjures images of Chianti vineyards and gravel roads, but lesser-known Apennine routes provide challenging ascents, breathtaking views, and quiet, traffic-free roads. This is cycling in Tuscany Italy at its most authentic, far from the tourist crowds. In addition to visits to the famous culinary towns of Emilia, such as Parma and Bologna, our trips take you to the relaxed atmosphere of the Romagna Riviera, birthplace of Marco Pantani. Ride through the coastal towns of Rimini, Riccione, and Cesenatico, or head into the nearby hills that are part of the world's oldest Gran fondo, the Nove Colli. Ride off the beaten path and stay in Brisighella, one of the "Borghi piú belli d'Italia", one of the top 10 European Hidden Gems.
FAQs About Cycling in the Emilia-Romagna & Tuscany Region
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A CYCLING HOLIDAY IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA & TUSCANY?+
The best months to ride in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany are May, June, September, and October. These periods offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures, clear skies, and relatively quiet roads.
We do not recommend planning your cycling trip in July or August, especially at sea level. However, if you're set on a summer holiday, a custom route through the Apennine Mountains can offer cooler, more enjoyable conditions.
WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS CLIMBS IN EMILIA ROMAGNA & TUSCANY?+
This region features a mix of legendary climbs and lesser-known gems:
San Luca (Bologna) – A steep, iconic climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca, famous for its dramatic role in the 2024 Tour de France Grand Départ and the annual Giro dell’Emilia.
Monte Carpegna – A true climber’s test with an average gradient of 10.5%. This was Marco Pantani’s favorite training climb before attacking Grand Tours.
Other notable climbs:
Cima Gallisterna a short but steep climb where Julian Alaphillipe rode away to victory in the 2020 UCI Road World Championships
Barbotto infamous for its brutal gradients near the top, another Pantani favourite
Passo dei Mandrioli
Corno alle Scale
Passo del Lupo
Passo della Futa
These climbs offer a variety of challenges, from long alpine-style ascents to short, punchy ramps — perfect for building your climbing legs.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO RIDE IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA & TUSCANY?+
Thanks to its rich geographical diversity, this region offers routes for all fitness levels. Whether you're looking for long, endurance-style rides or short, power-heavy climbs, we can tailor the right itinerary to match your ability.
That said, climbing is unavoidable in most of the routes across Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, so a good level of cycling fitness and comfort on hills is essential
WHAT GEAR RATIOS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THE STEEP GRADIENTS?+
The right gearing depends on your fitness and weight, but a compact or subcompact setup is strongly advised. We recommend:
A 34-tooth small ring in the front
A 32 to 34-tooth cassette in the rear
Several climbs, including Monte Carpegna, Barbotto, and even parts of Passo della Futa, feature gradients exceeding 10–12%, so having easier gears will make your ride much more enjoyable.
WHAT ARE THE BEST KNOWN CYCLING EVENTS HAPPENING IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA & TUSCANY?+
This region hosts some of the most historic and exciting cycling events in Italy:
Granfondo Nove Colli (Cesenatico) – The oldest Granfondo in the world, attracting around 7,000 riders each year, often joined by pro cyclists.
Étape Italy by Tour de France (Parma) – An official L’Étape series event bringing the thrill of the Tour to Emilia.
La Via del Sale (Cervia) – A scenic Granfondo along the Adriatic coast.
Granfondo Matildica (Reggio Emilia) – A well-organized event with varied terrain.
Granfondo Squali (Cattolica) – Known for beautiful sea views and great atmosphere.
For gravel lovers, the Emilia-Romagna Bike Trail is a must — an unsupported adventure ride from Bologna to Riccione, crossing the Apennines and hugging the Adriatic coast.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we'll be in touch with our customised recommendations just for you. Let us show you why we are one of the best cycling tour companies in Italy for avid cyclists.