Join AllTrails in 2022 on our legendary Annual European Expedition. Showcasing the best of North Italy, this tour is a feast of Italian culinary delights, combined with the spectacular Lakes District.
The first half takes us through legendary locations that have influenced not only Italian cuisine, but world cuisine. Drink Piemonte wines in Piedmont, try truffles in Alba, feast on Ferrero Rocher in Ferrera, eat amaretto cookies in Mombaruzzo, tear into some torrone from a pasticcerie in Cremona, munch in Modena - the home of the famous balsamic vinegar, and let’s not forget to have bolognese in Bologna and a parma in Parma with extra parmesan cheese.
The second half from Bologna leads us through UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Emilia Romagna region, to the beautiful Po River delta, the lovely town of Comacchio ‘Little Venice’, some Shakespearean settings (Taming of the Shrew’s Padova, Romeo & Juliet’s Verona), then onto the Lakes District and the spectacular scenery and lake-side cycling around Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
The combination of these two contrasting but complementary stages results in a tour around North Italy that will inspire and be remembered for many years to come. It’s an easy start and finish point flying in and out of Milan or Turin and we spend three wonderful rest days in the thermal spa town of Acqui Terme, culinary mecca of Bologna, and on the shores of lovely Lake Garda respectively. Add in some great tasting inclusions in the culinary and wine regions, some outstanding dinners and lovely accommodation and a cycling group held together by that famous AllTrails camaraderie…this tour is one not to be missed if you have ever been interested in cycling in Italy.
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE
Dates: FULL TOUR: 28 Jul - 21 Aug 2022
STAGE ONE ONLY: 28 Jul - 9 Aug 2022
STAGE TWO ONLY: 9 Aug - 21 Aug 2022
Duration: 24 nights (full tour), 12 nights (single stages)
Distance: 1,500km approx
Average Daily: 81km approx
Bike Type: Road Bike or hybrid (BYO or hire)
E-bikes: Welcome. 2 max on tour (BYO or hire)
Terrain: Good bitumen roads and cycle paths
Group Size: 10-20
Some of the highlights:
• Culinary delights:
• Wine tastings
• Food experiences - learn about truffles and parmesan cheese
• Optional cooking classes on rest day
• Chocolate, nougat, candy & biscuit visits
• Culinary capitals of Parma and Bologna
• Scenic and cycling delights:
• UNESCO heritage sites, and locations full of Italian history
• Three rest days in contrasting and intriguing destinations
• Wonderful local tour guides and support crew
• Start and finish in the thriving city of Milan
• The spectacular Italian Lakes District
Gallery
If you have any further questions regarding this tour, please contact us - we would love to hear from you.