Five Scenic Routes to Discover Emilia-Romagna at a Gentle Pace — From River Cruises and Medieval Towns to Gourmet Stops and UNESCO Treasures

Forget the rush, open your senses, and get ready to discover Emilia-Romagna at a gentle pace. This region—rich in art, music, and gastronomy—unfolds in all its beauty along cycling routes that pass through timeless villages, nature reserves, and architectural masterpieces. Here are five bike itineraries for travelers who want to truly experience the journey, with curious eyes and an open heart.If you’re looking for a place where nature tells ancient stories, where the silence of the lagoons blends with the colors of flamingos, and where cuisine is steeped in tradition, then the Comacchio Valleys will win you over. Located in the heart of the Po Delta Regional Park, between the provinces of Ferrara and Ravenna, this is one of the most captivating wetland areas in Europe.

A Slow Tour Along the Po River: From Piacenza to Reggio Emilia

A journey through the most authentic side of the Po Valley, where the great river leads your pedals past poplar groves, castles, and riverside villages. The route begins in Soprarivo, once a crossing on the Via Francigena, taken in 990 by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. The stops are steeped in history and culture: Busseto, where the legacy of Giuseppe Verdi lives on through statues, theaters, and his birth home in Roncole; Colorno, home to a stunning 18th-century palace that houses Alma, the renowned culinary school founded by Gualtiero Marchesi; and Guastalla, which preserves the Renaissance elegance of the Gonzaga family.

Gourmet breaks include the Culatello Museum in Polesine Parmense, the Distillery Museum in Roccabianca Castle (featuring aged balsamic vinegar and rare liqueurs), the whimsical Don Camillo and Peppone Museum in Brescello, and the Antonio Ligabue Museum in Gualtieri. At the river port of Boretto, you can even board a boat with your bike for a cruise on the Po—an unforgettable blend of land and water.

Ferrara to Ravenna: Cycling Through Artistic Cities

This route between Ferrara and Ravenna is a symphony of history and beauty. Begin in Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site also known as the “City of Bicycles.” Ride along the enchanting Via delle Volte, with its medieval arches and shops, then visit the iconic Este Castle, the Cathedral, and the striking Palazzo dei Diamanti. Don’t miss the 9-km panoramic cycle path that runs atop the majestic Renaissance city walls.

The journey continues to Ravenna, guardian of some of the world’s most precious mosaics. Key stops include Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, San Vitale, and just outside the city, the awe-inspiring Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

The Este Delights: Cycling Between Ducal Residences

An easy loop through the countryside of Ferrara leads you to the grand Renaissance residences of the Este family, known as the Delizie Estensi and now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The route alternates between paved roads and white gravel paths, suitable for all levels.

Highlights include the Delizia di Belriguardo, Lucrezia Borgia’s favorite summer retreat and now a civic museum; the Delizia del Verginese, with its typical Renaissance “brolo” garden; and the Delizia di Benvignante, where Beatrice d’Este once stayed. The itinerary also crosses the Germanic Via Romea, blending history, faith, and nature.

Valmarecchia: A Challenge Among Hilltop Villages

For those who love climbs and postcard views, the Valmarecchia tour offers a true adventure. Starting and ending in Rimini, the historic city of the Malatesta family, the route winds through the scenic hills of Romagna, reaching picturesque villages like Santarcangelo, Poggio Torriana, and Verucchio, the latter recognized as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

The effort pays off as you ascend to the Republic of San Marino, perched on Mount Titano, with its medieval walls and three watchtowers still standing guard. End your journey in style at the Riccione Thermal Spa, where wellness awaits in the form of mud treatments, massages, and sensory paths.

In Dante’s Footsteps: From Ravenna to Florence and Back

A nearly 400-kilometer loop takes you in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri. Starting in Ravenna, where the Poet is buried, and ending in Florence, where his birthplace and cenotaph lie in the Basilica of Santa Croce, this route is a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage on two wheels.

It passes through enchanting villages like Poppi, a walled town listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, Portico di Romagna (hometown of Beatrice), Brisighella, and Premilcuore. Nature lovers will be captivated by the Acquacheta Waterfall and the Casentino Forests National Park, offering scenic forest trails ideal for mountain biking, as well as panoramic secondary roads for road cyclists. The best season? From March to November, to avoid winter snow and enjoy the landscape in full color.