Parma to Verona & Venice Active Culinary Bike Tour
Emilia-Romagna & Veneto’s Wine & Cuisine
Pedal into Northern Italy’s Food Valley, where vineyard-lined roads lead to cooking classes and wine tastings. In the vibrant towns between Parma and Verona, a passion for life shines in every glass and unforgettable bite.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,899 - $5,149/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Ride across three northern regions, biking through wine countries and Renaissance villages as you cross the Apennines and follow river valleys to Lake Garda
- Join private, chef-led cooking classes and dive into local food traditions and regional wines
- Stroll captivating UNESCO World Heritage towns like Sabbioneta, Mantua and Verona
- Sample Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and aged balsamic where they’re made
- Live like royalty at a castle-hotel nestled in Parma’s rolling hills and revel in Relais & Châteaux hospitality at a restored aristocratic villa
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Parma Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your adventure in Parma, a gastronomic powerhouse and noted champion of sustainable agriculture
- Ride from the Taro River along the foothills of the Apennine Mountains
- Enjoy an aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the Po River Valley
- Learn about the region’s most well-known export at Italy’s only woman-led Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm
- Cook fresh delights like tortelli alle erbette with a local chef during a private cooking class
- Pair superb cucina italiana with sunset views over the Parma hills at an 11th-century castle.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
This converted medieval castle offers a charming, comfortable stay that taps into the authentic atmosphere of castle life. Set in the hills outside Parma, it’s part of a historic defensive system that once protected the region. Rooms are simply furnished, with a traditional look in keeping with the historic setting. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Walk the Renaissance-era streets of Sabbioneta, a perfectly preserved model city, and tour its impressive theater
- Bike along the Po River to Mantua, a timeless UNESCO World Heritage town filled with palaces, lakes and medieval charm
- Join a local guide to learn the fascinating history of the Gonzaga dynasty, the town’s best-known noble family.
Night 3
Casual Hotel
This contemporary boutique hotel is set in a 19th-century building in the heart of Mantua. Clean architectural lines and Italian design touches create a serene retreat just steps from Mantua's Renaissance piazzas, vibrant cafés and magnificent palaces.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Follow the meandering Mincio River past medieval mills and vineyards en route to Lake Garda’s shimmering shores
- Pause in Peschiera del Garda, a walled town that Dante once described as a “fortress fair and strong”
- Take a leisurely stroll through Shakespeare’s fair Verona
- Taste extraordinary regional wines—including Amarone, Bardolino and Valpolicella—right in their places of origin
- Bike along the Adige River to the foot of the Alps
- An unforgettable lunch awaits at a cantina near the shore of Lake Garda
- Ride through renowned Bardolino vineyards, where legendary vintages are produced
- Retreat to the sauna or spa at a former 18th-century noble’s residence
- Extend your vacation in Venice, our incomparable gateway city.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Once home to 18th-century nobility, this beautifully restored villa is surrounded by cypress, oak and vineyards—the perfect place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. A Relais & Châteaux member, the estate pairs historic elegance with Michelin-starred dining, estate-grown wines, a serene spa and a seasonal pool. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Verona or Venice Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
