Via Romagna in 8 days

With no elevation gain, this opening stage follows the Comacchio lagoons, deep inside the Po Delta natural park. You ride at water level for several kilometres through local salt pans, a natural habitat for pink flamingos, before reaching another protected area: the Campotto oasis. Here, you can stop at the Argenta valley museum, an eco-museum, and Environmental Education Centre for the Emilia-Romagna region, before arriving in Imola, where you can visit the Rocca Sforzesca fortress and the monument dedicated to Ayrton Senna.

Today the riding becomes noticeably tougher, but the hills hide the real gems of inland Romagna. The sweat spent on the climbs is repaid by villages perched on rocky spurs, once defensive strongholds. A visit to Brisighella, listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its historic centre and Clock Tower, is enough to confirm you are on the right route. The same goes for the elegant centre of Faenza, and for Castrocaro Terme, with its fortress and renowned spa complex dating back to medieval times, plus excellent local wines such as Albana and Pagadebit. The route then continues towards Bertinoro: after a demanding climb, you can catch your breath while taking in the view from the main square — the “Balcony of Romagna.”

Less demanding than the previous day, stage 3 runs through the valleys of the Forlì hinterland, rich in vineyards and olive groves, and marked by fortifications built on spurs of Spungone rock, including the Rocca di Meldola and Rocca delle Caminate. Climbing remains on the menu, including the ascent from Meldola to Predappio, one of the best-known climbs in the area. A final push brings you to Santa Sofia, set within the stunning Casentinesi forest national park. If you still have time and energy, we recommend exploring the park on foot, or by bike if you are travelling with an MTB or gravel bike.

The day begins with a climb, but it is the only one. Once most of the stage’s elevation gain is behind you, you reach Bagno di Romagna, famous for thermal waters that emerge at a natural temperature of 45°C. A stop at the baths can be a well-earned reward. The route then continues gently towards Sarsina, with no further climbs. You are about to enter the upper Savio valley, where is located to the Marmitte dei Giganti park, where huge cavities in the rock were formed by centuries of erosion. Local legend says they were cooking pots (marmitte, in Italian) used by giants (giganti) to warm their food. Speaking of food, in Sarsina we recommend trying local specialities such as passatelli (fresh homemade pasta), salsiccia matta (pork sausage) and bustrengo (traditional cake with raisins and nuts).

After an easier day, it is time to test your climbing legs again. Today’s stage takes you through the Montefeltro hills in the Rimini hinterland. It begins with the ascent to Sant’Agata Feltria, where you can admire the Rocca Malatestiana and the Angelo Mariani theatre, one of the oldest in Italy, built entirely in wood. Next comes Pennabilli, at the foot of Monte Carpegna, named after the union of its two ancient castles, once belonging to rival families: the Penna and the Billi. Here you can visit the home of poet Tonino Guerra and admire his artworks as you stroll through the centre. The route then climbs towards San Leo, perched on a rocky spur and dominated by its imposing fortress, before rolling into Verucchio for a well-earned recovery. If you want to taste something truly local, the olive oil and regional meats are excellent here.

The day’s highlight is Montescudo, in the Conca River Valley. You reach it after rolling terrain and a demanding climb. This is former Malatesta territory, rich in vineyards and olive groves. As in many Malatesta towns, you will find a fortress once used to defend the city of Rimini. Historical interest also includes the museum of the Eastern Gothic Line, housed next to what was once a parish church and is now the Church of Peace. Montescudo’s local speciality is potatoes (a festival is held on the second Sunday in August), an excellent source of carbohydrates for the final kilometres to Coriano, your finish for the day. Here you can visit the museum dedicated to Marco Simoncelli, beloved local MotoGP champion.

A short stage, but demanding, with elevation gain concentrated over a few kilometres. The first major climb leads to Montefiore Conca, a Malatesta medieval village surrounded by greenery and dominated by its castle, once built to defend the territory, and used as a summer residence. The route then continues into the Marche region towards Tavoleto, once under the Duchy of Urbino. We recommend visiting the Church of San Lorenzo and the nearby castle. You then return to Romagna for the stage finish in Mondaino, where you can taste the excellent local formaggio di fossa (matured local cheese).

The final day begins with a descent towards Montegridolfo, where a stop at the Malatesta castle is well worth your time. You then take on the only significant climb of the day to Saleducio, set among the gentle hills of the Valconca. Between 1500 and 1800, the Malatesta built some of the area’s most important defensive and civic buildings here. Be sure to visit Porta Marina and wander through the centre to admire its refined medieval-era palaces. The route then rolls on to San Giovanni in Marignano, with undulating terrain leading into a well-earned flat finish.