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Discover Romagna through the VRG BIKE: The Gateway from Northern Europe
The VRG BIKE represents the “melior via” to reach and discover Romagna. This cycling route, which intersects 8 cycling trails and various bike tourism itineraries, offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and hidden treasures of this land. Starting from Northern Europe, the VRG BIKE becomes the privileged gateway to a slow, sustainable, and authentic travel experience. A green highway that, thanks to its numerous intersections, allows visitors to choose what to explore in the Romagna region.
A Conscious and Sustainable Journey
Organizing a trip to Romagna via the VRG BIKE and visiting the places crossed by this and other cycling routes means embracing slow tourism, respecting the environment, and fully enjoying the region’s beauty. The cycling route weaves through a dense network of bike tourism itineraries ranging from the coast — featuring the Po Delta, the Saline of Cervia, and the scenic “Ciclovia del Sale” — to the wonders of the hinterland with routes that cross the GAL L’Altra Romagna territories. Here, MTB, gravel, and e-bike enthusiasts will find a true paradise, with options beyond the 8 cycling trails: the San Vicinio Cycling Route, Dante’s Path, Saint Anthony’s Way, Saint Francis’ Path from Rimini to La Verna, The Assisi Path, Viae Misericordiae, and the Alta Via Dei Parchi. Additional alternatives include:
SAVIO BIKE HUB
VAL SAVOR
PARCO REGIONALE DELLA VENA DEL GESSO
This approach allows for exploring the region consciously and sustainably, providing an authentic experience in close contact with nature and local traditions.
Romagna’s Warm Hospitality
Once in Romagna, visitors can stay in charming agriturismi and bed & breakfasts, savoring the genuine hospitality of Romagna. Along the journey, iconic points of interest can be explored, ranging from medieval villages, such as the picturesque village of Pianetto, to important Roman archaeological remains like Theodoric’s Villa in Galeata. Historic castles, such as Rocca di Meldola and the impressive Cusercoli Castle, stand as testaments to the past, while spiritual landmarks like the millennial Santa Maria Annunziata Co-Cathedral Basilica in Sarsina, a pilgrimage site for “deliverance from evil” thanks to the “iron collar” kept behind the altar among the saint’s relics, provide unique experiences. In Bagno di Romagna, renowned thermal baths offer perfect relaxation, while the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and its interesting Museum of Sacred Art, preserving valuable ecclesiastical and local artifacts, are worth visiting. Contemporary art enthusiasts will find a fascinating gallery dedicated to this artistic period in Santa Sofia.
For those interested in engineering and nature, a visit to the imposing Ridracoli Dam and its Hydro Museum is a must to discover the secrets of the dam and its ecosystem.
The region also boasts significant natural areas, particularly the magnificent Casentinesi Forests National Park, Monte Falterona, and Campigna, home to ancient beech forests recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every stage of this journey through GAL L’Altra Romagna’s territory offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the peculiarities and traditions of each municipality, creating an authentic travel experience in close contact with nature, culture, and local hospitality. This approach makes it possible to explore Romagna consciously and sustainably, for a truly immersive experience.
Romagna’s Culinary Treasures
Romagna is a true paradise for food lovers. Its cuisine, rich in history and tradition, is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Every dish tells a story, evokes emotion, and reflects a piece of this land. From the coast to the hinterland, Romagna’s table offers an explosion of flavors to delight the palate. Freshly caught fish, exquisite cured meats, and passionately cultivated vegetables are just a few of the ingredients that make Romagna’s cuisine so unique and inimitable.
The undisputed queen is the fresh egg pasta, expertly prepared by the “sfogline” — skilled women who pass down the art of rolling the dough from generation to generation. Tagliatelle, lasagna, tortelli, cappelletti, passatelli — in broth or dry, a true comfort for the soul — and the delicious spoia lorda, another example of stuffed pasta that enchants the palate: every shape has its own story and flavor, embodying care and passion for fine cuisine. But Romagna is not only about fresh pasta: the hinterland, in particular, offers a wealth of authentic flavors. Among the most appreciated specialties are tortelli alla lastra, cooked on hot stone and filled with potatoes and cheese, a rustic and flavorful dish that warms the heart. In Bagno di Romagna, one can savor bassotti, square crispy tagliolini cooked in pork broth and gratinated with cheese, lard, and breadcrumbs — a true concentration of flavor!
The forests provide endless delicacies like mushrooms and truffles, which enrich dishes with intense and unmistakable aromas, while chestnuts feature prominently in many sweet and savory recipes, especially in autumn. Cheeses deserve a special mention: raviggiolo, now a Slow Food Presidium, with its freshness and delicacy, is a true gem of Romagna’s dairy tradition, along with Formaggio di Fossa. Let’s not forget the excellent Brisighella PDO olive oil, with its fruity and intense flavor, and the wines that perfectly accompany every meal: robust and full-bodied Sangiovese, sweet or dry Albana, light and fresh Trebbiano, and Cagnina, a sweet red wine perfect with cookies and roasted chestnuts. And of course, there’s the iconic Piadina Romagnola IGP, the ultimate street food, paired perfectly with the creamy and fresh Squacquerone di Romagna DOP, ideal for snacks and aperitifs. During Easter, the traditional Sarsina Easter Bread, rich in symbolism and flavor, is a must on the table. For those who enjoy bolder flavors, game meat enriches autumn and winter menus with intense, wild tastes.
Savoring Romagna’s cuisine means immersing oneself in a millenary culture. Every bite is a journey through time, an experience that reveals the true soul of this land, made of passion for good food and love for its traditions.
An Unforgettable Adventure
The VRG BIKE is not just a cycling route, but a gateway to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Romagna. Pedaling along its paths, one can admire the region’s diverse landscapes — from lush hills to historic villages, from nature reserves to vineyards. Every kilometer traveled with the VRG BIKE is an invitation to discover and experience Romagna in all its beauty and authenticity.