We asked Star readers to tell us about trips they have taken and to share their experience and advice:
Where:Â Emilia-Romagna, Italy
When: Sept. 2024
Trip rating: 5/5
What inspired you to take this trip? My husband and I have belonged to the Veneto Cycling Club for several years, and we had previously been on two well-planned trips, to different regions of Italy. We enjoyed the camaraderie of cycling in a group, the shared meals, and the laughter that followed as we recounted the day’s adventure. The proposed trip to Emilia-Romagna was different, in that the Hotel Dory would be providing the bicycles, the routes and the guides. We were interested in exploring this region, but I was a little hesitant, because I knew cycling in Italy inevitably involved some steep climbs. I was reassured that electric bikes were available if needed.
What was the most interesting sight? Cycling, rather than driving a car, up the winding roads of the Apennines is a worthwhile experience. It allows you to see the details in the small, neat farmhouses with olive and fruit trees in the front yards. Halfway, we arrived in villages with solid stone buildings almost carved into the sides of the hill. We’d stop for an espresso in the village café and then we were back on our bikes. At our final destination, we were rewarded with postcard views of the Adriatic Sea and the seaside town of Riccione. Had we really travelled that far? Ascended that height?
What was your favourite activity? A visit to the olive grove was organized by the hotel, and this was my favourite experience after cycling. We were warmly greeted by the owners and seated at long tables with small bottles of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salsa di peperoncino (hot pepper sauce). An antipasto dish of cold cuts, cheeses and crusty bread was brought out and we added the condiments. The oil had a pleasant, buttery taste, and you just knew you were tasting a quality olive oil. This was followed by a pasta dish, more bread and a salad. Generous glasses of wine were poured. Fortunately, we were departing by bus and not on our bicycles ….
What was the most delicious thing you ate? Our breakfasts and dinners were buffet style at the hotel, and our food was fresh, varied and plentiful. The most intriguing taste, though, was the balsamic vinegar that had been aged for 31 years. The owner of the hotel, Stefano, produced balsamic vinegar, and one of our rides ended at his farm, where we saw the vinegar aging in wooden barrels. We were offered some cheese with a drop of this aged vinegar. It was thick, syrupy and sweet, but it paired nicely with the salty cheese. That evening, we were offered a taste of the aged balsamic with gelato. Delicious!
What was the most memorable thing you learned? The Hotel Dory accommodated different levels of cyclists, and their guides were competent leaders concerned with safety. At the hotel’s bike shop, you signed up for one of the routes that were posted daily. If you were able to climb moderate hills and maintain a speed of 22 km/hr., then you signed up for the Dolce Vita. Wanting a challenge with steep climbs? Then you signed up for the Cappuccino. Finding the climbing difficult but still wanting the experience? Then you could switch to an e-bike. Not interested in cycling that day or not a cyclist? Sign up for a hike or a castle tour!
What is one piece of advice you would give? Riccione is a popular summer destination for Italians, but in September the beaches are empty. The waters of the Adriatic are still warm, and we rewarded ourselves with a swim or a stroll on the beach after our cycling. Pack swimwear, but don’t overpack cycling gear. The hotel provided a laundry service where our cycling gear was washed on a daily basis.
Mary O’Connell, Thornhill, Ont.
READERS’ TIPS
We’ve launched a series that invites Star readers to share places they’ve visited recently and would recommend, whether it’s a weekend getaway in Elora, a Banff canoe trip, or a jaunt to Paris or Rome. If you’ve been, loved it and want to tell us about it, we’d like to hear from you.
Email us with “TRAVEL TIPS” in the subject line at travel@thestar.ca.
Please include brief responses to these questions. If your holiday experience is chosen, we’ll be in touch.
1. Where did you go and when was it?
2. Where did you stay?
3. What was a highlight of your trip? Why?
4. Any travel tips?
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