Winner of the Italian Green Road Award in 2022, the Savio Valley Grand Tour is the perfect cycle route for those who want to explore the Cesena area in all its facets, from the coast to the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, following the course of the Savio River backwards.
Despite its considerable elevation gain (3,332 meters with a maximum uphill gradient of 15.2 percent) and its 172 kilometers in length, this loop itinerary is not only reserved for the most trained cyclists, but can also be undertaken by lovers of slower tourism, riding only one stage or tackling it with a pedal-assisted bike.
Whichever means and mode you choose, the Savio Valley Grand Tour is an excellent opportunity to get to know a corner of Romagna with a green heart, where history and traditions intertwine against the backdrop of soft hills and wooded peaks.
Before strapping on your bike, it is good to know that the cycle route can be undertaken from any of the 6 municipalities on the route (Cesena, Montiano, Mercato Saraceno, Sarsina, Bagno di Romagna and Verghereto), which belong to the Savio Valley Union.
Below is the itinerary in its entirety, from Cesena to Verghereto passing on roads with little traffic.
Cesena is the ideal place to fill up on history and art before setting off to explore the Savio Valley. There are many attractions in the city: from the Malatestiana Library (declared "Memory of the World" by Unesco) to Piazza del Popolo, just to name a few. Getting on the pedals to the Cesena hills, we first arrive in Mercato Saraceno, a town with an Art Nouveau flavor, known to cyclists for the fearsome Barbotto climb.
A few kilometers separate Mercato Saraceno from Sarsina and the Cathedral of San Vicinio, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. After a visit to the small village, we depart in the direction of Bagno di Romagna, an ideal destination for relaxation and spa wellness.
Climbing again toward the Apennines, we reach Verghereto, not far from the border with Tuscany. Here, between a glance at Monte Fumaiolo and a ride on the edge of verdant forests, the itinerary turns back to the plains: waiting for us on the way back is the small village of Montiano, protected by the ancient Rocca Malatestiana fortress.
More info on the official website
