From the Adriatic to the Apennines: Biker’s Tour in Forlì-Cesena hinterland

Duration: 3 days
Total Km: approx. 500 km
Difficulty: Medium/High (hilly and mountainous roads with tight bends and scenic routes)
Recommended bikes: Perfect for touring bikes, cruisers, agile sport bikes and naked motorcycles

Day 1: Forlì – Castrocaro – Campigna – Passo del Muraglione – Portico di Romagna
Total km: 175 km | Riding time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium/High (mountain passes, forest roads)

From Forlì to the Heart of the Apennines
We begin our ride from Forlì, a city steeped in history and culture. Heading west, we cruise along winding roads through vineyards and gentle hills to reach Castrocaro Terme, a picturesque village famed for its thermal springs and Art Deco architecture.

Into the Green: The Campigna Mountains
From Castrocaro, the ride gets more intense as we enter the Monti della Campigna, a protected area within the Casentinesi Forest National Park. The narrow, winding roads rise through increasingly dense woods – a dream for any motorcyclist looking for a technical and rewarding ride.

Where to eat:
Traditional lunch at a local agriturismo or mountain inn, offering regional specialties and hearty mountain fare.

Afternoon ride: Passo del Muraglione and historical villages
In the afternoon, we climb higher until reaching the iconic Passo del Muraglione, a legendary border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Surrounded by spectacular views, it’s the perfect spot for a photo break.

We then descend into the valley, passing through San Benedetto in Alpe and Portico di Romagna, two charming villages rich in medieval character.

Coffee break or refreshments on the way back before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Points of Interest:

• Castrocaro Terme: Thermal town, fortress, vineyards
• Monti della Campigna: Protected forest, scenic riding
• Passo del Muraglione: Historic mountain pass, panoramic views
• Portico di Romagna: Stone bridges, medieval charm

Day 2: Forlì – Diga di Ridracoli – Bagno di Romagna – Sogliano al Rubicone
Total km: 190 km | Riding time: 4.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium (scenic routes and light mountain roads)

The Ridracoli Dam – Nature and Engineering
We start the day heading into the Casentinesi Forests again, this time to visit the breathtaking Ridracoli Dam, a marvel of modern engineering nestled in the woods. The crystal-clear waters of the artificial lake reflect the surrounding greenery in a peaceful, almost magical setting. Optional: a short boat ride on the lake to soak in the silence of nature.

Where to eat:
Lunch at a nearby restaurant or agriturismo, featuring fresh, local ingredients and traditional Romagnolo recipes.

Riding through the Savio Valley
The afternoon takes us back down through the Valle del Savio, a winding and scenic route passing through:

• Bagno di Romagna: A charming spa town known for its hot springs
• Sarsina: Home of Latin playwright Plautus
• Mercato Saraceno: A village with deep historical and culinary roots

Gourmet stop in Sogliano al Rubicone
The final stop of the day is Sogliano al Rubicone, famous for producing the renowned Fossa Cheese. Here, we’ll visit a cheese aging pit and enjoy a tasting, followed by a quick visit to the Museum of the Vinyl Record, a quirky and unique stop.

Return to hotel in the late afternoon.

Points of Interest:

• Ridracoli Dam: Boat ride, eco-museum, nature trails
• Valle del Savio: Rolling hills and historical towns
• Sogliano al Rubicone: Fossa cheese, unique local museum

Where to eat:
Agriturismo near Bagno di Romagna or Sarsina – Truffle, mushrooms, and forest produce

Tasting experience:
Fossa cheese cellar visit and guided tasting in Sogliano

Day 3: Forlì – Valle del Tramazzo – Tredozio – Brisighella
Total km: 135 km | Riding time: 3.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium/High (twisting mountain roads and hill passes)

The Tramazzo Valley – Nature and Quiet Villages
We ride into the peaceful Valle del Tramazzo, surrounded by the gentle slopes of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines. This area is full of lesser-known treasures like Modigliana and Tredozio, each offering narrow lanes, picturesque settings, and interesting stories.

Where to eat:
Lunch in a rustic trattoria or countryside inn, enjoying dishes such as hand-rolled pasta, local cured meats, and seasonal vegetables.

Afternoon adrenaline – Riding to Brisighella
In the afternoon, the riding intensity increases. We take on winding mountain roads – true Apennine switchbacks that challenge your skills and reward you with stunning views. Our destination is Brisighella, a medieval jewel set in the Vena del Gesso Regional Park.

Here, you’ll explore the Rocca Manfrediana, the Clock Tower, and the Sanctuary of Monticino, all located on the town’s iconic “Three Hills”.

Brisighello Olive Oil Tasting
We wrap up with a tasting of Brisighello DOP olive oil, the first Italian oil to receive a Protected Designation of Origin in 1996.

Final dinner by the sea, enjoying fresh Adriatic seafood and local Romagnolo white wines.

Points of Interest:

• Modigliana and Tredozio: Quiet, authentic Apennine villages
• Brisighella: Rocca Manfrediana, Clock Tower, olive oil tasting
• Vena del Gesso Park: Unique geological landscape

Where to eat:
Trattoria in Tredozio or Brisighella – Local dishes, grilled meats, seasonal produce

Tasting experience:
Brisighello Olive Oil – DOP tasting with local bread and products