Everyone knows the Via Francigena as one of the major European pilgrimages, but few perhaps know that this route is perfect even for bicycle lovers.

The Via Romea Francigena starts from Canterbury, passes through Rome and finally continues to Brindisi, up to the embarkation for the Holy Land. The bicycle route that crosses it is 3300 km long, touches 7 countries and 21 Unesco sites: in short, paradise for those who travel by bicycle.

Along the route, particularly on the Italian territory, there are numerous signs dating back to the passing of the pilgrims since the medieval times: from the Duomo of Milan to that of Fidenza, passing through the Basilica of Sant'Antonino in Piacenza, the certosa of Pavia and the Duomo of Parma. Following the Eurovelo 5 itinerary from London to Rome is a unique experience, to try at least once in a lifetime, but if you are looking for an idea for an easier trip suitable also for children or beginners, then the itinerary from Milan to Parma is perfect for you.

From Milan to Parma by bicycle

Between cities and countryside, you start pedalling along the Naviglio Grande to discover the rice fields of the South Agricultural Park: a green area of Milan where you can discover farmhouses and local products. You then continue towards Pavia, where the splendid Certosa is located. Following the Ticino you arrive at Orio Litta where you can visit the Benedettina Grangia, a former monastery of the year 1000. From there you arrive at Fiorenzuola, entering Emilia.  

It is a simple, flat route, where you cross cultivated fields, old farmhouses and country lanes. Along the route you can hear the sounds of nature: the birds and the water flowing in the ditches.

As soon as you arrive at the Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, you enter another world. It is one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in Italy: don't miss the internal cloister, the sacristy and the shop where you can buy liqueurs, herbal teas and products made with natural herbs by the monks.

After the abbey, you continue in the direction of Fidenza and in about an hour you reach the Duomo, a destination for pilgrims for centuries. The Duomo of Fidenza is in Romanesque style and its icons and the sculptures that adorn the facade are a real stone film. It is worth stopping to carefully observe the smallest details made with really unique meticulousness. 

In Fidenza, don't miss a stop at Hosteria Number 1000, where you can drink wine in the typical cups and taste the typical products of the area: cured meats and Parmigiano Reggiano accompanied by fried cake, anolini, pisarei and fasò in addition to many other local specialties.

After a break, resume the route towards Parma, the destination of this leg of the itinerary that starts from Milan. Parma knows how to welcome travelers with its French town atmosphere, the Duomo, the Baptistery and the wonderful Farnese Theater, one of the few in Italy to be made of wood.

Would you like to go along the Via Francigena by bike? On Cyclando you find the perfect tour, to do with your friends for a weekend based on art and nature!