Emilia Romagna – the Breadbasket of Italy

Fly into Bologna airport. If you're traveling overnight to get to Italy, consider arriving a day early so you have time to rest, relax, and get acclimated to the local time. There's an “Arrive 1 Day Early” option in the Add-ons section of this page.

We’ll meet for a group transfer to Parma from the airport, a city celebrated for its art, elegance, and culinary excellence. After settling into the charming the Grand Hotel di Parma, take a moment to relax and freshen up before the evening begins.

Tonight, we’ll gather for welcome drinks and dinner, where we’ll meet our trip host Alice and get to know one another in a warm, convivial setting.

To finish the evening, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting featuring the distinctive wines of Parma and Piacenza, paired with a light dinner at a cozy, family-run wine bar, Tra L'uss e L'asa. It's the perfect introduction to the region’s rich flavors and inviting spirit.

We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a morning of exploration. Our guided city tour of Parma will take us through some of the area’s most iconic monuments and hidden corners, blending local history with a series of delicious tastings that serve as a light lunch, offering a perfectly balanced sampling of the city’s people, culture, and cuisine.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps stroll through charming streets, browse local shops, or relax at a café before our next activity.

In the early evening, we’ll take a short taxi ride to a private villa just outside the city, where a welcoming local host will guide us through a hands-on pasta-making class. Together, we’ll prepare fresh tortelli from scratch before sitting down to a delightful homemade dinner featuring a starter, our freshly made pasta, vegetables, dessert, and local wine. What an unforgettable evening of authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set out to explore the culinary heart of Parma with visits to two of its most iconic producers and a beautiful ancient castle. 

First, we’ll tour a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, learning how this world-famous cheese is crafted using age-old traditions—followed, of course, by a delicious tasting. 

We’ll continue on to visit the magnificent Torrechiara Castle, a 15th-century fortress that perfectly blends medieval strength with Renaissance elegance.

For lunch, we’ll head into the rolling hills of Parma to dine at Masticabrodo, a charming countryside restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and refined regional cuisine. 

Our last stop before we head home will be a Parma ham producer, where we’ll discover the art of curing and savor the delicate, savory flavors that make this specialty so beloved.

We'll return to the hotel, where you can relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure. There are plenty of lovely eateries in Parma to explore on your own or with new friends. 

We’ll depart for Bologna this morning, making a few delicious stops along the way. Our first visit is to Acetaia Medici, a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, where we’ll learn the craft behind Modena’s most famous export and enjoy a tasting of their beautifully aged vinegars.

Next, we’ll continue to the Modena countryside for lunch and a wine experience at Terrevive Bergianti, a boutique winery celebrated for its exceptional Lambrusco wines. We’ll enjoy a relaxed meal paired with several varieties of this vibrant sparkling red, all while soaking in the charm of the Emilia-Romagna countryside.

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Bologna and check into I Portici Hotel, with some free time to unwind or explore the city’s porticoes and lively streets before gathering for dinner at Trattoria Da Me, a beloved local spot known for its creative spin on classic Bolognese dishes.

This morning, we’ll set out on a guided city tour of Bologna, discovering its rich history, grand architecture, and lively markets. Along the way, we’ll enjoy tastings at local shops and food stalls, sampling some of the city’s most beloved specialties as we make our way through its charming streets.

For lunch, we’ll keep things fun and casual with a picnic-style meal at Osteria del Sole, the oldest osteria in Europe. We’ll bring along the treats we’ve gathered during the tour to enjoy with a glass of local wine in this authentically Bolognese setting. 

The afternoon is free to continue exploring Bologna at your own pace. Perhaps visit a museum, stroll under the porticoes, or relax with a coffee in Piazza Maggiore. 

In the evening, we’ll reunite for dinner at Al Cambio, a Michelin recommended restaurant celebrated for its refined take on regional cuisine.

We’ll begin the day with a scenic drive to Ravenna, a city renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and artistic heritage. Upon arrival, our local guide will lead us through some of Ravenna’s most stunning mosaic sites, where shimmering gold and glass bring centuries of history to life.

Following our morning of exploration, we’ll stop for a casual lunch at Zeno Caffè Cucina, a relaxed spot known for its fresh, creative fare. It's a perfect pause before heading deeper into the countryside.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the rolling hills of Forlì to visit Noelia Ricci, a family-run winery celebrated for its refined Sangiovese and other native Romagna varietals. After a tour and tasting, we’ll continue to Rimini, arriving in the late afternoon to check in at the 5-star Grand Hotel Rimini. This iconic seaside retreat captures the timeless glamour of Italy’s Adriatic coast.

The day concludes with dinner at the elegant Otto e Mezzo Restaurant, celebrated for its impeccable service and beautifully crafted Italian cuisine that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients in every dish.

Today is all about relaxation and indulgence. Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel, taking advantage of its luxurious spa facilities with an included spa treatment to unwind and recharge.

For lunch, we’ll dine beachside at Ristorante Otto e Mezzo La Spiaggia, savoring fresh seafood and coastal Italian flavors with the Adriatic breeze as our backdrop.

In the late afternoon, those who wish can take a short taxi ride to the Federico Fellini Museum, celebrating the life and artistry of Rimini’s most famous filmmaker. 

We’ll come together in the evening for our final dinner at La Dolce Vita, the hotel’s signature restaurant, to toast to our time together and the unforgettable moments shared along the way.

After breakfast, we’ll gather for our group departure to Bologna Airport, carrying home the memories of our travels, the laughter shared, and the new friends made along the way. Until we meet again, arrivederci, Italia!