The delicious Emilia-Romagna region in Italy is home to some of the BEST food in Italy. And while I am aware I say that about almost every region, this time it's true!

We will stay in the small, but cosmopolitan city of Bologna, which is the perfect jumping off point to explore this region. We will make a visit to the countryside for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, Balsamic Vinegar Tours, and a visit to a Lambrusco winery.

On our final day, we will enjoy a hands-on cooking class at a local (woman-owned) farm, a beautiful way to end our trip and celebrate our time together.

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Meals included: Lunch

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

For guests booked on the Tuscan Traditions tour, breakfast is also included before we check out of Orto dei Medici.

Late Morning/Afternoon:  Train to Bologna 

Today we take a high-speed train from Florence to Bologna. I adore train travel in Italy, and this is a perfect bite-size journey, as the trip only lasts about 40 minutes.  This does include getting your luggage on and off the train.

*for guests that are joining only the Bologna mini-tour, you may also meet us in Bologna on Day 1 if that is more suited to your pre-trip travel plans.

We will drop our luggage at the hotel and set out for a light lunch in the city center and a bit of an orientation walk. Check-in to the hotel later on your own. 

Later Afternoon:  Lunch & Walking Tour

We will enjoy our first meal together in Bologna and then join a local guide for an orientation walk to the city, about 2 hours.

Evening:  Dinner OYO

This evening, dinner is on your own. Relax and enjoy a fun evening in this lovely little town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

I am so excited for today!  We will be visiting producers of two of the most world-famous products of the region, and some of my absolute favorite things to eat: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Balsamic Vinegar.

Late Morning: Parmigiano Reggiano Producer

On this tour, we will visit a traditional producer of the famed Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.   

We’ll see the steps involved in the production - many of which still rely on experience and devotion by the “Casaro” (dairy-master) in the traditional manner rather than a purely mechanical process.

We will finish with tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano of 3 different ages and warm, freshly-made ricotta (every day).

Afternoon:  Acetaia & Lunch

Our next stop is a family-run Acetaia (Acetaia is the name of the place where they produce balsamic vinegar or the attic where the aging barrels of balsamic are preserved),

We will learn about Modena's traditional balsamic vinegar, which is much more than a vinegar. It takes at least 12 YEARS of aging to be ready fro consumption. After 25 years it can be called “extra-vecchio” with its golden capsule, having achieved a perfectly-balanced balsamic aroma that makes a perfect finish touch in drops to enhance so many recipes.

The tour includes tasting of Balsamic aged over 12 years and over 25 years and are matched to the entire lunch menu served at the family villa, ranging from appetizer to dessert.

Evening & Dinner: On Your Own

Enjoy a night out in Bologna and dinner on your own!

Meals included:  Breakfast, Light lunch, Dinner

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

Late Morning and Lunch: Prosciutto!

How I adore prosciutto - dare I say it's the best of the Italian cured meats?  Today we head out again to visit another artisan producer, specializing in Prosciutto di Modena and di Parma, as well as Culatello and the so-called Prosciutto contadino , considered to be the rustic predecessor to the more refined, 'modern' style.

We will enjoy a light lunch with abundant high-quality cured meats, local bread "Crescentine" and a few other items to round out our meal. 

Afternoon:  Lambrusco

Afterwards, we head to a highly-rated Lambrusco winery in the Modena Hills. The landscape is gorgeous, and wineries may still be harvesting grapes, depending on the season/weather. Lambrusco is similar to Chianti wine, in that American imports have often been low-quality plonk. Discover how delicious this lightly sparkling red wine is when it's made with care and attention. It may become your new favorite pizza wine!

Evening:  Dinner

We will enjoy a meal together in Bologna at a local trattoria featuring some of the lauded dishes of the region.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

Late Morning & Lunch:  Cooking Class

Today our destination is an agriturismo overlooking one the most stunning valleys in Bologna hills. 

Eating local with seasonal food is the core of this experience. We’ll pick herbs, veggies, and all that we need from the orto (garden) and around the farm to cook based on what is in season.

This class will also take us back in time, as we will learn about rural, agriculture life. The houses on the farm date back to the Medieval period and have been patiently restored to offer an experience between past and present.

And of course, we will enjoy a fabulous meal cooked together!

Late Afternoon: OYO

This afternoon you'll have a bit of time for any last shopping or site-seeing you may want to do, or just relaxing in one of the vibrant squares with a glass of wine before we meet again for dinner.

Evening/Dinner: Traditional trattoria

We enjoy a final meal together this evening, eating many of the classic dishes that the region has to offer. We can reminisce about our time together and say cin cin/cheers to new found connections and Bella Italia.

Meals included:  Breakfast

And now it's time to finally say arrivederci - which is good-bye, but also translates to "see each other soon". I do hope that's the case!

Transfers to your next adventure are not inlcuded.

Bologna is very well-connected by train to most major cities in Italy and the train station is a short 10-minute taxi ride from our hotel. Alternatively, you may fly out of the Bologna airport back to the US, or perhaps choose to fly out of Florence or Venice.

Whatever you are considering, I'd be happy to assist in planning your departure.