Flavours of Bologna: Food & Wine Small Group Tour of Italy

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Bologna (D)

Your tour leaders will greet you at the hotel in the centre of Bologna at 4.00 pm, where there will be introductions and a small talk on the tour. We will then guide you on a leisurely afternoon stroll through some famous sites such as Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio as well as the famous towers of Bologna. Along the way, there will be time to explore specialty produce shops and boutiques, tasting some of the region’s delicacies. The walk will end with an early dinner in a famous traditional Bolognese Trattoria to taste local specialties.

Day 2: Bologna (BL)

We spend the whole second day in Bologna. The morning will consist of a visit to a pasta lab to view how traditional Bolognese tortellini is created, followed by lunch in a local trattoria famous for its tortellini. The afternoon/evening is free to explore the wonderful city leisurely.

Day 3: Bologna, Modena & Reggio Emilia (BL)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Bologna and make our way northwest to our home for the next two nights, Reggio Emilia. On the way, there will be stops for gastronomic highlights just outside of Modena, to a local dairy that produces Italy’s prized Parmigiano Reggiano and a world-famous acetaia (vinegar loft) that makes aged balsamic vinegar. Travellers will get a guided tour of both these establishments learning the production process and traditions before finishing with a sampling of the produce. Lunch will be in a famous trattoria in the historical centre of Modena. After checking into the hotel located in the heart of Reggio Emilia there is an optional walking tour of the historical centre with an aperitivo (pre-meal drink). You then have a free evening to explore.

Day 4: Reggio Emilia & Parma (BL)

Today we continue to explore the culinary delights of the region of Emilia Romagna with a visit to beautiful Parma and its surrounding countryside. The first stop will be south of Parma to Langhirano, a town synonymous with the production of the world-famous Parma Ham. There will be a guided tour of a local Prosciutto producer, learning about the century-old techniques and traditions. The tour will finish with a prosciutto ham tasting. Upon arriving in Parma, there will be a guided walking tour of the city before lunch in a famous local eatery. Following lunch, there will be some free time to explore the historical centre of Parma and its many boutiques before returning to Reggio Emilia in the late afternoon. You will then have a free evening in Reggio.

Day 5: Reggio Emilia & Panzano (BD)

We say goodbye to Emilia Romagna as we make our way to Panzano in the heart of the Chianti wine region in Tuscany. Our next four nights will be in a villa with a swimming pool and private gardens. Travellers will have self-contained apartments for the duration of their stay. After checking in, there will be a guided tour of the winery and villa grounds before the group will enjoy an aperitivo and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Panzano & Florence (BL)

Today is a day for exploring the renaissance city of Florence. We start our morning tour in the famous markets of San Lorenzo for a tasting tour of some of the city's and region's specialty produce. We will admire landmarks rarely visited by visitors to the city along our way to lunch at a specialty Osteria to try some quintessential Florentine cuisine. After lunch, there will be some free time to independently explore this beautiful city, and shop in the famous markets and boutiques before returning to the villa in Panzano in the early evening. The group then has a free evening in Panzano at the villa.

Day 7: Panzano & Pienza (BL)

The group will travel south this morning through some of the most beautiful countrysides in Tuscany to the hilltop town of Pienza in the famed valley called Val d’Orcia. Pienza is famous for its beautiful town square surrounded by harmonious Renaissance-style buildings. The city also boasts beautiful boutiques and stunning views of the surrounding Val d’Orcia. There will be a guided walking tour of the historical centre of the city with a stop for a coffee. After exploring the historical centre of Pienza, we visit a nearby winery and agriturismo that produces its wine, olive oil and local cheese. We will have an exceptional food and wine demonstration before sitting down to taste numerous dishes sourced from the produce made on the property. You then have a free evening in Panzano at the Villa.

Day 8: Panzano & Radda (BL)

This morning the group travels to the nearby town of Radda in Chianti for a private specialty Tuscan cooking demonstration at a traditional farmhouse. Using local ingredients, travellers will learn some of the secrets of Tuscany cuisine before sitting down together for lunch with local wine. We will have a visit to the town of Radda before a free afternoon and evening to enjoy the surroundings of the Villa in Panzano.

Day 9: Panzano & Castellina (BD)

This morning we visit one of the jewels of the Chianti wine region, the small nearby hill town of Castellina in Chianti. We will spend the day exploring the small alleyways packed with specialty craft shops, cafes and stores selling local produce and artisan goods. With time to enjoy a meal at one of the numerous local eateries before returning to the villa in Panzano for a free afternoon. We will then have a final farewell dinner in Panzano.

Day 10: Panzano & Florence (B)

The group will enjoy the last views of the chianti wine road on our way to Florence. The tour will end at the Florence SMN train station.