Along the Via Emilia: Art, Flavours and Motors, 11 Nights

Period: All year round, for individuals and small groups.

Upon request, transfers can be arranged from Milan or Bologna airports or train stations.

The Via Emilia, the ancient Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea with Northern Italy, is the route of world-famous products – culinary and beyond. Known as the “Food Valley”, but also as the “Wellness and Motor Valley”, let’s discover why!

Day 1 – Parma
Arrival in Parma and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, a short guided walk through the historic center. Together with our guide, we will explore the streets, squares, and monuments of the capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. The city is world-famous for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, though these are just part of its rich culinary heritage, celebrated in eight “Museums of Taste” scattered across the area. Parma is also a city of art, culture, and music, and our itinerary will give you a full perspective of this charming city along the Via Emilia. A relaxing and flavorful day full of discoveries. Evening at leisure and overnight in Parma.

Day 2 – Parmigiano Reggiano, Torrechiara Castle and the Ham Museum of Langhirano
Early morning visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy to observe the cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting of various aged cheeses. We will continue to Langhirano to visit the Parma Ham Museum, followed by another delicious sampling. Lunch in a farmhouse overlooking the city of Parma, with local specialties. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the magnificent Torrechiara Castle, built in the 15th century by Pier Maria Rossi as a love nest for Bianca Pellegrini – a story you’ll hear as we explore the castle. Return to Parma and overnight.

Day 3 – The Great River and the Secrets of the Plains
We’ll head toward the Po River, stopping in Zibello, birthplace of the prestigious “Culatello di Zibello”. Visit to the “Antica Corte Pallavicina”, a charming estate and restaurant dedicated to local products. After a tour of the property and the Culatello Museum, we’ll enjoy a special lunch prepared by Chef Massimo Spigaroli. In the afternoon, return to Parma with stops at Torrebianca Castle and the splendid Colorno Palace, now home to ALMA – the International School of Italian Cuisine. Overnight in Parma.

Day 4 – From Parma to Bologna
We’ll stop in Reggio Emilia, the birthplace of the Italian flag, and explore this charming city known for its quality of life, gastronomy, and artistic heritage. Highlights include the Basilica della Ghiara and the Municipal Theatre. The local “Roads of Taste” are dominated by Parmigiano Reggiano, Reggio Emilia Balsamic Vinegar, cappelletti pasta, and local wines. We’ll continue to Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, check in at the hotel, and overnight.

Day 5 – Bologna: The Learned, the Fat, the Red
Our guided tour begins in Piazza XX Settembre, then continues along Via dell’Indipendenza to the Mercato delle Erbe, Piazza Maggiore, and the bustling Quadrilatero market district, with its historic shops filled with Bolognese delicacies. We’ll visit Piazza Santo Stefano and its basilica complex known as the “Seven Churches,” and walk through the charming Corte Isolani to reach the Two Towers. After a lunch of local specialties, we’ll drive up to the Sanctuary of San Luca, one of the city’s symbols, before returning through Bologna’s famous porticoes and the historic Archiginnasio University. Evening at leisure and overnight in Bologna.

Day 6 – Timeless Passions
Today we’ll follow the “Road of Castles and Cherries” between Bologna and Modena. Stop in Vignola, famous for its black cherries and the imposing Rocca Fortress. Visit a traditional “acetaia” to discover the secrets of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, aged for at least 12 years in ancient wooden barrels. Lunch in a farmhouse, and optional afternoon visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Return to Bologna or overnight in a farmhouse in the Modena hills.

Day 7 – Dozza, Its Fortress and the Regional Wine Cellar
Morning visit to Dozza, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages, known for its colorful murals and the imposing fortress housing the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Cellar. Wine tasting with a sommelier and local products. Return to Bologna and overnight.

Day 8 – From Bologna to Ravenna via Brisighella
Travel along the Via Emilia to Faenza and then to Brisighella, a delightful village known for its wines, extra virgin olive oil, and scenic setting within the Gypsum Vein Regional Park. Visit an olive oil mill and enjoy a tasting, walk along the “Via degli Asini”, and have lunch in a farmhouse with local wines. Continue to Faenza to visit a historic ceramic workshop before arriving in Ravenna. Check-in and overnight.

Day 9 – Ravenna and Its Treasures
With eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Ravenna boasts a glorious past as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and the Byzantine Exarchate. Our guided visit will reveal its magnificent mosaics and ancient monuments. In the evening, optional dinner in Marina di Ravenna with seafood specialties. Overnight in Ravenna.

Day 10 – Fossa Cheese and the Republic of San Marino
Departure for Sogliano al Rubicone to discover the unique “Formaggio di Fossa”, aged underground in straw-lined pits – a fascinating medieval tradition still alive today. Lunch in a farmhouse, then onward to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest republics, perched on Mount Titano. Walk through the medieval streets to Piazza della Libertà and the Three Towers. Return to Ravenna and overnight.

Day 11 – The Po Delta and the Comacchio Lagoons
Today we’ll explore the enchanting Comacchio Lagoons, part of the Po Delta Park. Visit the “Little Venice” town of Comacchio, with its canals and bridges, enjoy a boat tour, and lunch with local specialties. Return to Ravenna and overnight.

Day 12 – Departure                                                                                                                                                                                               Transfer to Bologna airport or train station at the appropriate time.

**Price per person in double room starting from €3,250.00**

The package includes:
• 11 nights in 4* hotels with breakfast
• All transportation during the tour
• Tour leader for the entire duration
• Guided visits in Parma, Bologna and Ravenna
• Entrance fees and tastings as per program
• Lunches at Villa Pallavicina, Torrechiara, Modena, Brisighella and Comacchio
• City taxes
• Basic insurance

Not included:
• Personal expenses
• Meals and tastings not specifically mentioned
• Anything not explicitly listed as included