Via Emilia from Parma to Bologna, 8 Nights
Period: All year round, for individuals and small groups.
The Via Emilia — the ancient Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea to northern Italy — is the artery of a land renowned for its excellence in food, craftsmanship, and innovation. Known worldwide as the “Food Valley,” but also as the “Wellness and Motor Valley,” this journey reveals why Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy’s most captivating regions.
Day 1 – Arrival in Parma
Meet your tour escort at the airport or train station and transfer by private minivan to a 4* hotel in the city center. Depending on arrival time, orientation walk and welcome dinner featuring local specialties (included). Overnight stay in Parma.
Day 2 – Parma, Verdi and Culatello
We’ll head to the River Po area, specifically to Zibello, a small town that has preserved the centuries-old tradition of producing one of the region’s finest delicacies: Culatello di Zibello. Visit the beautiful Corte Pallavicina estate (admission included), now a charming agriturismo and restaurant offering local products. Visit the Culatello Museum with tasting (included), followed by lunch prepared by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Spigaroli (basic menu included). In the afternoon, stop at Torrechiara Castle and the grand Reggia di Colorno, now home to ALMA – the International School of Italian Cuisine (admission included). Evening walking tour of Parma and overnight stay.
Day 3 – Gourmet Parma
Early departure to discover how Parmigiano Reggiano is made in a traditional dairy, with tasting of various aging stages. Continue to Torrechiara Castle, famed for its role in several films, for a visit and lunch in the castle courtyard restaurant (included). In the afternoon, visit a Parma Ham producer in Langhirano with tasting (included). Return to Parma in the late afternoon. Overnight stay.
Day 4 – From Parma to Bologna
Early morning start (7:30 a.m.) to witness the lifting of Parmigiano Reggiano wheels, with tasting (included). Continue to Torrechiara Castle (admission included), then enjoy lunch in a panoramic agriturismo overlooking Parma (included). Afternoon visit to a Parma Ham producer with tasting (included), then drive to Bologna via Reggio Emilia and Modena. Orientation walk in Bologna’s historic center. Overnight stay in Bologna.
Day 5 – Bologna
Guided tour of Bologna, the capital of Italian gastronomy: explore markets, the medieval towers, and the historic university. Food tasting in the Quadrilatero gourmet district (included). In the afternoon (optional, €120), cooking class and dinner with the “Cesarine,” local home cooks famous for handmade pasta, or visit Dozza and its regional wine cellar. Overnight stay in Bologna.
Day 6 – From Bologna to Modena
A day devoted to the “Strada dei Castelli e delle Ciliegie” between Bologna and Modena. Stop in Vignola, known for its dark cherries and beautiful Rocca (entrance €10). Visit a traditional acetaia to learn about *Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena*, with tasting. Lunch in an agriturismo (included). Optional afternoon visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Overnight stay in Bologna.
Day 7 – Bologna, Brisighella and Ravenna
Travel along the Via Emilia to Faenza, then detour into the Apennines to reach Brisighella, famed for its Sangiovese and olive oil. Visit a local olive oil producer with tasting, walk along the Via degli Asini, and have lunch in a farmhouse with local DOC wine tasting. On the way back, stop in Dozza to visit the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia-Romagna inside the Sforza Castle. Return to Bologna and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Ravenna
Discover Ravenna, with its 8 UNESCO World Heritage monuments, mosaics, and rich Byzantine heritage. The walking route includes the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Evening visit to Marina di Ravenna with optional seafood dinner by the sea. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 9 – Departure
Breakfast and private transfer to Bologna airport or train station.
Price per person in double room starting from €2,350.00
The package includes:
* 8 nights in 4* hotels with breakfast.
* All transfers by private vehicle.
* Tour escort throughout the trip.
* Local guides in Parma and Bologna.
* Dinners in Parma and Bologna.
* Lunches in Zibello, Torrechiara, Maranello, and Brisighella.
* Tastings in Zibello, Parma, Maranello, Bologna, and Brisighella.
* City taxes.
* Basic travel and luggage insurance.
* 1 free double room for every 18 paying participants.
The package does not include:
* Personal expenses.
* Optional visits and tastings.
* Anything not expressly mentioned under “included.”
