Emilia-Romagna
8 days - 7 nights
Min 2 people
Monday to Sunday
Via Emilia: the Italian Food Route built by the Romans in 187 B.C. A Full Immersion in the Region in Europe with the highest number of Certified PDO and PGI products such as: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, Balsamic Vinegar and many more
Departure from Piacenza, the first city of the itinerary along the Via Emilia, the historic road created by the Romans in the year 187 B.C. now considered the “Italian Food Route” for the unbelievable quantity of worldwide typical products that were “born” in this part of Italy. Discovery of the land of Piacenza.
For lunch: Visit to one of the many wineries of this important wine district where a great red wine is produced: the Gutturnio, a PDO wine made only in this territory, obtained by the masterly mix of Barbera and Croatina grapes.
Transfer to Parma. Arrival at the selected accommodation, welcome dinner and overnight (D).
Early in the morning – Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO doesn’t need any presentation. It’s simply the King of the Cheeses and it’s still made like centuries ago. You’ll have the unforgettable experience to see the full production of it with, of course, a final tasting.
To follow – the other great protagonist of the local and worldwide gastronomy: Prosciutto di Parma PDO, considered unanimously one of the greatest ham of the world.
For lunch – The morning will end with a great tasting at a local producer of CDO Lambrusco and Malvasia wines.
In the afternoon – once back to Parma and after a refresh at the hotel, city centre walking tour to discover the main attractions of this little and elegant city of art.
Enjoy dinner on own and overnight. (B, L)
In the morning – Begin with a morning drive along Po river (the longest river of Italy) to discover the land where “the little brother” of Parma ham is made: only a few producers in the whole world make Culatello di Zibello PDO. Because only here its unique flavours can be obtained thanks to the noble moulds coming from the humidity of the Po.
Visit to a unique XII century aging cellars where more than 5.000 pieces of Culatello rest.
After that, be ready for an amazing hands-on cooking class about typical pasta helped by a Michelin starred kitchen staff! During the class, you’ll be able to taste the product of your work as appetizer before the final lunch including the whole cold cuts production of the farm.
*not available on Saturdays and Sundays
In the afternoon – on the way back to Parma, picture stop in front of the house where the “Maestro” Giuseppe Verdi was born.
Enjoy dinner on own and overnight. (B, L)
Breakfast and check-out.
Transfer along the Via Emilia heading south east, stop in Modena area, also called Motor Valley due to the fact that worldwide famous sport cars and motorbikes are made here: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and Ducati!
In the morning – you will be able to visit the recently opened museum dedicated to Enzo Ferrari, built around and inside the house where he was born, with unique car exhibitions that changes every 6 months.
To follow – visit to an ancient Acetaia where the flavorful Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO is produced. Tasting/lunch at the end of the visit.
In the afternoon – once in Maranello: visit of the Ferrari Museum with time at disposal at the end for some shopping of Ferrari branded stuff if you wish.
Prosecution to Bologna, arrival late in the afternoon. Check in at your selected accommodation.
Welcome Bolognese style dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
In the morning – Discovering walking city centre tour of Bologna focused on the main monuments, the market and on the great historical gourmet stores with different tasting that will allow us to learn about Mortadella and all the other still unknown gastronomical treasures that this city keeps. The multiple tastings will be your lunch today!
Remainder of the day at leisure.
Enjoy dinner on own and overnight. (B, L)
In the morning – transfer to Ravenna and 3-hours guided tour with entrance to the monuments of the UNESCO situated in the historical center (Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare nuovo, Neonian Baptistery and St. Andrew’s chapel), visit to a mosaic workshop.
For lunch – typical lunch with specialities from Romagna: mixed starters (cold cuts, cheeses and piadina), two first courses (such as cappelletti with meat sauce and strozzapreti with vegetables), dessert, water, coffee and loca wine.
Transfer to Verucchio and free time.
Check-in at the selected accommodation, enjoy dinner on own and overnight. (B, L )
In the morning – visit of Mondaino, a suggestive ancient town where the pit Cheese (Formaggio di Fossa PDO) is still produced with strict medieval rules.You will enjoy the tasting on the poetic verses of the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri!
To follow – Montegridolfo, renowned all over Italy for its elegant restored historical centre and also for the production of Extra Vergin Olive Oil Colline di Romagna PDO. About half of the production of extra-virgin olive oil from the entire Emilia-Romagna region is produced around these hills. Meeting with the producer and tasting.
Lunch – in a beautiful farmhouse and Piadina Romagnola cooking class! Piadina is the most traditional speciality of Romagna, it began as a poor food eaten by rural populations, especially popular because it was cheap to make; a simple pastry of flour, lard (or EV Olive Oil), salt and water. Without yeast! You will taste it also with ham and the delicious Squacquerone di Romagna PDO cheese! (Local wines included)
In the afternoon – further transfer to Gradara, lovely medieval castle on the border between Romagna and Le Marche region, selected as the most romantic town of Italy. The reason lies in the romantic and tragic love story between Paolo and Francesca recounted by Dante Alighieri in the divine comedy.
Entrance to the castle included, visit at your disposal. At the end some free time to discover the centre and to do some shopping in the traditional shops.
Late afternoon return to the hotel. (B,L)
Check-out and end of your journey. (B)
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