Food and Castles in Emilia Romagna
7 NIGHT TRIP
Discover the heart of Emilia Romagna, where world famous flavors meet centuries old castles. From the culinary capital of Bologna to the elegant streets of Parma, enjoy tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Balsamic Vinegar. Along the way, explore medieval villages, rolling hills, and some of Italy’s most impressive fortresses.
Bologna: The Educated, The Fat, The Red
Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class
Ferrari Museum Experience in Maranello
The Hilltop Art Village of Dozza
Castello di Compiano and Castello di Bardi
Nature and Nobility at Parco dei Boschi di Carrega
Torrechiara Castle and Its Renaissance Frescoes
Parmigiano Reggiano & Prosciutto di Parma Tastings
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BOLOGNA
Welcome to Emilia Romagna! Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure. Let anticipation build for the culinary and cultural treasures ahead. Overnight stay in Bologna.
DAY 2: BOLOGNA – THE EDUCATED, THE FAT, THE RED
After breakfast, dive into Bologna’s rich heritage on a guided city tour. Stroll through Piazza Maggiore, admire the grand Basilica of San Petronio, and explore the historic Archiginnasio, once home to Europe’s oldest university. Wander through the medieval alleys of Mercato di Mezzo and gaze up at Bologna’s iconic leaning towers.
In the afternoon, join a hands-on cooking class in the heart of the city. Learn to craft fresh pasta and sauces from scratch, the authentic Bolognese way. Afterward, enjoy your handmade meal paired with regional wines. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Bologna.
DAY 3: FOOD AND FERRARI LOVERS
Start your day with breakfast before heading out on a thrilling tour that blends gourmet delights with Italian engineering excellence. Travel to Maranello to visit a traditional Balsamic Vinegar house for a tasting, followed by tours of the Ferrari Museum and the Enzo Ferrari Museum.
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch in a local trattoria nestled in the hills, where handmade pasta and local wines await. In the late afternoon, return to Bologna. Overnight stay.
DAY 4: TOWARD PARMA VIA DOZZA
After breakfast, depart for Parma with a scenic stop in the artistic hamlet of Dozza. Explore the enchanting Rocca Sforzesca castle and the region’s leading wine cellar, tucked beneath its foundations. Wander streets adorned with vivid murals painted by local artists.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in town before continuing your journey to Parma. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight stay in Parma.
DAY 5: CASTLES AND PORCINI IN THE APENNINES
Following breakfast, set out on a countryside tour of the Apennine Mountains. Begin in Borgo Val di Taro, famed for its prized porcini mushrooms. Then visit Compiano and its dramatic hilltop castle with panoramic views over the Taro Valley.
Continue to Bardi, a quaint village home to the stunning Castello di Bardi, steeped in legend and history. Return to Parma in the evening. Overnight stay.
DAY 6: NATURE WALKS AND MEDIEVAL GRANDEUR
Enjoy a morning immersed in nature at Parco dei Boschi di Carrega, a serene landscape of woodlands, villas, and lakes. Take a guided walk to discover the park’s natural beauty and resident wildlife.
Next, visit the majestic Castello di Torrechiara. Explore its lavish halls and Renaissance frescoes, considered among the finest in the region. Return to Parma. Overnight stay.
DAY 7: A TASTE OF PARMIGIANO AND PROSCIUTTO
Today is all about flavor. After breakfast, visit a Parmigiano Reggiano producer to witness the traditional cheese-making process and enjoy fresh tastings straight from the source.
Then head to Langhirano, heart of Prosciutto di Parma production. Tour a prosciutto factory and savor a hearty lunch featuring freshly sliced ham and regional specialties. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Parma.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to Bologna Airport. As you say arrivederci to Emilia Romagna, take with you unforgettable memories of its food, castles, and culture.
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to changes based on service availability at the time of travel.
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