Itinerary

1. BOLOGNA

   Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Bologna, the perfect destination for a journey that will tantalize your taste buds, and leave you with unforgettable memories. This evening, get acquainted with the locals and enjoy an “aperitivo” at a cocktail bar. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. (D)

2. BOLOGNA

   Today, your local guide will introduce you to Bologna, the capital city of Emilia Romagna, often referred to as Italy’s gastronomic capital. Your exploration of Bologna will start from Piazza Maggiore, the main square and the heart of town, and the center of Bologna’s political and social life since the 13th Century. The square was also home to one of Europe’s biggest open-air markets until the mid-1800s, with goods coming from all parts of the world. While strolling with your guide, you will see the statue of Neptune, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Medieval market, the Two Towers and the Archiginnasio, the first permanent seat of the ancient University of Bologna, and the Anatomical Theatre, a hall made of carved wood that was built to carry out anatomy lessons. During your visit of Bologna, you will make a stop at Majani’s*, the maker of Italy’s first solid chocolate, and at Atti’s, a must in Bologna, where you will learn about the history of “tortellini” also known as the famous “Navel of Venus,” a historical specialty and symbol of Bologna. The tour will end at Tamburini, an informal store/enoteca where everything is made in-house. Here you will taste delicious products, such as mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and salami, accompanied by local wine. (B)

3. BOLOGNA I MARANELLO I BOLOGNA

   Today, your senses will be awakened by the sights, sounds, and flavors of the “Fast Car Land.” Your guide will share the history of the region and why it has been home to some of the most important Italian brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati. Whether you are a sports car fanatic, or simply wanting to extend your Italian cultural experience, you will be amazed with the Ferrari Museum tour. Located next to the actual factory where each “Cavallino” is born, this modern museum will take you on a ride thought the history of Ferrari and its iconic sports and race cars. Visit the newly updated Hall of Victories to see the actual world champion F1 cars that have thrilled millions of race fans over the years, and the Fiorano track, created by Enzo Ferrari in 1971 for testing all the cars produced by the Prancing Horse company. After lunch at a local trattoria, your tour will end with a visit of the Maserati or Lamborghini Museum. Overnight in Bologna. (B,L)

4. BOLOGNA I FOOD VALLEY I BOLOGNA

   Get ready for a day filled with superb local food tasting experiences. The Food Valley is known and appreciated worldwide as the heart of a territory that has for centuries held vast secrets of the area’s celebrated wine and food. The area boasts 43 PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products, that range from Parma ham to Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena traditional balsamic vinegar, and Culatello, to mention a few. Regarded by many as the “King” of Italian cheeses, you will have the rare opportunity to see up close how Parmigiano Reggiano is created and aged. You will walk into a live production facility and stand side by side with craftsmen as they prepare and work the special milk, fill the iconic molds, and age the cheese to perfection. Finally, you will enjoy a generous tasting of a variety of ages, along with some local Lambrusco wine, to help you understand why this cheese always lives up to its heavenly reputation. After lunch at a local restaurant, we are off to visit an “acetaia” for a tasting of its 15, or even 30 year-old barrel-aged balsamic vinegar. Overnight in Bologna. (B,L)

5. BOLOGNA I PARMA I BOLOGNA

   Today you continue your journey through the Food Valley with a visit of Parma. Your walking tour will start from Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the city, and continue to the evocative Cathedral and the wonderful Baptistery. Continue your tour with a visit of an artisanal prosciutto production facility. Here, you will tour and see the full process and understand the many painstaking and time-consuming steps required to produce this one of a kind cured meat. We will visit the different seasonal simulation storage rooms before trying some of the highest quality, freshly sliced tastings you will ever have of this classic. Overnight in Bologna. (B)

6. BOLOGNA TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

   Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)