Emilia Romagna, Italy

Looking for a unique Italian experience? Unearth the transcendent beauty of Emilia Romagna. This remarkable region offers a diverse mix of historic sites, from the mosaics in Ravenna to medieval Bologna. But we take the journey further. Enjoy genuine experiences that dive into the heartland's culture.  Emilia Romagna is a culinary paradise known for its handmade pasta, local Lambrusco wine, and top-notch Prosciutto di Parma. Simple. No pretentiousness, no fussiness; just pure passion for the simple and gratifying pleasures of La Bella Italia.

Itinerary

May 16, 2024 (Thursday) 
  • Arrive in Milan. Arrival transfer included.  En route to the hotel, visit a wine cellar renowned for its organic, sustainably-produced wines.  After a tour of the vineyards, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before continuing on to our hotel.
  • Overnight at Relais Roncolo 1888
  • Meals included: wine tasting and lunch

May 17, 2024 (Friday)
  • We begin in Parma, visiting an authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO producer and learning centuries-old cheese-making techniques before delightful tasting. We soak up the scenic beauty at the medieval village of Torrechiara with its captivating Renaissance castle. The day concludes with a tour of a family-owned Prosciutto di Parma PDO factory, understanding why the finest ham originates from the hills of Parma. Your included lunch is based on the typical products of the area: Prosciutto, tortelli di Parma, and homemade cakes, paired with local wines like Lambrusco and Malvasia. After lunch, visit a family-run producer of traditional Balsamic Vinegar PDO for a guided visit & tasting.
  • Overnight at Relais Roncolo 1888
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tastings

May 18, 2024 (Saturday)
  • Today Discover Bologna's two sides - the 'Fat' and the 'Learned', blending gourmet delights and rich cultural heritage. Start with a glimpse of the pasta-making 'sfogline' in their shops. Next explore the Quadrilatero district, the historic food market dotted with mouth-watering offerings.  Appreciate the city's renowned landmarks, like Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Statue, and UNESCO-listed Porticoes.  After leaving Bologna, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ferrara, a gorgeous Italian art city. You see the Schifanoia Palace, the Castello Estense, and stop at a historic pastry shop for the legendary tenerina cake.
  • Overnight at Relais Roncolo 1888
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, tastings

May 19, 2024 (Sunday)
  • Explore Reggio-Emilia and its gastronomical and historical treasures, like Sala del Tricolore, the birthplace of the Italian flag, and the Romanic Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta. After savoring pastries from a city-center shop, we venture to Modena. Visit the bustling Albinelli food market, a family-run Traditional Balsamic Vinegar PDO producer, and indulge in the famed 'tigelle' stuffed with regional cold cuts and cheeses. 
  • Overnight at Relais Roncolo 1888
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, tastings​

May 20, 2024 (Monday)
  • Enjoy a relaxed morning at Roncolo1888, where you can lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa massage, take a quick hike, or simply soak in the tranquility.  We then head to Parma for a walking tour to learn about the town's remarkable heritage. Afterwards, we head to our hands-on cooking class where you'll prepare traditional dishes like fresh ravioli, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Tiramisu.  
  • Overnight at Relais Roncolo 1888
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner
​
May 21, 2024 (Tuesday)
Option 1 - Departure Day
  • If you are leaving today, you will transfer back to the Milan airport.  
  • Meals Included: Breakfast
Or Option 2 - Continue to Milan
  • You will transfer to Milan, where will will check into our new hotel and head out for a walking tour to explore the city.  We'll see the Duomo and The Last Supper!
  • Overnight at NH Collection Milano President
  • Meals Included: Breakfast 

May 22, 2024 (Wednesday)
  • Begin the day with a tour of the Monumental Cemetery, a symbolic site hosting magnificent graves. Celebrating famous figures like Toscanini and Marinetti, it serves as a captivating open-air museum with over 5000 graves by renowned creators.
    Next venture to 'NOLO', one of the city's most happening neighborhoods, brimming with outdoor cafes, concept stores, and bustling young businesses. 
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

May 23, 2024 (Thursday) - Departure Day
  • Transfer back to the Milan airport.
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Overview

Arrival Information
  • Milan, Italy (MXP)
  • May 16, 2024
  • Your flight must arrive by 11:30 am 

Departure Information
  • Milan, Italy (MXP)
  • May 21, 2024
  • Depart at any time
  • Departure transfer from your hotel to Milan airport included

Places visited
  • Porto, Portugal
  • Douro Valley, Portugal
  • Aveiro, Portugal

Price for Emilia Romagna only:
  • ​€2,960​ per person for double occupancy
  • €3,915 per person for single occupancy.  There are a limited number of single rooms available.  
  • If you don't have a roommate, I will try to match you with one so you can pay the double occupancy price.​
Price for Emilia Romagna and Milan:
  • ​€3,560​ per person for double occupancy
  • €4,890 per person for single occupancy. 
Deposit
  • 30% of the total per person
  • Deposit payment is 100% non-refundable!

Ready to Book?
Travel Insurance
  • It is mandatory for all travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000.  An all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.  You can learn more about your options from Roam Right and purchase a policy here. 

Inclusions

Accommodations
  • 5 nights hotel in Emilia Romagna
  • 2 nights hotel in Milan (if booking the extended tour)
Activities
  • Full Day Food Valley Gourmet Tour
  • Full Day Ferrara and Bologna Tour
  • Full Day Reggio-Emilia and Modena Tour 
  • Parma City Tour
  • Cooking Class
Milan Activities
  • Half Day Walking Tour of Milan
  • Half Day Tour of Monumental Cemetery and NOLO
Meals
  • 5 breakfasts (7 breakfasts with Milan extension)
  • 3 Lunches
  • 1 Dinner
  • Tastings throughout
Transportation
  • All transportation to and from included activities in a private vehicle
  • Arrival transportation from the Milan airport to the Emilia Romagna hotel
  • Departure transportation from the Emilia Romagna hotel to the Milan airport OR to the Milan hotel
  • Departure transportation from the Milan hotel to the Milan airport
Guides and Host:​
  • Rene from Grand Explorations will be your host for the duration of the trip
  • Local expert guides where appropriate

Exclusions

  • International Flights to Italy
  • Any meals and drinks not listed under Inclusions
  • Any activities not listed under Inclusions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (Can be purchased here from Roam Right. Travelers are required a sum of $200,000 for both emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Important Notes

  • ​While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to this style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.