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Experience the very Best of Emilia Romagna

Private · Emilia-Romagna

Discover Emilia Romagna West (9 nights/10 days) : All Private tour of Emilia Romagna including Bologna, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, and incredible wine/food experiences plus Ferrari, Parmesan & Prosciutto

10 Days Emilia-Romagna

The Overview

Overview

Our Emilia Romagna Discovery itinerary is a great option for first timers or returning visitors as it highlights areas not usually seen in mass tourism routes. Get to the heart of the land and see local people producing their specialty while learning their story. This region has the highest amount of quality food products in the entire world and this specific itinerary lets you experience the many types of Pasta, sauces, ham, cheese, wine, salami and liquor with on a local scale. 

The Itinerary also offers you the possibility to add the Emilia Romagna East experience as well as the neighboring region itineraries as it is thoroughly mapped out by Adam Beaven, an Italian Travel Specialist who has been living and exploring the region for several years.  

Although food and wine play a big part in this region, we also introduce beautiful countryside towns, historic fortresses, and even the option to relax in a natural Thermal SPA as well as get behind the wheel of a Ferrari! The itinerary has local drivers throughout for every tour and can be customized to each person upon request. 

Duration

10 days

9 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

Our Emilia Romagna Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the region who want to feel first hand the local traditions of the food and wine producers while discovering the main towns and cities in the West of Emilia Romagna.

Regions
Emilia-Romagna
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Emilia-Romagna
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 2 cooking classes · 1 dinner · 1 wine tasting · 1 lunch
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Emilia-Romagna

Chapter 1 · Days 1–10

Welcome to Emilia-Romagna

Population: 3,983,346 Area: 22,123 km² Capital City: Bologna Provinces: Bologna, Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio-Emilia, Rimini Official Website: Emilia Romagna Wikipedia: Emilia Romagna   The region of Emilia Romagna is located in northern Italy on the Adriatic coast just south of the Veneto region.  Foodies and gourmets the…

Explore Emilia-Romagna
Day 1

Emilia-Romagna, Bologna

Arrival in Bologna

  • Dinner
  • Cooking Class
Arrival in Bologna — photo 1 Arrival in Bologna — photo 2 Arrival in Bologna — photo 3 Arrival in Bologna — photo 4 Arrival in Bologna — photo 5

Meet your Private English speaking driver at Bologna airport and relax in the luxury vehicle until your drop off outside your central Bologna hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon until you meet your private chef for an evening Cooking class to learn the secrets of Tortellini and Green Lasanga, originally coming from Bologna. Enjoy Dinner and a chat with your local chef. 

Where we collect you At your hotel
Day 2

Emilia-Romagna, Bologna

Explore Bologna and Surroundings

  • Breakfast
Explore Bologna and Surroundings — photo 1 Explore Bologna and Surroundings — photo 2 Explore Bologna and Surroundings — photo 3 Explore Bologna and Surroundings — photo 4 Explore Bologna and Surroundings — photo 5

Meet your local guide at your hotel and begin a walking tour of Bologna. The city is small but packed with inspiring history, picture worthy landmarks and delicious food. 

Pass through Piazza Maggiore, home to the fountain of Neptune and a very uniquely designed church. Head over to the cities very important food market and admire the 'two towers' before meeting your private driver, who will take you and your guide to the nearby San Luca sanctuary for a visit and depending on the open days, you will also have a chance to extend your time to visit the magical castle of Rocchetta Mattei before being dropped off at your Bologna hotel. 

Day 3

Emilia-Romagna, Modena

Bologna to Modena

  • Breakfast
Bologna to Modena — photo 1 Bologna to Modena — photo 2 Bologna to Modena — photo 3 Bologna to Modena — photo 4 Bologna to Modena — photo 5

Meet your private driver at your hotel to begin your transfer to Modena. Rest of day at leisure to explore the small town. 

Day 4

Emilia-Romagna

Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari

  • Breakfast
Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari — photo 1 Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari — photo 2 Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari — photo 3 Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari — photo 4 Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar & Ferrari — photo 5

A full day with your private driver begins from your hotel lobby. You will be introduced to the factory owner of a hugely impressive Parmesan cheese producer. Be guided through the establishment for roughly 1 hour before trying the cheese itself in a small tasting session. Continue with your driver to Official Ferrari Museum. Here, you'll be shown through the many galleries while you take jaw dropping photos of classic and modern Ferrari's as well as spending time in the F1 room where you can hear the real noises of the impressive machines. After a lunch break, you will be driven to a lovely village in the middle of Emilia Romagna hills for an exclusive visit to an ancient Balsamic Vinegar producer. Here, you will be shown the aging process before getting the chance to taste some as old as 100 years. Optional add on: Drive a Ferrari! 

Day 5

Emilia-Romagna

Lambrusco Winery & Village visit

  • Breakfast
  • Wine Tasting
Lambrusco Winery & Village visit — photo 1 Lambrusco Winery & Village visit — photo 2 Lambrusco Winery & Village visit — photo 3 Lambrusco Winery & Village visit — photo 4 Lambrusco Winery & Village visit — photo 5

Meeting your driver outside your hotel, you will begin your day of exploring the local wine! Your driver will be with you the entire way so sit back and relax while enjoying wine such as the classic red wine of Lambrusco! Walk through the vineyards and learn the making process before tastings of wine and small snacks. Before heading back to your hotel, we will stop in a local village for a visit and chance to browse local produce. 

Day 6

Emilia-Romagna

Modena to Parma

  • Breakfast
Modena to Parma — photo 1 Modena to Parma — photo 2 Modena to Parma — photo 3 Modena to Parma — photo 4 Modena to Parma — photo 5

Your local driver will bring you from your Modena hotel to your Parma hotel, where you will be staying for the next 3 nights. Later in the day, meet your professional guide of Parma to begin a short walking tour of the historical center while you can take the chance to also add some local ham during tour. 

Day 7

Emilia-Romagna

Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional

  • Breakfast
Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional — photo 1 Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional — photo 2 Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional — photo 3 Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional — photo 4 Castles of Emilia Romagna + Optional — photo 5

Today is dedicated to the very important history of the region during the middle ages. Your driver and guide will bring you to a small town with a very impressive fortress, the history rich village of Vigoleno, and the the nearby Palace of Colorno. Suggested Optional add on's are: Meet local Liquore producers + tastings and time in an elegant Thermal SPA. 

Day 8

Emilia-Romagna

Piacenza, Food and Village

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Cooking Class
Piacenza, Food and Village — photo 1 Piacenza, Food and Village — photo 2 Piacenza, Food and Village — photo 3 Piacenza, Food and Village — photo 4 Piacenza, Food and Village — photo 5

Your last day before heading back to Bologna will be well spent with your private driver to visit the village of Piacenza. Here, you will begin a gourmet food experience where you will taste and try your hand at local delicacies. Your driver will then bring you to the small mountain countryside village of Bobbio for a visit and great picture opportunities. You will be driven back to your Parma hotel after a day full of wonder. 

Day 9

Emilia-Romagna

Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto

  • Breakfast
Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto — photo 1 Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto — photo 2 Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto — photo 3 Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto — photo 4 Parma to Bologna + Prosciutto — photo 5

Your driver will meet you outside your hotel this morning for a Bologna hotel drop off. On the way, you will visit a traditional Prosciutto ham producer and get to taste the good stuff. 

Day 10

Emilia-Romagna, Bologna

Departure from Bologna

  • Breakfast
Departure from Bologna — photo 1 Departure from Bologna — photo 2 Departure from Bologna — photo 3 Departure from Bologna — photo 4 Departure from Bologna — photo 5

Private driver from Bologna hotel to Bologna airport a few hours before your scheduled flight. 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • English speaking professional tour guides
  • English speaking local drivers
  • 4 star hotels
  • Airport Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
  • Winery visit
  • Cooking Classes
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Our Concierge Service
  • Exclusive look into Italian traditions
  • Road Tolls
  • Ferrari visit
  • Specialized and Personal Service
  • Tastings of local products
  • Help with restaurant reservations
  • Translation Services
  • Transportation in luxury vehicle
  • Ease of mind during vacation
  • Time in Italian Countryside
  • Wine Tastings
  • Opportunity to extend and upgrade

What's Not Included

  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance Fees which must be paid locally unless you specially request us to make reservations in advance
  • Everything not clearly specified under “rates include”.
  • Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Gratuities of any type
  • International fights
  • Italy hotel tourist tax (must be paid locally at hotel)
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Optional excursions during your tour
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
  • Travel Insurance
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Hotel Metropolitan Bologna

Hotel Metropolitan Bologna

Emilia-Romagna, Bologna

The Hotel Metropolitan in Bologna stands as a refined blend of modern comfort and timeless hospitality, situated in the heart of the city's medieval c...

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In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna and beyond

10 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we collect you

At your hotel

Where it starts

Emilia-Romagna

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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10 days · Pricing on request

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