Day 1 – Sat 19 Oct (Dinner, overnight in MODENA)
We begin the tour in the afternoon with a walking tour of the historic Centre of Modena, famous for its Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Romanesque architecture, after which we conclude with a hearty dinner in a typical restaurant.
Day 2 - Sun 20 Oct (Lunch, overnight in MODENA)
This morning is dedicated to a visit to a dairy and cheesemaking facility to see how the world-famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made, then it’s off to lunch at vinegar works where we shall get to taste Modena’s culinary gift to the world, the Aceto Balsamico di Modena. A short stopover to the spectacular Abbey of Nonantola is scheduled before making our way back to our hotel.
Day 3 - Mon 21 Oct (Lunch, overnight in MODENA)
Today we are on excursion to the town of Parma, where we not only visit the lovely town with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, but also visit a special facility to see the making of their famous prosciutto which we shall indulge in for lunch.
Day 4 - Tue 22 Oct (Overnight in MODENA)
This morning we visit the charming ancient village of Vignola with its splendid fortress, the Rocca dei Contrari. We then head back to Modena for time at leisure on your final afternoon there.
Day 5 - Wed 23 Oct (Lunch, overnight near RAVENNA)
We make our way towards Ravenna today, but not before stopping first at Dozza for a visit of what is considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval villages of Italy, and then Imola after, a medieval town originally founded by the ancient Romans which now also boasts of a famous Formula One racetrack.
Day 6 - Thu 24 Oct (Lunch, overnight near RAVENNA)
Today is entirely dedicated to the marvelous town of Ravenna, which as a major capital city during the late Roman and very early medieval period has gifted the city with some the finest Early Christian architecture there is.
Day 7 - Fri 25 Oct (Lunch, overnight near RAVENNA)
This morning we go on excursion to the little village of Brisighella, dominated by the imposing fortress, clock tower and sanctuary atop rocky peaks high above, and where we have organised a tasting of their rare and unique extra-virgin olive oil. Lunch is provided before we head back to Ravenna for some time at leisure.
Day 8 - Sat 26 Oct (Lunch, overnight in RAVENNA)
A very different ambience is offered for today’s excursion, where we shall visit Comacchio, an ancient fishing village built on thirteen islands with an environment that strongly recalls Venice. A seafood lunch is offered today, after which we go on a boat ride around the surrounding waters to see the wildlife and many traditional structures that support the fishing trade of the locals.
Day 9 - Sun 27 Oct (Lunch, overnight in BOLOGNA)
We spend the day today visiting Ferrara, a city which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its strong Renaissance identity which influenced the planning many other cities in Italy and beyond.
Day 10 - Mon 28 Oct (Lunch, overnight in BOLOGNA)
This morning we focus on introducing the city of Bologna to you, famous not just for its cuisine and as the home of Europe’s oldest and still functioning university, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021 for its unique porticoed streets that practically surrounds the entire city. The afternoon is left at your leisure to wander around these sheltered walkways.
Day 11 - Tue 29 Oct (Lunch, overnight in BOLOGNA)
We continue our exploration of Bologna today by visiting the surprising interiors of some buildings, amongst which a covered market, an old stock exchange now turned into a civic centre, and a church which contains a most unexpected work of early renaissance art that is guaranteed to shock and leave you in awe.
Day 12 - Wed 30 Oct (Overnight in BOLOGNA)
An excursion is scheduled for today to visit the hilltop medieval village of Monteveglio and its famous Romanesque abbey, after which we head to a famous vineyard nearby for a very special lunch.
Day 13 - Thu 31 Oct (Lunch, overnight in BOLOGNA)
An optional walk is offered this morning along some 4km of porticoes to the top of the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, offering a marvellous views at the top over the surrounding landscape. A grand dinner is proposed for the evening to celebrate the final night of the tour.
Day 14 - Fri 1 Nov
Tour ends after breakfast this morning.
Download a copy of this tour programme here.
