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The Gastronomic Heart of Italy
With its roots tracing back to Ancient Rome, Italian cuisine is an essential part of the fabric of Italian culture. Join us as we explore and discover both the culture and cuisine of the northern gastronomic heart of Italy. From the delights of Tuscany to the Emilia-Romagna region, there’s an incredible array of both exciting and tantalisingly tasty experiences to enjoy. Sample the delicious Parma and Prosciutto Ham before embarking on a discovery of the breathtaking city of Florence, enjoy a pizza-making experience and even a spot of wine tasting on this incredible culinary exploration.
Tour Includes
- 11 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 9 evening meals and 1 light lunch
- Convenient local joining points
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Experiences
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 12 day itinerary
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then travel to northern France for an overnight stay.
Continue to our hotel in the Milan area for an overnight stay.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Today, we spend time in the picturesque city of Cremona. Famous for its finely crafted violins, Cremona has a charming historic centre, where beautiful medieval and Renaissance buildings are clustered around the Piazza del Commune.
The Torrazzo is one of Europe’s tallest surviving, medieval brick towers that houses one of the world’s largest astronomical clocks.
Following time at leisure we continue to our hotel in Montecchio Emilia for a seven-night stay.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Spend the morning in the former royal city of Parma where, following an included sightseeing tour, you will have time at leisure to discover everything the city has to offer, including the French-inspired Palazzo Ducale, the wooden Teatro Farnese and the cathedral’s baptistery.
We continue with a drive to Langhirano, located at the heart of Parma Ham country, where we will learn all about the production of one of Italy’s most recognisable food products.
We will enjoy an included Prosciutto tasting for those wishing to sample the local delicacy.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we will travel to the Renaissance city of Florence, where there will be time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights.
See the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral).
During our visit, we will include a walking tour of the central market, where your guide will take you through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights.
We will also experience a pizza-making class at a local restaurant
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
We begin the day in Bologna, home to one of the most exquisite and best-preserved historic districts in Europe, where we will enjoy a guided tour to introduce you to this beautiful city.
The grand squares and elegant landmarks such as the ‘degli Asinelli’ and ‘della Garisenda’ towers, plus the San Petronio Basilica and the Neptune Fountain, make it a delightful place to explore on foot, and our local guide's informative commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities which have shaped the history of this magnificent city.
You will have time at leisure to explore before continuing to the medieval village of Dozza, known for its castle and archetypal decorated houses. This area is known for the production of Lambrusco, and we will end our day with a visit to a winery where we will sample the wine.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Spend the day at leisure, or join us for an optional half day visit to Reggio Emilia. Known as the 'Tricolour Town', it was here that the Italian flag was adopted for the first time in 1797.
Nowadays, Reggio is famous for its gastronomy and quality of life. It is well known for producing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar.
Enjoy free time exploring the medieval streets and perhaps taste the local specialities with lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Ferrara is a city that must be experienced. In every corner you will discover the character of a magnificent Renaissance capital.
The historic district, surrounded by a 9 kilometre-long city wall, can only be visited on foot or by bicycle. The historic city centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
In Ferrara, accompanied by a certified guide, we will visit the cathedral, the basilica and the medieval historic district.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we travel to the beautiful town of Modena, known for its wide arcaded streets, large squares, attractive cathedral and Ghirlandia Tower.
We include a sightseeing tour of the city before having time at leisure to explore.
This afternoon we continue to the town of Maranello, where we visit the world-famous Ferrari Museum.
We end the day with a visit to a local balsamic vinegar cellar to learn all about the traditional production techniques involved in the process to guarantee the quality of the vinegar, which like grappa, is based on grape must.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we visit the medieval city of Mantua. Considered one of the main artistic and cultural hubs of northern Italy, it is renowned for both its delicious cuisine and its beautiful architectural splendour.
With a local guide, explore the beauty of the cathedral, Palazzo Ducale and other impressive buildings of the UNESCO listed historical centre.
This afternoon we continue to the idyllic hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio, whose impressive 13th century castle is visible from miles away.
Famous for its tortellini, we will get the chance to taste this meat-filled pasta dish before continuing to the Vipiteno area where we have an overnight stay.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
To Belgium for an overnight stay.
Includes Breakfast
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for seven nights at the 4-star Hotel Conte Verde, located in Montecchio Emilia. Overnight stays in northern France, northern Italy and Belgium will be in city-style hotels.
