The Gastronomic Heart Of Italy
- Duration: 12 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGGHI
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then travel to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Continue to our hotel in the Milan area for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Cremona
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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Parma and Prosciutto Tasting
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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Florence
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
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Bologna & Dozza with Wine Tasting
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 a winery to sample the wine.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Free Time or Reggio Emilia
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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Ferrara
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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Modena
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.Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Mantua with Tortellini Tasting
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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
To Belgium for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Return home.
Meals - Breakfast