8-Day Cultural Journey of Emilia Romagna

The power of the Dukes of the Farnese and the former French legacy under the reign of Napoleon’s wife, Marie Louise, speaks volumes into the unique culture, the dedication to cuisine, and the enchanting ambiance of Parma. Your flight will land at Bologna Airport G. Marconi, where your transfer will greet you upon your arrival and begin your exploration of it all.

The scenic drive will bring you through the herbaceous woodlands and sporadic hills that will lead to the historical center. Your hotel lies at the heart of the fascinating city and shimmers with an attractive classical style accentuated by modern luxuries. If time allows, you can set out on an introductory city tour beginning at the 12th-century baptistery, where pink marble highlights the octagonal Romanesque architecture while Biblical reliefs decorate the wooden doors.

After breakfast, your guide will greet you at your hotel and take you to the town of Cremona, known for its historical connection to artisan violins and lutes. Medieval tower homes line the cobbled lanes that lead to the city's center at Piazza del Comune. The pedestrianized area offers insight into how the government divided Church and state by building secular edifices on the west and church-related structures on the east of the street.

The distinctive Violin Museum offers a history of the musical instrument with editorials on the sound, universal popularity, and craftsmanship. A separate gallery exhibits the drawings and molds used by renowned artisan Antonio Stradivari while the captivating sounds of a well-played violin concerto fill the museum. Visit a modern-day violin maker at their workshop to learn the secret art of crafting a perfect instrument before venturing to the private home of Verdi.

Your guide will lead you away from the delightful colors of Parma to reach the quiet streets of Soragna, a charming village known for its castle and view of the surrounding lowlands. The sweet aroma of almond cake may drift out of the bakeries, followed by the savory aroma of a simmering beef broth. You will pass butchers as they offer samples of cured ham while winemakers provide views to barrels usually hidden in the cellar.

You will soon reach the dramatic walls of Rocca Meli Lupi, the fortress first erected in the 14th century. Four towers protect the corners of the stronghold, with a central tower that adorns the south façade. The interior shows the original Baroque furnishings that represent the style, grace, and prestige of the former aristocracy. Continue to a dairy that produces Parmigiano Reggiano to learn about the techniques used to craft the renowned cheese.

You will make your way to Torrechiara in the late morning to explore the village that rises above the verdant valley with defensive towers connected to the 15th-century castle. You may hear the buzzing of bees bustling from the garden of the Abbey, where monks continue to harvest honey. The dramatic landscape leads to the rolling Apennine summits that glisten in the distance with snowcapped peaks.

After wandering through the halls and galleries of the historical castle, you will continue to a private farm known for producing incredible prosciutto. Your guide will greet you at the entrance and invite you into the kitchen to learn how the fabulous flavors inherent in prosciutto are created. Your guide will select the haunches, and you will stay engaged as it cooks, cools, and the meat is salted before it is left to rest in the damp, cool cellar.

After breakfast, your transfer will greet you in the lobby and escort you to Bologna. Medieval arcades wind along the cobbled lanes and frame the elegant piazzas as the scent of simmering meat sauce lingers in the air. Nearby, a traditional chocolaterie began producing chocolate in the late 18th century and continues to take pride in its flavors.

You will meet your private chef in Piazza del Nettuno beside the fountain adorned with the eponymous bronze statue and enter the private kitchen where the ingredients to produce a traditional Bolognese meal are laid out. You will begin by learning the art of crafting the delicate pasta of tortellini, which legend says was inspired by the naval of Botticelli’s masterpiece Birth of Venus. You will mix the ingredients into a dough, roll it out on the table, and learn how to fold and pinch the pasta into perfect tortellini.

Morning in Bologna shines with the red hues of the facades and rooftops across the city. After a guided city tour, you will venture to Ferrara to discover the often-overlooked city that was once home to the powerful Este Family. Throughout the Renaissance, Ferrara remained dedicated to the arts and sciences underneath the eccentric dynasty that oversaw a portion of the Po Valley. The 12th-century Cathedral of Saint George has both Romanesque and Gothic designs with pink and white marble.

A collection of shops has filled the Loggia of the Merchants for nearly a millennium, set beneath the two colonnaded galleries. You will find the image of the Este’s power in the dramatic façade of the castle. A 14th-century revolt inspired the noble family to erect the massive fortress from brick to protect themselves from the city, and the walls and towers soar above the cobbled streets and protective moat.

You will travel to the city of Ravenna, where the images of the past and unique charms of Italy will weave through your day. Early Christian mosaic art collections decorate the ornate churches that date back to the 5th-century. The city once served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, leading to a golden age of architecture and artwork ending around the 6th century.

A symphony of color spreads across the pastel facades. Images of St. Vitalis and St. Apollinaris crown the Venetian marble columns that decorate the heart of the square. You will have your first view of the city's mosaics inside Basilica di San Vitale. The simple brick exterior leads to an interior that shimmers with marble and bright Byzantine mosaics. The height of the ceiling may make you forget the church's small size, and you will be captivated by the artistry.

Before breakfast, you can watch as Bologna returns to its bustle and take a walk through the market of Quadrilatero. Vendors there pride themselves on the fresh produce and specialty pasta, cured meats, and assortment of cheeses. You can sip an espresso as you wander and balance the slightly bitter flavor with the caramelized crust of a sweet brioche. Your private transfer will greet you at your hotel when you are ready and escort you to the airport of your choice for your flight home.