Everything you need to know about our Emilia Romagna tour
Think of the foods you associate with Italy – Lasagne, Prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, tortellini, balsamic vinegar, Mortadella … These all come from the Emilia Romagna region in Northern Italy.
Here the fertile land has a long history of producing beautiful products. This is the region that has more DOPs than any other in Italy.
Sure, you have tried Parmesan, but how does this compare to the real things Parmigiana Reggiano? You’ve sloshes balsamic vinegar over your salad, wait until you try the authentic version, you won’t waste it on lettuce leaves!
Emilia Romagna sits between Milan, Venice and Tuscany, a region many people might travel through, perhaps stop for a night. If you love food, especially Italian food we believe this region deserves more of your time, which is why on this slow food tour we settle in for five nights, in our own private villa just outside Bologna.
Each day see’s us explore a different town from Modena to Parma, Bologna to Verona. We will meet chefs, producers, growers as we get a real taste for this rich area.
Highlights
- 5 nights exclusive accommodation in our private villa
- All meals included
- City tours of Bologna, Verona and Modena
- 1 hands on cooking class
- Visit to Parmigiana, Parma ham and Balsamic vinegar producers
- Transfers to and from Bologna train station
- Local expert guides
- Kiwi host (Vicki Ravlich-Horan (& Brad King in 2027))
Cost
$6995pp twin share (2027 tour)
Single supplement $1250
When
Our 2027 tour is scheduled for 25-30 June and runs after our Taste of Sicily tour
This tour is also the perfect private tour if you have a group of 6-12 people wanting to enjoy a bespoke intimate tour.
Itinerary
Day One
I will meet you at the Bologna train station to whisk you off to our home for the next five nights, a beautiful villa in the countryside. Time to settle in and explore the grounds, perhaps a swim before we head to dinner just across the way at Madia Cucina, an old barn converted into a unique dining experience.
Day Two
Our first full day see’s us explore Bologna on foot. The city that has long been synonymous with a passion for taste and gastronomic excellence. Notably, the first “representation” of Mortadella can be traced back to Roman times right here in the city of Bologna!
We’ll visit the ‘Quadrilatero’ where the culinary passion comes truly alive: a labyrinth of narrow streets teeming with people, surrounded by medieval buildings that house artisanal shops, historic stores, and centuries-old taverns. After taking in some of the sights and tastes of Bologna we will end our morning tour at Mercato delle Erbe, Bologna’s largest covered market. This is the perfect spot for lunch and for you to continue exploring the city at your own pace.
We’ll meet up again for dinner where we will enjoy the authentic lasagne, complete with it’s green pasta before we head home for an early night.
Day Three
Today is a big one! We will start early as we are off to discover the big three of Emilia Romagna visiting a Parmigiana, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar factories.
We’ll meet the producers, discover the history, passion and methods of making these key Italian ingredients as well of course getting to try them.
We’ll squeeze in lunch with plenty of pasta and wine before heading home for a light dinner at our villa.
Day Four
Today we head to the romantic town of Verona, the home of Romeo and Julliet.
even have the chance to ride on the funicular railway to enjoy a romantic panoramic view of Verona from above!
Our guide will wind us around the wonderful town centre while we taste all typical Veronese dishes: classic cheese and charcuterie appetizers, handmade seasonal dishes such as bigoli with ragù and other gourmet specialties, all paired with delicious local wines, ending with artisanal organic gelato.
Enjoy some free time in Verona at your own pace before we return home for a rest/swim.
Tonight we head back to Bologna for a local cooking class and lesson on the local wines.
Day Five
Today we head to nearby town Modena, birthplace to Pavaroti and Enzo Farrari.
We will start with a local breakfast of crispy gnocco fritto dipped into creamy cappuccino. Then it’s off to the Mercato Albinelli to meet the passionate vendors and taste their specialties. We’ll enjoy more traditional fare over lunch before finishing with Modena’s most famous desserts in a historic pastry shop loved by Luciano Pavarotti and Enzo Ferrari.
There will be time to enjoy Modena at your own pace before we head home for our final dinner together in the villa, cooked by Vicki & Brad.
Day Six
Time to pack and say goodbye.
After breakfast our driver will take everyone to the Bologna Train station where you can catch a train to almost anywhere – Venice with me or on to Rome or Milan airports.
What’s included on our Taste of Emilia Romagna Tour
- 5 nights private villa accommodation
- transfer to and from Bologna train station
- All meals
- Cooking class
- City tours of Bologna, Verona and Modena
- Visit to Parmigiana, Parma ham and Balsamic vinegar producers
- Local expert guides
- Kiwi host
Not Included on our Taste of Emilia Tour
- Flights
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Accommodation in Bologna
Villa Gessa is a historic residence, recently renovated, embodies timeless elegance, offering a unique experience that combines the charm of the past with contemporary luxury.
Immersed in an atmosphere of tranquility and surrounded by the beauty of nature, Villa Gessa presents itself as a treasure trove of ancient stories and modern comforts.
Inside, the furnishings enriched with antique details and high-quality finishes create an intimate and prestigious atmosphere.
Outside, the generous garden and the large swimming pool invite you to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, providing a perfect setting for private events that can accommodate up to 200 people.
This Villa represents the harmonious blend of history and modernity, offering an unforgettable refuge for those seeking a magical and transcendent experience.
Group size
This is a truly small bespoke tour. We only have 8 double bedrooms, so our tour group is limited to 6-12 pax.
Activity Level
Due to the nature of small Italian towns this tour does require you to have a reasonable level of fitness. The towns are pedestrianised and this means the only way to see and experience them is on foot. While you do not need to be able to run marathons you will be on your feet for 3-4 hours at a time. Being able to walk 10,000 steps is recommended. Note – the streets are often cobbled and uneven, which is harder on the body.
If you have any mobility issues, please let us know before booking.
Packing tips
2 pairs of comfortable flat shoes! Make sure these are not new, but worn in. Being able to alternate your footwear also helps with achy feet.
Togs. The villa has a pool and it is all ours so what better way to relax each afternoon than a swim.
Lightweight rain jacket. Pack some murphy’s law insurance by way of a lightweight jacket because if it rains we are still going to head out and explore these beautiful towns.
Check out more of my tips here
What our guests have said
FAQ
I’m travelling solo, what are my options?
More than half our guests a solo travellers. If you are travelling alone our tours are a great way to meet likeminded travellers.
If you want your own space paying a single supplement will mean you have your own room.
If you are an easy-going traveller and happy to share, we can introduce you to other solo guests to see if you would get on. We leave the decision to you if you want to share.
What is the average age of travellers?
Our youngest guests was 24, our oldest 85. The majority of our guests are aged between 55-75 years old.
As they say age is just a number, and like life the real requirement is a great attitude!
What’s Included?
A lot! This is a food tour, so we include all your meals, and this often includes wine at lunch and dinner. All the activities listed are included as well as local guides, a Kiwi host, air-conditioned transport.
What’s not included?
Flights, travel insurance, tips.
How do I book?
Fill out the booking form here.
As soon as the tour meets its min number, we will be in touch along with an invoice for your deposit (25% non-refundable). Once the deposit has been paid your place is secured.
The balance for the tour is due 90 days before the tour begins.
If you would like to set up a payment plan please let us know and we can break the tour cost into monthly or weekly instalments.
How do I get there?
The tour begins and ends in Bologna. Bologna has an airport but is more connected to other parts of Italy by Train, i.e. Rome, Venice, Milan.
I’m gluten free, is this an issue?
Possibly. If you are a coeliac, you will miss out on the beautiful fresh pasta dishes this region is famous for. We can though offer alternatives; we are more concerned about your experience.
If you have chosen a gluten free diet because your digestive system works better this way, we would suggest trying some of the local pasta to see how you react. Many of our guests who are gluten free in NZ enjoy the pasta and bread in Italy without any issues.
I’m vegetarian or vegan, is this a problem?
Yes. We try to accommodate different diets but to be frank Emilia Romagna is all about their cured meats, cheese and hearty meat filled pasta dishes. I just don’t think you would have the best experience if you can’t enjoy these dishes.
Do you organise private tours of Emilia Romagna?
Yes. This tour is a perfect tour for a small group of friends! Ideal group size is 8-12pax and we can tweak the itinerary to suit you. Email me to discuss the options hello@tasteoftours.com
Click here to book our Emilia Romagna Tour
