ITALY BY TRAIN: Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is an Italian region rich in history, culture, and gastronomic traditions. A land of authentic flavors, it is home to culinary excellences such as Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar, accompanied by fine wines like Lambrusco and Sangiovese. Here, the passion for automobiles is deeply rooted: Modena and Maranello are home to Ferrari and other iconic brands of the Italian automotive industry.

The landscape ranges from gentle hills to fertile plains, passing through medieval and Renaissance art cities, castles, and charming villages. A journey to Emilia-Romagna is an immersion in flavors, art, and mechanical excellence, perfect for those who love culture and good food.

Arrival in Bologna, hotel accommodation, and overnight stay in the city.

Departure by train from Bologna to Piacenza (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). Hotel check-in.

Located along the banks of the Po River, on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, Piacenza is an elegant and welcoming city that surprises visitors with its rich historical and artistic heritage and its strong food and wine tradition. Strolling through the historic center, you will encounter scenic squares, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance palaces that tell the story of the city’s past, once a crossroads of trade and the residence of the Farnese dukes.

Included regular experience:

Guided Walking Tour of Piacenza

Walk through the most characteristic streets of the city, stopping at Piazza Cavalli, the heart of Piacenza, the Romanesque Cathedral, the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, and the elegant Renaissance palaces that reflect centuries of history and power. The tour includes the entrance to Palazzo Farnese, the sumptuous ducal residence hosting the Civic Museums: explore art collections, archaeological finds, and monumental rooms, including the stunning Sala dell’Affresco and the famous Etruscan Liver, a rare bronze artefact linked to ancient cults.

Overnight stay in Piacenza.

A day dedicated to discovering Parma, where art, culture and world-famous culinary traditions come together in the heart of Emilia.

Suggested train trip: Parma

Departure to Parma by train (approx. 1 hour).

In the heart of its refined historic centre, admire masterpieces such as the splendid Romanesque Cathedral and the Baptistery, jewels of medieval art. As the capital of Italian gastronomy, Parma is home to world-renowned culinary excellences, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, symbols of an exceptional culinary tradition.

Suggested experiences:

Guided Walking Tour of Parma

Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the historic heart of the city and discover curious anecdotes and legends linked to this elegant and cultured city, beloved by musicians and food lovers alike.

Gastronomy in Emilia – Parmigiano Cheese and Parma Ham

Immerse yourself in Parma’s culinary tradition with a visit to a prosciutto factory and uncover the secrets of the “King of Cheeses.” Learn about the production stages of the famous Prosciutto di Parma DOP and be captivated by the aromas of aging. At the end, enjoy thinly sliced prosciutto paired with artisanal bread. Continue your journey by discovering the production process from milk to aged wheel, visit the spectacular ageing rooms, and finish with a guided tasting of different Parmigiano Reggiano vintages, paired with honey and balsamic vinegar.

E-Bike Tour in Food Valley

Experience the Food Valley in a unique way with an e-bike tour through picturesque rural landscapes, stopping at key locations that showcase local gastronomic traditions.

Overnight stay in Piacenza.

Departure by train from Piacenza to Bologna (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). Hotel check-in.

Bologna, the cultural and gastronomic heart of Emilia-Romagna, enchants visitors with its long arcades, a unique symbol of hospitality and style, and the medieval towers that dominate the city skyline. Here, culinary tradition is a true art: from tortellini to ragù, each dish tells a story of authentic flavors and passion.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Bologna’s historic center.

Discover Bologna’s hidden treasures and architectural wonders with an expert guide. Walk beneath the characteristic porticoes, visit Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Fountain, and the iconic Two Towers, immersing yourself in the history and lively atmosphere of this university city.

Overnight stay in Bologna.

To enhance the stay in Bologna, several optional experiences are available, focusing on gastronomy, wine, and the region’s motor heritage, designed to provide deeper insight into the area’s cultural and production excellence.

Suggested experiences:

Street Food in Bologna

A guided walk through historic markets and artisan shops, tasting typical products such as tortellini, mortadella, and lasagna, accompanied by a glass of Lambrusco.

Ferrari Tour and Modena Balsamic Vinegar

Spend an entire day immersed in the legend of Ferrari and the renowned “Black Gold” of Modena. This extraordinary tour takes you to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and into the heart of the Food Valley to learn about the ancient tradition behind this exceptional product, Modena’s famous traditional balsamic vinegar.

Bike Tour in Bologna

Discovering Bologna by bike is the ideal way to enjoy an overview of the city. Cycling through the historic centre, a guide will show you the most iconic landmarks and hidden corners, offering tips on what to visit, where to experience the local atmosphere, and which culinary specialties to taste.

Horse Ride in Hills of Bologna

Discover the scenic hills of Bologna on a relaxing horseback ride surrounded by nature. Riding along panoramic trails, through woods and gentle hills, you will enjoy an authentic experience just a few minutes from the city centre, guided by experienced instructors and suitable even for beginners.

Overnight stay in Bologna.

For this day, we suggest choosing between a train excursion to Ferrara or Ravenna, two cities rich in history, art and cultural heritage. Participants can freely choose their destination and the activities or visits they wish to enjoy.

Suggested  train trip: Ferrara

Departure to Ferrara by train (approx. 30 minutes).

A Renaissance city framed by imposing ancient walls, Ferrara captivates with the majestic Este Castle and the Palazzo dei Diamanti, a unique masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its historic centre, full of noble palaces and elegant squares, combined with tree-lined avenues and a peaceful atmosphere, offers the perfect setting for relaxing walks through timeless history and beauty.

Suggested  train trip: Ravenna

Departure to Ravenna by train (approx. 1h15).

Famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna is a city rich in history and art. Its churches and monuments tell the story of its past glory as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate. Walking through its streets, visitors discover masterpieces such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, true treasures of early Christian art, along with a lively cultural scene and a charming historic centre.

Suggested  experiences:

Ravenna Mosaics Tour

A unique journey through the Byzantine masterpieces of the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A specialised guide will accompany you to explore one of the most important sites of ancient art in the world.

Overnight stay in Bologna.

For this day, we suggest an excursion to Modena, a symbol of Emilia-Romagna where art, culture, motors and culinary traditions come together.

Suggested train trip: Modena

Departure to Modena by train (approx. 15 minutes).

Modena, the vibrant heart of Emilia-Romagna, is famous for its artistic, cultural, and gastronomic heritage. Renowned worldwide for culinary excellence, Modena is home to Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and iconic sports cars such as Ferrari and Maserati. A lively city that blends tradition and innovation, perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in authentic Italian art, history, and flavours.

Suggested experience:

Enzo Ferrari Museum

Immerse yourself in the story of the legendary Enzo Ferrari and the evolution of the iconic Prancing Horse. Inside the spectacular yellow hood-shaped building, explore iconic cars, multimedia exhibits, and engaging narratives about the founder’s life.

Overnight stay in Bologna.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.