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 experience:

Guided tour of Piacenza’s historic center.

Walk through the most characteristic streets of the city, with stops 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.

Overnight stay in Piacenza.

To enhance the visit to Piacenza, it is possible to take part in optional experiences focused on local gastronomy, the city’s museum heritage, and its history, offering a targeted insight into its main cultural and identity-defining aspects.

Suggested experiences:

Street Food in Piacenza

Discover Piacenza in an authentic way with a street food tour that takes you through hidden alleys and charming squares of this surprising city overlooking the Po River. Along the way, you will taste typical Piacenza specialties directly from historic shops, markets, and small local venues in the city center: from the famous Piacenza DOP cured meats to cheeses, paired with local wines. A journey through authentic flavors and genuine atmospheres that reveal the city’s true character.

Palaces and museums of Piacenza

Entrance to Palazzo Farnese, a magnificent ducal residence housing the Civic Museums: a journey through art collections, archaeological finds, and monumental halls, including the impressive Hall of the Frescoes and the famous Etruscan Liver, a very rare bronze artifact linked to ancient cults.

Tour following the footsteps of the Farnese family

A thematic itinerary dedicated to the powerful Farnese family, which transformed Piacenza into a vibrant cultural and artistic capital of the Renaissance, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s architecture, art, and collective memory.

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:

Food Walking Tour in Bologna

Guided walk through historic markets and local food shops, with tastings of typical products such as tortellini, mortadella, and lasagna, accompanied by a glass of Lambrusco.

Wine Tasting in Bologna

Discover the aromas and flavors of the Bologna hills with a refined guided tasting of local wines. In a historic wine shop or winery, an expert sommelier will lead you on a sensory journey to discover native grape varieties.

Guided visit to the Ducati Museum

Immerse yourself in a passion for engines with a guided visit to the Ducati Museum, a true temple dedicated to the famous Emilia-based motorcycle brand. Discover the history, innovation, and design that have made Ducati a global icon of two wheels. An engaging experience for enthusiasts and the curious alike, highlighting the blend of cutting-edge technology and artisanal tradition.

Ferrari Tour and balsamic vinegar tasting

Spend a full day immersed in the Ferrari legend and the famous “Black Gold” of Modena. This extraordinary tour takes you to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and into the heart of the Food Valley to discover the ancient tradition of an outstanding product: Modena’s renowned “Black Gold.”

Overnight stay in Bologna.

The day includes train excursions to Ferrara or Ravenna, two cities rich in history and art. Participants can freely choose how to spend their time, selecting the activities or visits they prefer in each city.

Suggested train departure: Ferrara (approx. 30 min)

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

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of Ferrara

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center with an expert guide, immersing yourself in the refined atmosphere of a city rich in history. Discover charming squares, magnificent noble palaces, and hear fascinating stories that inspired great artists and writers over the centuries.

Bicycle tour of Ferrara’s city walls

Explore by bike the impressive Renaissance walls surrounding the city, cycling past historic bastions, scenic gardens, and panoramic views of the quiet Ferrarese countryside. An active and immersive experience at the heart of history and nature.

Suggested train departure: Ravenna (approx. 1h 15 min)

Famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna is a city rich in history and art. Its churches and monuments recall a glorious past as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate. Walking through its streets, you will 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 atmosphere and charming historic center

Suggested experiences:

Visit to Ravenna’s mosaics

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 specialized guide will accompany you to discover one of the most important ancient art sites in the world.

Romagna Piadina Workshop

Take part in an authentic, hands-on workshop with local cooks, custodians of the culinary tradition. Learn to prepare the perfect dough and roll out the piadina using traditional techniques to achieve the ideal thickness for a crispy, flavorful result.

Overnight stay in Bologna.

The day includes train excursions to Modena or Parma, two cities rich in art, history, and gastronomy. Participants can freely organize their own time, choosing from the experiences offered in each destination, from cultural visits to food and wine tours, creating a personalized itinerary according to their interests.

Suggested train departure: Modena (about 15 min).

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

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of Modena's historic center

Discover Modena’s architectural wonders with an expert guide who will accompany you through squares, churches, and monuments. Visit the Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb the Ghirlandina Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar tasting in Modena

Join a visit to a historic vinegar producer and learn about the artisanal production process of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Taste different vintages and be surprised by the complexity and richness of this unique product.

Enzo Ferrari Museum

An immersive experience that tells the story of the legendary Enzo Ferrari and the evolution of the Prancing Horse myth. Inside the spectacular yellow car-shaped building, discover iconic cars, multimedia exhibitions, and engaging stories about the founder’s life.

Visit to Luciano Pavarotti’s birthplace

For music lovers, a visit to the birthplace of the famous Modenese tenor allows you to learn about his life, career, and the musical legacy he left to the city.

Visit to Mercato Albinelli and local lunch

Explore the historic Modena market, an authentic place to discover fresh products and local specialties. Meet producers and food artisans and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city’s gastronomic heart. After the tour, enjoy a lunch based on traditional regional recipes.

Suggested train departure: Parma (about 1h).

In the heart of its refined historic center, marvel at masterpieces such as the splendid Romanesque Cathedral and the Baptistery, jewels of medieval art. Capital of Italian gastronomy, Parma is the birthplace of world-famous delicacies like Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, symbols of an excellent culinary tradition.

Suggested experiences:

Cultural walk in Parma’s city center

Explore the historic heart of the city with an expert guide, discovering curious anecdotes and legends related to this elegant and cultured city, loved by musicians and food lovers alike.

Visit and tasting at a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy

Discover the secrets of the King of Cheeses. Follow the production process from milk to aged wheel, visit the spectacular aging rooms, and finish with a guided tasting of different vintages paired with honey and balsamic vinegar.

Prosciutto di Parma tour with tasting

Immerse yourself in Parma’s tradition with a visit to a prosciutto factory. Learn the production phases of the famous Parma Ham DOP and savor thin slices paired with artisanal bread and a glass of local wine.

Food Valley e-bike tour

Experience the Food Valley on an e-bike, passing through picturesque rural landscapes and stopping at landmarks of local gastronomic tradition.

Guided tour of the Colli Parmensi winery

A panoramic experience among the gentle hills of the Colli Parmensi, perfect for discovering local wines in a relaxing and authentic setting—from vineyard to bottle, immerse yourself in the scents and flavors of the territory.

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.