Explore Bologna and Emilia Romagna's most luxurious and special food and wine roads on this super premium, private tour
Beautiful Bologna is located in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna, a mythical destination for foodies and home to such culinary treasures as Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena & Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia), Culatello and Parma ham, Parmigiano cheese, Vignola cherries, Tortellini pasta, Mortadella, and extra virgin Brisighella olive oil. Gastronomy is so important here that the region is called the “Food Valley.” Gourmet travelers arrive like gastro-pilgrims to the region’s producers, and top Michelin starred restaurants like Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana (winner of the World’s Best Restaurant Award).
Apart from the extraordinary food culture, Emilia Romagna is also the cradle of iconic names in Italian culture including Luciano Pavarotti, Enzo Ferrari, Ducati, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bernardo Bertolucci, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Arturo Toscanini- to name a handful. While the beautiful art cities of Bologna, Parma, and Modena are well-known gems for architectural treasures, Unesco protected heritage, and cuisine, the countryside and smaller towns in this area are still a best-kept secret in Italy and offer a very authentic experience. The landscape in the wine country here is some of the most idyllic and unspoiled in Italy. Manicured vineyards blanket the hills, punctuated by castles, abbeys, and tidy farms. The setting makes you feel like you have gone back in time.
We have designed this delicious, luxurious itinerary, taking in the best food and wine tasting activities and the most extraordinary and unique locations like the world’s largest labyrinth! You will sleep in luxurious, beautiful villas in the countryside, enjoying privacy and manicured grounds. Your adventure begins in Parma province, the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi and namesake to its famous cured hams and cheese. Carry on to Bologna, exploring Modena’s “aceitaias,” the surprisingly fabulous Lambrusco wine country (top producers Chiarli and Cantina della Volta), and dining at Francescana at Maria Luigia along the way. You will marvel at the gorgeous hamlet of Castelvetro di Modena!
There will be a few more days of private wine tastings at top estates like Umberto Cesari, Condé, and Noelia Ricci. An exclusive masterclass in Emilia Romagna wines will be organized for you in a castle, in the adorable hamlet of Dozza. Taste excellent examples of what Sangiovese, Pignoletto, and Albana grapes can taste like in this fascinating wine region.
Enroute to the unique, tiny and ancient Republic of San Marino, you will follow the footsteps of Federico Fellini in Rimini, learn how to make homemade pasta, indulge in a Michelin starred seafood extravaganza right on the beach, and visit one of the most spectacular castle fortress complexes in Italy. Let us show you the best food, wine and countryside in Emilia Romagna on this luxurious Mercedes chauffeured private tour!
Bologna Food & Wine Tours Highlights:
- Exclusive, Private Luxury Winery Tours and top tastings
- Michelin Starred Dining
- Luxury Villas in the Italian countryside
- Professional & Elegant English speaking Chauffeur & Mercedes
- Private Gourmet Experiences- Balsamic Vinegar, Food Tours, Cooking Class
- Lamborghini & Italian Icon Cars
- Visit Historic Towns and Darling Villages of Dozza, Castelvetro di Modena, Gradara
- Private Tours of Bologna, Parma and San Marino
Below is a suggested Itinerary for your private Bologna Food & Wine Tours
-
Arrival airport/hotel - Fontanellato - Parma – Roncolo – Modena
Welcome to Italy's Greatest Gastronomic Treasure- Emilia Romagna
Majestic Parma Town - Ultra Luxury Villa Hotel
- Food Tour Lunch Tastings, Dinner with wines
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
Upon arrival at the airport (Bologna, Verona, Milan, or Florence), your elegant, friendly chauffeur will meet you in the arrivals hall and whisk you away to the gourmet heart of Italy- Emilia Romagna. Your first visit today is quirky and unusual, at the Labirinto della Masone, the largest labyrinth in the world! This astonishing bamboo, octagram labyrinth designed by Franco Maria Ricci, extends over 17 acres and is a delight to visit. Stroll around this idiosyncratic spot on your own and grab a light snack at the onsite, chic bistro, run by local celebrity chefs, the Spigaroli Brothers. Then carry on to the elegant, art city of Parma. You have a fun activity in store- an art, food and wine private walking tour with a local, specialized guide.
Over the next few hours, stretch your jet-lagged legs on a relaxing walk through this beautiful town, taking in Renaissance and Romanesque architecture and tasting treats like Culatello di Zibello, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, artisan Gelato, and plenty of excellent local wines. Before heading to your villa hotel retreat outside of Modena this evening, you will stop for a private tour and fascinating tasting at Venturini Baldini. This picturesque estate dating back to the 16th century houses a traditional, historic Balsamic vinegar “acetaia” cellar, gorgeous villa, and a winery. You’ll have the opportunity to taste Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP, creative and IGP Balsamico, and a range of elegant sparkling wines.
Carry on to Modena then, after a terrific first day. Check into your luxury, Villa hotel in the countryside just outside of Modena’s historic center, and freshen up. Your driver will collect you for dinner, which will be at one of our favorite restaurants – Antica Moka. Sit down to their creative tasting menu paired with local wines. The atmosphere is pleasant, warm, and cozy with a wood-beamed ceiling and traditional decoration- you’ll love it. Your driver will bring you back to the hotel after an utterly charming dinner.
-
Modena – Castelvetro di Modena – Bomporto – Modena
Lambrusco Wine Country
Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes - Ultra Luxury Villa Countryside Hotel
- Full Breakfast, Wine Tastings, Dinner with wines
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
Lambrusco is Emilia Romagna’s most famous wine, and many would say infamous, DOC (denomination of origin). Without a doubt, it is one of Italy’s most misunderstood and under-appreciated wines. Cultivated since Etruscan times, it is a wine with history and tradition! In the best of times, Lambrusco can be a refreshing, delicious off-dry red, slightly sparkling (frizzante) wine that suits the rich local dishes like Tagliatelle Bolognese perfectly. In the worst of times, back in the ’70s and ’80s, Lambrusco gained notoriety for being a cloying, oversweet, bubble gum, treacly nightmare. These days, the quality of the wines and branding has improved dramatically. There are plenty of premium producers making superb wines on the dryer side, ideally suited to the local gastronomy in this gourmet mecca. Lambrusco is the name of the wine as well as the collective group of over 60 grapes in this vinous family, each with their own quality attributes. The most famous and highly regarded of the bunch include Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro (made around the magnificent village of Castelvetro di Modena), Lambrusco Salamino (its grape clusters look like little salamis, hence the name) and Lambrusco di Sorbara (considered to be some of the most aromatic and elegant).
Today, you will learn about the Lambrusco appellation, and taste some of the region’s best wines at top producers. Your first visit is a short, half-hour drive into the pretty countryside of Modena. You will have a private, exclusive tour and tasting at the mythical Cleto Chiarli property, founded in the mid-1800s. Enjoy a great selection of wines like Modén Blanc, Pignoletto Spumante DOC Brut, Rosé de Noir, Spumante Rosato Brut, Premium Mention Honorable, Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, Vigneto Cialdini, and Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, paired with Salumi and Grissini. The contrast of the wines is impressive; you will be an expert by the end of the tour! After this first wine experience, stretch your legs and get some fresh air with free time in the spectacular little village of Castelvetro di Modena. This breathtaking, medieval hamlet and member of the Città del Vino (Wine Cities) Association, was an Etruscan settlement before the Romans turned it into a military base (Castrum Vetus, “old camp”). You’ĺl have some free time to get some photos, walk through the village, admire the piazzas, the Torre dell’ Orologio (Clock Tower), and Castello di Levizzano in the distance.
We’ll book a table next to the ancient wall of Castelvetro at adorable Il Cappero alle Mura. The Tortellacci with pumpkin in a sausage ragu is a must. Then you have two more wine experiences. Fattoria Moretto is next, a small, family-run, organic operation. You’ll appreciate the vineyard walk after lunch and then sit down to a relaxed tasting of 4 of their top range wines, including single vineyards Crus. And finally, for a total contrast and to conclude your Lambrusco “re-education,” visit Cantina della Volta. Run by 4th generation winemaker Christian Bellei, this estate is most famous for its fine “bollicine” ( sparkling wines), which are produced Champagne style (classic method) as opposed to “Charmat” method (a less expensive process with second fermentation in the tank). You will taste 3 of his best high-end sparklers as a terrific finish to a day out in the wine country. Then head back to the villa hotel to relax, rest, and freshen up.
Tonight is a highlight of this trip- a tasting menu of acclaimed three-Michelin star Chef Massimo Bottura creations. Mindblowing and fantastic food and wine will make this a night to remember!
-
Modena – Sant'Agata Bolognese - Bologna – Castel San Pietro Terme - Dozza - Forlì hills
Lamborghini /Pavarotti, Bologna Food Tour, Wine Trails
Food market in Bologna - Private Villa on Wine Resort
- Full Breakfast, Food Tour Lunch Tastings, Wine Tastings
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick you up, and you have a fun morning instore. You’ll visit the house of the raging bull- the Lamborghini museum. You’ll tour the V10, V12, and Urus production lines, admiring the ultra-luxury sportscar fleet and feeling inspired by the iconic designs. If you have a deeper interest, we can also organize a Lamborghini Test Drive for you as part of this tour. And alternatively, we can arrange a different activity this morning if cars are not your thing, such as a visit to the Pavarotti museum. Located right in the villa where the famous tenor lived, Casa Pavarotti is preserved as a living museum. His interpretation of Nessun Dorma is the most famous on earth!
In the late morning, you’ll meet your local food guide for an entertaining, private, guided food and wine walking tour of Bologna. Visit excellent, traditional establishments with multiple tastings, and take in the stunning architecture, markets, piazzas, and more. This is Emilia Romagna’s most beautiful city, don’t forget the camera today.
Then in the afternoon, you will explore the wine country. The first stop is the elegant Umberto Cesari estate, crowned with a stylish, noble villa. The estate’s immaculate vineyards, villas, and peach orchards stretch out in all directions. The views are to die for. An interesting barrel tasting will be set up just for you as part of the cellar tour, as well as an extensive tasting of their premium range of wines like Laurento Romagna DOC Sangiovese Riserva, Tauleto Sangiovese Rubicone IGT, and Romagna Albana DOCG Passito. Some light food pairings will also be included, such as Salame Rosa, fresh basil, pear jam, and Cervia salt breadsticks; Salame Felino Fratelli Boschi; Nero and Canestrate Pecorino cheese; homemade corn crackers with alfalfa honey; and Guido Gobino dark chocolate.
In the early evening, before being swept away to your romantic villa in the dreamy, Forlì hills, you have one last stop. Dozza hamlet is probably the cutest little artsy village in the entire region. The medieval walls and archways of this tiny hamlet have been adorned with art murals painted by Italian and international artists, creating an enchanting, open-air art museum. The 13th-century castle, the Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza, is home to the regional wine enoteca, and it is where we have your last activity organized today. A masterclass in the wines of Emilia Romagna will be arranged in the castle’s beautiful brick wine cellar. Your sommelier will lead you on an educational, relaxed tasting featuring regional styles, grapes, flagship, and lesser-known producers. Finally then, after a great day, you will head towards the Adriatic coast. You will be staying in a completely private, serviced villa in a hill topped borgo, part of a luxury wine resort with multiple spaced out villas and winery. The evening is yours to enjoy dinner at the excellent restaurant on site. This destination is sheer bliss!!
-
Forlì hills – Forlimpopoli – Fiumana di Predappio – Forlì hills
Cooking Experience and Fine Wines of Romagna
Making Pasta at Casa Artusi - Private Villa on Wine Resort
- Full Breakfast, Cooking Class Lunch with wines, Wine Tastings
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
Today you will try your hand at mastering some of the region’s specialties at Casa Artusi, one of the top cooking schools in Italy. It’s also the first gastronomic, cultural center in the country, and apart from the cooking school, it houses a food and wine library (with over 45 thousand books), wine cellar, bookshop, restaurant, wine cellar, museum and a range of different spaces for private classes. They can cater to everyone from novice home cooks and food lovers to professional chefs, and everything in between. Casa Artusi is named after Pellegrino Artusi, the “father of Italian gastronomy” born in this town in 1820. Author of many culinary masterpieces including “Science in the kitchen and the art of eating well,” he enjoyed a long and interesting life, passing away in Florence at the age of 91!
Enjoy a private class this morning of traditional Romagnolo home cuisine. You’ll make the local flatbread called Piadina as well as homemade tagliatelle pasta and meat ragu sauce and cappelletti in capon broth. After a fun class, sit down to enjoy your creations, with a few generous splashes of wine. After lunch, have a quick digestive wander around this cute hamlet, take in the castle and quaint streets, etc. Then head to your last two wine estates of this trip. First up is Noelia Ricci. This historic, boutique family wine estate makes top-class natural wines. On a private tour, visit the vines, wine cellar, and the eighteenth-century Villa Pandolfa. Taste a range of their super stylish wines, including “Il Sangiovese” Romagna DOC Sangiovese Predappio and “Bro” Bianco Forlì IGT, accompanied by local artisan bread and their estate extra-virgin olive oil. And in the late afternoon, head back to your wine resort to enjoy a private tour and tasting onsite at Condé winery. Round off a stellar day with some delicious Condé Predappio Sangiovese MGA Riserva and Laguna di Sopra chardonnay. Then relax onsite at this supremely romantic villa resort.
-
Forlì hills – Rimini – Castle of Gradara – San Marino – Forlì hills
Federico Fellini's Footprints
San Marino - Private Villa on Wine Resort
- Full Breakfast, Michelin starred lunch with wines
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
Breathe the sea air today in the seaside city of Rimini. This is the birthplace of the world-famous film maestro Federico Fellini, whose “Dolce Vita” starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg have inspired generations of film buffs and cinematographers across continents. You will spend the morning visiting Rimini with a private, local guide through Fellini’s eyes, following his footsteps and old stomping grounds. Stroll through the bohemian San Giuliano district with its labyrinth of quaint streets (many with murals of Fellini’s movies) and see the Cinema Fulgor on Corso d’Augusto (where he saw his first movie ever, and which was featured in his film “Amacord”). Continue to the beach then, where a Michelin starred gourmet lunch awaits. From the outside, Guido looks like just another beach shack. Enter inside, and by the chic, nautical decor, you’ll get an inkling about the cuisine. Sit down to a creative tasting menu extravaganza of fish and seafood specialties from the Adriatic. Major treat!
After lunch, the next stop is a photo op at the Rocca di Gradara, a majestic, medieval fortified castle and hamlet, certainly one of the most impressive in Italy. Immortalized in Renaissance poet Dante’s Divine Comedy, this hamlet is said to be the legendary location of Paolo and Francesca’s tragic love story. As you walk along the 11th-century ramparts built during the feuds between the Malatesta and Montefeltro families, you will feel like you are in a movie set! You’ll have a chance to visit the fortress hamlet on your own and take some photos, have a coffee, etc. before carrying on to the tiny, oasis Republic of San Marino. Famous and yet hardly visited by the majority of travelers visiting Italy, San Marino manages to be something of a best-kept secret. It is one of the oldest Republics in the world, founded in the 4th century on Monte Titano, a Unesco heritage site. Take in views of the fairy tale castle, walk along the cobblestoned streets, admire the medieval towers and graceful squares and perhaps stop for a Campari Spritz. You’ll have free time with your driver at your disposal to zip you around. Then, head back to your peaceful wine resort for your last night of the trip. Dinner is on your own onsite.
-
Forlì hills – Bologna airport or next port of call
Buon Viaggio!
Buon Viaggio! - none
- Full Breakfast
- Private Chauffeured Mercedes
It’s been a short but magical few days! Today this portion of your Italian vacation concludes. We can extend it before or after with other terrific locations in Italy like Venice, Verona, Tuscany, Umbria, etc.
Your chauffeur will take you to your next port of call. Buon Viaggio!