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Emilia and Southern
offered by supplier M18361 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 10
- 50
people
Destination(s):
Italy
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 950 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 950 Euro (EUR)
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Bologna is the capital city of what is considered the gourmand Italian region. It is a must for anyone traveling to discover healthy genuine food, who will arrive to a place people prefer home made specialties: tagliatelle and tortellini, but also beautiful ham and Lambrusco wine. To emphasize the fascination of this city are its arts and its lively University environment. The Chianti area can be the right counterbalance to the high-spirited cities and beaches of Emilia Romagna. We arrive into an oasis of silence and
peace, surrounded by a landscape of softened colors, small ancient
villages, old lonely farmhouses, silent woods and olive groves.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Bologna
Arrival in Bologna, capital city of this region. Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: “La Dotta” (The Learned City) and “La Grassa” (The Fat City).
We will spend the morning visiting Bologna and enjoy its proverbial liveliness. This city is known as “la dotta” (the learned) since in 1088 it became seat of the oldest University in Europe; but it is also called “la rossa”(the red) on account of its red roofs and reddish porticoes and also because it is a traditional stronghold for left wing politics. Bolognesi are very fond of food and the city is world known for its rich cuisine and that is why the other nickname is “la grassa” (the fat lady). Bologna immediately fascinates with its many students and crowded porticoes. Symbols of the city are: Piazza Maggiore (the main square) with Palazzo del Podestà (Government Palace) and the unfinished basilica of San Petronio where the Emperor Charles V was crowned, the Archiginnasio which for centuries served as the University seat, and above all the two XII Century towers that stand out in the throbbing heart of the city. In the afternoon “pasta fresca” cooking class. Our “sfoglia” chef will teach us how to make wonderful pasta with a rolling pin. To end up the day: dinner to taste what we have cooked and to experience special food-wine schemes with our wine expert. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Ravenna: mosaics and some relax by the sea
After breakfast we will travel to Ravenna and visit the splendid city of the multicolored and beautiful Byzantine mosaics: saints, emperors and biblical fi gures are represented in small mosaic tesserae, declared by UNESCO “Heritage of Humanity” altogether with eight monumental buildings, such as Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the churches of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, this last one located in the ancient late-Roman harbor area, all of them really unique masterpieces. Not to forget that also the tomb of Dante, the grand Italian poet, is in Ravenna. In the afternoon we reach the Adriatic coast with its sandy beaches and refreshing pine woods for some relaxation. Check in at the hotel, dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: From Faenza to Brisighella: ceramics and oil
After breakfast we will travel towards Faenza, Renaissance center and synonymous of art in ceramics. The Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche (International Ceramics Museum) collects and arranges a great number of Italian and foreign items which are considered outstanding examples of art, technique and tradition. Before lunch we walk along lovely streets and wander about the ceramic workshops. In the afternoon we travel to Brisighella and visit a famous oil mill which produces the excellent local extra-virgin olive oil. Then through the green hub of Mugello, which has a century-long lasting connection with Florence testify ed by the many Medicean residences, we reach the hotel. Check in and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Florence, cradle of the Renaissance.
After breakfast we will visit the splendid Florence, capital of the Italian Renaissance, one of the cities favored by haute couture gurus and a set stop for who wish to experience some of the greatest expressions of the Italian genius. Walking along the lively downtown streets, one become lost in admiration for the Duomo (Cathedral) with its famous Brunelleschi dome, the baptistery of San Giovanni, the Bell Tower of Giotto, the Ponte Vecchio over Arno River, the church of Santa Croce, the splendid Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella, the imposing Palazzo Pitti, the Uffi zi Art Galleries: a succession of marvels of the Western world arts. In the afternoon, we will take some free time for shopping, before going back the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: The Siena Chianti
Chianti is more than just a famous wine renowned throughout the world. It is an ancient farmland nowadays attempting to survive. Landscapes where nature and art blend into a world full of charm; dozens of religious buildings remind of the roads followed by pilgrims in old times, villages reflect ancient history. Chianti has got its own identity making a small fascinating world by itself. Northwest of Siena, high on a hill, stands the fortify ed mass of Brolio Castle, which captivates not just because of its impressiveness and its insolent stand over the hills, but also because it was here where the new Chianti was born out of frantic researches by Baron Ricasoli, the so-called Baron of iron, owner of the castle itself. Its visit perfectly matches with a guided tour through the near modern wineries, with their attractive architectural design. In the afternoon we will continue on to Castello di Volpaia, near Radda. Here the entire medieval village has turned into a wine and oil production center, as well as a tourist resort. The visit is extremely interesting as along the village’s narrow lanes history mixes with the fermentation techniques used to produce wine or the pressing methods for oil: an intoxicating blend of arts and flavors. After the visit, we move on to Radda in Chianti, a graceful village with many artistic attractions and monuments in a gorgeous position, to stroll along the elegant downtown area. At the end of the visit, we check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (77 km)
Day 7: Siena, a jump into the Middle Ages and through a Gothic daydream.
After breakfast we leave for Siena, city of the Palio, rich in architectural jewels. We take a guided tour of the city: Piazza del Campo, opening like a seashell in the heart of the medieval city, the high Torre del Mangia, and the magnificent Duomo with its splendid decorated fl oor. The museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala is waiting to be discovered as we walk through pure harmony of streets and palaces that resound with Medieval stories. We will visit the Enoteca Italiana. In the afternoon we will travel south through a perfect picture landscape: the “Crete senesi” area with its hills of eroded flanks, elegant rows of cypresses, scattered farmhouses, villages and lonely churches. This is one of the most photographed places in Tuscany. We reach Montalcino where Brunello, perhaps the greatest Italian red wine, is produced and after crossing downtown at the foot of the Rocca, we visit the winery to discover new matchless flavors. In the evening we reach Bagno Vignoni, a tiny spa resort located around a big “piazza d’acqua” (thermal spring). Dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay. (84
km)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, we travel back to Bologna. (220 km)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Cultural Journey
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