Discovering Bologna

Embark on a delightful four-day tour of Bologna, immersing yourself in the city’s renowned culinary traditions and rich cultural heritage. Begin your experience with a hands-on cooking class. Discover Bologna’s historic center on a guided tour, exploring its picturesque streets, elegant porticoes, and architectural landmarks. Join a wine‑tasting experience at one of Bologna’s oldest inns, where a local wine expert introduces regional DOC wines and explains their production and perfect pairing with traditional cuisine. This tour offers a harmonious blend of gastronomy, culture, and authentic local experiences.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Bologna: a vibrant city in the Emilia-Romagna region, is renowned for its medieval towers, extensive porticoed streets, and rich culinary traditions. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, the city combines historical charm with a lively cultural and student atmosphere, making it a captivating destination for tourists.

Day 1: ARRIVAL BOLOGNA

Upon arrival in Bologna, make your way to the hotel (private transfer available as an optional extra). In the evening, you will enjoy a small group lasagna and gelato cooking class.

You’ll begin by making fresh pasta from scratch, using spinach to create the classic green sheets that are a signature of the traditional recipe, just like our grandmas used to do! You’ll learn how to knead the dough, roll it out thinly, and cut it into perfect layers for the dish. Next comes the creamy béchamel sauce, which you’ll prepare from scratch before layering everything together with a rich Bolognese ragù that we’ve slow-cooked in advance, the traditional way, because real ragù takes time and can’t be rushed. Layer by layer, you’ll prepare your authentic Lasagna, ready for the oven. With the lasagna in the oven, it’s time for something sweet: you’ll make one or two flavors of homemade gelato using seasonal ingredients and easy-to-learn techniques. While everything comes together, we’ll enjoy a traditional aperitivo with local wine, mortadella, and regional ham. Finally, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy your handmade lasagna and gelato—a true Bolognese meal, prepared and shared just like the locals do. At the end of the class, you’ll also receive the cookbook, including the recipes of everything you’ve prepared, plus a few extra Italian classics to try at home.

Overnight in Bologna.

Day 2: BOLOGNA

After breakfast, you will enjoy a shared tour of the hidden gems of the city.

The tour begins with a guided exploration of Bologna’s most significant landmarks within the historic center. Participants are led through the charming streets and squares, including visits to iconic sites such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Two Towers.

The journey then continues to the Archiginnasio, once the main building of the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world. Here, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Anatomical Theatre, a striking example of 17th-century architecture, where students once observed dissections and medical demonstrations.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Clock Tower, where participants are granted the freedom to ascend at their own pace. From the tower’s summit, a breathtaking panoramic view of Bologna and its surroundings can be admired. This final segment allows for personal reflection and the chance to take in the city’s beauty, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their time in Bologna.

 Overnight in Bologna.

Day 3: BOLOGNA

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, meet your local host and enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience at one of Bologna's oldest inns. The wine expert will present three different wines from the region to you. You will learn how they are produced and why they pair perfectly with the local cuisine. You will taste three delicious DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) local wines, accompanied by a tasting of typical products from the area.

Overnight in Bologna.

Day 4: DEPARTURE BOLOGNA

Enjoy your last breakfast in Bologna and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.