Overview
Experience the authentic flavors, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany on this exceptional 10-day culinary journey through Northern and Central Italy. Designed for food and wine lovers, this itinerary combines historic cities, traditional producers, vineyards, medieval villages, and hands-on gastronomic experiences. Begin in Bologna, the culinary capital of Emilia-Romagna, exploring Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the iconic Two Towers, and the vibrant Quadrilatero market. Taste traditional specialties including mortadella, piadina, tagliatelle al ragù, and tortellini. Discover the secrets behind Parmigiano Reggiano at a traditional cheese factory before continuing to Modena to explore the production and aging of authentic traditional balsamic vinegar. Continue to Maranello and immerse yourself in Italian automotive heritage at the Ferrari Museum, followed by a Lambrusco tasting and a visit to a traditional culatello producer.
Itinerary
Day 01 Bologna
Begin the day discovering Bologna through its history and gastronomy. After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour through the heart of the city, from the majestic Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio to the iconic Two Towers. Continue to the vibrant Quadrilatero market, where you can sample local specialties such as mortadella and piadina. Lunch will be at a traditional osteria, enjoying classics like tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini, paired with a fine regional wine. The afternoon is free to further explore the city, linger in one of its lively squares for a coffee, or savor an artisanal gelato while soaking in the authentic Bolognese atmosphere.
Day 02 Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar
Start the day early with a visit to a traditional cheese factory near Bologna, where you will witness the artistry behind Parmigiano Reggiano. From fresh milk to large maturing wheels, discover each stage of production and enjoy a guided tasting of different vintages, appreciating their unique aromas and textures. Next, head to Modena to visit a family-run acetaia, where time and patience transform grape must into precious traditional balsamic vinegar. Learn about its slow aging in barrels of various woods and taste different vintages to experience their complex flavors and nuances. Lunch will be at a classic trattoria, savoring specialties such as tortellini in brodo and a selection of local cured meats, before returning to Bologna. 5 Senses Lifestyle
Day 03 Ferrari, Lambrusco and Culinary Treasures of Emilia
Begin the day in Maranello at the Ferrari Museum, where you will be immersed in the history, design, and innovation behind these iconic cars. Next, head to a winery in the Lambrusco region to discover the unique sparkling red wines of the area, with a tasting that highlights their distinctive aromas and flavors. Lunch will celebrate local cuisine, featuring specialties such as gnocco fritto, tigelle, and Parmigiano Reggiano. In the afternoon, visit a culatello ham producer to learn about their meticulous curing process and enjoy a tasting before returning to Bologna.
Day 04 Prosciutto di Parma and City of Parma
On this day, travel to Parma for a food-focused experience dedicated to its world -famous prosciutto. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling landscapes of Emilia-Romagna before visiting a traditional ham producer, where you will learn about the curing process that gives Parma ham its unmistakable character. After the guided visit, sit down for lunch featuring different varieties of Parma ham, paired with local cheeses and freshly baked bread. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Parma admiring its elegant architecture and historic churches or simply relax with a leisurely stroll through its charming old town before returning to Bologna.
Day 05 Bologna – Chianti – San Gimignano – Siena
Today we say goodbye to Bologna and head towards the heart of Tuscany, crossing its breathtaking landscape. Along the way, we will visit a family winery in Chianti, where we will tour the vineyards and learn about the production process of the renowned Chianti Classico. After the visit, we will enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by local delicacies such as pecorino cheese, olives, and Tuscan cured meats. After lunch, we will continue to San Gimignano, a charming 5 Senses Lifestyle medieval town famous for its iconic towers. There will be time to walk through its historic streets before continuing to Siena, where we will stay at a hotel.
Day 06 Siena Tour
Discover the enchanting medieval heart of Siena on a guided tour. Begin in the iconic Piazza del Campo, stage of the legendary Palio horse race, and continue to the magnificent Siena Cathedral, renowned for its dazzling marble floors, intricate mosaics, and remarkable artworks, including paintings by Pinturicchio and the celebrated Piccolomini Library. Stroll through the city’s labyrinth of cobbled streets, each revealing its own character, and pause to taste local specialties such as panforte and cantuccini, traditionally enjoyed with a glass of vin santo. The visit concludes with panoramic views from the edge of the historic center, offering a timeless perspective over the Tuscan countryside.
Day 07 Pienza and Pecorino Cheese
Venture into the heart of Tuscany to explore the iconic landscapes of the Val d’Orcia and its local treasures. Begin in Pienza, renowned for its pecorino cheese, with time to discover the town before visiting a local farm to learn about the production of this celebrated sheep’s milk cheese and enjoy a tasting of different varieties. In the afternoon, continue to Montepulciano for a visit to a traditional winery, where you will taste the prestigious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. There will also be time to wander through the town’s charming historic center before returning to Siena. 5 Senses Lifestyle
Day 08 Truffle Hunting
Embark on a special excursion from Siena for an authentic truffle hunting experience in the forests of the Crete Senesi. Accompanied by a local truffle hunter and his trained dogs, search for these prized mushrooms while learning about the region’s centuries-old truffle hunting traditions. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at an agriturismo, savoring traditional dishes infused with truffles, such as pasta with truffle sauce. The day concludes with a visit to a local truffle producer, taking home the knowledge and flavors of this unique gastronomic adventure before returning to Siena.
Day 09 Olive Oil and Rural Tuscan Cuisine
Visit an olive grove near Siena to enjoy an olive oil tasting and learn to distinguish the different varieties of high-quality extra virgin olive oils. Afterwards, head to a rural agriturismo for a hands- on Tuscan cooking class. Prepare traditional dishes from scratch, including pici pasta, ribollita soup, and cantuccini cookies. Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring the fruits of your labor, then return to Siena, carrying with you the flavors and memories of this unforgettable culinary experience.
Day 10 Departure
Private transfer to Florence airport according to flight schedule.