Uncorking the Flavors of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna

Day 1 – October 3, 2024
Arrival Day – Florence

Departure from USA to Florence, Italy.

Day 2 – October 4, 2024
Florence

Welcome to Florence, the heart of Tuscany! Your journey begins as you arrive at Florence airport, where you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated Tour Leader. Throughout your entire trip, your Tour Leader will be there to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. From the airport, you will enjoy a private coach transfer to your carefully selected hotel. Upon arrival, check in at your reserved 4-star accommodation, such as the exquisite Palazzo Castri Hotel, where you will begin your 4-night stay. As the evening unfolds, delight in a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for its culinary delights. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Tuscany as you savor delectable dishes at popular establishments like Latini or Da Giovanni. Complementing your dining experience will be a selection of fine wines and non-alcoholic beverages. After a fulfilling evening, retreat to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 3 – October 5, 2024
Florence

Join your knowledgeable local guide as you embark on a captivating walking tour of Florence, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. Your tour will include a visit to the renowned Accademia Gallery, where you will witness the awe-inspiring masterpiece, David, alongside other Italian art treasures. Let the artistry of the masters transport you to another world. As midday approaches, indulge in a delightful 2-course lunch, accompanied by fine wines. The flavors of Tuscany will delight your taste buds. To further enrich your experience, we have arranged a visit to a local artisan factory. Please note that the specific factory will be determined closer to the spring of 2024, ensuring you witness the craftsmanship that makes Florence famous. In the evening, you have the freedom to explore and dine at your own pace, discovering the culinary delights of Florence at your leisure.

Day 4 – October 6, 2024
Florence – San Gimignano – Chianti – Florence

Depart from Florence in the morning for a captivating tour of San Gimignano, a medieval gem nestled in the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Immerse yourself in the charm of this historic town as you wander through its narrow streets and marvel at its iconic towers. A highlight of the tour includes a visit to a local farm, where you will be treated to a delectable lunch showcasing the flavors of Tuscany. Savor the region’s finest wines and partake in an olive oil tasting, discovering the nuances of these exquisite products. Departing from San Gimignano, the journey continues to the enchanting Chianti region. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a renowned boutique winery, where you can indulge in a tasting of their exceptional wines. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vineyards as you savor the flavors of this esteemed wine-producing region. As the day draws to a close, return to Florence, where a culinary delight awaits you. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at an authentic local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with fine wines, beverages, and a delectable dessert. Relax and unwind at your hotel where a restful overnight stay awaits you. Wake up refreshed and rejuvenated as you prepare for another extraordinary day in Florence.

Day 5 – October 7, 2024
Florence

Embark on a private tour of the local market, where you will have the opportunity to handpick fresh and flavorful ingredients for an upcoming cooking class. Under the guidance of skilled chefs, you will learn the art of Tuscan cuisine and prepare a mouthwatering lunch using the ingredients you selected. Indulge in the satisfaction of creating and savoring your own culinary masterpiece. Following the cooking class, you will have some free time to explore the captivating city of Florence at your own pace. Your knowledgeable tour manager will be on hand to provide recommendations tailored to your interests, whether it’s shopping, visiting museums, strolling through parks, or fulfilling any special requests you may have. As the day transitions into late afternoon, the group will gather for a truly unique experience: an aperitivo, a beloved Italian tradition. Enjoy this pre-dinner ritual in a stunning location, such as the Relais Santa Croce, where you will be treated to a private concert by a talented opera singer and accompanist. Let the captivating melodies sweep you away in this enchanting atmosphere. For dinner, you have the freedom to explore and choose from the diverse array of dining options Florence has to offer. As the day comes to a close, retreat to the comfort of your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

Day 6 – October 8, 2024
Florence -Bologna-parma

Get ready for a delectable adventure as you enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel and prepare to embark on a journey to Emilia Romagna, the renowned Food Valley of Italy. This region is celebrated for producing some of the country’s most famous and mouthwatering culinary treasures. Departing from your hotel, a scenic drive through the majestic mountains that separate Tuscany and Emilia Romagna awaits you. As you arrive, an extraordinary experience awaits at a charming local restaurant nestled in the Bolognese Hills. Indulge in a delectable lunch, expertly paired with exquisite wines, as you savor the flavors of this gastronomic paradise. Following this delightful feast, your adventure continues to Parma, the land of Parmigiano cheese, and the internationally acclaimed Parma ham. Upon checking into your hotel, you will have some free time to explore and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the city. Discover the captivating heritage and charm that makes Parma unique. As evening falls, a delightful dinner awaits you at a local restaurant in Parma. Enjoy an authentic culinary experience as you delight in traditional dishes accompanied by fine wines, refreshing beverages, and a decadent dessert. After a day filled with culinary delights, retreat to the comfort of your 4-star hotel where you will begin a 3-night stay, such as the elegant Hotel du Parc.

Day 7 – October 9, 2024
Parma-Modena

Indulge in a delectable breakfast at your hotel as we prepare for an extraordinary day of culinary exploration in Emilia Romagna. Our first stop will immerse you in the trifecta of this region’s famous products: cheese, ham, and vinegar. We will begin at a renowned producer of exquisite Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, where you will be treated to a guided tour, unveiling the secrets behind the creation of this exceptional cheese. Witness the craftsmanship and learn what sets it apart. Of course, no visit would be complete without a tasting of this divine delicacy. Our journey takes us to one of the most esteemed producers of Parma ham. Here, you will have the opportunity to savor this world-favorite during a delightful lunch. Immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of this renowned delicacy. Following this delectable experience, we will head to the city of Modena, where we will visit one of the finest producers of Balsamic Vinegar. Discover the pride and joy of this historic city as you delve into the intricate process behind creating this exceptional condiment. At the end of this remarkable day of culinary delights, we will return to Parma, where you will have the evening free to explore and choose your own dining experience. For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, we offer an optional dinner at a famed Michelin-starred restaurant in Modena, at an additional cost. Indulge in a tasting menu with perfectly paired wines and luxurious transportation. As the day comes to a close, retire to the comfort of your hotel.

Day 8 – October 10, 2024
Parma

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich local culture that defines this captivating region. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we will embark on an exploration of the renowned Farnese Theatre, a true gem nestled within the Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma. This theatre holds a special place in history and architecture, making it a must-visit destination. Built during the Renaissance in 1618 for the Duke of Parma, it revolutionized theatrical design by introducing the first-ever proscenium arch, a feature that is now commonplace in theatres worldwide. Despite the challenges it faced during World War II, the Farnese Theatre was painstakingly rebuilt and restored, reopening its doors to the public in 1962. Today, it stands as one of only three Renaissance theatres that have withstood the test of time. Following a guided tour that unveils the theatre’s fascinating history and architectural marvels, you will have free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the charms of Parma independently. In the evening, we will gather for a festive farewell dinner, a celebration of our incredible journey. Indulge in a delectable feast accompanied by fine wines, refreshing beverages, and a decadent dessert, savoring the flavors of the region one last time. After bidding adieu to the remarkable experiences of the day, rest and rejuvenate at your luxurious hotel.

Day 9 – October 11, 2024
Farewell

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and embark on a private transfer that will take you smoothly and comfortably from your hotel to the airport. Whether you are heading back to the United States or continuing your European explorations, this transfer will ensure a seamless and hassle-free journey.