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Exploring Italy Food & Wine Tours

Italian Riviera & Emilia-Romagna

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Taste buds at the ready!

Today your adventure begins with a flight in to historic Genoa, located in the heart of the Italian Riviera on the Ligurian coast. Pick up your hire car, cruise in to the city and take the rest of the afternoon to settle in and perhaps enjoy an aperitif in the medieval old town. Welcome to Italy!

Day 2 - History, culture and plenty of pesto!

Joined by your expert local guide, navigate the labyrinth of narrow medieval alleyways that make up the largest old town in Europe, and stroll along Via Garibaldi, a Unesco World Heritage Site, marvelling at the incredible painted palaces. Afterwards, try your hands at making traditional Genoese pesto with a local culinary expert in the setting of a noble palace. Of course no pesto making class would be complete without a wonderful sit down lunch to reward your hard work! 

Day 3 - Hiking with a view

Today you bid farewell to Genoa and continue your journey along Liguria’s beautiful coastline to the colourful seaside town of Sestri-Levante. En-route, enjoy a guided hiking tour in Portofino Natural Park along the wonderful trail that links the villages of Santa Margherita and Portofino. Walk along lush Mediterranean vegetation, olive groves and amazing cliffs enjoying the breathtaking sea views. 

Day 4 - Discover Sestri-Levante

Today is yours to relax and enjoy your colourful surroundings. Hugging a crescent shaped stretch of sandy coastline, Sestri-Levante is the ideal Ligurian town to explore on foot, strolling along the beach overlooking the Mediterranean sea, enjoying a leisurely lunch and relaxing in the warm sunshine.

Day 5 - Welcome to Emilia-Romagna

Today you leave the coast behind and arrive in to Italy’s food and motor valley; Emilia-Romagna. Your first stop is beautiful Parma, an incredible city of art, architecture, music and of course home to Parmesan cheese and Parma ham! Settle in this evening and enjoy dinner in one of the city’s charming little Trattorias. 

Day 6 - Explore Parma one morsel at a time!

Today you will get to know Parma with an expert local guide, discovering the traditional food culture of the city and enjoying the history, beautiful surroundings and what makes the city so unique as you taste your way around the charming streets! Sample the king of the local cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, in an heavenly local shop and indulge in a traditional desert in fascinating little cafe. 

Day 7 - Home of The Black Gold

Today you continue on to your final stop, the fantastic city of Bologna, but first discover a little of Modena. Considered one the nation’s great gastronomic centres, Modena is famous worldwide for its Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, also known as ‘The Black Gold’, as well as one of the best restaurants in the world; Osteria Francescana. But the city is also well known as the birthplace of the late Italian opera singer Pavarotti, as well as another of its legacies – cars! Many of the great supercar names call Modena and the surrounding area home, with the likes of Ferrari and Maserati located nearby. 

Day 8 - Bologna’s foodie centre

Make sure you are hungry today as you discover the foodie secrets and hidden local eateries of Bologna. The city is another beauty with imposing towers, spectacular buildings, bustling narrow streets and a fascinating history which you will learn about as you are guided through the city with your expert local guide. Starting with a delicious coffee and ending with some of the best gelato you can find, your morning discovering Bologna is a way to end your gastronomic trip in spectacular style!

Day 9 - Bid farewell

With a full tummy and memories to last a life time, you depart Italy today and journey home! 

What's included?

What's Included
  • Prices start from £1,220 per person based on two adults sharing
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Local taxes
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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This two-centre trip takes in the highlights and contrasts of the colourful Ligurian coast, followed by an epic feast in arguably Italy’s foodie capital Emilia-Romagna. A trip sure to satisfy the curious foodie, seaside lover and culture vulture!

Explore the colourful coastal towns and rugged landscape of the Italian Riviera before indulging in local delicacies, rich history and wonderful culture of Parma, Modena and Bologna. You’ll return home full of amazing memories (and some of the best food you can find!)

Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Alba, Piedmont
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production.
Turin Airport
The drive from Turin Airport to Alba, takes a little over an hour and relatively scenic route. We can either arrange car hire at the airport or a private transfer.
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Milan–Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport for the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy. The drive from Milan Malpensa airport to Alba, takes just under two hours. There are regular flights from the UK with a number of budget airlines.
Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo airport offers another option in the area, with regular flights departing from London with Ryan Air. More
Milan Linate Airport
Milan Linate Airport is the secondary international airport of Milan, the second-largest city of Italy, behind Malpensa Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Linate airport to Alba. We reccomend you flights to this airport with Easy Jet and British Airways. More
Villa d'Amelia
A C19th converted farmhouse, with affable staff, Michelin-starred food and laid-back atmosphere Located in Piedmont's wine producing region and a Fleewinter go-to option! More
La Villa Hotel
This impeccably restored C17th B&B boasts beautiful gardens and pool, a wonderfully seasonal restaurant "La Vie" and exceptional hospitality from Chris, Nicola and their team. A perfect off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and enjoy all that the Langhe has to offer. More
Tenuta Bricchi
An incredibly unique B&B nestled in 11-hectares of hazelnuts groves and vineyards. This small, family-run farmhouse, with its indoor heated pool and all the little luxuries that the hosts Danilo and Sara offer, is certainly the place from which to explore the Langhe region year-round. More
Corte Gondina
Hidden behind a humble doorway in the heart of La Morra, you will find this beautifully restored guesthouse, with sprawling gardens and peaceful pool area. La Morra is home to several superb restaurants, making Corte Gondina a perfect base for culinary delights and ample exploration! More
Palazzo Finati
A small B&B, conveniently nestled in the heart of the popular Alba, Palazzo Finati is a wonderful option for those looking to explore the rich art and culture of the region. About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this 9-bedroom B&B ensures a hassle-free stay. More
Nice Airport
Flying into Nice airport is a good option for those wanting to explore the Ligurian coastline...
Genoa Aiport
Genoa airport is a good option for those wanting to exploring parts of Piedmont and Liguria.
Brindisi Airport
The most convenient airport for those wanting to explore the southern Salento region of Puglia. With frequent direct flights from the UK.
Bari airport
Bari airport is a great option for those wanting to explore Puglia, with frequent, direct flights from the UK.
Lecce
This baroque splendour of a city, pack a real punch! Otherwise know as 'the Florence of the South'...
Monopoli
A pretty seaside town on the Adriatic coast.
Ostuni
A famous white-washed walled city on Puglia's dazzling coastline.
Otranto
A picturesque historic town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Alberobello
An iconic Puglian town know for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Fasano
A town in the province of Brindisi.
Gallipoli
An ancient island city in the southern part of Puglia.
Oria
A medieval hilltop town, offering visitors a unique view.
Gargano National Park
Occupying more than 120,000 hectares, the Gargano National Park is as beautiful as it is fascinating with its ancient forests and islands bathed in crystal-clear waters.
It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
Polignano a mare
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, little Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia's loveliest beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastline.
Umbria
This lush and rugged part of Italy is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, particularly foraged truffles and wines.
Tuscany
Quintessential romantic Italy; rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and hamlets and grand cities.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its principal city, Rome, is Italy’s capital and was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe and a thriving food and wine scene, Bologna is a characterful and fascinating city to explore.
Modena
Perhaps best known for its 'Black Gold' (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena), Modena also offers pretty pastel-coloured streets, fantastic restaurants and the 'motor valley' (home to super cars including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
Parma
Along with parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, the charming city of Parma is also well known for its exciting arts and music scene and striking historic architecture.
Forlimpopoli
This lovely little town is an important part of the region's food heritage. Casa Artusi is a wonderful cookery school offering various classes and courses, and the annual Festa Artusiana is a must-see!
Emilia-Romagna
Home to the 'food and motor valley', this beautiful region stretches from the Adriatic sea up through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, with Bologna as its lively capital city.
Liguria
The 'Italian Riviera' is a narrow crescent-shaped region hugging the coast to the north-west of Italy. The port city of Genoa is its capital, whose medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genoa
Genoa, the historical capital city of Liguria, is the largest historical centre in Europe. Its painted palaces on Via Garibaldi date back to the 15th Century.
Borgomaro
Borgomaro is the main town at the bottom of the Maro valley, in the north-west region of Liguria. The mountain setting and surrounding landscape is a must for keen hikers.
Sestri Levante
The pretty coastal town consists of two bays, named Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales (so named after writer Hans Christian Andersen).
Portofino
Glitzy Portofino has a slightly more exclusive feel then some of the region's other more rustic neighbours. High-end boutiques and seafood restaurants overlook the harbour.
Santa Margherita
Portofino's next door neighbour, this pretty fishing village is a great spot for hiking as well as relaxing by the sea.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Journey in to Bologna city from the airport in under 30 minutes.
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Located more or less in the centre of the region, the beautiful towns and villages of Liguria can be reached in less than 2 hours from Genoa airport.
Alassio
A bustling colourful coastal town with wonderful scenic views.

Your adventure starts here!

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