Parma to Florence: Italy's Culinary Highlights

Our tour starts in the village of Roncole Verdi in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. Nestled in the fertile heart of the agricultural Po Valley, the village is best known as the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest Italian opera composers of the 19th century.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at the restaurant in our locanda (inn), a delicious introduction to the traditional cuisine of Emilia-Romagna. Overnight in Roncole Verdi (D).

We take a 15-minute transfer to Antica Corte Pallavicina this morning, a farm and restaurant with a fascinating history. We learn about the traditional methods still used to cure the prized culatello ham and sample the produce, all washed down with a glass of wine.

After a 45-minute transfer to Parma, we have lunch at a street food spot favoured by locals, the more adventurous foodies may wish to try the horsemeat panino. We follow lunch with a short walking tour of the historical centre. Leaving Parma, we take a one-hour transfer to Castello di Canossa. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Po Valley to the north and the Apennines to the south, the castle harks back to medieval times and was testament to many events of historical importance, including the pardon of King Henry IV by Pope Gregory VII in 1077.

We end the day with a transfer to our agriturismo accommodation in the Reggio Emilia countryside, where there is time to relax in the farmhouse grounds before a traditional Emilia dinner at the on-site restaurant. Overnight in the Reggio Emilia countryside (B/L/D).

We start our gastronomic journey today with a visit to a celebrated producer of Parmesan cheese, enjoying a tasting along with explanations about what makes this protected cheese so special. We continue with a transfer (15 minutes) to Cavalli Balsamic Vinegar Mill and cellars, where we learn about the vinegar-making process and understand why Modena balsamic vinegar is considered the best of its kind.

After a tasting with a light lunch, we transfer to Modena for a guided walking tour of the historic centre. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Bologna (one hour), named as the 2022 World Capital of Food by Condé Nast Traveller, where there is time for independent exploration. Our tour leader can provide suitable restaurant recommendations for dinner. Overnight in Bologna (B/L).

It's time to put our own cooking credentials to the test as we embark on a full-morning cooking class led by a local chef. We prepare a complete Bolognese menu from scratch, which we eat together at lunch time. The menu will vary based on the season and availability of the produce, but we can look forward to creating authentic dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, we take a guided walking tour of the picturesque historic centre of Bologna before enjoying free time. Overnight in Bologna (B/L).

We depart Bologna by train (40 minutes), heading to the small Romagna city of Faenza. Renowned for ceramics and neo-classical architecture, the city is well away from the tourist trail and gives us the opportunity to see a lesser-visited part of Italy.

After a coffee stop in the central piazza, we visit a ceramic shop to learn about the tin-glazed earthenware (known as majolica) that is produced here, before our gastronomic journey continues as we head to a small, organic winery and olive oil press in the countryside.

After a tasting and light lunch at the winery, we visit the colourful medieval town of Brisighella, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. There's time for a gelato while we stroll along the quiet streets, before we board a train (approximately 2hr 30min) that takes us through the rolling countryside and into Tuscany, arriving at Florence in the evening. Overnight in Florence. On the inaugural departure of our Parma to Florence: Italy's Culinary Highlights tour in October 2023, we will board the heritage Treno di Dante. On subsequent departures (in 2024), we use a regular train service (B/L).

On our final day of activities, we start with a guided walking tour led by a local guide. Starting from our hotel, we cross the Ponte Vecchio (a shop-lined medieval stone bridge over the Arno River) and enter the historic centre of Florence, discovering the highlights as well as the lesser-known sites of this architecturally magnificent city. After being regaled with stories of the history and culture of the city, we head to San Lorenzo Central Market for a guided visit. We can purchase lunch at the market (not included). The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Florence, then we meet again in the evening for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Florence (B/D).

The tour ends in Florence after breakfast. If you wish to spend longer in this wonderful city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Otherwise, begin your return journey home (B).