Parma, Bologna and Ravenna
Parma, Bologna and Ravenna
Tour Overview
5 Days - Classic Escorted Tours
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
After arriving in Bologna or Milan, we'll be transferred to the four-star Starhotels Du Parc, for our four-night stay, with breakfast included.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Our hotel is centrally located and is close to Parco Ducale – a beautiful park with tree-lined avenues, water features and grand buildings. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after a day of travelling.
Italian food is some of the world’s most popular, known for its simple, flavourful dishes. And in Parma it’s all about their unique products. From parmesan cheese to parma ham – both of which can only be called such if it’s produced in the provinces of Parma or nearby – you won’t find better quality produce anywhere else. And this evening is your first opportunity to get a taste of the region with an evening at leisure. In Parma, you’re spoilt for choice – there are local restaurants on many of the main streets. Look out for dishes like Tortelli d'Erbetta and Tortelli di Zucca (pumpkin Tortelli) – they're local favourites.
Day 2
This morning we’ll take a sightseeing tour of Parma to fully admire this wonderfully underrated city.
Welcome to Parma, synonymous the world over with wonderful Prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano (parmesan) cheese. Yet despite its immense charms, it’s almost untouched by tourism. So, if you’re looking to know what like is like in an authentic Italian city, you’re in luck.
But Parma’s has so much more to offer than the - admittedly delicious - world-famous cheese. On our tour we’ll learn more about the city's eminent history from the medieval times, through the Renaissance and Austrian control through its architecture and culinary heritage.
Pride of place is the impressive 12th century cathedral one of Italy’s finest Romanesque buildings – a wonder in its own right, with 900 years of religious history and art, including the bas-reliefs by Benedetto Antelami and grand frescos by Antonio Allegri da Correggio.
Signature Experience:
Tour a local Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and enjoy an all-encompassing sensory experience combining history, traditions, flavours and aromas of the famous cheese which has been manufactured for almost a thousand years.
Day 3
After breakfast, we’ll visit another of Emilia- Romagna’s wonderfully attractive cities: Bologna. Beautifully maintained over the centuries, its original Roman street plan is still discernible. Twelve medieval gates encircled the historic centre and at Bologna’s heart is the majestic main square - the Piazza Maggiore. Surrounded by splendid Renaissance “palaces” and home to the enormous San Petronio, the world’s fifth largest Basilica, yet unfinished, its sponsors never achieved their ambitious goal of exceeding that of Rome’s St Peter’s!
Adjacent is another beautiful square, Piazza del Nettuno, with a splendid statue and fountain dedicated to Neptune and surrounded by grandiose medieval civic buildings. And, while we would never usually pit one stunning Italian city against another, Bologna does have one surprising claim to fame, "outdoing” the more popular city of Pisa – it has not one, but two medieval leaning towers. The Garisenda Tower leans at a disconcerting 4 degrees – making it more askew than Pisa too.
Of course, one of Bologna’s ‘must sees’ is Europe’s oldest University – founded in 1068 its illustrious alumni include Dante, Copernicus and Marconi. Perched on a hilltop with splendid views across the city and the surrounding region, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is renowned for its extraordinary claim to fame, the world’s longest portico supported by no less than 666 arches leading to the edge of the historic city itself!
Bologna is one of Italy’s most prized culinary bastions – one of its many nicknames is “La Grassa” (the fat one) - and time at leisure here is the perfect opportunity to explore its many gastronomic delights in the local restaurants during a late lunch.
The Bolognese do a handful of dishes very well – especially fresh pasta. And, while you’re in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna, you could sample the region’s finest ingredients such as aged parmigiano-reggiano, balsamic vinegar, dry cured prosciutto di Parma – as well as lesser-known gems like culatello and crumbly squacquerone which deserve more recognition. Not sure where to go? Your Tour Manger will have the inside scoop on the most authentic spots to try.
Signature Experience:
We’ll explore the maze of tiny alleys and historic streets of Bologna with a local guide, tasting the gastronomic delights of the city along the way. Join the city natives as we wander past artisan shops bursting with regional produce, from tangy parmesan to cured meats, fine olive oil and hand-made pasta, and browse in the markets where the rich colours of globe artichokes and cavolo nero contrast with glistening displays of the freshest fish.
Day 4
Today we’ll take a drive east towards the Adriatic coast, exploring the little visited - yet amazingly historic – Ravenna, city of mosaics. An important Roman settlement, Julius Caesar gathered his forces here before famously “crossing the Rubicon” and in 402AD, after Rome’s fall, it became the last capital of the Western Roman Empire then capital of Ostrogothic and Byzantine Italy. By 700AD Ravenna became one of Europe’s most important cities of the era. Despite its turbulent history, Ravenna’s compact centre retains unique buildings spanning a period of 1500 years with no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. To understand what makes Ravenna so special, we have a guided walking tour bringing these amazing buildings, their intricate mosaics and stories to life -elsewhere in Europe similar quality art was created about 1,000 years later, making them even more astonishing.
After discovering the city’s historic past, a treat awaits just outside Modena. We’ll visit Acetaia Villa San Donnino, where the art of producing traditional balsamic vinegar - a craft as scientific as winemaking and noted across the globe - is still undertaken by local artisans. Here the passion of present-day masters displays great pride in upholding this magnificent tradition. It’s enthralling. And, of course, we wouldn’t leave without tasting the vinegar which really is superb!
Day 5
Today we’ll say Ciao to Italy and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
What's Included
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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