Bologna, Parma and Ravenna
Holiday Highlights
- Guided sightseeing tour of historic Bologna, Italy’s gastronomic capital, seeing the stunning medieval centre and unique portico lined streets
- Experience how deliciously sweet Prosciutto (Parma Ham) is cured by a family producer
- Discover how a true artisan makes Modena’s famed balsamic vinegar
- Visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello – entrance included
- Full day in Ravenna seeing five UNESCO Heritage sights and a guided walking tour of the town
- Guided tour of Parma with a visit to the 12th Century Romanesque Cathedral – entrance included
- Four nights in centrally located four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
- Sample a selection of Bologna’s gastronomic delights in the company of a knowledgeable local guide
- Taste the rich and flavoursome dishes of Emilia Romagna with a special evening meal at an atmospheric restaurant in Bologna
What's Included
- The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole occupancy rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Four nights with breakfast in four-star accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Return flights
- All taxes and charges
- Return transfers
- Entrances to Parma Cathedral, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Itinerary
Day 1
You should arrive at the airport for your flight to Bologna or Venice where you will be met and transferred to the excellent quality four-star Hotel Internazionale, for four nights with breakfast. The hotel is centrally located on one of Bologna’s main shopping streets at the edge of its medieval centre, approximately a 15 minute walk away. The rooms themselves are modern, but with homely touches utilising tasteful fabrics, wood and marble, with all of the facilities you would expect including TV, air conditioning, safe and minibar. Bologna really is a food paradise so we have designed this holiday as bed and breakfast, leaving you free to enjoy a lovely evening meal in one of the many excellent restaurants – you will truly be spoilt for choice!
Day 2
This morning we have a sightseeing tour of Bologna where you will come to fully admire this wonderfully attractive city. 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 achieving 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. One of Bologna’s many surprises is that it can ‘outdo’ Pisa, boasting not one but two medieval “leaning towers”! 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! After the tour why not explore the maze of tiny alleys and streets lined by atmospheric food shops of every description, joining locals in sampling the world’s finest produce and soaking up some of the ambience yourself. Remember you are off the tourist trail here, so this enthusiasm is heartfelt and refreshing in its authenticity. This afternoon, you can choose to explore Bologna further or to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, dedicated to the brand synonymous with luxury, glamour and speed. ‘Live the dream’ and discover the history of legendary F1 cars and some of the most coveted supercars today. Have your photo taken in a Ferrari or try out a semi-professional F1 simulator (pre-booking advised). Signature Experience: 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 locals of the city as you 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.