A Taste of Medieval Italy

Renaissance grandeur, twisting Gothic spires, the soothing hum of espresso machines... where better to begin our jaunt around northern Italy than majestic Milan? While it may have a reputation for cutting-edge fashion and exquisite art, this cosmopolitan city’s ancient roots stretch back thousands of years. We’ll meet in its atmospheric heart and get to know the group over a delicious welcome meal at a local trattoria. Are you ready to toast to the adventure ahead?  

After filling up on flaky pasticcino and strong espresso at breakfast, we’ll wave goodbye to Milan and weave our way through the peaceful Parma countryside in our luxury minicoach. Delight in the landscape’s metamorphoses as the city’s suburbs give way to a patchwork of rolling hills, lush olive groves and tranquil villages that appear lost in time. And our final destination today? The storybook Antico Borgo Di Tabiano Castello; a hilltop hotel perched within the grounds of a majestic medieval castle. 

Hopefully the leisurely journey has worked up your appetite as you’ll be digging straight into a sumptuous local cooking class! Prepare to become dusted in flour and enveloped in mouth-watering aromas as we enjoy a masterclass in fresh pasta-making. After tucking into bowls of homemade tortelli, spaghetti alla chitarra or maltagliati, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax poolside or revel in a soothing treatment at the hotel spa. Tonight, you can choose to dine in the hotel restaurant where each exquisite dish is crafted using only locally made or homegrown produce. Bellissimo!   

This morning, there’ll be time to practice a little dolce far niente (the ‘sweetness of doing nothing’) among the hotel’s terraced gardens before we venture out into the Langhirano countryside for our next culinary adventure... 

We’ll be swapping pasta for another classic Italian treat – Parmigiano! There’s a reason it’s nicknamed the ‘king of cheeses’ and we’ll discover all about the centuries-old methods of producing it at a local factory. Prepare your tastebuds for a flavour explosion as we follow our guided tour with a tantalising tasting. Revel in the feeling of aged Parmigiano Reggiano crumbling on your tongue and then wash it down with a glass of local wine. Salute! 

Then, it’s onwards to Antica Corte Pallavicina: a once lavish 13th-century estate that was rescued from ruin and transformed into a Michelin-recognised, gastronomical mecca. Delve into its cavernous cellars which emanate with the heavenly scent of culatello di Parma – a cured sausage meat akin to (but arguably tastier than) prosciutto. After uncovering the ancient secrets of aging this regional delicacy, we’ll sample some for ourselves before returning to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation.  

We might be saying ciao! to the Parma countryside today – but the next chapter of our journey is equally as scenic (and delicious). So far, we’ve savoured crumbling cheeses and melt-in-your-mouth culatello. Next up? The sweet delights of Modena – a city famed for its dark and syrupy balsamic vinegar. 

Before we unravel the origins of this quintessentially Italian ingredient though, we’ll leap forward to a more modern chapter of Italian history at the Ferrari Museum Maranello. Discover the tales behind this iconic brand and immerse yourself in a whirlwind of racing memorabilia, including several Ferrari World Champion models in the museum’s aptly named Hall of Victories.  

Not done satisfying your need for speed? Continue your motor-themed escapade with a saunter around the eye-catching Enzo Ferrari Museum near the centre of Modena – the birthplace of the famous founder. Exhilarated but famished, we’ll then pop into a local restaurant for a light lunch before the day’s main event: a tasting tour of a traditional balsamic vinegar house. Learn all about the creation process before sampling three varieties paired with Parmigiano Reggiano. A true match made in heaven! 

Afterwards, we'll hop back in the minicoach and keep our eyes peeled on the horizon as we approach Bologna: the beating heart of the Emilia-Romagna region. The city’s medieval skyline of dramatic domes and soaring stone towers hint at what’s in store on tomorrow’s agenda... 

After a restful night’s sleep, it’s time to awaken your senses with an espresso and begin exploring Bologna! We'll be swapping the minicoach for our own two feet as we spend an entire day connecting with this wonderful city. First up: a guided tour of the city’s treasure-packed centre. Our path will take us past lavish palazzos and through sweeping piazzas dotted with tinkling fountains – each place a tribute to Bologna’s majestic medieval past.  

You’ll also soak up the vibrancy of the city’s Quadrilatero Old Market where stalls are laden with tempting treats, from jewel-like fruits to silky strands of fresh pasta. The afternoon is yours to delve deeper into Bologna. Get lost in the old town’s network of ochre-hued porticoes, wander the grounds of Bologna University (the oldest university in Europe) or pop into Bologna National Gallery where Raphael masterpieces nestle alongside Titian treasures. 

As aperitivo hour approaches, seek out a rooftop terrace bar overlooking the red-tiled skyline for a glass of local pignoletto wine and a plate of bite-sized bruschetta. You'll have a chance to revel in even more exquisite Italian cuisine at dinner. Why not savour the tomatoey, garlicky goodness of the city’s namesake Bolognese sauce? Just ask your expert Tour Leader for the best places to try it! 

Sunshine yellow, burnt orange, cerulean blue. These are just some of the spectacular colours you’ll soak up today as we leave Bologna behind and set our sights on Ravenna and its intricate Byzantine mosaics.  

The former capital of the Western Roman Empire has been mesmerising visitors since medieval times with its fantastical mosaics. We’ll encounter some of the most dazzling on a walking tour with an enthusiastic local expert. Trail through the historic centre’s cobblestone streets, ducking into the 6th century Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo where the story of the Three Kings hurrying to Bethlehem to greet the new-born baby Jesus is vividly depicted on the church’s north wall. You’ll also be blinded by gold in the Basilica of San Vitale where the shimmering mosaics boldly capture the likenesses of legendary Roman Emperors, including Justinian I.  

Cameras filled with kaleidoscopic keepsakes; we’ll turn our attention to another Ravenna treasure – the piadina romagnola. Bite down into soft flatbread filled with peppery rocket, soft cheese and lashings of prosciutto. Simple yet filling, it’s the ideal treat after a morning spent pounding the cobbles. Then, the rest of the day is yours to savour every nook and cranny of this well-adorned city before we check into our palatial hotel for a night of snoozing like royalty...buona notte! 

Is that the salty sea air you smell? Your nose – and eyes – aren't deceiving you! Today’s path will see us dipping into the neighbouring region of Veneto. Specifically, the charming fishing town of Chioggia. With its web of arched bridges, glimmering canals and colourful Renaissance architecture, it really does give nearby Venice a run for its money! 

Your path is yours to choose. You could soak up the bustling atmosphere at the historic Chioggia fish market where you can glimpse some of the freshest seafood Italy has to offer – before sampling it firsthand at a local restaurant. Will you tuck into risotto alla pescatora (catch of the day risotto) or sarde in saor (sardines fried with local white onions)? Afterwards, consider spending half an hour or so soaking up some dolce vita and a few sunny rays on the sweeping sand dunes of Sottomarina Beach.  

Later this afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Padova – another Veneto gem. A walking tour will reveal the city’s many secrets, including the Cappella degli Scrovegni that's home to an extraordinary fresco painstakingly painted between 1303 and 1305 by the masterful Giotto. This evening, we’ll have some free time to wander through the city and discover even more culinary delights. Our pick is bigoli con l'anatra: a wholesome pasta dish featuring thick-cut spaghetti tossed in a rich duck ragu.  

The penultimate chapter of your Italian adventure will be full of thrilling encounters – beginning with a visit to the outrageously ornate Villa Foscari. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot in a romantic period drama as you saunter around the Palladian villa’s frescoed hallways and beneath the swaying fronds of ancient willow trees.  

We’ll continue the fairytale with a leisurely boat trip along the meandering River Brenta. Feel the wind gently ruffle your hair as we glide past more aristocratic villas that line the riviera route between Padova and the glistening Venice Lagoon. Then, it’s back to the city where there’ll be just enough time to pick up some dolce de santo – a much-loved Padovan dessert infused with amaretti – from a local pasticceria.  

Before you settle down for the night, we’ll regroup for one final feast together. Savour some more cucina Padovan – perhaps you’ll spot tortelli di zucca dolce (ravioli stuffed with pumpkin) on the menu!  

After indulging in one last Italian breakfast together, we’ll settle down in the minicoach and begin our journey back to Milan. Our path will take us through the heart-stirring Franciacorta Region where lakes sparkle and the sweet scent of grapevines hangs heavy in the air.   

Prosecco may be the most famous of Italy’s sparkling wines, but Franciacorta is just as divine – and more similar in taste to French Champagne. What better way to toast the end of our unique journey through Italy than with a tasting of this delicious tipple?