THE BREADBASKET OF ITALY

Tour start date(s):	13-20 October 2026
Duration:	8 Days / 7 Nights
Location:	Milan-Parma-Modena-Bologna-Ravenna-Republic of San-Marino-Lake Garda-Sirmione-Ferrara-Cremona-Milan
Price (including tax):	DBL: 2520 USD, SNGL: 3260 USD (flight not included)

An Immersive Journey into Authentic Italy

This journey leads you to the heart of Northern Italy — a region often referred to as the Breadbasket of Italy, where culinary traditions, medieval cities, art, and landscapes have shaped European culture for centuries. Our base will be Parma, officially recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy. It is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, a city of refined architecture, elegant streets, and genuine Italian life far from mass tourism. Parma is also the hometown of Giuseppe Verdi, whose operas La Traviata and Aida are celebrated worldwide. From Parma, we explore Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardy, and the independent Republic of San Marino, discovering Italy through taste, history, and atmosphere.

Day 1 — Tuesday, 13 October 2026 - Arrival in Milan - Evening Walk in Parma

Arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport. Group transfer to Parma (approximately 2 hours). Hotel check-in and time to rest.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided evening walk through Parma. As dusk falls, Piazza Duomo reveals its special charm: warm lights highlight the grandeur of the Cathedral of Parma and the Baptistery of Parma, masterpieces of Romanesque architecture clad in pink Verona marble.

We step back into the Middle Ages.

After the walk, the Tour Director introduces the traditions of Parma’s cuisine and recommends a cozy local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in the historic center of Parma.

Day 2 — Wednesday, 14 October 2026 - Parmigiano Reggiano Factory · Modena · Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

After breakfast, visit a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy. Among thousands of aging wheels, learn the history and production methods of this legendary cheese, whose origins date back to the 13th century. Observe the traditional testing with silver hammers and enjoy a tasting of the “King of Italian Cheeses.”

Transfer to Modena. Visit the Modena Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning how to “read” its sculpted façade and discovering the legends of the Fish Gate. Admire the Ghirlandina Tower, the city’s symbol, slightly leaning like its famous counterpart in Pisa.

Modena has also been an important center of Jewish culture since the 17th century.

Next, visit a historic traditional balsamic vinegar producer founded in 1605. Explore the family museum, see centuries-old barrels, and enjoy a guided tasting of vinegars of different ages, followed by time to shop directly at factory prices.

Return to Parma. Overnight in Parma.

Day 3 — Thursday, 15 October 2026 - Bologna: The Learned, the Red, and the Rich

After breakfast we travel to Bologna.

A guided walking tour introduces the historic center, the second largest in Europe after Venice. See the leaning Garisenda Tower, walk beneath Bologna’s iconic porticoes, and learn why the city is known as “the Learned, the Red, and the Rich.”

Visit the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s historic gastronomic district, and learn about the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe.

Free time for lunch and personal exploration.

Return to Parma. Overnight in Parma.

Day 4 — Friday, 16 October 2026 - Ravenna · Republic of San Marino

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to Ravenna, a former capital of the Western Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its extraordinary mosaics.

Visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the finest examples of Byzantine art in Western Europe.

Ravenna is also the final resting place of Dante Alighieri. Visit his tomb and learn about his final years.

In the afternoon, continue to the Republic of San Marino, the world’s oldest republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through narrow streets, admire panoramic views from fortress walls, and enjoy time for local liqueurs and unique souvenirs.

Return to Parma. Overnight in Parma.

Day 5 — Saturday, 17 October 2026 Verona · Lake Garda · Sirmione

After breakfast, departure to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. See the magnificent Roman Arena of Verona, stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, pass ancient city gates, and admire the Gothic tombs of the Scaligeri family. A romantic stop at Juliet’s Courtyard completes the visit.

Continue to Lake Garda and the fortress town of Sirmione, dramatically located on a narrow peninsula. Learn about the Scaliger Castle of Sirmione, the Grottoes of Catullus, the thermal springs, and the villa once owned by Maria Callas.

Return to Parma. Overnight in Parma.

Day 6 — Sunday, 18 October 2026 Ferrara: An Ideal Renaissance City

After breakfast, travel to Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once ruled by the Este dynasty, Ferrara was designed as an ideal Renaissance city. Explore the historic center, visit the Cathedral of Saint George, stroll through Savonarola Square, and learn about one of Italy’s oldest Jewish ghettos.

Free time for lunch, with recommendations to try Ferrara’s famous stuffed pasta. Return to Parma. Overnight in Parma.

Day 7 — Monday, 19 October 2026 Cremona · Milan

After breakfast, departure with luggage.

Stop in Cremona, the birthplace of legendary violin makers Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri, and Andrea Amati.

Continue to Milan, Italy’s capital of fashion. During a guided walk, see the exterior of the Duomo of Milan, the Royal Palace, La Scala Opera House, and Sforza Castle.

Free time in the historic center of Milan. In the evening, transfer to a hotel near Milan Malpensa Airport.

Overnight near the airport.

Day 8 — Tuesday, 20 October 2026 - Departure from Italy

Breakfast at the hotel.

Shuttle transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport.

Departure from Italy.

INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• Accommodation 6 nights in hotel 4 stars in Parma and 1 night in hotel near Milan Airport (based ½ double)

• 7 breakfasts

• Airport transfer from Malpensa airport to Milan for the flights arriving from 9 am till 12 am

• Airport transfer to Malpensa airport (Milan) to any flight of your choice

• Walking food tour around Bologna

• 2 tastings, including artisanal Parmesan cheese, wine and aged Balsamic Vinegars collection

• Expert Tour Director, your reference for all things Italy

• Private motor coach with AC

• Small group 15 – 25 persons

• Entrances to museums, landmarks

• Earphones

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• City tax payable at check-in

• Tips to Tour Director and driver

• Any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary

COMMENTS

• This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to regularly be on the move throughout your trip. Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills. Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.

• In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry. We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps. Beginning in 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.

• If you cannot arrive to Milan between 9 am and 12 am, please arrive one day before. We can assist you with booking hotel for the night before tour and transfers (extra)