Soul of Italy: Fine Cuisine, Thermal Spas, and Wine

Tour start date(s):	14-10-2026
Duration:	10 days (9 nights)
Location:	Milan (arrival) - Parma - Modena - Bologna - Ravenna - San Marino - Sirmione Terme (3 nights) - Bergamo - Desenzano - Lake Garda - Lake Como - Milan (2 nights, departure)
Price (including tax):	2000 euros for double occupancy; 2920 euros for single occupancy (flights not included)

Taste, Explore, and Fall in Love with Italy

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy’s most iconic regions, where history, gastronomy, and wellness blend into a perfect experience. From medieval cities to romantic lakes, from world-renowned cheeses to luxurious thermal waters—this tour is your ultimate Italian escape.

• Mini group and a comfortable coach for all transfers;
• Accommodation in centrally located 4-star hotels;
• Ten Italian gems with engaging guided tours, including a visit to the microstate of San Marino;
• Four nights in Ferrara, right across from the famous Castello Estense;
• Visit to Parma — the birthplace of the “King of Cheeses,” Parmigiano Reggiano, and the delicate Prosciutto di Parma. A city officially recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy;
• Three nights on Lake Garda in a hotel located in the historic center (hear the lake’s waves right from your room!);
• Stay at a thermal spa hotel in Sirmione, home to hot springs cherished since ancient Roman times;
• A stroll through the famous gastronomic quarter in Bologna — the capital of Italian cuisine;
• Tasting of “black gold” — the world-famous balsamic vinegar;
• Parmigiano Reggiano tasting at a traditional cheese factory;
• Marvel at the unique mosaics — UNESCO World Heritage treasures — and visit the tomb of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna;
• A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Milan — the capital of Italian fashion;
• A scenic cruise on Lake Como to admire the villas of celebrities. 

October 14: Arrival in Milan – Evening in Parma

Your gourmet SPA adventure begins with arrival at Milan airport between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Meet your guide and enjoy a scenic transfer to Parma (approx. 2 hours), taking in rolling vineyards and postcard-perfect hills along the way.

At 5:00 PM, stroll through evening Parma. The heart of the city, Piazza Duomo, glows under soft evening lights, highlighting the majestic Cathedral (Duomo) and the unique Baptistery, entirely crafted from pink Veronese marble—a masterpiece built over nearly 100 years!

Discover Parma’s rich culinary heritage, home to Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Dine at a cozy local restaurant, savor Tortelli di Parma (pumpkin, almond biscuit, and parmesan ravioli) and the decadent Duchess Cake with hazelnuts and zabaglione cream. Evening strolls through the quiet streets complete your introduction to this gastronomic capital.

Overnight: Centrally located 4-star hotel in Parma.

October 15: Parmigiano-Reggiano Factory – Modena: UNESCO Heritage

After breakfast, visit a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory to explore the history and traditional production methods of this world-famous cheese. Learn to identify authentic cheese by color and aroma, and enjoy a tasting of Italy’s “king of cheeses.”

Next, transfer to Modena (1 hour). Explore the 11th-century Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with narrative bas-reliefs and the legendary Fish Gate. Admire the 13th-century Gothic cross and the 86-meter Ghirlandina Tower, slightly leaning like Pisa’s tower.

Discover Modena’s rich Jewish heritage and taste the world-famous balsamic vinegar, visiting the historic 1605 Giusti Factory. Sample aged vinegars and browse the luxurious store for rare finds.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Ferrara or Parma.

October 16: Bologna – Legendary Tortellini

Travel to Bologna, the “learned, fat, and red” city. Explore its historic center, second largest in Europe after Venice. See the leaning Garisenda Tower, stroll under elegant porticoes, and visit Europe’s oldest university.

Walk through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s gastronomic quarter, and hear the legend of Tortellini, inspired by the navel of Venus. Taste these tiny pasta delights during lunch. Afternoon free for shopping and wandering.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Ferrara or Parma.

October 17: Ravenna – City of Mosaics / San Marino – Fortress Republic

Visit Ravenna, UNESCO treasure and former capital of the Western Roman Empire. Admire mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale, and visit the tomb of Dante Alighieri, reading his famous Latin epitaph.

In the afternoon, explore San Marino, a microstate guarding its independence for centuries. Walk along fortress walls, enjoy breathtaking panoramas, and learn about its unique political system.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Ferrara or Parma.

October 18: Verona – Wine & Music Festival

Travel to Verona for the annual Wine and Music Festival. Stroll along the 3 km wine trail, from Piazza Bra to the Adige River, tasting local wines and exploring the city with a guide.

Admire the colossal Roman Amphitheatre, the Piazza delle Erbe, the ancient Porta Borsari, and the Scaliger family tombs. Visit the romantic courtyard of Romeo and Juliet.

Transfer to Sirmione, settle into a hotel in the historic center by the waterfront.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Sirmione.

October 19: Sirmione – Castles and Thermal Waters

Explore Sirmione, with its 16th-century castle on a picturesque peninsula. Learn about the Scaliger family, the thermal springs, Catullus’ Grotto, Villa Maria Callas, and frescoes in Santa Maria Maggiore. Optional boat ride around the castle.

Afternoon free for SPA, shopping, and relaxation by the lake.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Sirmione.

October 20: Relaxation at Sirmione

Spend a full day enjoying the healing thermal waters. Follow the footsteps of ancient Romans and savor the local Lake Garda cuisine, including fresh river fish and fine wines from the Valpolicella valley.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Sirmione.

October 21: Bergamo – Medieval Jewel / Milan – Northern Capital

Visit Desenzano and stroll through its 16th-century harbor and Piazza Malvezzi. Admire Tiepolo’s Last Supper in the cathedral.

Next, explore Bergamo, a medieval gem with Venetian walls. See Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, frescoes, and the Mausoleum of Bartolomeo Colleoni. Lunch in the Upper Town, tasting local specialties.

Evening arrival in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. View the Duomo, Royal Palace, Victor Emmanuel II Monument, La Scala Theatre, and other historic landmarks from outside.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Milan.

October 22: Lake Como – Celebrity Retreat

Cruise Lake Como, one of Europe’s most romantic destinations, surrounded by the Alps and famous villas of celebrities such as George Clooney, Madonna, and Versace. Visit UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, Fontanelle, and Villa Passalacqua. Return to Milan for afternoon shopping.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Milan.

October 23: Arrivederci, Italy!

After breakfast, enjoy a group transfer to Milan airport for departure.

The Tour Price Includes:

• 4-star hotels throughout (Parma, Ferrara, Sirmione, Milan)

• Breakfast daily

• Comfortable air-conditioned coach transfers, Lake Como cruise included

• Guided excursions in Russian

• Entrance to Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and Basilica of San Vitale

• Parmigiano-Reggiano tasting at the producer

• Balsamic vinegar tasting at the historic 1605 factory

• Headphones for the entire tour

Not Included:  city taxes, tips, flights, or anything not listed above

Hotels:

• Hotel Novotel 4*, Parma or similar

• Hotel Casa Este 4*, Ferrara (website ) or similar

• Hotel Terme Sirmione 4*, Sirmione (website ) or similar  

• Hotel Windsor 4*, Milan (website ) or similar

Optional Extension: 2 additional nights in Milan upon request