4 Days / 3 Nights
Italy’s Culinary Capital.
Travel to Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, affectionately known as "La Grassa" ("The Fat One"). This vibrant city is the birthplace of beloved Italian staples like tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and tortellini. It also offers the perfect gateway to taste regional treasures such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena. On this tour, you’ll experience it all—through an engaging cooking class and a flavor-filled day trip into the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
This is a great Add-On Package for anyone visiting Florence, Venice, or any part of Italy. We are happy to help make travel arrangements for you to Bologna.
Itinerary
Today, arrive in Bologna on your own and check in to the hotel.
*The arrival transfer from Bologna airport, train station or port is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Create authentic Italian dishes in an intimate, hands-on cooking class tailored just for you. Working alongside our expert chef in a traditional kitchen, you'll select three classic recipes that match your tastes and dietary preferences from our curated menu of local specialties. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced home chef, our expert instructor will guide you through each step of creating your chosen dishes during this engaging experience. As the aromas of your culinary creations fill the kitchen, you'll learn the secrets and stories behind Bologna's beloved recipes.
At the end, enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the dishes you’ve prepared, complemented by a refreshing glass of local wine and water.
Get fully immersed in the flavors of the most famous, traditional products of the region: Parmigiano, Prosciutto and Balsamic Vinegar.
You will be picked up at your hotel, then brought to your first stop on this tasting tour - an authentic cheese dairy of Parmigiano-Reggiano to watch how the cheese is freshly made. The next stop is a plant where the world famous Prosciutto is made. The day concludes with a trip to a producer of Balsamic Vinegar in Modena to see how it's made and, of course a tasting.
This morning you may wake at your leisure and enjoy breakfast in your hotel before it's time to check out.
The day is yours. You can either stay and explore Bologna, or continue on your own travel itinerary.
*The departure transfer to Bologna train station or another destination is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Bologna
- Breakfast daily at hotel
- Private Cooking class in Bologna
- Private Food Valley Tour including visits to a Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy, a Prosciutto di Parma producer and a Balsamic Vinegar producer with tastings
Activity Level
Italy’s charm lies in its cobblestones, hills, uneven paths, and stairs. Most guests—even older ones—find it easy to keep pace. You’ll likely average 8,000-12,000 steps on active days, so bring a pair of comfortable, well-broken-in shoes!
Hotel Info
Art Hotel Commercianti ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
4 star hotel a few steps from the splendid Basilica of San Petronio, in the heart of Piazza Maggiore
Bologna
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Duration: 2 hours, 10:00am - 12:00pm
City: Bologna
This guided 2-hour tour offers the perfect introduction to Bologna's charm, history, and iconic landmarks.
Stroll through the historic center with a local guide, exploring Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the famous Two Towers. Step inside the Archiginnasio, once the seat of Europe’s oldest university, and discover the Anatomical Theatre, a remarkable example of 17th-century medical education.
The tour concludes at the Clock Tower, where you’re free to climb to the top at your own pace and take in breathtaking panoramic views of Bologna.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 3 hours, 10:45am-1:45pm
City: Bologna
Welcome to Bologna, where medieval streets lead to bustling markets, and every meal tells a story. With its rich history and world-famous cuisine, this city is a dream for food lovers.
On this three-hour food tour, you’ll explore the Quadrilatero, Mercato di Mezzo, and the lively University District. Sample local culinary treasures like fresh pasta with rich Bolognese sauce at family-run trattorias, handmade tortellini, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, artisanal cured meats, and exquisite balsamic vinegar—each bite packed with tradition. Pair it all with local sparkling wines, and you’ll see why Bologna is called “La Grassa” (The Fat).
Please note: itinerary & tastings subject to change due to seasonal availability, individual closings or local holidays.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 3.5 hours, 9:00am-12:30pm; 5:30pm-9:00pm
City: Bologna
Enjoy an authentic culinary experience centered around one of Italy’s most iconic dishes: Lasagna alla Bolognese.
Learn to prepare traditional green spinach pasta from scratch, along with béchamel sauce, then assemble your lasagna using a slow-cooked ragù prepared in advance. While it bakes, you’ll make seasonal homemade gelato and enjoy a classic aperitivo featuring local wine and regional cured meats.
The experience concludes with a shared meal and a complimentary recipe booklet to take home, including all the dishes prepared during the class.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
Duration: 8 hours
City: Bologna
Discover the land of the most beloved, legendary car in the world - Ferrari!
Visit the amazing, brand new museum dedicated to Enzo Ferrari, built around and inside the house where he was born, with unique car exhibitions that changes every 6 months.
In the afternoon, more Ferrari excitement with a visit to the famous Galleria Ferrari museum in Maranello, home to the Ferrari factory, where you can admire the old and new models of cars.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 8 hours
City: Bologna
You will start this incredible day in the Motor Valley with the visit of the Ferrari Museum. In the official Museum of Ferrari you will discover all the history of the most famous car in the world. You will have lunch at a traditional restaurant. It will follow the visit of the official Museum of Lamborghini where you will discover another incredible brand of supercars. At last, you will visit the Museum of Ducati with its prestigious motor bikes.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
