8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy

You will arrive independently in the city of Bologna, and spend the night in a hotel here.

After a delicious hotel breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for a special tour of Bologna, the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Bologna is also considered by many as the gastronomic capital of Europe, so is an excellent place to begin this food-focused tour of northern Italy. The oldest university in the western world can be found in Bologna, along with a varied historical culture that was influenced by the Romans, the Etruscans and the Gauls. As part of your tour, you will explore both the quieter side streets of the city and visit some of its top attractions such as the Basilica di San Petronio and Piazza Maggiore.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a local cooking class where you will learn to make either tortellini or tagliatelle al ragù. The class ends with a delicious bolognese dinner.

On your third day, you will leave Bologna and travel to the countryside around Modena for a night. En route to your accommodation, your driver will drop you off in the city of Modena for a short independent exploration before you visit a traditional balsamic vinegar cellar and enjoy a tasting session. This will be followed by a classic, rustic lunch of tigelle bread and cold cut meat.

After lunch, you will get the chance to visit the city’s Ferrari Museum to learn about the history of the sports car and see both classic and modern models. Your driver will then take you to your beautiful countryside accommodation, where you will be served a gourmet evening meal outdoors, overlooking the surrounding countryside.

After breakfast in the hills, a private driver will deliver you to Pavia with en route stop in Parma for Parmigiano Cheese Tasting in a local farm. Later continue to the heart of the town for lunch and an independent exploration of the town.

You will arrive in Pavia in the late afternoon, where you will be staying on a wine estate. Here you will enjoy an exquisite dinner, and spend the night in a luxury room.

Pavia, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy, remains an enchanting destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience away from the well-trodden tourist paths. This quaint town, with its cobblestone streets and rustic charm, offers a glimpse into Italy’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the Italian countryside, Pavia captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes, perfect for leisurely strolls or scenic bike rides. The town’s architecture, a delightful mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, tells the story of centuries past. Each building, from the ancient churches with their meticulously crafted facades to the charming piazzas, serves as a testament to the town’s storied history and the timeless beauty of Italian design.

Pavia’s culinary offerings are a reflection of the region’s agricultural bounty. Local trattorias and cafes serve dishes that highlight the freshness and flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s a plate of hand-made pasta drizzled with olive oil produced from nearby groves, or a glass of exquisite wine harvested from the surrounding vineyards, dining in Pavia is a celebration of Italian gastronomy.

The town’s vibrant community life revolves around seasonal festivals and markets, where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the richness of Italian culture. These events provide an excellent opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the local traditions, sample regional delicacies, and purchase artisanal crafts.

You will free time to explore the town, then time for lunch,

In the afternoon, continue to Alba, passing trough Canelli, famous for its wine cathedral and great spumante wines. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting before heading to your final destination in the Barolo land.

Free time in Neive, one of the most beautiful village in Piedmont.

Arrive at your hotel, dinner and overnight.

Your journey today will take you south to the Barolo region, home to spectacular countryside that is overflowing with vineyards. Whatever time of year you visit, the colours of the hills will be beautiful, along with the warm scent of the fields on the breeze.

Your morning will consist of truffle hunting with an experienced guide and dog, who will take you into the Roero woods and teach you some of the secrets of their profession. You will learn which trees truffles are most likely to grow beside, the best kind of soil truffles grow in, and most importantly how to spot them as you hunt, helped by the trained dog. Lunch will feature truffles, and the meal will be based around this signature ingredient.

After lunch, your driver will take you to Barolo Castle for a short visit, and then on to the Marchesi di Barolo Winery for a signature tasting session. You will return to Alba in the evening, travelling along one of the most scenic roads in Piedmont from La Morra to Vergne.

On your last full day in the north of Italy, you will be able to explore Turin; the original capital of the united country. Turin was the political centre of the movement that eventually united the different areas of Italy into a unified country in the 19th century.

In Turin, you will get the chance to visit the breathtaking Venaria Reale, which is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. After this, you will enjoy some of Turin’s traditional cuisine in a classic restaurant that specialises in local recipes.

Turin is famous for its chocolate amongst other things, and is not far from the Ferrero Roche factory. After sampling the city’s sweet treats, you can also visit the Museum of Ancient Egypt to witness the second largest collection of artefacts from this area of history.

You will return to Alba in the evening, and receive dinner in a local winery that will perfectly pair each course with a different drink.

You will depart Alba independently, and either travel home or continue your holiday in Italy.