Bologna, Parma & Ravenna

BOLOGNA & FERRARI MUSEUM

This morning we have a sightseeing tour of Bologna where you will come to fully admire this wonderfully attractive city. Beautifully maintained over the centuries, its original Roman street plan is still discernible. Twelve medieval gates encircled the historic centre and at Bologna’s heart is the majestic main square - the Piazza Maggiore. Surrounded by splendid Renaissance “palaces” and home to the enormous San Petronio, the world’s fifth largest Basilica, yet unfinished, its sponsors never achieving their ambitious goal of exceeding that of Rome’s St Peter’s! Adjacent is another beautiful square, Piazza del Nettuno, with a splendid statue and fountain dedicated to Neptune and surrounded by grandiose medieval civic buildings. One of Bologna’s many surprises is that it can ‘outdo’ Pisa, boasting not one but two medieval “leaning towers”! Of course one of Bologna’s ‘must sees’ is Europe’s oldest University – founded in 1068 its illustrious alumni include Dante, Copernicus and Marconi. Perched on a hilltop with splendid views across the city and the surrounding region, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is renowned for its extraordinary claim to fame, the world’s longest portico supported by no less than 666 arches leading to the edge of the historic city itself!

After the tour why not explore the maze of tiny alleys and streets lined by atmospheric food shops of every description, joining locals in sampling the world’s finest produce and soaking up some of the ambience yourself. Remember you are off the tourist trail here, so this enthusiasm is heartfelt and refreshing in its authenticity.

This afternoon, you can choose to explore Bologna further or to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, dedicated to the brand synonymous with luxury, glamour and speed. ‘Live the dream’ and discover the history of legendary F1 cars and some of the most coveted supercars today. Have your photo taken in a Ferrari or try out a semi-professional F1 simulator (pre-booking advised).

PARMA

After breakfast we visit another of Emilia- Romagna’s underrated and enticing cities: Parma, a name synonymous the world over with wonderful Prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano (parmesan) cheese, yet a city almost untouched by tourism despite its immense charms. We enjoy a guided tour after which you can truly appreciate Parma’s historic buildings plus its culinary heritage. Pride of place is the impressive 12th century cathedral one of Italy’s finest Romanesque buildings – a wonder in its own right with stunning frescoes. This afternoon we take the short drive into the Apennine foothills where in bucolic villages set in rolling countryside, the ancient art of preparing the finest Prosciutto (Parma ham) is practised. Our destination is Langhirano, “capital of prosciutto”, visiting the Lanfranchi family who have been meticulously and lovingly preparing and maturing their hams for three generations – it’s a truly fascinating experience, after which we sample their handiwork of course!

Another treat awaits just outside Modena at the Acetaia Villa San Donnino, where the art of producing traditional balsamic vinegar, a craft as scientific as winemaking and noted across the globe, is still undertaken by local artisans. Here too, the passion of present day masters displaying great pride in upholding this magnificent tradition is enthralling and a tasting of the vinegar at the end of the visit is without doubt superb!

RAVENNA

Today we take the short drive, almost to the Adriatic coast, exploring little visited yet amazingly historic Ravenna – city of mosaics. An important Roman settlement, Julius Caesar gathered his forces here before famously “crossing the Rubicon” and in 402AD, after Rome’s fall it became the last capital of the Western Roman Empire then capital of Ostrogothic and Byzantine Italy. Thus by 700AD Ravenna became one of Europe’s most important cities of the era. Despite its turbulent history, Ravenna’s compact centre retains unique buildings spanning a period of 1500 years with no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. To understand what makes Ravenna so special, we have a guided walking tour bringing these amazing buildings, their stunning mosaics and stories to life.

Elsewhere in Europe similar quality art was created about 1,000 years later, so these wondrous treasures are all the more astonishing. After immersing yourself in the glories in this historic past, we return to Bologna for some free time and this evening choose a venue for your final dinner, when you can ponder the feast of delights sampled in this almost undiscovered region of Italy.

RETURN FLIGHT

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.