Northern Italy

Arrival at Malpensa Airport and departure by private coach to Parma.

Guided tour of Parma, a lively city rich in history, art, and culture. Over the centuries, great painters and architects have adorned the city. Parma developed around what can be called a religious center, consisting of the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Episcopal Palace.

Visit to the Cathedral of Parma in the square of the same name. This cathedral is a perfect example of Romanesque architecture and has a 13th-century bell tower. Inside, there are famous works of art, including the dome decorated with frescoes by Correggio. Next, head to the Baptistery, an octagonal building constructed from pink marble blocks, which, together with the 11th-century episcopal palace, forms a splendid medieval corner.

Free time and dinner on your own.

Departure for a day of discovery with a local guide of the Food Valley, the region of Parma famous for the production of Italian gastronomic excellences.

Guided tour of a farm that produces Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P, where you will witness the milk transformation that takes place only once a day, and a qualified staff will take you through the different phases of production, illustrating all the steps. Tasting of the famous aged cheese.

Then, visit to a local charcuterie company and tasting of Prosciutto Crudo di Parma. An expert will tell you the story of this incredible salami, in a typical and welcoming atmosphere.

Light dinner in a local osteria (local brewery).

Visit to the Reggia di Colorno, nicknamed the Versailles of the dukes of Parma for its monumental and elegant architectural structure. The Reggia is surrounded by a wonderful French-style garden and houses, in some of its rooms, the ALMA – International School of Italian Cuisine, founded by the famous chef Gualtiero Marchesi.

(Breakfast and dinner)

We will visit a family-run Acetaia, where the precious Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P is produced. The owner will show us the traditional and artisanal production techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. We will have a tasting of local products enhanced by the incomparable taste of this wonderful product. We will have a light dinner.

Then, we will have a guided tour of the Ferrari Museum, exploring the history of the past and present of the car manufacturer. The museum in Maranello tells the story of Ferrari by delving into the extraordinary history of the Cavallino Rampante, featuring the most famous and victorious Formula 1 models, legendary models from the Sports, Prototypes, and Grand Touring categories, not to mention the road cars that have become a global reference in the automotive field.

We will arrive in Bologna, where we will check in to the hotel.

Free dinner ($).

(Breakfast and lunch)

This morning, departure by private coach to Ravenna.

Guided tour of Ravenna, long considered a city of enormous importance. For centuries, the city of Ravenna has been at the center of history. First, as the capital of the Western Roman Empire with King Theodore, and then as the center of the Byzantine Empire, with its radically different architecture and monuments adorned with mosaics. Visit to the Basilica of Saint Apollinaire Neuf, which also houses majestic mosaics from the ancient quarter.

Free time for dinner.

Continuation towards the valleys of Comacchio, which make up the largest set of saline wetlands in Italy and the most attractive area of the Po Delta Park: bird life is the most spectacular component of the oasis, with dozens of species finding refuge here. Guided boat excursion to discover the landscape and wildlife.

Return to Bologna in the afternoon.

(Breakfast)

This morning, meet the guide to visit the historic center of Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and home to the oldest university in the Western world. Its intense cultural life and historical heritage make it an extremely interesting city. Bologna is important for its urban center, first of Etruscan origin, then Gallic, then Roman, and it was also an important center during the Middle Ages.

Your guide will take you to discover the local flavors (tortellini, mortadella, cold cuts) and the most famous grocery stores in Bologna. End your gastronomic tour with a typical lunch.

Free time in the afternoon.

(Breakfast and lunch)

Departure from the hotel and transfer to Bologna train station.

Departure on a TGV to Turin, reaching the city in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Arrival in Turin and transfer to the city center with your local guide.

Start your discovery of the city with a visit to the Porta Palazzo market, the largest market in Europe where, for over a century, the colorful stands of fruits and vegetables from 800 merchants have occupied the 51,000 m² Piazza della Repubblica. Enjoy a lunch with your choice of street food specialties at the Mercato Centrale stalls.

Then, take a guided walking tour of Turin’s historic heart: the San Lorenzo church and the St. John the Baptist cathedral, which houses the “Holy Shroud”; the Piazza Castello, the political and religious heart of Turin with the Madama Palace (exterior) and the Royal Palace (exterior); the Carignano Palace (exterior), a curvilinear building considered one of the most beautiful examples of Italian baroque; the Piazza San Carlo, with baroque urban architecture, where the equestrian statue of Emmanuel Philibert II stands at the center.

Finish your discovery in a historic city café and enjoy a Vermouth tasting, a flavored wine created in 1786 in Turin and recognized as a traditional Italian food product and the main ingredient in many cocktails. Your tasting will be accompanied by some typical appetizers.

Transfer to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

(Breakfast and lunch included)

Today, enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef.

Discover local specialties and have fun creating dishes. Finish the morning with a tasting of the prepared dishes.

Free afternoon.

We recommend visiting the Egyptian Museum (€20/person) or the Cinema Museum (€17/person + €5/person with panoramic elevator). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice.

Free dinner.

(Breakfast and lunch)

Departure by private bus to the outskirts of the city to visit Casa Martini, a museum of oenology history and the Martini & Rossi company, a synonym of the Made in Italy aperitif. Enjoy a guided tour and a private cocktail mixology course with a final tasting of Martini cocktails prepared by the bartenders.

Continuation to Asti where you will have free time for dinner. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the city center.

Arrival at an agricultural company where you can enjoy a special aperitif. Take an easy walk through the vineyards to a “ciabot,” a small traditional house used by farmers as a shelter and storage. Here, you can taste the local wines offered by a sommelier.

Arrival at the hotel – Check-in and dinner.

(Breakfast and dinner)

Excursion with a local guide in the Langhe, a wine region located among the Apennines and the plain, recently inscribed on the UNESCO sites list. Here is the kingdom of Nebbiolo with its noble children: Barolo and Barbaresco, protected by castles, towers, and fortified villages that transport us back to a Middle Ages of struggles and splendors.

Your excursion will first of all allow you to discover truffle hunting in the woods. This search is led by a “Trifulau” (truffle hunter) accompanied by his faithful dog. He will explain the habitat in which the truffle is born, the plants and their morphology, as well as their conservation and use in local cuisine.

During your panoramic tour, you will discover the landscape of the Langhe as well as small medieval villages. We will make a stop in Barolo and La Morra.

We will then stop at a winery to visit the wine cellar. Afterwards, you can enjoy a typical lunch accompanied by a tasting of 4 local wines.

In the late afternoon, we will return to the hotel for dinner.

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Departure for the return to Montreal from Malpensa Airport.