Flavours of Northern Italy: From Bologna to Barolo
Flavours of Northern Italy: From Bologna to Barolo
8 Days Starting in Bologna, Italy and ending in Alba, Italy
Visiting: Bologna, Modena, Pavia, Barolo, Turin, Alba
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1743
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 5
Age range:
7-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Northern Italy with the "Flavours of Northern Italy: From Bologna to Barolo" tour. This immersive experience begins in Bologna, where you'll enjoy a private guided walking tour and a hands-on cooking class. Travel to Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting and a visit to the Ferrari Museum, followed by a gourmet dinner. Continue to Pavia with a stop in Parma for a Parmigiano cheese tasting and lunch. Explore the wine regions of Canelli and Neive before arriving in Alba, where you'll partake in a truffle hunt, wine tastings, and a visit to Barolo Castle. Conclude your adventure with a private tour of Turin, including a visit to the Museum of Ancient Egypt and a chocolate tasting, before returning to Alba for a farewell dinner at a local winery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bologna Arrival
Location: Bologna
Accommodation Name: Starhotel Excelsior, Mercure Centro, Bologna, or similar
Upon your independent arrival in the historic city of Bologna, check into your hotel and settle in. Take some time to explore the charming streets and perhaps find a cozy spot for dinner. Optional private transfers are available upon request for your convenience. Overnight stay in Bologna.
Day 2 : Bologna: Enogastronomic Capital Of Europe
Location: Bologna
Accommodation Name: Starhotel Excelsior, Mercure Centro, Bologna, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After indulging in a delightful hotel breakfast, your day kicks off with a rendezvous with your private guide for an immersive tour of Bologna, the captivating capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned as the gastronomic epicenter of Europe, Bologna promises an exquisite start to your culinary journey through northern Italy. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna boasts a rich tapestry of history shaped by the Romans, Etruscans, and Gauls. Your tour offers a blend of traversing tranquil side streets and exploring iconic landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio and Piazza Maggiore.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into the culinary heritage of Bologna with a hands-on cooking class. Under the expert guidance of local chefs, master the art of crafting either delicate tortellini or sumptuous tagliatelle al ragù. Conclude your culinary odyssey with a delectable dinner featuring the renowned Bolognese delicacy you've mastered.
Day 3 : Modena & Ferrari
Location: Modena
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo Acetaia Sereni, Gelso Bianco Country Resort, Modena, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Day 4 : Modena To Pavia
Location: Pavia
Accommodation Name: Prime Alture Winery & Resort, Pavia, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast amidst the serene hills, your private driver will whisk you away to Pavia, with a delightful stopover in Parma for an authentic Parmigiano cheese tasting experience at a local farm. After savoring the flavors of Parmesan, continue your journey to the heart of Parma for a delectable lunch and some leisurely exploration of the town's charms.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Pavia, where your accommodation awaits at a prestigious wine estate. Indulge in an exquisite dinner paired with fine wines, and retreat to your luxurious room for a restful night's sleep, surrounded by the tranquility of the vineyards.
Day 5 : Pavia
Location: Pavia
Accommodation Name: Relais Villa d'Amelia, Alba, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Set against the backdrop of lush, rolling hills, Pavia boasts idyllic landscapes ideal for leisurely strolls or picturesque bike rides. Pavia's culinary scene mirrors the abundance of the region's agricultural treasures. Local trattorias and cafes showcase dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
After free time to explore Pavia and enjoy lunch, continue your journey to Alba, passing through the renowned wine destination of Canelli, celebrated for its wine cathedral and exceptional spumante wines. Indulge in a wine-tasting experience before heading to your final destination in the enchanting Barolo region.
Spend leisurely moments in Neive, hailed as one of Piedmont's most picturesque villages, before arriving at your hotel for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Day 6 : Castles, Small Villages, Truffles, Cheese And Wine
Location: Barolo
Accommodation Name: Relais Villa d'Amelia, Alba, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's journey leads south to the Barolo region, renowned for its sprawling vineyards and breathtaking countryside. Regardless of the season, you'll be captivated by the picturesque hues of the hills and the fragrant essence of the fields carried on the breeze.
Your morning adventure entails truffle hunting guided by an expert accompanied by a skilled dog. Together, you'll venture into the Roero woods, where you'll glean insights into the secrets of truffle hunting. Learn about the preferred trees and soil conditions for truffle growth, as well as how to identify them aided by the trained canine. Lunch will be a truffle-infused affair, showcasing this prized ingredient.
Following lunch, your driver will whisk you to Barolo Castle for a brief visit before heading to the Marchesi di Barolo Winery for a signature tasting experience. As the day draws to a close, you'll journey back to Alba via one of Piedmont's most scenic routes, from La Morra to Vergne.
Day 7 : Turin: The First Capital Of Italy
Location: Turin
Accommodation Name: Relais Villa d'Amelia, Alba, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day in northern Italy, explore Turin, the historic capital instrumental in the unification of Italy in the 19th century. Begin by visiting the magnificent Venaria Reale, one of the world's largest royal palaces. Following this, indulge in Turin's traditional cuisine at a renowned restaurant specializing in local recipes.
Turin is renowned for its chocolate and is in close proximity to the Ferrero Rocher factory. After savoring the city's sweet delights, consider a visit to the Museum of Ancient Egypt, home to the second-largest collection of artifacts from this era.
As the day winds down, return to Alba in the evening. Enjoy a dinner at a local winery, where each course is expertly paired with a different drink, culminating your journey with a sensory delight.
Day 8 : Deparature
Location: Alba
Meals Included: Breakfast
You'll depart from Alba independently, with the option to head home or extend your Italian holiday. If you prefer, private transfers can be arranged upon request for added convenience.
What's Included
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Accommodation
2 nights in Bologna, 1 night in Modena, 1 night in Pavia, and 3 nights in Alba.
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Meals
Daily breakfast, Gourmet Dinner Experience at an Estate in Modena, Dinner at a Pavia Wine Estate, and Farewell Dinner at a Winery in Alba.
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Guided Tours
Private Guided Walking Tour of Bologna, Private Driver Escorted Tour of Modena & Maranello, Private Driver Escorted Tour of Pavia & Monferrato, Private Barolo Experience, and Private Turin Tour.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to Basilica di San Petronio, Modena Ferrari Museum, Barolo Castle, and Museum of Ancient Egypt.
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Cooking Class
Cooking Class with Authentic Bolognese Dinner.
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Wine and Food Tastings
Vineyard cellar visit with tasting and lunch near Modena, Parmigiano Cheese Tasting in Parma, wine tasting in Canelli in Monferrato, and commented Barolo wine tasting in La Morra.
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Truffle Hunt
Truffle hunt followed by lunch in Alba.
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Transfers
Private Transfer from Modena to Pavia via Parma, and transportation from and to Alba for the Turin tour.
What's Not Included
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Transportation to Meeting Points
Unless otherwise specified, transportation to the designated meeting point and back to your hotel for guided tours is not included.
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Airfare
International or domestic airfare is not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities to guides and drivers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Additional Meals
Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Local City Tax
Local city tax for overnight stays is not included.
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Visas
Visas required for entry into the country as necessary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transfers and driver-escorted tours, including a private guided walking tour of Bologna, a private transfer from Modena to Pavia via Parma, and a private Turin tour with transportation from and to Alba.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in Bologna, 1 night in Modena, 1 night in Pavia, and 3 nights in Alba, staying at carefully selected hotels and resorts such as Starhotel Excelsior, Agriturismo Acetaia Sereni, Prime Alture Winery & Resort, and Relais Villa d'Amelia.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of culinary experiences can I expect on this tour?
This tour offers a variety of culinary experiences including a cooking class in Bologna where you can learn to make traditional dishes like tortellini or tagliatelle al ragù, a Parmigiano cheese tasting in Parma, a truffle hunt followed by a truffle-infused lunch in Alba, and multiple wine tastings in renowned wine regions such as Canelli and Barolo. Additionally, you will enjoy gourmet dinners at estates and wineries.
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Are there any guided tours included in this itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes several guided tours such as a private guided walking tour of Bologna, a private driver-escorted tour of Modena and Maranello, a private driver-escorted tour of Pavia and Monferrato, a private Barolo experience with a professional driver-guide, and a private guided Turin walking tour.
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What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various accommodations such as Starhotel Excelsior or Mercure Centro in Bologna, Agriturismo Acetaia Sereni or Gelso Bianco Country Resort in Modena, Prime Alture Winery & Resort in Pavia, and Relais Villa d'Amelia in Alba. All accommodations are selected for their quality and location.
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Is transportation between cities included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between cities is included. For example, there is a private transfer from Modena to Pavia via Parma, and a private driver-escorted tour from Pavia to Alba. However, transportation to the designated meeting point and back to your hotel for guided tours is not included unless otherwise specified.
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What activities are planned in Modena?
In Modena, you will have free time to explore the city, visit a traditional balsamic vinegar cellar for a tasting session, enjoy a rustic lunch, and visit the Ferrari Museum to learn about the history of the sports car and see both classic and modern models. The day concludes with a gourmet dinner at a countryside estate.
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What can I expect during the truffle hunting experience?
The truffle hunting experience takes place in the Roero woods, guided by an expert and a skilled dog. You will learn about the secrets of truffle hunting, including the preferred trees and soil conditions for truffle growth. The hunt is followed by a truffle-infused lunch, showcasing this prized ingredient.
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What is included in the private Turin tour?
The private Turin tour includes transportation from and to Alba, a private guided walking tour of Turin, entrance to the Museum of Ancient Egypt, lunch at a renowned restaurant specializing in local recipes, and a chocolate tasting experience.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not covered by the tour package include transportation to the designated meeting point and back to your hotel for guided tours unless specified, international or domestic airfare, gratuities to guides and drivers, travel insurance, additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to monuments or museums not mentioned in the itinerary, local city tax for overnight stays, visas required for entry into the country, and any personal expenses.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.