Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Arrive in Rome and check into Hotel Eden, a luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of the city. Enjoy its elegant atmosphere and panoramic views of Rome’s iconic landmarks.
- Evening: Start your Italian adventure with an authentic dinner at Roscioli, a celebrated Roman trattoria. Enjoy classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and a variety of local cheeses and cured meats, all paired with excellent Italian wines.
Day 2: Explore the Flavors of Rome
- Morning: Embark on a guided food tour through Rome, where you’ll explore the city’s lively markets, artisanal gelaterias, and traditional trattorias. Learn about the origins of Roman culinary traditions and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
- Afternoon: Along the way, taste a range of local specialties such as supplì (fried rice balls), fresh pasta, and Roman street food. Don’t miss the chance to savor carbonara or cacio e pepe, two of the city’s most iconic pasta dishes.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure, or perhaps explore Rome’s vibrant neighborhood eateries.
Day 3: Journey to Tuscany
- Travel to Tuscany, the heart of Italy’s wine country. After a scenic drive through rolling hills and vineyards, check into Castello di Casole, an exquisite 10th-century castle-turned-luxury hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
- Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at a nearby winery, where you’ll embark on a Chianti wine tasting experience. Learn about the wine production process and taste some of the region’s best wines, including the renowned Chianti Classico and other local varietals.
- Evening: Enjoy a laid-back evening at the hotel with a leisurely dinner featuring traditional Tuscan dishes and wines.
Day 4: Tuscan Culinary Class
- Morning: Today, immerse yourself in Tuscan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn how to make classic Tuscan dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu, ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), or crostini with chicken liver pâté.
- Afternoon: After your cooking class, indulge in a delightful lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, all paired with local wines from the surrounding vineyards.
- Evening: Relax and savor the tranquil Tuscan countryside, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine on the hotel’s terrace as the sun sets.
Day 5: Discover Florence
- Travel to Florence, Italy’s cultural and culinary capital. Begin your day by visiting the Mercato Centrale, Florence’s bustling food market. Sample the finest local cheeses, meats, and fresh produce, and explore the array of traditional Tuscan products, from olive oils to cured hams.
- Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many trattorias nearby, tasting dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) and panzanella (Tuscan bread salad).
- Dinner: In the evening, dine at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a cozy, family-run restaurant serving authentic, home-cooked Tuscan meals, perfect for immersing yourself in the flavors of Florence.
Day 6: Wine Tasting in Chianti
- Day Trip to Chianti: Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Chianti region, one of Italy’s most famous wine-producing areas. Visit several vineyards and wineries where you’ll be treated to tastings of some of the world’s finest Chianti wines, including Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Super Tuscan blends.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at Antinori nel Chianti Classico, a renowned winery and architectural masterpiece. Savor local delicacies such as pasta al cinghiale (wild boar pasta) or porchetta (roast pork), paired with exquisite wines.
- Evening: Return to your Tuscan accommodation for a relaxing evening and perhaps a glass of wine as you unwind.
Day 7: Travel to Bologna
- Travel to Bologna, known as Italy’s food capital. Check into the luxurious Grand Hotel Majestic "Già Baglioni", a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
- Afternoon: Explore Bologna’s rich culinary heritage by sampling local specialties like tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce), and mortadella (Italian sausage). Bologna’s food culture is a delightful blend of rich pasta dishes and cured meats, all bursting with flavor.
- Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Bolognese dinner at Ristorante Diana, a well-known local favorite. Enjoy pasta dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and complemented by regional wines.
Day 8: Cooking and Tasting in Bologna
- Cooking Class: Join a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional Bolognese pasta, including the famous tortellini and tagliatelle. Your chef will guide you through the entire process, from dough-making to filling preparation.
- Tasting Tour: After the class, embark on a tasting tour where you’ll sample some of Bologna’s finest local cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and cured meats like prosciutto di Parma and salame. These flavorful bites are perfect with a glass of local wine.
- Evening: Spend your evening savoring your own creations from the class, paired with a selection of regional wines.
Day 9: Explore Modena
- Travel to Modena, a charming town famed for its balsamic vinegar and culinary tradition. Visit a balsamic vinegar producer to learn about the aging process of this traditional Italian delicacy, and enjoy a tasting session where you can sample different ages of balsamic vinegar.
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Modena’s local trattorias, where you’ll experience dishes that highlight the region’s unique flavors, like tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) and gnocco fritto (fried dough with cured meats).
- Dinner at Osteria Francescana: Experience the pinnacle of Italian fine dining at Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Modena. Chef Massimo Bottura’s innovative take on traditional Italian cuisine is a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
Day 10: Departure from Milan
- Explore Milan’s Food Scene: Spend your last day exploring Milan, from its historic cafes to modern eateries. Discover local specialties such as risotto alla Milanese or cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet).
- Farewell Dinner: For your final evening in Italy, enjoy a farewell dinner at Trattoria Milanese, a classic eatery known for its traditional Milanese cuisine. Sip on a glass of local wine and savor a delicious, hearty meal before heading to the airport.
- Departure: Head to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight home, taking with you the flavors, wines, and unforgettable memories of Italy.