Food & Wine in Bologna, Verona, Milan & Turin - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Train to Bologna

Welcome to Italy! Arrive in one of Milan's two international airports and make the one-hour, 15-minute train journey to Bologna, Emilia-Romagna's foodie capital. Settle in and relax at your hotel, then head out to discover the historic charms of Europe's oldest university town and its renowned gastronomy. 

Start with caffè in Piazza Maggiore, the town's grand 13th-century plaza, overlooked by some of the city's most prominent and historic buildings, including the impressive Basilica di San Petronio. Stroll over to the Due Torri, two towers (Asinelli and Garisenda) that flank the square, and wander the narrow alleyways of the Quadrilatero, the area's historic market and foodie neighborhood. Here, you'll find everything for a delicious lunch on the go, with excellent street food, bakers, and an array of vendors and stall holders proffering delicious morsels. 

In the evening, enjoy aperitivo (an aperitif, usually spritz, prosecco, or wine, accompanied by small bites) at one of the local bars before heading out to dinner to dine on typical Bolognan cuisine such as tagliatelle al ragù or tortelloni in brodo (tiny meat-filled pasta served in a delicate broth).

Day 2: Self-Guided Tour of Bologna

Spend today exploring Bologna at your own pace. Art enthusiasts should head to the Museo di Palazzo Poggi and the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, where you'll find renowned Old Masters and 14th-century artists such as Jacopo di Paolo and Guido Reni. For a modern take on the city's renowned art, head to the Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo). After a morning touring the city's museums, walk to the Quadrilatero district to pick up regional salume, mortadella, formaggi, and pane for an al fresco lunch in the Giardini Margherita, a peaceful park just south of the center.

In the afternoon, while away a few hours visiting the city's captivating churches. The Basilica di Santo Stefano is a Romanesque complex of seven small churches, chapels, and cloisters, with a fascinating history that dates back to the fifth century, when the site was converted from a much older Roman Temple of Isis. If you have time, squeeze in a visit to San Giacomo Maggiore, another Romanesque treasure-filled gem built by the Augustinians. Reward your sightseeing efforts with a spritz in the Piazza Maggiore before spending the evening dining on delicious local fare. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Parma, Prosciutto & Parmigiano Reggiano Tasting

Known for its ornate medieval architecture, castles, and famous prosciutto namesake, Parma, along with Bologna, is considered one of the top foodie destinations for travelers to northern Italy. This morning, you'll catch an hour's train to Parma and meet your guide in the town center. See highlights, including the 10th-century University of Parma, the Museo Glauco Lombardi, the 12th-century Piazza Duomo, and the world-renowned opera venue, Teatro Regio.

Next, it's time to explore the local production sites of the city's two main food exports, Prosciutto Crudo di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, staples not just in Italian cooking but worldwide. You'll learn about and see the production process in action and the hard work that goes into ensuring they meet high regional standards and the coveted DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status or PDO. 

Whet your appetite with a tasting of delicious cheese, ham, and traditional balsamic vinegar, and then it's off to a local family-run trattoria for lunch. Northern Italian cooking favors butter, cheese, truffles, risotto rice, and polenta, so expect dishes such as risotto Milanese and ravioli al burro e salvia (ravioli with butter and sage). After you've feasted on regional specialties, spend the afternoon strolling the town before returning to Bologna in the evening.

Day 4: Train to Verona, Guided Tour of the City

Continue your foodie tour of northern Italy with a 1.5-hour train north to Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in art and culture and known for its famous opera and as the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Check into your hotel, and after a quick refresh, head out to explore. 

Make your way to Piazza Bra, the city's largest square and social hub. It's the perfect spot to get your bearings and sip a glass of the local prosecco while savoring the views of the Arena, Italy's second-largest Roman amphitheater after Rome's Colosseum. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the Arena is one of the best preserved of its kind, now a world-famous music venue and home to the city's annual opera festival. Stroll over to Casa di Giulietta, the house that's said to have inspired the story of the star-crossed lovers, and home to Juliet's famed balcony. 

Wander the Old Town toward the Piazza dei Signori, an elegant square framed by Romanesque and Gothic churches, buildings, and palaces with a central marble statue of Dante, built in 1865. Cross the Ponte di Castelvecchio, an impressive red brick medieval bridge dating back to 1350, and discover the sculpture and artworks in the Castelvecchio Museum, located in the eponymous castle. In the evening, head to Piazza delle Erbe for dinner, relax with a glass of local wine, and dine on specialties such as risotto all'amarone (risotto with red wine).

Day 5: Wine Tour of the Valpolicella Region

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for a trip to Veneto's Valpolicella region, a district between the Alps foothills and the surrounding valleys of the Lessini Mountains. Surpassed only by Chianti and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in Italy's red wine production, the area's renowned vineyards produce four excellent reds: rich amarone, spicy cherry Valpolicella ripasso, sweet recioto, and, of course, Valpolicella.

You'll tour two of the region's favorite wineries, learn about the centuries-old production process, tour the cellars, and see how the barrels are stored for aging. Afterward, you'll taste various vintages and styles, accompanied by small piatti (plates) to compliment the wines. Once you're done, you can purchase any bottles you particularly enjoyed, and your guide will drop you back in Verona.

Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Verona's Giardino Giusti (Giusti Garden), east of the city, located just behind the Giusti Palace, is a beautiful giardino all'Italiana (Italian-style garden) with a classic Renaissance layout. Stroll through the maze of lawns, manicured hedges, and Greek statues that adorn the walkways. As the sun dips, walk over to the Old Town and sample classic Veronese dishes using the region's famous Vialone Nano risotto rice and Monte Veronese cheese.

Day 6: Train to Milan, Free Afternoon

Today marks the penultimate stop on your foodie tour with a one-hour, 15-minute train journey to Milan. Famous as Italy's sophisticated fashion capital and the north's industrial and commercial hub, the city is also the birthplace of the world-famous risotto alla Milanese, a rich saffron risotto traditionally made with beef stock and bone marrow. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and head out to explore. 

Milan's famous historical sights are clustered together in the center. Your first stop should be the Piazza del Duomo, where the 14th-century Gothic Duomo is an arresting sight. Built over six centuries, it's Italy's second-biggest cathedral and one of the largest in the world. Other notable sights close by include the La Scala Opera House, the Pirelli Tower, and the medieval Castello Sforzesco. Don't miss an opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at the Santa Maria della Grazie monastery, where you'll need to book your slot well ahead of time. 

In the evening, head to the bohemian Porta Genova neighborhood, which runs along the Naviglio Grande canal. It's the perfect spot for a predinner aperitivo with plenty of buzzy waterside bars, where people from all over the city come to socialize and people-watch.

Day 7: Milan Pasta Making Masterclass

Enjoy a relaxed morning and a caffè at a local bar before continuing your immersion into Italian life with an afternoon cooking class where you'll master the art of fresh pasta. You'll start with a lesson in cocktail making, where you and your fellow chefs will be guided through the ritual of aperitivo and shown how to make the perfect spritz or martini, depending on your choice. 

Learn how to transform flour and eggs into different pasta shapes and silky smooth strands before getting to work on your preferred sauce. Choose from fresh pesto, pomodoro con basilico (tomato and basil), ragù, or burro e salvia (butter and sage). At the end of the workshop, sit down with your fellow chefs and enjoy your creations, accompanied by a selection of drinks, including craft beers and local wines. You'll leave armed with plenty of traditional techniques and authentic recipes to use back home.

Spend the rest of the afternoon either seeing any of the sights you missed yesterday or browsing the shops in Milan's famous fashion district on the Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Montenapoleone shopping streets.

Day 8: Train to Turin, Street Food Tour

Wave goodbye to the Lombardy region this morning and transfer by train to Turin, Piedmont's foodie capital. Known for its elaborate architecture, culture, and elegant wide boulevards, this historic university town is the perfect base to experience the region's famous wines and delicious local cuisine. Check into your hotel and familiarize yourself with all the local foodie hotspots with a street food tour.

Meet your guide and wander through the Old Town and toward the Porta Palazzo, Europe's largest open-air market. Browse the stalls and sample the fresh produce, including regional hams, cheeses, breads, truffle-infused treats, and other regional delicacies. Then snack your way through the city's historic streets with visits to local bakeries and food stalls, where you'll try the city's famous chocolate and sweet pastries. 

Part ways with your guide and the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. The central squares of Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello are excellent options for stopping for a caffé and savoring one of Turin's famous cioccolato di Giandiutto. Afterward, cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge over the river to the Chiesa Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappucini. It's an uphill walk up to the church, but it's worth it for the panoramic views across Turin. In the evening, find a cozy trattoria near the Piazza Vittoria Veneto and enjoy dishes such as brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine).

Day 9: Langhe Hills Wine Tour

Today, you'll see out your tour across northern Italy with a private wine tour in the nearby Langhe Hills, renowned worldwide for the exceptional quality of the vineyards and wines produced here. As well as Barolo and Barbaresco, you'll also find barbera and dolcetto varieties, and today, you'll take a guided tour through the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato area that comprises five distinct wine-growing areas with outstanding landscapes that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Your adventure begins in Asti, a 35-minute train ride from Turin. Meet your guide and embark on a guided tour of several family-owned wineries. Hear from the winemakers about the traditional winemaking methods used in the region, and then visit the cellars and see how the wines are aged in oak barrels. You'll conclude your winery visit by tasting a selection of vintages and varietals, accompanied by tasty local charcuteries, cheeses, and bread.

In the afternoon, you'll stop for lunch in one of the nearby hilltop villages and finish your tour with a visit to the beautifully restored, centuries-old Grinzane Castle. As well as providing stunning views across the Langhe Hills, the castle is a renowned showroom for Piedmont's best regional wines. You'll have the opportunity to taste a moscato or grappa dessert wine and purchase any of your favorites. Afterward, you'll be dropped back at your hotel in time to watch the sunset over the hills and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby trattorias. 

Day 10: Depart Turin

Say goodbye, or ciao, to Italy for now. Take advantage of any extra time with one last morning stroll before your driver takes you to either the station in Turin or the airport in Milan. Safe travels!

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