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Heart of Emilia-Romagna: Hiking and Culture in Northern Italy
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
11 Days
From $6795
Hiking and Culture
Heart of Emilia-Romagna: Hiking and Culture in Northern Italy
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
11 Days
From $6795
Hiking and Culture
Trip Overview
Savor the Soul of Italy—A Culinary Journey Through Emilia-Romagna
Tucked between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s best-kept gastronomic secret. Long beloved by Italians and now gaining the attention of travelers worldwide, this region is a feast for the senses—and there’s no better way to explore it than on foot.
Our journey begins in Bologna where ancient porticos and lively markets hit at a deep-rooted culinary heritage. From there, we’ll explore the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Emilia to the west and Romagna to the east, uncovering the stories behind iconic ingredients and regional dishes.
We’ll walk through olive groves and vineyard-laced countryside, visit medieval hilltop towns, and sip our way through local cellars, sampling everything from Lambrusco and Pignoletto to Sangiovese, the star grape of Tuscany. We’ll taste the rich sweetness of Aceto Balsamico di Modena, meet local producers, and even join a truffle hunt in the woods. This is more than a food tour—it’s a deep dive into Italian tradition, terrier, and taste, best enjoyed at a walking pace with a glass in hand.
Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Hike through verdant countryside, olive groves and picturesque Medieval hilltop towns
- Experience the culture and cuisine of Bologna, the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region (and considered the gastronomic capital of Italy)
- Enjoy cooking classes, truffle hunting, and tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and wine
- Cycle the gentle hills of the Romagna Apennines
- Visit a local caseificio and observe how Parmesan cheese is made (and have a taste, of course!)
Inclusions
- 1-2 local guides plus an AGC guide depending upon group size
- 10 nights lodging at 3-, 4-, and 5-star accommodations
- 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners
- All transport within Italy including a private bus with driver
- Private transfer from Cesenatico to Bologna airport on departure day
- Entrance fees to sites/activities that are included in the itinerary
What's not included: Travel to and from Bologna, airport transfer on arrival day, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities, and travel insurance
Trip Info
The walks on this tour have been designed for women in good physical condition. The maximum daily distance is 8 miles with duration of up to 6-8 hours, whilst some days there will be significantly easier walks on gentle terrain. The terrain varies from flat and gentle rolling hills to foothills with steeper sections, walking on quiet back roads and trails. A rating of 2 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 20-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is appropriate.
Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
On this trip we combine physical activity with cultural exploration, including hiking through the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna; learning about and tasting local delicacies such as wines, cheeses, olive oil, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena; cycling through the Apennine Mountains; and exploring picturesque Medieval hilltop towns. We hike 5-8 miles per day, with time to stop for photographs, look at nature, and talk to local people, and our cycling day will range from 12-18 miles.
We will be staying in 3-, 4-, and 5-star accommodations. Rooms will be double-occupancy, with a few single supplements available for an additional fee.
Trip Resources
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Welcome to Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy! Upon arriving, gather with your group in the hotel lobby at 5 PM for a warm welcome and a brief orientation. Then, kick off your adventure with the first of many delicious dinners together, savoring the flavors of Emilia-Romagna, the birthplace of culinary treasures like Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
DAY 2
After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to the scenic outskirts of Bologna for a refreshing hike in the Pignoletto hills. Interestingly enough, the town of Pignoletto is named after the dry and aromatic sparkling white wine (whose name likely comes from the pine cone (pigna) shape of the Grechetto Gentile grape bunches), not the other way around! Following the hike, we'll indulge in a delightful lunch paired with a wine tasting at a beautiful vineyard. In the afternoon, we'll explore the city of Bologna with a guided tour, where we'll discover its rich history, vibrant porticoes and alleys, and the oldest functioning university in Europe. Tonight, we will enjoy a fantastic dinner at another exceptional restaurant and reflect on a memorable first full day in Italy.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
Daily Activities: Hiking (5 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
Daily Activities: Hiking (5 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 3
We start the day with an exciting cooking class, learning the secrets of making the traditional Bolognese sauce (known in Italy as ragù). We'll make tagliatelle pasta from scratch and ultimately prepare a full meal that we will enjoy together at lunchtime. In the afternoon, we will take a scenic train ride up to the San Luca Sanctuary for a wonderful view of medieval Bologna below, and then we'll stroll down the UNESCO-listed porticoes that lead straight to the heart of the old town. Tonight, you are free to enjoy dinner at your leisure in Bologna.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
Daily Activities: Hiking (5.6 miles, 850 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Art Hotel Commercianti or similar, Bologna
Daily Activities: Hiking (5.6 miles, 850 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 4
Let's give our legs a well-deserved rest today! After breakfast, we'll drive to Modena for a guided tour of this small, delightful city, known for its enchanting historical center, as well as being the home of world-renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti and iconic automotive brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, amongst others. The Modena region is also known for its Balsamic vinegar, which is great news for us! After enjoying lunch on your own in town, we'll take a short drive to Castelvetro for a tour of a traditional balsamic vinegar mill. We'll then make our way to a scenic farm estate with its own balsamic mill, where we'll indulge in a gourmet dinner surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Tonight's hotel is located just outside the historical center of Castelvetro di Modena, a picturesque medieval town with an extraordinary hilltop piazza and castle. It's the perfect place to take an evening walk to explore this charming town!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Guerro or similar, Castelvetro
Tonight's hotel is located just outside the historical center of Castelvetro di Modena, a picturesque medieval town with an extraordinary hilltop piazza and castle. It's the perfect place to take an evening walk to explore this charming town!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Guerro or similar, Castelvetro
DAY 5
We’ll get an early start today to learn how Parmigiano Reggiano is made at a local caseificio—a dairy that proudly produces the "king" of Italian cheeses. After a tasting, we'll hike amongst the picturesque Lambrusco hills for some color changing landscape. Passing medieval churches, vineyards, and hamlets, we'll end our walk at a charming vineyard for a Lambrusco wine tasting and a delightful, traditional lunch. After an afternoon to yourself to relax (or continue exploring!), we'll meet back up this evening to share another exquisite dinner together.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Guerro or similar, Castelvetro
Daily Activities: Hiking (6 miles, 650 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Guerro or similar, Castelvetro
Daily Activities: Hiking (6 miles, 650 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 6
Off we go to Faenza! After a hearty breakfast, we'll drive to Faenza, where we'll collect our e-bikes and begin pedaling through the gentle, rolling hills of the Appennine Mountains to reach a winery and organic farm. We'll learn about the various local wines produced by the winery before savoring a tasting and lunch at the farm—which is even more satisfying after our two-wheeled adventure from Faenza. We'll then make our way to the medieval Brisighella, which is known as one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy. Our accommodation in the center of Brisighella is ideally-situated, and lends itself perfectly to embarking on an exploration of the vibrant alleys of this lively hamlet, before enjoying dinner together as a group.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Albergo La Rocca or similar, Brisighella
Daily Activities: Cycling (12-18 miles, 980-1,300 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Albergo La Rocca or similar, Brisighella
Daily Activities: Cycling (12-18 miles, 980-1,300 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 7
After breakfast, we'll start the day walking straight out of our Brisighella hotel to explore the surrounding hills, composed of the largest chain of gypsum in Europe. Known locally as the Vena del Gesso, these eroded, exposed hills—surrounded by forests, farms, and vineyards—make for an impressive sight. Our hike ends at a rifugio— an Italian mountain hut—where we will recharge with a local, traditional lunch while enjoying the views from the top of the hill. On a clear day, the stunningly blue Adriatic Sea is visible from here! We'll then make our way to the charming village of Dovadola, not far from Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole, which were once part of the northernmost reaches of the Tuscan Medici family. We'll have time to relax and enjoy some time at the spa at our luxurious new accommodations. We'll spend the next two nights in an enchanting former convent turned farmhouse and countryside estate—surely another trip highlight!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Corte San Ruffillo or similar, Dovadola
Daily Activities: Hiking (7.5 miles, 1,650 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Corte San Ruffillo or similar, Dovadola
Daily Activities: Hiking (7.5 miles, 1,650 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 8
After breakfast, we'll try our hand at truffle hunting with local masters (known as tartufai) and their talented dogs—good luck to us! Back at our picturesque accommodations, hopefully with the bounty of our truffle hunt in hand, we'll delight in a picnic lunch organized by our generous hosts. After refueling from our morning adventures, we'll visit a local farm and winery to sample the red Sangiovese and their delicious olive oil before returning to our lodge to unwind and indulge in some more rest and relaxation at the spa. Tonight's dinner together will be a truffle-based feast!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Corte San Ruffillo or similar, Dovadola
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Corte San Ruffillo or similar, Dovadola
DAY 9
After the thrill of yesterday's truffle hunt, we'll start the day with a relaxing hike in the hills surrounding our farm estate in Dovadola. We'll eventually reach the Eremo di Montepaolo, a former hermitage and sanctuary that lies on the pilgrim's path of St. Anton of Padua. A group of nuns still lives here, hosting pilgrims on their walk through the vast forest. We'll then head to Forlimpopoli, the birthplace of Pellegrino Artusi, for a piadina-making demonstration at Casa Artusi; thanks to his bestselling cookbook, La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene (Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well), Artusi is known as the "father of Italian cooking". After thoroughly enjoying our piadina—a type of flatbread sandwich which Romagna is famous for—we'll make our way to Cesenatico, a picturesque seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. Cesenatico has a vibrant and lively historical center, proudly showing off its canal built by Leonardo da Vinci, and we'll be spending the next two nights in a luxurious and elegant 5-star hotel on the seaside boardwalk. Tonight, you are free to enjoy dinner on your own in town.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Grand Hotel da Vinci or similar, Cesenatico
Daily Activities: Hiking (6 miles, 330 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Grand Hotel da Vinci or similar, Cesenatico
Daily Activities: Hiking (6 miles, 330 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 10
This morning we'll drive to the Po Delta, Italy's only delta and its largest wetland. The Po is the longest river in Italy, and the delta where it meets the Adriatic Sea—a UNESCO-designated site—is the perfect locale for our walk this morning. Keep an eye out for the local pink flamingos and purple herons! After some walking and wildlife viewing, we'll finish up at an agriturismo (an Italian farm designed to welcome tourists and guests), where we'll enjoy lunch in the countryside. Following a delightful meal of local ingredients, we'll make our way to Ravenna, the former capital of the Western Roman empire during the Byzantine period. A local guide will lead us on a walk through this UNESCO-protected city and its breathtaking, colorful mosaics. In the late afternoon, we'll return to Cesenatico and celebrate our final dinner together at a delicious seafood restaurant set right on Leonardo's canal—the perfect setting to reflect on all the memories and new friends we made, and to close out our adventure together.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grand Hotel da Vinci or similar, Cesenatico
Daily Activities: Hiking (5 miles, 330 feet of elevation gain)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grand Hotel da Vinci or similar, Cesenatico
Daily Activities: Hiking (5 miles, 330 feet of elevation gain)
DAY 11
After a final breakfast at your hotel, a private shuttle will take you to the Bologna airport for your departure. Take in the last glimpses of Italy's beauty and charm as you bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Flights can be scheduled after 1:00 PM.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
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Dates & Prices
| Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
October 22 to November 01, 2026 |
Available |
$6795.00 |
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
Your breakfasts will be at the hotels where you're staying, and dinners will be at restaurants in the towns where you'll be staying. Lunches will be enjoyed at vineyards, restaurants, rifugios, agriturismos,and as part of your cooking classes.
Vegetarian options for this trip are available but may be more limited than you are used to. If you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, plan to bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions i.e. vegan, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you.
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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