TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Three nights in Parma and three nights in Florence
Visit small hilltowns and medieval villages
Visit Modena’s Famous Mercato
Unique Artisan Walking Tour in Florence
Food Tour of Emilia Romagna: Visit parmesan, balsamic vinegar and special wine producers
Farm to table lunch at a local winery
A special workshop in Florence crafting script and storytelling.
Free time to explore Parma and Florence on your own
Special surprises along the way
Feast on Italy’s best comfort food in local trattorias
TOUR PRICE $4395.00
Italy has a way of burrowing itself deep within the corridors of your heart and never loses its capacity to enchant. This Bella Paese — beautiful country — remains heart-stopping, no matter if you are doing it for the first time or the 100th. Linger in timeless cafes over cappuccino e cornetto, sleep in palazzi-turn hotels, and listen to the sound of your heels on ancient cobblestone. The Old World sentiment is deeply rooted in tradition, established over time, and evocative of a bygone era. It carries a sense of heritage, craftsmanship, and a refined aesthetic that sets the country apart. This tour encapsulates everything that is most seductive about Italy. Experience Old World Italia through new eyes.
6 SPOTS
TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP PRICE: $4395.00
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Beautiful, centrally located accommodations double occupancy; $995.00 Single supplement fee
Most meals (6 Breakfast, 3 lunches, 4 Dinners)
Food and wine tastings throughout the tour
Sudden Journeys Tour Director
A small, friendly group of 10 people
All ground transportation
All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
Coach Driver, local guides and restaurant gratuities
Special dinner and welcome drinks
Custom-designed gifts for your travels
Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.
Arrival Airport: Milan - Train to Parma Rail Station
Departure Airport: Florence/Milan/Rome
Note: The itinerary is descriptive, not definitive, and is subject to change. There also may be modifications due to weather, restoration works taking place are historic sites, and availability of local activities and guides.
ACCOMMODATIONS
THREE NIGHTS IN PARMA
This family-run hotel is located in a historic 13th-century palazzo near Piazza del Duomo, steps from Parma Cathedral and the Baptistery of Parma. It's close to shopping and dining, offering opportunities to enjoy Parma's cuisine and culture. Accommodations reflect the building's charm with antique furniture and warm colors.
THREE NIGHTS IN FLORENCE
Our Florence hotel near the beautiful Piazza della Libertà celebrates both Renaissance and Postmodern interiors across two spectacular buildings. The hotel boasts a coastal-inspired restaurant, a vibrant wine bar, a huge garden terrace and is located in a quiet neighborhood.
Kyle, a seasoned travel guide with over two decades of industry experience, has dedicated her life to creating enriching and inspiring travel experiences for diverse groups. With a repertoire of leading thousands of travelers (yes thousands!), she possesses an intimate understanding of the transformative power of travel. Her journeys span across the picturesque locales of Europe and the US, underlining her vast travel experience and knowledge. Yet, with every tour, Kyle's heart for her guests remains the same: to ensure every individual returns home with a revitalized spirit, a broadened worldview, and cherished memories of newfound friendships.
DAY ONE (Arrival Day) Our journey together begins at the Parma Rail Station. Here we will gather together, and stop for coffee for a time of introductions before traveling to the hotel. After you’ve settled in, we will meet our local guide for a stroll through Parma's picturesque streets. Later we will gather for an aperitivo hour and an unforgettable dinner at one of Parma's most celebrated restaurants. This is our chance to connect, learn one another’s stories, and toast to the magic that is sure to unfold when cultures collide.
Walking tour Parma
Welcome drinks and dinner
Free Time: late afternoon at the hotel
Light walking: 1-2 miles throughout the afternoon. Sleep in pARMA.
DAY TWO (Emilia Romagna)
This morning, our journey takes us to the picturesque Castello di Vigoleno set in the Piacenza hills, where history and architecture intertwine in a mesmerizing display. Wander through its cobbled streets and immerse yourself in its timeless setting. Next, we will visit a special winery, where we will learn all about the production of award-winning Vin Santo. This is the only winery that makes this dessert wine. After lunch, stroll through the charming medieval village of Castell'Arquato, where every corner reveals a new facet of its old-world charm. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this ancient town, basking in the beauty of its well-preserved architecture and captivating vistas. This place doesn’t even seem real. Conclude the day by returning to Parma for an evening of leisure and dining on your own.
Explore the villages Castello di Vigoleno and Castell’Arquato.
Visit a special winery Vin Santo of Vigoleno
Lunch: Local area restaurant
Free Time: Dinner in Parma
Light walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day, light hills and stairs. Bus 1 hr 45 mins. Sleep in Parma.
DAY THREE (Emilia Romagna)
Today, we will set out early for a day filled with culinary delights and historical intrigue. Our journey will take us to the heart of the region as we visit the producers of world-renowned parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, offering an opportunity for tastings at each stop. Amidst the picturesque hills, we will linger over lunch which promises to be a memorable experience. In the afternoon, we will have the chance to explore the remarkable 15th-century Torrechiara Castle, an architectural marvel that boasts stunning frescoed rooms and captivating views from its exterior. Dinner together in the evening.
Guided tours of producers of parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar
Lunch at a farm to table restaurant located at a local vineyard
Explore Torrechiara Castle
Dinner together in one of the best restaurants not just in the region but in all of Italy.
Moderate walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day, moderate hills and stairs. Bus 2 hrs. Sleep in PARMA.
DAY FOUR (Modena and Florence) Time to leave Parms and begin our travels south. Our morning will be spent in Modena at the famed Mercato Albinelli, considered the most beautiful covered market in Italy. This historic food market is the perfect place to sample local food. You’ll have time to shop for treats of your own. After lunch, we will travel to Florence. Once we check into the hotel, we will set off on a walking tour of central Florence including a visit to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This renowned establishment, dating back to the 13th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of perfumery and herbal remedies. Here you can immerse yourself in the stories and craftsmanship behind the products, gaining insight into centuries-old practices. Dinner together in the evening.
Visit Modena and Mercato Albinelli
Florence walking tour
Visit Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella
Free Time: Morning in Modena
Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day and stairs. Bus 2 1/2 hrs. Sleep in Florence.
DAY FIVE (Florence) Immerse yourself in the beating heart of Florence! Our day begins with a timeless ritual at the city’s oldest cafe, for coffee and pastries. A perfect prelude to the day awaiting us. Join our local guide, a passionate storyteller, who will unveil the secrets of Florentine craftsmanship. Step through the curtains of workshops, witnessing the magic unfold of leathermakers, painters, bookmakers, sculptors, jewelers, and more. Feel the artist's passion ignite your creative spirit. After an insightful morning, we will enjoy a special lunch experience together. As the afternoon unfolds, Florence is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander through ancient city streets, lose yourself in museums, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. As the sun dips low, the city transforms, twinkling lights painting the scene with a touch of romance.
Coffee at Florence’s oldest cafe
Unique artisan walking tour
Free Time: all afternoon and evening. Dinner on your own.
Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day. NO BUS. Sleep in Florence.
DAY SIX (Lucca & Florence) This morning we will travel to Lucca for the morning. You’ll have time to wander the city walls or enjoy exploring this charming walled city on your own. After lunch we will return to Florence where you’ll have the mid afternoon free to do as you like. Our final evening will be an affair to remember and promises to be a crescendo to an unforgettable week together.
Morning in Lucca and lunch on your own
Free time: late afternoon in Florence
Farewell feast
Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day. Train 2 hrs R/T. Sleep in Florence.
DAY SEVEN (Departure Day) After an amazing 6 days together, it is time to leave. You will depart the hotel for the train station in Florence or the airport.
MORE TOUR INFORMATION
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This tour is about exploring Italy through the culture of food. Most of the activities and events over the first few days focus on food. You can expect big meals and snacks along the way.
Many of the meals revolve around local food traditions, including meat and almost always cheese and pasta. If you are a vegetarian, lactose intolerant, or gluten-free, then this is probably not the tour for you.
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While in the Emilia Romagna region, we will explore a new tour or village daily. This means early departures, sometimes walking up to an hour at a time and out all day. These days are not overly strenuous but you need to be able to keep up with the group.
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The hotels where you will stay are both family-run and centrally located. Because both hotels are housed in former palazzos, some of the rooms have creative configurations.
Note: Italian beds are notoriously hard. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels all over the country and this seems to be the standard.