The Tastes of Milan & Bologna

After a complimentary departure lounge experience, fly out to Italy’s capital of fashion where you’ll be transferred to your accommodation set amongst bustling cobblestone streets and close to Via della Spiga, the city’s premier shopping street. The perfect starting point for your city tour, taking in Milan’s most important sights. Its standout attraction is the ornately Gothic Duomo di Milano. As the largest church in Italy, it dates back to the late 14th century whose intricately detailed Baroque façade, 19th century spires and thousands upon thousands of marble figures all contribute to a truly extravagant aesthetic. You’ll also visit the famous Teatro all Scala. Since its inauguration in 1778, it’s become one of the finest opera houses the world over, famed for its neoclassical architecture. And, no trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to the Galleria Umberto, a UNESCO-listed shopping gallery known for its grand, arched glass roof.

Accommodation : UNA Hotel Cusani, Milan (Superior)

Given Lombardy’s rich oenological history – the Greeks were the first to introduce vineyards to the region – we’ve organised a guided wine tour into the Milan countryside. You'll taste your way through sparkling wines from the Oltrepò wine region, and meet producers and taste local products at family-run wineries. accompanied by your very own private guide, a wine expert and enthusiast. They’ll be able to explain how Lombardy’s unique position under the Alps has given rise to everything from Valtellina’s light bodied reds to Franciacorta’s sweet fizzy whites. Enjoy a light lunch with typical local products at the winery before heading back to Milan.

Accommodation : UNA Hotel Cusani, Milan (Superior)

After breakfast, a First Class train ride will take you south to medieval Bologna’s terracotta maze. If yesterday was focused on wine, today will be given over to its epicurean equal – food. Your gastronomic tour will bring you to the city’s authentic taverns and off-the-tourist-trail osterias to taste the region’s specialities. There’s everything from mortadella cold cuts and ciccioli pork cakes to indulgently fine chocolates. End your tour with a visit to the Fontana del Nettuno, a 16th century fountain of high renown, and the unmistakable Due Torri, a group of medieval structures that have become the city’s symbol for their distinctive towers, measuring nearly 100m in height. In Bologna’s medieval heyday such structures covered the city as each noble family sought to outdo each other.

The next day, you'll be taken on a unique journey to the heart of the Food Valley to discover how three renowned products have an important role in Italian culture; wine, Parmigiano Reggiano and the traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena. You will meet and be guided through tastings with the local farmers, and enjoy lunch with a selection of typical regional products.

Accommodation : Art Hotel Orologio, Bologna (Superior)

You’ll have today at leisure before your flight home. Spend your time exploring Abbazi di Santo Stefano’s maze of historic ecclesiastical architecture, marvelling at the magnitude of the Gothic Basilica di San Petronio or taking some time out at Pinacoteca Nazionale, the city’s main art gallery. You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight home.