sightseeing & excursions emilia romagna
DISCOVERING BOLOGNA
Tour will include: PIAZZA MAGGIORE, in the heart of city’s life since Roman times. The KING ENZO’ S PALACE, a romanesque building dated back to 1244 used as a prison for the son of the emperor Frederich the second, the NEPTUNE FOUNTAIN, a masterpiece of the Flemish sculptor Gianbologna. Proceed to the famous BASILICA of St. PETRONIO, the most belated gothic church in Europe with a famous sundial, the PALAZZO DEL PODESTA’, a 15th century building with an important renaissance façade and THE ARCHIGINNASIO, the first permanent seat among the most ancient Universities in Europe with a famous anatomical theatre. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, a walk around the MEDIEVAL MARKET with its narrow streets, to arrive to the TWO TOWERS built in the 12th century as a status symbol of the most important bolognese families. The BASILICA DI SANTO STEFANO, one of the most amazing romanesque complexes built as a reproduction of “ Santa Gerusalemme” and THE JEWISH GHETTO, a mesh of narrow streets where Jewish people lived during the 16th century.
DISCOVERING MODENA
A guided Tour to discover this beautiful city of Art, which hosts in its ancient heart of capital city of Duchy of Este, architectural jewels appreciated all over the world: the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande declared Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 1997. Chef d’œuvre of Italian Romanesque. The XVII century Ducal Palace, now site of the Military Academy and the Estense Gallery and Library, hosting art works of big value.
GASTRONOMIC TOUR AROUND MODENA
A tour to discover the food specialties of this region, appreciated all over the world: the famous PARMESAN CHEESE, the PARMA HAM and the ACETO BALSAMICO (Modena Balsamic vinegar). Our tour will include some stops in typical factories where you will see how these products are made.
THE MOTOR VALLEY
Full Day excursion THE MOTOR VALLEY A tour to discover the world of engines in Emilia Romagna, a region packed with places and events directly associated with this theme. Going around the Padana plain between Modena, Parma and Imola, we will discover some private museums, galleries and private collections connected with the motor world. Companies such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati are the top-level attractions in this region. Our visit will start with the LAMBORGHINI MUSUEMS, the private collection of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s son. The Museum is a living testimony to the great tradition of this legendary company and it is home to dozens of standard vehicles from as early as the 1970s, Formula One racing cars, car and offshore boat engines, old tools from the factory and hundreds of car models from various countries. Proceed to MARANELLO for lunch at Restaurant “CAVALLINO” located in front of the FERRARI GALLERY. Soon after lunch, visit the FERRARI GALLERY where you will see historic cars, Formula One single seaters and modern GTs, technological innovations, trophies, technical drawings, films and photographs and also the Ferrari shop with original Ferrari merchandise.
DISCOVERING FERRARA
Departure from Bologna to Ferrara, one of the region’s greatest walled towns where the D’Este dynasty left an indelible mark. Upon arrival, visit the ESTENSE CASTLE with its moats, towers and battlements, the PALAZZO DEL COMUNE and the DUOMO CATHEDRAL in Romanesque-Gothic style. Lunch in a typical restaurant and return to Bologna in the early afternoon.
DISCOVERING RAVENNA
Departure from Bologna in the morning to Ravenna, famous all over the world for its superb mosaics from the Byzantine period. Upon arrival, visit to SAN VITALE CHURCH with its mosaics, the DANTE’S TOMB, the Church of SANT’APOLLINARE IN CLASSE. Lunch in a typical restaurant and proceed visit of the city with its old streets, fine shops and peaceful piazzas.
Return to Bologna in the afternoon.