Slow Italy Tour | 8-Day Emilia Romagna & Lombardy
- April 1-8, 2027
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Small Group: Max 16 travelers
- From $3977 per person
Our Slow Italy Tour is a leisurely paced, 8-day visit to some of the most beautiful towns of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy. The tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Italy at a slower pace, away from the popular tourist centers.
Expect to discover authentic Italian hospitality, enjoy delicious food and visit beautiful historic sites in the company of your dedicated tour host and expert local guides.
The Slow Italy Tour itinerary Includes:
- 4-star accommodation
- Transfers by private coach
- Private tours
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cooking Class
- Food Tasting Experiences
- An English-speaking host
- Discounted tour extension
Slow Italy Tour
April 2027-
April 1-8, 2027
-
8 Days / 7 Nights
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Max 16 participants
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Low Activity Level
Day 1: Arrival in Mantua
When you arrive in Milan (flight not included), Kara, your Slow Italy Tour host, will be waiting to meet you. Once you are out of the airport, the group will head to Mantua in a private coach.
Mantua is one of Italy’s prettiest towns. Built on the banks of three lakes, it was once a powerful Renaissance court under the wealthy Gonzaga family. A local guide will show you around their magnificent ducal palace and the bridal chamber where artist Andrea Mantegna painted the duke and his family.
- Dinner
- Walking Tour
Day 2: Tour of Palazzo Te
After breakfast at the hotel, we will walk through the town center to visit Palazzo Te, the Gonzagas’ pleasure palace where we’ll admire the wonderful frescoes of mythical figures that cover the walls.
The group will enjoy lunch together, then you’ll have a free afternoon to explore more of Mantua on your own until we meet again for dinner in the evening.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Tour
Day 3: Balsamic Vinegar Tasting in Modena
We’ll be leaving Mantua this morning for Modena, a small town in the heart of Emilia Romagna renowned for its Medieval cathedral and Balsamic vinegar. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and visit an acetaia, a balsamic vinegar producer where we’ll learn how this delicious local ingredient is produced and taste vinegars of different ages.
We’ll take a relaxed walk around the town and visit the wonderful Medieval cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) before dinner and your first taste of the famously rich cuisine of Emilia Romagna.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Balsamic Vinegar Tasting
Day 4: Cheese and Ham Tasting in Parma
Get ready to discover the true taste of some of the region’s most delicious products. We’ll start early with a visit to a cheese producer to watch the fresh milk begin the process of becoming Parmigiano Reggiano. Our tour will continue as we head into the hills around Parma to visit a salumificio and taste some Parma ham. Stopping for lunch along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the beautiful views of the countryside and to taste some local wines while we eat.
Our final stop today will be the town of Parma where we’ll take a leisurely stroll around the town and visit the cathedral and baptistery before returning to Modena for the night.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Tour
- Tasting Local Products
Day 5: Cooking Class in Bologna
After a slow start, we’ll visit the lively Medieval town of Bologna. We’ll get to know the city with a local guide will take us on a relaxed walking tour of the city center to see ancient churches and Europe’s oldest university.
You’ll have a couple of hours to wander the ancient streets and admire Bologna’s many Medieval towers on your own before we drive out into the countryside to learn the secrets of making fresh pasta by hand. The cooking class will end with a relaxed dinner together with good company and local wine.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Tour
- Cooking Class
Day 6: Tour the UNESCO sites of Ravenna
Today we’re heading to the small town of Ravenna, once a capital of the late Roman Empire. Around the town we’ll see churches and baptisteries filled with wonderful Byzantine mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries. You’ll learn the histories of the Christian Romans and Arian Ostrogoths who ruled Ravenna as you see their different beliefs reflected in their buildings and art.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Tour
Day 7: Italian Gardens and Pavia
We’re leaving Modena today and heading for Pavia, close to Milan. On the way, we’ll stop to visit two beautiful Italian gardens, the modern Labirinto della Masone and stroll through one of the largest mazes in the world and the 14th century Castello di Grazzano.
When we have checked into our hotel, we’ll explore the historic center of Paria and end the day with our farewell dinner together.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Tour
Day 8: Pavia Certosa
Before our tour ends, we will visit the beautiful 15th century Pavia Charterhouse, one of the largest monasteries in Italy.
Your tour host and driver will accompany you to Milan airport ready for your trip home. If you have decided to stay in Italy, we can arrange a transfer to your next destination on request.
- Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets
Itinerary Info
Customizing your Vacation
Want to extend your stay in Italy?
Slow Italy Tour participants get a 10% discount on services added immediately before or after the tour.
This offer covers hotels, transportation, activities and experiences book through My Italy Itinerary. Contact us for more information and to customize your vacation.
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in 4-star accommodation based in Mantua, Modena and Pavia.
Pricing is based on 2 people sharing.
City taxes are included.
How to Book
Call us on 888-973-4661 or write us and let us know the best time to talk so we can customize your Italy itinerary for you.
Included in the price
- 4-star accommodation in a shared room
- City taxes
- All meals
- English-speaking tour host
- Transfers by private bus
- Walking tours with professional guides
- Entrance fees
- Cooking class
- Local Product Tastings
- Tips for wait staff
Not included in the price
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the driver
- Anything not listed in the itinerary