News

Success and happiness is not far away!

5/5/2020

- MAXIMUM
Helping travel agents and group organisers to make a real success of 2021

It’s going to be tough for the next few years. There will be winners and losers.

We’d all like you to be a winner!

And we'll do everything we can to make it so.

All of our research indicates that your clients will want a different, better experience, their key needs now are:

Value,
Safety,
Uncrowded places,
Security,
And knowledgeable, reliable Care.

In 2021 your clients could fulfil those needs AND discover something really new: Old fashioned uncrowdedness, historic beauty, unbelievably experiences and sublime food, wine and hospitality, reasonable prices. And a big plus - being taken care of from start to finish

Plus, with Best of Romagna it is guaranteed that YOU, as a privileged travel agent or group organiser client, will experience unbelievably good beginning to end personal service, in depth marketing support and much more

How it works, our personal service for 2021

Have a look at our two fabulous base experiences for 2021 - the Heart of Italy and the Culinary Heart of Italy, choose which one you’d prefer. We’ll help you tailor your trip on a person-to-person online conversation. With no commitment
We’ll create something special - especially for you: We’ll create an itinerary especially for you which we’ll discuss and agree together. With no commitment
We’ll help you with your strategy and everything you need to market your trip- everything! We will create a marketing strategy and collaterals just for you to use. Great pictures, potent phrases, links that you can use on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and other apps. With no cost and no commitment
Time - Your exclusive booking window. Now you’ll get a one-month window of opportunity to get provisional bookings in. With no cost and no commitment on your part
See for yourself before you commit. We’d like you to experience it all before your clients do so we’ll organise an inspection VIP FAM trip for you in a small group of other travel agents. See full FAM deal HERE
Your big cash bonus. You’ll have to pay for the FAM trip - same as the cost that we’ll have agreed per client BUT we’ll give you a credit note for what you’ve paid PLUS $1000 all to use against your group/FIT arrangement.
Make your clients’ trip an all-round fabulous experience. From the moment you take a reservation we will send you regular fascinating information to share with your clients and potential clients - stories, descriptions, things to do, food and wine, all dramatically adding to their experience, before, during and after!
Even more for you. Get a group of 10 people together and we’ll provide you with a free place to have a great time and really enjoy the smiles on your clients faces
Your guarantee - not just words on paper. We are not a normal wholesaler. We don’t have a range of destinations. Just one very special one. Over the last 10 years we have built a massive unique portfolio of in-depth knowledge and warm relationships, plus our passionate and professional local team of 20 all at your service.
Even more for you. Not only do you get your bonus, and a free place but also a full 10% commission on each and every booking
And finally help for you to do it again. We’ll be following your trip with massive social media exposure - laying the ground for your next trip.

THIS OFFER IS FOR FITs and SMALL GROUPS MAXIMUM 15 PEOPLE

Just send us an email to travelagents@bestofromagna.com send us your contact details and say “Hi” we’ll get back to you immediately.

At your service!

PS If you'd like to know more about the fascinating Best of Romagna story and its founder, and learn about how the global travel industry has developed over the last 60 years - then you'll want to read this book - You Lucky People

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Fabulous Full On Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Italy $2950

4/22/2020

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REAL ITALIAN CUISINE, FOOD, WINE, HOSPITALITY, CULTURE & SIGHTS

Emilio Romagna is respected throughout Italy as being the heart of Italian cookery. If so, little Romagna is its soul. Here tradition and cookery culture are still paramount, handed down from each Nonna in turn. Here pasta is made with fresh ingredients each day. All that is used is a Schiador (long rolling pin) wooden table, sharp knife great flour (here thy create over 300 types) and fresh local eggs. This is the start to the Romagna meal which will usually include fabulous local cold cuts, superb local cheeses, historic local wines, oils, superb local fruit and vegetables - and the important piadina.

It is no wonder that "Italy's best cookery school" is here, it is no wonder that in little Romagna has dozens of IGPs and DOCs - including the first ever white wine DOCG - Albana.

This is our exploration of Romagna food and wine and hospitality (and we'll pop over the border for Emilia parmesan, prosciutto and balsamic). If you love real food and wine - you will totally adore this experience.

Just a few of the included Highlights:

FLY INTO ROME OR MILAN OR VENICE spend one night in 3 star hotel and take the morning high speed train direct to Bologna - 1 night hotel and return train ticket all included in the price.
Learn to cook Italian in the "BEST COOKERY SCHOOL IN ITALY"
Visit to ARTISAN BALSAMIC VINEGAR cellar
Visit a top restaurant and learn from cook-in with young star chef
Taste: olive oils and superb local foods
Visit the vineyard CASTLE TOWNS of the Marecchia Hills
Enjoy three very special vineyard wine tastings (biodynamic, organic,historic)
Visit to traditional ARTISAN PROSCIUTTO staging post
All 7 special meals delicious culinary experiences with wine
Exploring BOLOGNA food capital of Italy
Visit to traditional ARTISAN PARMESAN factory
Back in time with miraculous mosaics in BYZANTINE RAVENNA
Accommodation in warm friendly country house plus great 4 star garden hotel by the sea
Comfortable personal travel in a SMALL GROUP
Visit the ART CITIES of the historic Via Emilia

Cost from just $2950

About the Best of Romagna:

Romagna away from the coast is a very un-touristy place. Unlike its near neighbors Tuscany and the Veneto, in uncrowded Romagna foreign (particularly English- speaking) visitors are unusual. Here you will be treated as a guest - not a tourist!

So that you may enjoy your visit to the full, we run your experience not as a package tour but more like a group of friends having an adventure on a visit to a new and very special place. In this way we believe you will have a glorious, very different and natural experience. The fact is that Romagna’s wonderful hinterland has not become jaded by mass tourism – and we aim to keep it that way,

Everybody you will meet here is passionate about their homeland, its beauty and its enormous larder of local, seasonal food and wine. Everybody you will meet here is enormously proud of their history, culture and above all their diligent and heartfelt hospitality.We sincerely believe that you will find treasure here in Romagna - treasure that can only come from open hearts with the willingness to share an unbelievably enormous heritage.

By the time you leave our aim is to help you, like us, to be passionate about Romagna and count the days ‘til you return!

Day 1 Sunday - Welcome to Romagna
Taste the wonderful wines of Romagna, visit a delightful city of art, enjoy a warm welcome

Travel by high speed comfortable train from Rome or Milan to Bologna where we'll be met and taken straight to the heart of Romagna.. we'll take the short journey to the hilltop castle-town of Longiano for dinner and overnight at Alloggio San Girolamo, Quattro Passeri or Locanda della Luna (or a similar high grade country-house style accommodation) and enjoy the atmosphere and stunning views. Then another taste of great Romagnolo food and wine - a special welcome dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni.

Day 2 Monday – Enjoy the Tastes of Romagna

Tour beautiful Longiano, taste superb wines and local produce in a stunning biodynamic boutique vineyard, experience glorious mountaintop republic San Marino

After a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, we’ll see the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views, and enjoy the fabulous jewel-box theatre Petrella with its museum of masks. Next a fabulous wine and food tasting at the beautiful Villa Venti where we'll also taste some superb cheeses of Renato Brancaleoni.

Our afternoon will be spent in the fabulous medieval city of Santarcangelo de Romagna. Supper in the world-famous Sangiovesa restaurant. Return to Longiano for overnight.

Day 3 Tuesday - Mosaics and da Vinci's seaside plus an amazing lunch

Walk in da Vinci's Cesenatico seaport, enjoy an enormous robust country lunch, tour 3 times capital World Heritage Ravenna with its 1500 year old basilicas and mosaics.

After breakfast we'll drive to Cesenatico for a lovely seaside walk - in Leonardo da Vinci's port canal no less! Then we’ll have a great country lunch at a glorious Agriturismo - La Casina. This will be followed by a sensational visit of glorious Ravenna with Cinzia - this world heritage city, three times capital (of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire) is full of marvelous mosaics and stunning 1500 year old basilicas. Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day4 Tuesday: - Cooking Day

A memorable day of food and wine and understanding

Check out of our country house.Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian? Casa Artusi "The Best Cookery School in Italy" is the place. In this foundation created to honor Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian Cookery - you will learn to make at least seven different sorts of pasta (including local specialties). In the fully-equipped cookery school, each participant will have the services of an assistant and their own work-station.

After this life-enhancing experience we will enjoy a superb lunch of local specialties – plus the pasta that we have created with excellent local wine. At the end of the session, we’ll have presented to us, our hand-made Casa Artusi apron together with our certificate for concluding the cookery course. Without any doubt, this will be a highlight of our trip!

We’ll then travel up to the lovely wine-village of Bertinoro and visit the Fattoria Paradiso - the most historic vineyard in Romagna.Here we’ll tour the fabulous hillside estate, the medieval merchant’s house and the vineyard, after we’ll enjoy some local cheese, local olive oils and bread, plus of course we’ll taste over six of Fattoria Paradiso’s superb wines including those created for various Popes and presidents. Overnight at the fabulous Hotel Aurelia or a similar 4 star establishment by the sea in glitzy Milano Marittima – walking distance to the historic salt port of Cervia.

Day5 Wednesday - the power of salt and a fantastic star chef

Relaxed morning in Cervia discovering the power of salt. after, we’ll visit a very special restaurant in the hills – Da Gorini’s young chef is set to become one of Italy’s world stars. We will meet him and he will take us through his cooking methods.Return to Milano Marittima for overnight

Day6 Thursday: Hills, Olive Oil, Honey, Free Range Pigs and Amazing local Food.

Morning free then visit to Brisighella to taste the amazing olive oil, wine and honey produced in this hilltop Gypsum hill microclimate. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Spadoni rare-breed pig farm – Fattoria Palazzo Zattaglia before making a visit to Faenza and then for an amazing dinner at the showcase restaurant overseen by a 2 star Michelin chef – Casa Spadoni who not only run the pig palace but also mill the flour for the, grow the grapes for the wine and make sure that all the food served comes from their own sources.

Day7 Friday Great Organic Wine & The Art City of Wine

Check out of hotel after breakfast. First stop is a visit to the superb, internationally-rated organic Zuffa Vineyard to take a wine tasting in the open air, between vines. If time permits we’ll visit the art city of Dozza en route to Bologna.

Depending on arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of this colorful medieval city. One of Italy's richest cities, Bologna is famous for its 3,000-year history, its world's oldest university, its miles of covered arcades and lovely squares, fabulous art and architecture - but above all, its FOOD and FUN.We’ll stay overnight in a specially-selected 3 or 4 star city-center hotel such as the family-run Touring Hotel with its warm atmosphere, and lovely breakfast.

Day 8 Saturday - Prosciutto, Balsamic and Parmesan

Full day tour to visit artisan prosciutto ageing station, Modena Balsamic initiative and, naturally a parmesan factory and an extra wine tasting in Emilia country. Overnight in Bologna evening tour in this city of great food. Special farewell dinner.

Day 9 Sunday Food, Food, Authentic Wonderful Food

Bologna is a food city that awakes early - even on Sunday - so we’ll start the day with a breakfast- time tour and avoid the crowds of day trippers! It’s not for nothing that Bologna is known as ‘Fat City’ It is the food capital of Italy (and therefore the world?!) The ancient Mercato di Mezzo and the food shops, café’s and restaurants around it, all in the medieval quarter, are astonishing homes to intoxicating taste, scent and aroma which pervades the whole area and heightens appetites. Naturally our full- on guided visit will include many tastes!

Leave Bologna early afternoon

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS ONLY BOOKABLE THROUGH PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENTS WHO HAVE VISITED ROMAGNA AND CAN ADVISE YOU PROPERLY - LIST HERE

PRICE PER PERSON: $2950
Deposit required $200 per person to reserve arrangement. Balance payable 10 weeks prior to arrival.
Cancellation terms: Initial deposit only up to 8 weeks prior to departure. 80% from 8 weeks prior to departure. PRICES BASED A PRIVATE GROUP MINIMUM 6 SIX PASSENGERS
SUPPLEMENT FOR MINIMUM FOUR PASSENGERS - $500 PER PERSON
SUPPLEMENT FOR MINIMUM TWO PASSENGERS - $1000 PER PERSON
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT $400

MAXIMUM PASSENGERS PER GROUP 15 FIFTEEN PEOPLE

Friday arrival Rome, Milan and Venice.
Saturday departure dates from Rome, Milan Venice and Bologna 2021:
March 7,14,21,28
April 4,11,18,25
May 2,9,16,23,30
June 6,13,20,27
July 4,11,18
September 5,12,19,26
October 3,10,17,24,31
November 7,14,21,28
December 5

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Susan and Martha go on a road trip to Romagna

8/7/2019

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Missouri Travel agent Susan and her colleague Martha didn’t know just what would happen to them when they decided to explore unexplored Romagna this July!

Arriving at Bologna train station after a one hour journey by executive train from Rome - their guide and vehicle were awaiting them. Not the usual guide, though! Valere Tjolle is the boss of Best of Romagna, and, after a lifetime in the global travel industry, and 5 years in Romagna knows the area and the travel opportunities intimately. Not the usual vehicle, either! The girls were to travel in a bright blue BMW convertible. So great fun was on the cards for all.

First stop, naturally, the fab, award-winning Zuffa Organic Vineyard for the ladies’ first sensational wine and food tasting. Here they encountered Augusto (Zuffa) and his warm family, the vineyard and the scrumptious wines of the area that were chosen for at Italy’s World Fair in 2015. They also had their first of amazingly delicious fresh Romagna food including Squaquerone cheese and Capeletti pasta

Off to the hills then to stay in the beautiful, historic small town of Longiano. Marisa had her arms outstretched waiting to welcome them at her fabulous art deco country house - Casa Grilli, and they were soon happily lodged.

A light and delightful dinner was served in the Michelin-rated Dei Cantoni and the pair emerged clutching roses.

After a wonderful sleep, on Sunday, Susan (now dubbed Susanna by every Italian!) and Martha (now Marta!) were ready to explore. Off to Longiano’s historic theatre first (where they played their parts!) then to the unbelievable historic soaring 1500 year old castle. Then, naturally a spot of delicious local lunch.

All this before a trip over the hills to sleepy, stunningly beautiful Santarcangelo di Romagna and a visit to the wild art of the Mutoid Waste Company.

Time for a glass or two of wine and a little more local food at the picture-perfect Villa Venti organic, biodynamic vineyard. Here two perfect wines - one white Famoso “Serenaro” and one red Sangiovese “Primo Segno” were tasted. Delicious. As was the local flatbread hand made from Villa Venti wheat, the local “Savor” made from Villa Venti wine, nuts and fruits and the local cheeses and meats. Time for a sunset photo and a lovely night’s rest in the country.

After a superb breakfast buffet on Monday the girls were taken for a walk in one of the most picturesque ports on Earth. Cesenatico’s port canal was brought up to date by Leonardo da Vinci no less and he couldn’t have designed a more picture-perfect place.

Walking and sea air stimulates the appetite, luckily, as our pair were off to lunch somewhere really, specially Romagnolo. Valentina Valentini presides over an amazing establishment where pretty much everything comes from her surrounding family farm.

Great platters of warm breads, prosciuttos, cheeses, toasts were replaced by even greater platters of freshly made pastas - all before the main courses of chargrilled meats. Naturally great Valentini wines washed down this feast. Naturally it was followed by delicious desserts, digestivos and strong espresso coffees.

This feast was necessary to set up our girls for the life-changing experience ahead. A feast of 1700 year old art awaited them at some of the world’s most dramatic heritage sites - the mosaic-encrusted glory that is Empress Galla Placidia’s Roman imperial capital - Ravenna.

Time for the very best gelato ever before driving home to the country.

Hard work beckoned on Tuesday, we were all going to learn to cook Italian in one of Italy’s best cookery schools. So it was a good idea to relax in the morning in the sun before a lovely light lunch and a tour of the lovely city of Cesena and its amazing 13th century library.

Then off to cook under tutelage of Carla Brigliadori, one of Italy’s best known chef/sommeliers. Hard work but it was worth it! The girls made a full range of pastas - with only eggs, flour, rolling pin and knife (and a lot of effort!)

Their reward? A slap up 5 course fabulous dinner in Casa Artusi’s own stylish restaurant.

Wednesday dawned bright and beautiful - time for a trip to the seaside and a fish lunch. Where could be better than the amazing Roman ciry of Rimini set right on the Adriatic. A superb fresh fish lunch and a leisurely walk here before we returned to the hills and the glorious 4 Passeri (4 Sparrows). A fab historic house terraces and swimming pool with amazing panoramic views to the hilltop castles and the Adriatic sea. Susanna and Marta (now fully Italian!) were to stay here with mine host Stefano for the next three days.

On Thursday a mystery trip had been planned. All piled into the BMW very very early and took off for the coast. After a couple of hours the girls had arrived at Chioggia, an ancient little city built on islands in the lagoon. It was massive market day so it took a while to park the car and push through the crowds to the port. Then we were all in the ferry to the island of Pellestrina, a bus took us to the Lido where we boarded a vaporetto - destination Venice via the lagoon and the Grand Canal. Stunning.

We got off at Ca d’Oro (Gold Roof) and took a gondola (Susannna and Marta nearly decided to take the handsome gondolier with them as a souvenir!). Then over the Rialto Bridge into a little doorway and up high to a private viewing terrace for an exclusive view all over Venice. The fantastic visit was rounded off with an al fresco lunch by the canal, opposite one of Venice’s most painted sights in the exclusive Bienale restaurant. Bit of shopping naturally and back to our Romagna home on the hill

Romagna is mainly small perfect cities perched on hills and mountains and two of the most beautiful are San Marino (a tiny republic) and saintly San Leo. Both have enormous histories and stories and both are very different. San Marino = shopping and San Leo = serenity! After the spectacular drive to the very top of San Marino the girls enjoyed a beautiful lunch outside in the main square, a balcony overlooking the whole of Romagna. A Michelin starred restaurant no less. Then off to San Leo, just as magnificent with astonishing views before winding their way in the convertible back to their accommodation.

As a final evening event something very special had been laid on - a visit to the private Salvini Collection.

Roncofreddo, the little hilltop village by where the girls were staying, has a special part in WW2 history, where allied forces (including Americans, Canadians, British, Ghurkas and Indians) breached the German Gothic Line. The Salvini collection is the work of one man whose life work was to put together everything he could find - a vast collection of war memorabilia - now closed but specially opened for Susanna and Marta. They were awestruck. A fitting end to their tour.

On Friday we were off to Bologna and home. Sadly, because Romagna makes you sorrowful to leave.

But for two American lady travel agents their road trip had exceeded their wildest expectations, Susanna and Marta would go back to Missouri knowing that they would return to Romagna - now they'd crossed the Rubicon.

If you are a travel agent or a group organiser maybe you'd like to find out about Romaga too!
Details here:
http://www.totemtourism.com/agent-fam-visits.html

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Herding cats - 11 New York Ladies visit Romagna! A very different experience!

6/20/2019

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The story so far...

Last year 6 Ladies from New York State had visited Romagna with Vagabond Travel and Best of Romagna - they had a whale of a time. So this spring Saturday, another 11 ‘Vagabond Gals’ arrived in Bologna determined to surpass their friends' enjoyment levels.

Two were to arrive in Bologna from Rome, two from Paris and the remaining 7 from Milan. Quite a complicated pick up, but we were soon all together and on our way. After the short drive to the hills we were all checked into our country houses and ready for a rest before the night’s events.

Marisa owns and runs the fabulous Art Deco Casa Grilli in beautiful Longiano. Her primary aim is to put so much love into her hospitality that you can taste it! She had been working all day to prepare a special welcome party and at 6 on the dot the gals were there - ready to enjoy their evening. Naturally, stopping at nothing, Marisa had prepared an aperitif repast beyond compare. Trays and trays of delicious freshly-prepared snacks, bottles of wines and juices. Simply a feast before dinner!

The gals who were staying in the other country house had already been treated to lovely Filippo’s warm hospitality aided by his little son Diego, they were now regaled by the warmth, the hugs the food and wine of Marisa.

Time for dinner and another great welcome from Teresa and Susy at the Michelin-rated Dei Cantoni restaurant. Here a great spread of local food and wine had been prepared for our happy group of guests. Trays of antipasto included confections of delicious cheeses and prosciuttos, pastries and vegetables and naturally local flatbread - the daughter of the house, Sabrina had also baked delicious speciality breads. Naturally we all enjoyed two different freshly-made pastas before the main course - roasts! Sensational desserts and it was all over - a lovely evening walk back to our comfortable country beds.

On Sunday after sensational breakfasts, we were to explore our base - The historic hilltop town of Longiano. First a visit to the local theatre’s mask museum with its display of ‘Comedia del Arte’ statues - then a very different experience - the community museum. Here precious items from many homes in the town are displayed. The collection covers hundreds of years and its a true delight - from Vespa mopeds, pop music vinyl from the ‘50’s, film posters to ancient agricultural machinery - the lot.

Then we visited the town’s highest point. Not only is the new castle (built on an earlier one in the 13th century) the home for one the characters in Dante’s Inferno and full of history and tales, but it’s also the home to an amazing modern art collection.

Then we went to lunch - and our first wine tasting. Off to see Mauro, Manuela and Beatrice at the fabulous organic, biodynamic, boutique vineyard - Villa Venti. Now perched on another hill with outstanding panoranic views, we took the Villa Venti experience! Great food created by Manuela included perfectly aged local cheeses, delightful meats and sublime breads, made by Manuela from scratch - she even grew the wheat and ground it to flour. Of course the wines paired with our courses were sublime.

Now a little surprise. Roncofreddo is another ancient hill town a few kilometres from Villa Venti. Today was it’s big spring festival - the Pea Festival and we were off to enjoy the fun. What a pity it rained but at least we enjoyed amazing gelato!

Back to Longiano to dry out and get ready for dinner.

After our less-than-spring experience we needed some soul food and there’s nothing better than Passatelli in Brodo - an amazing confection of breadcrumbs, parmesan, lemon and nutmeg all in an amazingly rich broth. This was followed by our main course and dessert and washed down by great local wines. A great end to a wonderful day.

Already we’d eaten some amazing food and drunk superb wines. On Monday we were to get up close and personal with Romagna cuisine. Off to the legendary Casa Artusi to learn all about Italian food and to learn to cook it!

First a talk and a couple of demonstrations, then sleeves were rolled up, aprons were donned and we learned to create 7 fabulous pastas from just flour and eggs, a big rolling pin and a big knife. Naturally we were under the constant eye of head chef Carla and each pair of gals had the help of their own trained assistant.

Lots of fun followed by lots of success and certificates! Then to lunch.

First our own pasta with its paired wine - then a massive array of glorious local produce. Cheeses from parmesan to ricotta, prosciuttos, fruits and salads, breads and jams and sauces and naturally desserts. Wow!

Time for a walk and then to a surprise...

Cesena is s pretty, tranquil city nowadays, with a stunning main square alongsite its 13th century fort. It has one world heritage treasure - its library. The first public library in the world. Opened in 1454 this is a real stunner unbelievably atmospheric and with glorious laboriously-created hand-illustrated ancient books on display.

Next, another surprise specially arranged for our gals. Leonardo Lucchi has his studio in an historic building in Cesena’s centre. He is a well known Italian sculptor and our gals are going to meet him and have a personal tour look of his work. What a lovely afternoon!

Naturally a stop was made for gelato before we enjoyed a quiet (well not so quiet!) evening in Longiano.

Longiano’s theatre is famous throughout Italy. It’s beautiful, it’s small (just 200 seats), it’s historic, but above all it has amazing acoustics. So, often, superb shows start their run in Longiano. We’re here to have a private tour, enjoy the acoustics and get the photo opportunities!

Then we’re off to another fabulous show - to see our friends the Mutoids! A waste-disposal travelling collective that recycle their collected metal items (think cars, planes, trains) into amazing metal sculptures. Just then one of the Mutoids was standing as Environment Councillor on the local city council - neat! She won by the way!

Many photo opportunities later we leave for the hills and our first stop was the mountaintop Republic of San Marino. Walking, looking, sightseeing and big time shopping. The gals were nearly exhausted so a little tranquility was called for.

Hilltop, historic San Leo is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and with its amazing views, ancient cathedral and lovely setting. - it has tranquillity in spades. Just exploring and taking in the atmosphere leaves us all happy and serene!

Time for an aperitivo! We went back to Santarcangelo’s main square, scene of all its festas, for a drink and a vast variety of freshly made snacks plus a great deal of fun.

Tonight we’d organised a special fish and veggie dinner in Longiano with great wine - delicious. But it was to be our last dinner in this pretty town because tomorrrow we were off to somewhere very special indeed.

Byebye Filippo, byebye Diego and Marisa. Special surprise today was a visit to two hand-printing studios producing fabulous materials with a combination of 400-year old block processes and modern artists.

Then we were off to Faenza the city that was so well known five hundred years ago. Why? Because of its wonderful porcelain - even known now as Faience-ware - simply every royal family had to have it. And, as we could see from Faenza’s streets and piazzas the porcelain’s global fame brought riches back home.

We were here also to enjoy a very special lunch created by a 2star Michelin chef from totally local ingredients at the enormous Casa Spadoni - set in an historic silk mill and filled with local culinary items and deli!

Amazing platters of starters, superb pastas, great wines, delicious barbequed roasts and delightful desserts regaled us, lucky we were off for a walk in the hills.

The Venetian settlement of Brisighella ia a very special place. Its position on a hill of gypsum has ensured its wealth over the centuries. The fact is that the gypsum provides a particular microclimate - absolutely perfect for growing olives. Naturally we tasted some of the best olive oil ever.

And then we went to Ravenna a massive world heritage city. 2000 years ago it was the Eastern port of Rome, 1600 years ago both the capital of Rome and of the Gothic empire. And still now ram-packed full of historic treasure. It’s very special.

Checked in at our boutique hotel our gals explored!

On Thursday we took a walk around the city and its lovely boutiques, pretty streets and cafes. A little light lunch before the main event - an in-depth experience with our personal guide, Cinzia, to see the amazing 1500-year old mosaics and the stunning basilicas.

After a rest and aperitivo, off to another Michelin restaurant - L’Acciugga for a top fish dinner!

After a glorious day of shopping and relaxing on Saturday were off to the big city.

First, though, a wine tasting and lunch stop at the organic Zuffa vineyard, where our warm welcome from Augusto, Valentina, Micaela and little Sylvia gave us all a great feeling about the hospitality to come!

The tour of the vineyard completed, we sat down to taste Augusto’s wines naturally accompanied by great food, delicious antipastas, amazing pastas and desserts were accompanied by no less than a dozen tastes of his memorable wines. Even the wines that were selected by the Italian government for Expo 2015. A totally delicious experience.

Then to the painted art city of Dozza for a stroll beside the art works and the magnificent castle before we made our way to Bologna and our pretty boutique hotel Il Guercino.

A walk around the great city of art, of food, of learning and of politics the next morning and, sadly, it was time to leave!

We'll be back!

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A happy little group of travel agents have fun exploring Romagna

6/20/2019

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This spring four US travel agents visited Romagna as part of Best of Romagna's FAM program, here is the story of their trip.

Bologna’s beautiful, but we’ll see it later and today our travel agent friends have something much more interesting to do!

Our hi tech couple from San Francisco Bay Amy and Jason and our lovely Virtuoso pair from South Carolina Antonia and Paul were in for a real Romagnolo experience!

First stop was Zuffa Organic Vineyard where we are welcomed by the whole family. Big hugs from Augusto, his partner Valentina, and his sister Michaela - shy smiles from little Sylvia. Ready to rock, we have a tour of the vineyard before our amazing lunch with 10 Zuffa paired wines. Warm company, wonderful cheeses, fresh made pastas, great hams and other delicacies plus amazing wines including Sangiovese and Albana the two classic Romagnolo wines.

Short drive to the beautiful hilltop castle-village of Longiano and our wonderful country house accommodation - here Fillipo, his partner Lisa, little Diego and their charming dog Otto say hello and make sure that our rooms with their amazing hill and valley views are just perfect.

Time to luxuriate in our lovely sights, sweet country air and a little luxury before dinner!

The Michelin rated Dei Cantoni restaurant is our ‘canteen’ for our stay in Longiano and our hosts Teresa and Danilo, plus daughter Sabrina and her baby Sebastiano are going to do everything they can to make each meal a wonderful experience!

Tonight it’s a light dinner - first great platters of inventive antipasta, then different made-that-day pastas, followed by roasts and, of course dolce. All accompanied by the appropriate wines.

And so to bed.

Bright and early on Sunday our guests were finding it difficult to tear themselves away from their breakfast delicacies freshly made by grandmother Ottavia. But more was in store!

First a visit to the exquisite Theatre Petrella - just 200 seats and the best acoustics in Italy make it an Italian starting point for many top shows. Naturally it was an opportunity for our guests to ‘Ham it Up’ in 18th century opulence. It was a really fun experience!

Now off to somewhere funnier! The local community museum. The old building is chock-full of memories - ancient Vespas, kid’s games from the ‘50’s farm machinery, hairdresser’s equipment, film posters of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s’ and much more retro treasures in an amazing indoor and outdoor treasure chest!

From wherever we’d been in the village, we’d always sighted the sensational 11th century castle soaring at the top of the hill. And now we were going inside. We walked through the tunnel made by hand in WW2 as a refuge for inhabitants and after a few uphill steps the castle and the castle keep were in front of us offering amazing views towards the sea . Built on an 8th century site, the castle as it is now was created for Gianciotto Malatesta (of the robber baron family) in 1290. It’s full of stories, both bloodthirsty and romantic! Plus it’s full of modern art - housing possibly the best collection in the region. Now the treasure chest of local poet Tito Balestra, it is a real art and history experience.

And now for a food and wine and beauty experience we drove down into the valley and up another hill to the fabulous Villa Venti vineyard. The setting is stunning - on the vineyard’s veranda we can see over the valley to the castle we’ve just left. Out came Mauro and his wife Manuela to welcome us, their daughter Beatrice will translate.

The vineyard is the family’s dream, she explains. From working in the rubber industry, Mauro learned all about wine, became a sommelier in a posh restaurant. Now all they needed was a vineyard not any old vineyard but one that was capable of being beautiful and organic. They found an old fruit farm on a hill with just the right soil that had had no fertilisers for over 10 years and they bought it, employed a top enologist, and created an organic, biodynamic vineyard to produce the very best local wines that truly tasted of their terroir. 5 years of hard work and no income later, they tasted the first fruits - sensational!

And that was the verdict of our guests too - sensational.

To go with the wines, Manuela had created a little lunch which was also redolent of their terroir - local cheeses and hams, flatbreads that she had made with the flour she’d created from their own wheat stuffed with herbs she’d picked from her own fields, jam that had been made with their own nuts, quinces, apples and wines. Sensational!

Finally we all went off to beautiful and historic Santarcangelo for a gelato and a trip to an amazing modern sculpture park made out of scrap.

Back to Longiano and yet another special meal. The broth was made that day to be rich and super delicious - it was filled with passatelli - a wonderful concoction of breadcrumbs, parmesan, nutmeg and lemon. Superb. And yet another selection of delicious desserts. Wine of course. And a lovely sleep, naturally!

We went off to the Adriatic sea on Monday. To a very special picturesque port - on that was designed by Leonardo da Vinci, in fact. What a beautiful stroll.

And then off to a very special, very typical, very large, lunch. The Agriturismo La Casina is on Valentini land and pretty much all of its produce is created here. Valentina Valentini is in charge and she knows what we want - great plates of local hams, local cheeses, local salads and local crostinis plus naturally local wines!

Followed by great bowls of different, freshly-made pastas, some made with eggs, some stuffed and all with superb sauces! Followed by meats and local vegetables - all roasted. All washed down with wonderful Valentini wines. Followed by cakes and delicious home made digestives - Limoncello and its friendst,

Then we happy group went off to Ravenna. Rome’s great Adriatic port from 12bc, its imperial capital from 402 and now the home to 1500 year old basilicas and mosaics - this beautiful city is a delight to explore. Cinzia loves to take us around and with her love for her city and her deep knowledge she is our ideal companion for stories and walks through Ravenna’s sensational past.

Finally we made a visit to where it all started -Classe - the port that Augustus built 2,000 years ago - now covered, but still with its amazing, light and mosaic-filled basilica, 1600 years old and still glorious.

Time for a delicious gelato before we return to Longiano for a light dinner and comfy bed.

Next morning we were off on a real excursion, a drive up the ancient via Popilia along the coast to the ancient port of Chioggia at the very edge of the Venice lagoon.

We were getting to Venice the best way seeing this amazing city gradually appear in the lagoon! And Chioggia is very beautiful too - a mini Venice - we could see the canals and the Venetian style buildings as we crossed the long bridge to the ancient city gate.

Walking through the bustling town was like a preview to Venice itself and we reached the port early to get the best (outdoor) seats on the ferry for the amazing journey across the lagoon to the tiny island of Pellestrina. Here we got the bus across stylish Venice Lido to its port.

Now the vaporetto took us across the strait and past all the iconic places including gardens and the Arsenale, past the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, St Marks Square and down the Grand Canal all the way past the Rialto. We got off at Ca d’Oro and tested our courage by taking a gondola across the Grand Canal to the Rialto itself. Now for our walk through Venice to our very special lunch.

A table has been laid for us on the terrace of the fabulous Biennale palace beside St Marks Square and on the busy Grand Canal. From here we have a splendid view of Santa Maria della Salute and all that’s happening! Naturally we enjoyed a superb seafood lunch before we got happily lost in Venice. Not too lost, though, to miss our boat back to the Lido and via the lagoon to Chioggia as the sun was setting. Back to Longiano tired but happy!

On Wednesday we checked out of our country house in Longiano and wished warm goodbyes to Fillipo and his family. We were off to the beautiful, friendly, ancient, foody city of Santarcangelo for a fun walk and a really superb lunch in one of its top restaurants.

Naturally we were given a little ‘amuse bouche’ followed by a box of delicious warm breads. What was to come? A selection of freshly made special pastas, a main course of super-fresh vegetables and delicious local meats and amazing desserts! A little walk on cobbled streets and we were off to swanky Milano Marittima.

The seaside resort part of the ancient salt city of Cervia was created along ‘Garden City’ lines in the 19th century by a group of rich Milanese families for their own exclusive holidays. Since then little has changed except that it’s got bigger, glitzier and swankier.

With its massive chandeliers, made especially in Venice, its great mirrored hallways and its air of comforting opulence and service, the Palace hotel is a real 5 star luxury establishment. The hotel is designed to provide each guest apartment with a balcony facing the sea and its own collection of luxury items including Venetian glass and exquisitely tiled floors. This was the seaside hotel for our lucky FAM guests.Time for a gelato!

Romagna is, above all else, great for history food and fun, so, on Thursday after an amazing breakfast, we went off to Rimini - capital of all three! First we visited the amazing new interpretation center showing how Rimini was built by the Romans as their first new city and how you can easily see 2000 year old Rimini today.

We were by the seaside so naturally we ate seafood for lunch in a great restaurant. Delicious seafood suchi, great seafood pastas and superb seafood kebabs!

After a delightful walk through Rimini from the triumphal arch that Augustus built via the site of the great amphitheatre to the bridge of Tiberius - we were off to the hills.

At the top of Mount Titano lies an unique country - the smallest republic in the world -the republic of San Marino. This castellated city built of stone has winding cobbled alleyways full of bustling boutiques - it’s a shopper’s delight! Of course as San Marino is a self-governing republic - independent since 257 AD it sets its own taxes so prices are great. And the views from its peaks are amazing and very photogenic.Now to somewhere much more serene. San Leo, founded at around the same time as San Marino, is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. With its own ancient cathedral, lovely town square, tranquil pieve and amazing views, it is embued with a tranquillity rarely found anywhere nowadays.

Back to Milano Marittima, our fab hotel and a gelato, naturally!

Friday is our day dedicated to food and wine. After breakfast we enjoyed the short journey to Casa Artusi - the ‘Cathedral to Italian Cookery” it was here that the “Father of Italian Cookery” the great Pellegrino Artusi was born in 1820 and it is here that his foundation carries on his work.

Here, in the what’s known as the best cookery school in Italy, we are to learn to make and cook Italian and have lots of fun doing it!

With the help of the school’s director, Susy and its head chef Carla, we spend some time learning the history of Artusi and his cooking principles - then it was up to us! No fear, Artusi had his helper Marietta - and we have ours too. After a demonstration by Carla we set to work creating a dozen different pastas from scratch - eggs and flour - helped by Elisa our own Marietta - and finally success! We all held up our offerings for inspection - Bravo! We are presented with our certificates and hugs.

And our reward? A sensational meal all created along Artusi principles even with the Artusi recipe numbers!

One superb soup, two different pastas, a superb rendering of seasonal vegetables and a selection of amazing desserts - all with their accompanying wines from top local vineyards.

Back to Milano Marittima and the obligatory gelato.

Sadly, on Friday it was time to leave our grand hotel and make our way back to Bologna, but there were yet many treats in store!

First, Jason got the full surprise birthday treatment (we’d all kept the secret!) - cake, candles, champagne the lot.

Then we were off to search for flamingoes in the nearby salines - and we found flocks of these stunning birds. All elegantly wading in vast picturesque expanses of shallow waters.

Now off to somewhere very special, the tiny hilltop gated town of Dozza with its castle - the home of the great Caterina Sforza in the 13th century - now the home to a the definitive collection of wines from all over Emilia Romagna. And Dozza has a very important event every two years - its very own Biennale. Prominent artists are invited to visit the little city and paint... on houses. This creates great art that everybody can enjoy - and we did.

There was another event the day that we enjoyed too - a great wedding which filled the center beautiful crowds, colour and fun!

Lovedup, we left for Bologna to check into our fun boutique hotel - Il Guercino.

Now for a walk in the city where another event awaited us - the start of Italy’s famous cycle race - the ‘Giro d’Italia’. How exciting.

So, even before we did our walking tour we got an idea about Bologna’s ability to put on a party! We saw the city’s church San Petronio (nearly the biggest in Italy) the massive buildings of the university (the oldest in the world) the food market (Italy’s finest) and finally a grand cafe where we enjoyed sublime cake and coffee.

Dinner (obviously a special one for Jason -Amy’s treat. And the next day sadly we leave Romagna but we'll all certainly be back!

If you are a travel agent or a group organiser maybe you'd like to find out about Romaga too!
Details here:
http://www.totemtourism.com/agent-fam-visits.html

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The Best of Romagna - A superb 9-day specially curated taste of Italy's natural, safe uncrowded Romagna in 2021 - including visits to Venice, Florence, Bologna and Ravenna from $2950.

11/16/2018

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Your clients could enjoy a superb 9-day specially curated taste of Italy's uncrowded Romagna in 2021 - the real Heart of Italy's food, wine and hospitality - including visits to Venice, Florence, Bologna and Ravenna from $2950.

There is nowhere like Romagna. Probably the best food and wine in Italy. Certainly some of the greatest cities of art. Definitely the best and warmest heartfelt hospitality. Plus it's perfectly positioned between the mountains and the sea, between Florence and Venice. Ideal for a leisurely visit full of great food and wine and warmth and memorable sights. That's why we curated this immense experience - for you to enjoy "Simply the BEST!"

Experience the Best of Romagna scenery, food and wine, culture and warm hospitality, see glorious Ravenna, Venetian Cesenatico and beautiful Bologna - Italy's capital of food
PLUS… learn to cook Italian in a great cookery school
Take a local adventure by boat to “La Serenissima” Venice
And to glorious renaissance Florence by scenic train through the hills
Stay in a beautiful historic Italian country house with amazing views, sublime food and warm, kindly hospitality
Stay in a fabulous four star Adriatic Coast hotel
Stay in an atmospheric historic city center Bologna hotel
Land in Rome or Milan, we will arrange your travel to Bologna to begin your experience in the beautiful, legendary land, safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea
It's better than Tuscany, more deliciously authentic than Eataly, more experience than any cruise - and you can be a part of it!

Included Highlights:

1 night's lovely city center accommodation in Rome or Milan or Venice
Return reserved train travel by high speed train from Rome or Milan or Venice to Bologna
1 night’s lovely city center accommodation in Bologna
Guided travel from Bologna and throughout tour
4 nights accommodation with breakfasts in a lovely Italian Country house in the 'Ancient Valley of Cherries'
3 nights accommodation in a super 4 star hotel in a swish resort on the Adriatic
7 superb Dinners or lunches including wine or soft drinks in specially-selected restaurants.
3 fabulous vineyard wine tastings
Tastings of local breads, prosciuttos, salamis, cheeses and olive oils
Learn to cook Italian at Casa Artusi "The best cookery school in Italy"
Guided visits to foodie capital of Italy Bologna, World Heritage Ravenna, Venetian Cesenatico, and lovely Longiano.
PLUS: enjoy included visits "Like locals" Travel to Venice for a day like a local on a launch and travel to Florence for a day like a local through the hills on the little scenic train.

COST FROM JUST $2950.00 per person

Romagna is just as lovely as famous, expensive Tuscany, its near neighbor, and in our view the food and wine and scenery are all BETTER! Plus, of course, there are no tourist hordes in Romagna and prices are lower so your holiday $ goes much, much further and you get a more personal experience.

If you are looking for great local and authentic Italian food, wine, art, culture and hospitality - at a reasonable price, undiscovered, unspoiled Romagna is the place to be. Here people are pleased to open their doors for you and give you a truly heartfelt warm welcome!

Experience the best of the very best food and wine, art and culture. Above all revel in the immense and heartfelt hospitality of glorious Romagna – a beautiful, legendary land safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea and as yet unspoiled by tourism.

Our team of specially-selected local co-operators include not only professional hoteliers, but great restaurateurs, hands-on vineyard owners, master cheese makers, musicians, videographers, artists, thermal spa owners, even cookery teachers.

Together, we have created a special inclusive nine day program to offer you a taste of Romagna which incorporates accommodation, meals, wine, olive oil and specialty food tastings, daily programmes of activities and visits designed to enable you to enjoy Romagna at its sensational best from just $1950.

As ‘temporary citizens’ rather than detached tourists, Best of Romagna guests enjoy a treasure-chest of fascinating opportunities. You will be able to experience UNESCO World Heritage Byzantine Ravenna and Venetian Cesenatico, You will also be able to experience Romagna’s legacy of stunningly beautiful hills and valleys, medieval castles and some of its fabulous vistas.

And you'll experience amazing food and wine … cheeses like Squacquerone and Fossa, local wines such as Sangiovese DOC and Albana DOCG and olive oils, rare-breed prosciuttos, pickles, preserves and honeys…and fabulous fresh pasta made daily, of course. You will surely get passionate about these seasonal, fresh, treasured handcrafted products – and recipes you’ll certainly take with you and want to prepare at home.

Our 2021 curated itinerary the ‘Heart of Italy’ can be altered to your and your clients' requirements:

Day 1 Saturday - Welcome to Romagna
Taste the wonderful wines of Romagna, visit a delightful city of art, enjoy a warm welcome

Travel by high speed comfortable train from Rome or Milan to Bologna where we'll be met and taken straight to the heart of Romagna.. First stop is a visit to the superb, internationally-rated organic Zuffa Vineyard to take a wine tasting in the open air, between vines. After this delightful visit, we will see the painted city of Dozza with its fabulous castle and wine heritage. Then, we'll take the short journey to the hilltop castle-town of Longiano for dinner and overnight at Alloggio San Girolamo, Quattro Passeri or Locanda della Luna (or a similar high grade country-house style accommodation) and enjoy the atmosphere and stunning views. Then another taste of great Romagnolo food and wine - a special welcome dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni.

Day 2 Sunday – Enjoy the Tastes of Romagna
Tour beautiful Longiano, taste superb wines and local produce in a stunning biodynamic boutique vineyard, experience glorious mountaintop republic San Marino

After a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, we’ll see the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views, and enjoy the fabulous jewel-box theatre Petrella with its museum of masks. Next a fabulous wine and food tasting at the beautiful Villa Venti where we'll also taste some superb cheeses of Renato Brancaleoni.

In the afternoon we'll visit the amazing - mountaintop republic of San Marino. the oldest republic in the world is a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views, amazing castles and hundreds of boutiques!

Day 3 Monday - Mosaics and da Vinci's seaside
Walk in da Vinci's Cesenatico seaport, enjoy an enormous robust country lunch, tour 3 times capital World Heritage Ravenna with its 1500 year old basilicas and mosaics.

After breakfast we'll drive to Cesenatico for a lovely seaside walk - in Leonardo da Vinci's port canal no less! Then we’ll have a great country lunch at a glorious Agriturismo. This will be followed by a sensational visit of glorious Ravenna with Cinzia - this world heritage city, three times capital (of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire) is full of marvelous mosaics and stunning 1500 year old basilicas. Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Tuesday - Renaissance Day – Florence by scenic train
Sparkling experience through the mountains to Florence great walk in beauty, superb dinner in Faenza

Today we’ll start with a glorious scenic experience. We’ll leave very early and drive to Faenza to take the little train to the heart of Florence just like locals would. The train starts from Faenza and climbs up the hills, crossing little medieval towns such as Brisighella (famous for its superb olive oil), Marradi (famous or its ancient sweet chestnut trees, being of the highest quality), Borgo San Lorenzo (with its age-old vineyards and olive groves, thousand-year-old churches, ancient farmhouses and geometrically laid out vegetable gardens) and goes along wild landscapes with stunning forests, streams and rivers - the best experience you can get travelling to Florence.

In Florence, after this scenic journey, there will be the possibility to get a brunch or lunch at the foodie Central Market, a guided tour to the main monuments, and take a stroll through this beautiful city of art. A guided tour with a trained and registered local guide is included.

We’ll leave Florence in the early evening for our return journey to Faenza. A special dinner will be arranged at the fabulous new Spadoni restaurant – a homage to the best in Romagna food and drink and thence to Longiano for overnight.

Day 5 Wednesday - countryside... then seaside
Relax, enjoy and revitalise in Longiano's magical, beautiful valley, do a little light shopping and then move to the seaside for an enchanted sunset aperitivo and more

All the week, we have enjoyed truly natural, local, fresh food, wine and sights. Today is the day to take care of your whole body and mind - our special relaxation, shopping and wellbeing day. Subject to the weather, we’ll have a lovely walk and a picnic in Longiano's enchanted valley, then we'll have the opportunity to shop direct from artisan designers for the big brands for handbags, leather goods, art and home furnishings.

This evening we'll stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel such as the Hotel Aurelia the Hotel Derby Exclusive or the Hotel Le Palme on the Adriatic Riviera. Marvelous Milano Marittima is one of the world’s first garden cities combining luxuriant shady pine woods and a beautiful beach. Stylish, fashionable Milanese shopping, eating, drinking and dancing, plus the colourful port and marina of Cervia – the ancient salt port of the Adriatic.

Day 6 Thursday – La Serenissima – Venice Day
Our alternative tour to Venice - explore like a local - boat across the lagoon direct to Venice - see stunning Chioggia - fab seafood lunch on the Grand Canal

On our day excursion, we'll have the chance to experience this incredible place of history and romance. St Marks Square, Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, gondolas, shops and much much more - just like a (posh!) local would.

We’ll leave very early and travel via the ancient via Popilia to the outskirts of Venice – and an extraordinary way to arrive in the city. We’ll start at the ancient seaport of Chioggia from where we’ll take a launch across the lagoon past Venice’s main sights, churches, palaces, glorious colorful sights. to the center of Venice itself, where it all started. At the Rialto Bridge we’ll commence our walking tour of discovery all the way to St Mark’s Square where a fish feast lunch is included with Adriatic specialties and a special optional gondola ride will be organized. Plenty of time explore in the afternoon after which we'll return to Milano Marittima for overnight.

Day 7 Friday - Cooking Day
A memorable day of food and wine and understanding

Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian? Casa Artusi "The Best Cookery School in Italy" is the place. In this foundation created to honor Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian Cookery - you will learn to make at least seven different sorts of pasta (including local specialties). In the fully-equipped cookery school, each participant will have the services of an assistant and their own work-station. After this life-enhancing experience we will enjoy a superb lunch of local specialties – plus the pasta that we have created. At the end of the session, we’ll have presented to us, our hand-made Casa Artusi apron together with our certificate for concluding the cookery course.

We’ll then travel up to the lovely wine-village of Bertinoro and visit the historic vineyard of at Fattoria Paradiso - the most historic vineyard in Romagna. Dinner and overnight in Longiano.
Here we’ll tour the fabulous hillside estate, the medieval merchant’s house and the vineyard, after we’ll enjoy some local cheese, local olive oils and bread, plus of course we’ll taste over six of Fattoria Paradiso’s superb wines including those created for various Popes and presidents.

Without any doubt, this will be the highlight of your trip! Return to Milano Marittima for overnight.

Day 8 Saturday - we're off to big beautiful Bologna
Taste exquisite food and tour Bologna, the 'Rich', the 'Red' the 'Learned'

After a leisurely breakfast in our hotel, we'll drive along the historic via Emilia to Bologna. Here our eyes will feast on the best of this rich, fabulous city including the Piazza Maggiore, the, Podestà Palace, Neptune’s Fountain, King Enzo’s Palace. We’ll admire the enormous Basilica of Saint Petronio. We’ll see Bologna’s gothic Merchants’ Palace, the Seven Churches complex of Saint Steven’s Basilica, and meet Asinelli and Garisenda, Bologna’s famous leaning Towers.

But, of course, Bologna is world famous for its FOOD! a food city so this evening we’ll take a tour of the massive, colourful food district. It’s not for nothing that Bologna is known as ‘Fat City’ It is the food capital of Italy (and therefore the world?!) The ancient Mercato di Mezzo and the food shops, café’s and restaurants around it, all in the medieval quarter, are astonishing homes to intoxicating taste, scent and aroma which pervades the whole area and heightens appetites.

One of Italy's richest cities, Bologna is famous for its 3,000 year history, its world's oldest university, its miles of covered arcades and lovely squares, fabulous art and architecture - but above all, its FOOD and FUN. We’ll stay overnight in a specially-selected 3 or 4 star city-center hotel such as the family-run Touring Hotel with its warm atmosphere, lovely breakfast and sensational rooftop terrace with panoramic view of Bologna.

Day 9 Sunday - return to Rome or Milan and home
Homeward bound - or why not stay another day or two - even a week?

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS ONLY BOOKABLE THROUGH PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENTS WHO HAVE VISITED ROMAGNA AND CAN ADVISE YOU PROPERLY - LIST HERE

PRICE PER PERSON: $2950
Deposit required $200 per person to reserve arrangement. Balance payable 10 weeks prior to arrival.
Cancellation terms: Initial deposit only up to 8 weeks prior to departure. 80% from 8 weeks prior to departure. PRICES BASED A PRIVATE GROUP MINIMUM 6 SIX PASSENGERS
SUPPLEMENT FOR MINIMUM FOUR PASSENGERS - $500 PER PERSON
SUPPLEMENT FOR MINIMUM TWO PASSENGERS - $1000 PER PERSON
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT $400

MAXIMUM PASSENGERS PER GROUP 15 FIFTEEN PEOPLE

Saturday departure dates FROM Rome, Milan, Venice and Bologna 2021:
March 7,14,21,28
April 4,11,18,25
May 2,9,16,23,30
June 6,13,20,27
July 4,11,18
September 5,12,19,26
October 3,10,17,24,31
November 7,14,21,28
December 5

OUR SHORT VIDEOS OF INTERVIEWS WITH PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENTS TELLING US
WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT ROMAGNA:

Just click to view unbiased opinions about real experiences and see a little more about Romagna:
video about Longiano, video about wine tastings, video about Ravenna and Cesenatico and video about Casa Artusi and Fattoria Paradiso

About the Best of Romagna - read our story HERE

Romagna away from the coast is a very un-touristy place. Unlike its near neighbors Tuscany and the Veneto, in Romagna foreign (particularly English-speaking) visitors are unusual. Here you will be treated as a guest - not a tourist!

So that you may enjoy your visit to the full, we run your experience not as a package tour but more like a group of friends having an adventure on a visit to a new and very special place. In this way we believe you will have a glorious, very different and natural experience. The fact is that Romagna’s wonderful hinterland has not become jaded by mass tourism – and we aim to keep it that way,

Everybody you will meet here is passionate about their homeland, its beauty and its enormous larder of local, seasonal food and wine. Everybody you will meet here is enormously proud of their history, culture and above all their diligent and heartfelt hospitality.

We sincerely believe that you will find treasure here in Romagna - treasure that can only come from open hearts with the willingness to share an unbelievably enormous heritage.

By the time you leave our aim is to help you, like us and all our other guests, to be passionate about Romagna and count the days ‘til you return!

Want to know more contact us:
M: +44 7710 173005 Skype: valeretjolle Whatsapp: +44 7710 173005
E: welcome@bestofromagna.com W: http://www.bestofromagna.com F: http://www.facebook.com/bestofromagna

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Italian country house party in the Romagna hills 8 days from $950

8/24/2018

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Come in the springtime when the blossom is coming out, the fireflies are twinkling and the sweet scent of Jasmine suffuses the evening air or in the fall when the harvest is in, the trees are a kaleidoscope of color and the festivities break out

Stay in a fabulous Italian Country House. Enjoy high speed travel from Rome or Milan, included top estate wine tastings and exclusive lunches/dinners and excursions

PLUS an opportunity to visit Venice and Florence

8 days from just $950 per person

Enjoy small group excursions
Fabulous Italian posh chic country house
Warm hearted hospitality and service

All prices include:

Return high speed train trip from Rome or Milan to Bologna with reserved seat
Day tour from Bologna to the lovely Romagna hills by luxury minibus including fab lunch, top wine tasting and visit to Art city Dozza
7 nights accommodation in twin/double room with local Italian breakfast buffet in your friendly beautiful Italian country house
7 superb Italian lunches or dinners
Delicious local tasting excursion with sightseeing, wine tasting, olive oil tasting and lunch in the beautiful Romagna Hills
Afternoon shopping excursion for fashion and homestyle - shoes, bags, clothes & fabrics at artisan workshops and boutiques including supper and visit to San Marino

Plus fabulous optional experiences:

Full day to ´La Serenissima’ Venice including walking tour of city
Cookery class at the ‘Best cookery school in Italy’ including wine tasting at historic vineyard
Day excursion to world heritage Ravenna - probably the best place in the world to see magnificent 6th century basilicas and glorious mosaics
Full day over the scenic Apennine mountains to Florence including walking tour of city

Where we’ll stay...
Our Italian country houses:

Alloggio San Girolamo - Filippo Ricci is ‘Mine Host’ at the stunningly beautiful Alloggio. Enter the gates, pass through the country house and you’ll be greeted by Filippo and the unbelievably sensational view of Paradise – you’ll certainly fall in love with the family, the stylish rooms, the incredible breakfasts and the stunning views MORE INFORMATION HERE

Locanda della Luna – The Turchi family – now in their 17th generation – have been making great olive oil and dispensing heartwarming hospitality for over four hundred years. Their country house is both charming and stylish and the rooms very comfortable, breakfasts are totally delicious, views are stunning and there is a swimming pool. MORE INFORMATION HERE

Quattro Passeri – this lovely ancient country house is set in gardens with a superb swimming pool and quite amazing views over the hills of the Savio Valley. It is just the place to get away from it! Superb rooms, a lovely lounge and dining room, delicious breakfasts. MORE INFORMATION HERE

Casa dei Grilli is a 1920’s millionaire’s residence, an Art Deco country house with a lovely breakfast room, terraces full of flowers and stunning views over the valley. The rooms are delightful and the bedroom and beds superb. Delicious breakfasts!
Superb and kindly service MORE INFORMATION HERE

Staying in lovely Italian country house:

COST:
10+ people Per person in twin/double - $950
4+ people Per person in twin/double - $1500
3+people Per person in twin/double - $1750
2+ people Per person in twin/double $2000
Single room supplement $300
1 person Per person in single - $3500

2019 Dates ex Rome/Milan/Bologna 7,14,21,28 April; 5,12,19,26 May; 2,9,16,23,30 June; 1,8,15,22,29 September; 6,13, 20, 27 October; 1,8,15,22,29 November

Find out more from your travel agent details of participating US professional travel agents HERE

SEE WHAT PROFESSIONAL USA TRAVEL AGENTS, WHO'VE BEEN THERE, SEEN IT, DONE IT THINK ABOUT BEST OF ROMAGNA

Paula Ramo of A Better Way to Travel Indianapolis

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Italy’s glamorous Adriatic Riviera 8 luxurious days from $950

8/24/2018

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Italy’s glamorous Adriatic Riviera

Come for a taste of the authentic Dolce Vita - the style and authentic Italian ambiance of a perfect resort, where café, beach and restaurant society are real art forms.

Stay in a fabulous 4 or 5 star luxury hotel in a stylish Adriatic resort. Enjoy high speed travel from Rome or Milan, included top estate wine tastings and exclusive lunches/dinners and excursions

PLUS an opportunity to visit Venice and Florence
8 days from $950 per person

Your choice of fabulous stylish seaside resorts:

Stay in Marvelous Milano Marittima – one of the world’s first garden cities combining luxuriant shady pine woods and a beautiful beach. Stylish, fashionable Milanese shopping, eating, drinking and dancing. Plus the colourful port and marina of Cervia – the ancient salt port of the Adriatic. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

Stay in glorious Rimini with its sensational beach and promenade, amazing nightlife, superb restaurants bars, cafes and gelaterias to suit each and every taste – an Italian party destination of the very first rank.

Stay in charming Cesenatico with its perfect port designed by Leonardo da Vinci for the Borgias. Enjoy port life with its colourful cafes, restaurants, bars, gelaterias and shops and Cesenatico’s lovely beach.

PRICES INCLUDE:
Small group excursions
Luxury boutique 4 & 5 star hotels
Personal service
All prices include:

Return high speed train trip from Rome or Milan to Bologna with reserved seat
Day tour from Bologna to the Adriatic Sea by luxury minibus including top winetasting
7 nights accommodation in twin/double room with Italian local breakfast buffet in chosen luxury hotel
Day of castles and sightseeing, winetasting, olive oil tasting and food in the beautiful Romagna Hills
Shopping day afternoon excursion for fashion and homestyle - shoes, bags, clothes & fabrics at artisan workshops and boutiques including supper and visit to San Marino

Plus fabulous optional experiences:

Day excursion to world heritage Ravenna - probably the best place in the world to see magnificent 6th century basilicas and glorious mosaics
Cookery class at the 'Best cookery school in Italy' including wine tasting at historic vineyard
Full day to 'La Serenissima' Venice including walking tour of city
Full day over the scenic Apennine mountains to Florence including walking tour of city

2019 Dates ex Rome/Milan/Bologna Spring: 7,14,21,28 April; 5,12,19,26 May; 2,9,16,23,30 June;
Fall: 1,8,15,22,29 September; 6,13 October

Fabulous 4**** star hotels:

Derby Exclusive: Smart family-run designer green-awarded 4 star hotel in central Milano Marittima close to the beach. The hotel has stylish design features and a spectacular restaurant with glorious food including a superb breakfast buffet. Swimming pool. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

Le Palme is a fabulous modern 4 star plus boutique hotel just by the beach in Milano Marittima. Guests enjoy exclusive Premier Resort benefits including pools, restaurants and bars, wellness center with ‘Body & Soul Spa and beach club. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

Sensational 5***** star hotels:

The Grand Rimini is simply a 5 star legend. This Art Deco jewel was the favourite place for legendary film director Federico Fellini and emblem of the Dolce Vita– the service and style is legendary too. Right by the beach in its own beautiful park, a stay at the Grand is a truly memorable and beautiful experience. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

The Grand da Vinci Cesenatico is maybe the perfect 5 star hotel. In the perfect resort of Cesenatico with its fishing harbor and iconic da Vinci designed port and practically on the beach the service, hospitality and food is impeccable. Dolce Vita Spa and private beach, naturally. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

The Wardorf Milano Marittima is a stunning ultra-modern 5 star designer hotel with stunning views and a substantial art collection – all right on the beach and with a choice of swimming pools and a fabulous restaurant. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE

COSTS:

4 star hotels:
Milano Marittima - Derby Exclusive, Le Palme or similar
Group 10+ people Per person in twin/double - $950
Group 4+ people Per person in twin/double - $1500
Group 3+ people Per person in twin/double - $1750
Group 2+ people Per person in twin/double $2000
Single room supplement $600
1 person Per person in single room $3500

5 star hotels: Supplement on above 4 star prices: $400 per person
Rimini - Grand Hotel or similar
Cesenatico - Da Vinci Grand or similar
Milano Marittima - Wardorf or similar

Find out more from your travel agent details of participating US professional travel agents HERE

See what professional USA Travel agents who've been there, seen it, done it, think about Best of Romagna

Paula Ramo principal of A Better Way to Travel Indianapolis Indiana

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Your invitation to hidden Italy - for a sneak preview of an amazing 2019 travel opportunity

7/6/2018

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FAM participants will enjoy an unspoiled secret corner of Italian paradise - festivals, food, wine, fairytale castles, fun cooking course– AND a preview of a ground breaking unbelievable value 2019 program .

After 5 years of hard work we’re ready and our 2019 program will be unveiled this Labor Day – September 3rd 2018 - and you’ll have a chance to inspect it yourself this fall. Here is a look at what it will offer:

GROUPS & FITs - Special arrangements for individuals and groups
GORGEOUS ACCOMMODATION: Authentic stylish Italian country house accommodation and 5star luxury boutique and grand hotels
SPECIAL INTEREST: Culinary experiences, seaside experiences, mountain arrangements, music, theater and food festivals
CULTURE & HISTORY: Cultural visits to Italy's amazing unknown art cities - Ravenna, Faenza, Rimini, Bologna, Cesena and more
SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES: Designer shopping trips to artisan workshops where they make exquisite fashions for posh Italian brands
FAB WEDDINGS: Truly romantic classical Italian vineyard weddings
PRICES FROM $950 for 7 nights

Prices are from as low as $950 including return train from Rome or Milan, 7 nights lovely accommodation, 2 wonderful wine tastings in picturesque organic vineyards, orientation excursion, designer shopping excursion, two Michelin-grade dinners with wine/soft drinks.

SEEING IS BELIEVING – FIND OUT YOURSELF - COME ON A FAM/INSPECTION TRIP:
Romagna destination FAM inspection experiences are now open for applications from travel agents, operators, and group organizers. You could join for an wonderful experience.

The 6-day (5 night) FAM/Inspection trips to Romagna "Food: Wine: Castles: Culture" will cost a nominal $795 per person (participants and spouses subject to space) There will be up to 100% post-FAM refund depending on your marketing results.

Just get yourself to Bologna and we’ll look after you from there! Departures from Bologna this fall are: 28 September/ 5,12,19,26 October / 2,9,16 November 2018

Participating agents will...See and experience fabulous 2019 offers for their clients PLUS: Join in a great joyous FESTA Take part in an early morning foodie & culture tour in Bologna; Meet the people that make little Romagna one of the world's greatest opportunities for travel agents; Learn to cook a local speciality in "Italy's Best Cookery School"; Taste the region's great olive oils in a 500-year old olive grove; Try some of Italy's best wines in the extraordinarily beautiful surroundings of two superb organic vineyards; Taste delicious local prosciuttos, salamis, breads, cheeses and more; Experience the glistening 1500-year old basilicas and mosaics in ravishing Ravenna; Visit the fabulous mountaintop UNESCO World Heritage Republic of San Marino; Walk in Leonardo da Vinci's port - Cesenatico; See stunning fairytale hilltop castles and extraordinary views throughout Romagna; Visit Romagna's lovely art-cities and villages. See what an exceptional opportunity this is for you and your clients.

Further information: http://www.totemtourism.com/agent-fam-visits.html

Read about the experiences that US travel agents had on 2018 Spring FAM trips HERE: http://www.totemtourism.com/news/travel-agents-discover-a-paradise-beyond-tourism-in-italy-something-really-special-which-warmed-their-hearts

Email expressions of interest as soon as possible to valere@bestofromagna.com
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE!

MORE ABOUT ROMAGNA:
Romagna has one of the most astonishing unknown, unspoiled treasure chests of heritage, culture, superb mountain and sea sights. food, wine and hospitality in the world.

The World Heritage city of Ravenna itself, world famous for its mosaics, was three times capital of the Roman Empire and has no less than 8 UNESCO sites all around 1500 years old.

Within the borders of Romagna there is the ancient ceramic art city of Faenza, the historic salt-city seaside resort of Cervia, the delightful olive-oil hillside town of Brisighella, the lovely Venetian-influenced resort and fishing port of Cesenatico (surveyed by Leonardo da Vinci) and historic hillside vineyards including in wine-centres such as Bertinoro.

Major art cities include Roman Rimini (now also a glitzy resort) serene Cesena (where there is the oldest library in the world), Forli with incredibly eclectic architecture from the middle ages to Mussolini's brutalist Art Deco, festival-city Santarcangelo, and the Sforza city of Imola where Leonardo da Vinci worked for the Borgias.

The world's oldest republic - San Marino, at the top of mount Titano - towers over the area - this extraordinary world heritage site, and fiercely independent state is walkable history.

Romagna has an incredible legacy of atmospheric medieval hill and mountaintop castles, and citadels - it is said over 300 - built by the Montefeltro, Sforza, Este and the Malatesta families - and by various Popes.

Romagna is arguably also the birthplace of Italian cuisine. It has arguably the best cookery school in Italy as part of an unique foundation started by a Romagnolo man - Pellegrino Artusi . Artusi is known to Italians all over the world as the father of Italian cookery.

Download a free copy of Best of Romagna magazine HERE

We're all looking forward to greeting you in Romagna. You will be more than impressed!

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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT A wonderful taste of the real ‘Heart of Italy’ at Harvest time from $1500

5/10/2018

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SPECIAL DEPARTURE 28 SEPTEMBER EX BOLOGNA
IN ASSOCIATION WITH BREVARD TRAVEL and Anita Scannell

Delicious food, glorious wine, warm, hearty hospitality and fairytale sights in undiscovered, un-touristy, hassle-free Romagna.

9 day holiday- from just $1500

Experience the Best of Romagna scenery, food and wine, culture and warm hospitality, see glorious Ravenna, Venetian Cesenatico lovely Santarcangelo take a scenic train trip through the hills to Florence.
Plus… on option: learn to cook Italian in a great cookery school and take an adventure to “La Serenissima” Venice.

Land at in Rome or Milan or Venice, we can arrange your travel to Bologna to begin your experience in the beautiful, legendary land safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea.

Included Highlights

A day to RENAISSANCE FLORENCE by scenic train
Exploring BOLOGNA
Fabulous Harvest Festival in ancient SANTARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA
Back in time with miraculous mosaics in BYZANTINE RAVENNA
Stroll the cobbled streets of UNESCO republic SAN MARINO
Learn to cook Italian in a TOP COOKERY CLASS (Optional extra)
Taste: VINEYARD WINE TASTINGS/OLIVE OIL/SUPERB LOCAL FOODS
Warm friendly ITALIAN COUNTRY HOUSE – YOUR HOME FOR A WEEK
Comfortable personal travel in a SMALL GROUP
Every meal a delicious culinary experience GREAT MEALS WITH WINE

Price includes:

1 night’s lovely city center accommodation in Bologna
7 nights accommodation with breakfasts in a lovely Italian Country house
7 superb Dinners or lunches including wine or soft drinks in specially-selected restaurants
2 fabulous vineyard wine tastings
Tastings of local breads, prosciuttos, salamis, cheeses and olive oils
Guided visits to Foodie capital of Italy Bologna, World Heritage Ravenna, Venetian Cesenatico, ancient Santarcangelo and lovely Longiano.
Hosted by knowledgeable, lovely locals throughout
Small group comfortable vehicle transport throughout
All designed as a natural life-enhancing experience.
Plus: 'Introduction to the Best of Romagna' Pre-tour information, Welcome pack
On option: Full day cookery course in "Italy's best cookery school" including historic vineyard and wine tasting - and visit to Venice

COST $1500.00 per person (single room supplement $300)

Romagna is just as lovely as famous, expensive Tuscany, its near neighbour, and in our view the food and wine and scenery are all BETTER! Plus, of course, there are no tourist hordes in Romagna and prices are lower so your holiday $ goes much, much further and you get a more personal experience.

If you are looking for great local and authentic Italian food, wine, art, culture and hospitality - at a reasonable price, undiscovered, unspoiled Romagna is the place to be. Here people are pleased to open their doors for you and give you a truly heartfelt warm welcome!

Experience the best of the very best food and wine, art and culture. Above all revel in the immense and heartfelt hospitality of glorious Romagna – a beautiful, legendary land safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea and as yet unspoiled by tourism.

Our team of specially-selected local co-operators include not only professional hoteliers, but great restaurateurs, hands-on vineyard owners, master cheese makers, musicians, videographers, artists, thermal spa owners, even cookery teachers.

Together, we have created a special inclusive 9 day program to offer you a taste of Romagna which incorporates accommodation, meals, wine, olive oil and specialty food tastings, daily programmes of activities and visits designed to enable you to enjoy Romagna at its sensational best from just $1500.

As ‘temporary citizens’ rather than detached tourists, Best of Romagna guests enjoy a treasure-chest of fascinating opportunities. You will be able to experience UNESCO World Heritage Byzantine Ravenna and Venetian Cesenatico, You will also be able to experience Romagna’s legacy of stunningly beautiful hills and valleys, medieval castles and some of its fabulous vistas.

And you'll experience amazing food and wine … cheeses like Squacquerone and Fossa, local wines such as Sangiovese DOC and Albana DOCG and olive oils, rare-breed prosciuttos, pickles, preserves and honeys…and fabulous fresh pasta made daily, of course. You will surely get passionate about these seasonal, fresh, treasured handcrafted products – and recipes you’ll certainly take with you and want to prepare at home.

Our Harvest-time Itinerary in the ‘Heart of Italy’

Day 1 Friday 28 September – Welcome to Bologna
Arrival Bologna . Depending on arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of this colorful medieval city. One of Italy's richest cities, Bologna is famous for its 3,000 year history, its world's oldest university, its miles of covered arcades and lovely squares, fabulous art and architecture - but above all, its FOOD and FUN.

We’ll stay overnight in a specially-selected 3 or 4 star city-center hotel such as the family-run Touring Hotel with its warm atmosphere, lovely breakfast and sensational rooftop terrace with panoramic view of Bologna. If time allows why not make a visit to Bologna’s new attraction: FICO – The Food Megapark

Day 2 Saturday 29 September - Welcome to the Feast
Bologna is a food city that awakes early so we’ll start the day with a breakfast-time tour and avoid the crowds of day trippers! It’s not for nothing that Bologna is known as ‘Fat City’ It is the food capital of Italy (and therefore the world?!) The ancient Mercato di Mezzo and the food shops, café’s and restaurants around it, all in the medieval quarter, are astonishing homes to intoxicating taste, scent and aroma which pervades the whole area and heightens appetites. Naturally our full-on guided visit will include many tastes!

Next our eyes will feast on the best of this rich, fabulous city including the Piazza Maggiore, the, Podestà Palace, Neptune’s Fountain, King Enzo’s Palace. We’ll admire the enormous Basilica of Saint Petronio. We’ll see Bologna’s gothic Merchants’ Palace, the Seven Churches complex of Saint Steven’s Basilica, and meet Asinelli and Garisenda, Bologna’s famous leaning Towers. After a very full morning, around midday we'll leave Bologna towards the country on the historic Via Emilia to Romagna.

First stop is a visit to the superb, internationally-rated organic Zuffa Vineyard and take a wine tasting in the open air, between vines. After this delightful visit, we will see the painted city of Dozza with its fabulous castle and wine heritage. Then, we'll take the short journey to the hilltop castle-town of Longiano for dinner and overnight at Alloggio San Girolamo (or a similar high grade country-house style accommodation) and enjoy the atmosphere and stunning views. Then another taste of great Romagnolo food and wine - a special welcome dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni.

Day 3 Sunday 30 September – Enjoy the Tastes of Romagna
After a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, seeing the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views and great modern art collection, then enjoying the fabulous jewel-box theatre Petrella with its museum of masks. After, we'll cross the valley to the stunning Villa Venti where we'll taste the unique Mora Romagnola prosciuttos and salamis, plus the sensational cheeses of Renato Brancaleoni . With these delicacies we'll savor the superb organic wines Mauro and his family create in this wonderful vineyard.

Now it’s off to the fabulous festa. Santarcangelo di Romagna is a beautiful hilltop town with a massive Malatesta castle and a colourful history. The town loves its festivals no more so than the 1,000-year old ‘Bird Festival’ a massive harvest festival which takes over the whole town at the end of September. It is a real colourful delight. We’ll spend our afternoon enjoying it all.

Back to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Monday 1 October- Mosaics and da Vinci's Seaside Day
After breakfast we'll visit Cesenatico for a stroll in its delightful Venetian-style port, designed by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Cesare Borgia. We'll take a fabulous lunch at La Casina followed by a visit (including entrances) to glorious Ravenna with Cinzia . This world heritage city, three times capital (of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire) is full of marvelous mosaics and stunning 1500 year old basilicas Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Tuesday 2 October - Renaissance Day – Florence by scenic train
Today we’ll start with a glorious scenic experience. We’ll leave very early and drive to Faenza to take the little train to the heart of Florence. The train starts from Faenza and climbs up the hills, crossing little medieval towns such as Brisighella (famous for its superb olive oil), Marradi (famous or its ancient sweet chestnut trees, being of the highest quality), Borgo San Lorenzo (with its age-old vineyards and olive groves, thousand-year-old churches, ancient farmhouses and geometrically laid out vegetable gardens) and goes along wild landscapes with stunning forests, streams and rivers - the best experience you can get travelling to Florence.

In the birthplace of the Medicis and the Renaissance, after this scenic journey, there will be the possibility to get a brunch or lunch at the foodie Central Market and take a stroll through this beautiful city of art. We’ll have time to see the Pitti Palace, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizzi, the Ponte Vecchio, the lovely Boboli Gardens, and the panoramic Belvedere amongst much, much more.

We’ll leave Florence in the early evening for our return journey to Faenza. A special dinner will be arranged at the fabulous new Spadoni restaurant – a homage to the best in Romagna food and drink and thence to Longiano for overnight.

Day 6 Wednesday 3 October– Well Being Day
All the week, we have enjoyed truly natural, local, fresh food, wine and sights. Today is the day to take care of your whole body and mind - our special relaxation and wellness day. Subject to availability, our own preferences, and, of course the weather, we’ll have the option to take an extra experience (surcharge) to follow a guided walk in the glorious hills, take a mountain bike or horse ride, take a yoga class in a stunning location, join in an olive or grape harvest OR take an afternoon tour to visit an artisan ceramicist in the lovely historic art and ceramic city of Faenza and a drive in Faenza’s gypsum hills to the ancient olive oil, wine and honey hilltown of Brisighella.
Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 7 Thursday 4 October – La Serenissima – Venice (or rest) Day*
On our (optional extra*) day excursion, we'll have the chance to experience this incredible place of history and romance. St Marks Square, Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, gondolas, shops and much much more.
We’ll leave very early and travel via the ancient via Popilia to the outskirts of Venice – and an extraordinary way to arrive in the city. We’ll start at the ancient seaport of Chioggia from where we’ll take the boat across the lagoon to the island of Pellestrina , here we’ll take a coach across the island and another boat to the island of Venice Lido .

From here we’ll make our glorious entrance by Vaporetto water bus across the main lagoon to the Grand Canal and past Venice’s main sights, churches, palaces, glorious colorful sights. At the Rialto Bridge we’ll commence our walking tour of discovery all the way to St Mark’s Square where a fish feast lunch is included with Adriatic specialties and a special optional gondola ride will be organized. Plenty of time explore in the afternoon after which we'll return to Longiano for overnight.

Day 8 Friday 5 October- Authentic Italian Cooking Day**
Either rest and relax in lovely Longiano or… Depart after breakfast for a really special (optional extra) full day event!

Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian? Casa Artusi "The Best Cookery School in Italy" is the place. In this foundation created to honor Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian Cookery - you will learn to make at least seven different sorts of pasta (including local specialties). In the fully-equipped cookery school, each participant will have the services of an assistant and their own work-station. After this life-enhancing experience we will enjoy a superb lunch of local specialties – plus the pasta that we have created. At the end of the session, we’ll have presented to us, our hand-made Casa Artusi apron together with our certificate for concluding the cookery course.

We’ll then travel up to the lovely wine-village of Bertinoro and visit the historic vineyard of at Fattoria Paradiso - the most historic vineyard in Romagna. Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Here we’ll tour the fabulous hillside estate, the medieval merchant’s house and the vineyard, after we’ll enjoy some local cheese, local olive oils and bread, plus of course we’ll taste over six of Fattoria Paradiso’s superb wines including those created for various Popes and presidents.

Without any doubt, this will be the highlight of your trip! Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 Saturday 6 October - Homeward Bound or?
Return to Bologna OR why not stay a little longer in Paradise?

*Venice day excursion includes: Guide/tour manager, return transportation to Chioggia, boat and coach transport around Venice Lagoon to Venice Lido, vaporetto water boat journey along the Grand Canal, lunch in Venice, short walking tour of Venice, Venice pack. Cost $200 per person if booked and paid prior to arrival Excursion operates subject to minimum numbers.
** Cooking day excursion includes: Transportation, guide/tour manager, hands-on cookery class learning to create at least seven different sorts of pasta from scratch – all with a great chef and personal assistance, lunch of local specialties plus the pasta made on the course, hand made Casa Artusi apron to take home, personal certificate, visit to Bertinoro and tour of Fattoria Paradiso vineyard, wine tasting of at least 5 wines. Cost $200 per person if booked and paid prior to arrival. Excursion operates subject to minimum numbers.

Departure date from Bologna 2018: Friday 28 September

For further information and bookings contact:
Anita Scannell

Please note: Deposit required $200 per person to reserve arrangement. Balance payable 10 weeks prior to arrival. Cancellation terms: Initial deposit only up to 8 weeks prior to departure. 90% from 8 weeks prior to departure. Important: ALL GROUP QUOTES ARE MADE ON THE BASIS OF A MINIMUM 10 PASSENGERS - REVISIONS TO PRICES UP TO 50% WILL BE EFFECTED IF GROUPS FALL BELOW THIS FIGURE.

About the Best of Romagna - read our story HERE

IMPORTANT NOTE: Romagna away from the coast is a very un-touristy place. Unlike its near neighbors Tuscany and the Veneto, in Romagna foreign (particularly English-speaking) visitors are unusual. Here you will be treated as a guest - not a tourist!

So that you may enjoy your visit to the full, we run your experience not as a package tour but more like a group of friends having an adventure on a visit to a new and very special place. In this way we believe you will have a glorious, very different and natural experience. The fact is that Romagna’s wonderful hinterland has not become jaded by mass tourism – and we aim to keep it that way,

Everybody you will meet here is passionate about their homeland, its beauty and its enormous larder of local, seasonal food and wine. Everybody you will meet here is enormously proud of their history, culture and above all their diligent and heartfelt hospitality.

We sincerely believe that you will find treasure here in Romagna - treasure that can only come from open hearts with the willingness to share an unbelievably enormous heritage.

By the time you leave our aim is to help you, like us and all f our other guests to be passionate about Romagna and count the days ‘til you return!

W: http://www.bestofromagna.com
F: http://www.facebook.com/bestofromagna

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