Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat – come to share Romagna’s feast and learn where real tourism’s AT!

Says Best of Romagna "Qualifying Travel Agents and Group Organisers are cordially invited to experience colourful Christmas markets and more in Italy's Romagna for themselves  - plus take part in the Best of Romagna familiarization, training & certification program."
Upon the completion of the program they will become Best of Romagna certified experts and be entitled to use the logo and benefit from marketing initiatives including web-generated leads.

In Romagna, all the fun and the magic of Christmas is taken very seriously indeed - why not join in the spirit and find unique Christmas presents and great fun – and learn about Romagna’s massive tourism opportunity?

Villages, towns, cities and seaside resorts enthusiastically compete with each other with the quality of their Christmas markets, Christmas lights, decorations, and Christmas music.

Christmas markets sell decorations, gifts and Christmas treats like nougat to celebrate Santa Lucia, superb Panettone (traditionally not baked until 7th December) and all manner of sweets abound. And simply everywhere there are hundreds and thousands of lovely Nativity Scenes.

The fairytale hilltop castle town of Sant Agata Feltria transforms into a Christmas Winterland with Santa Claus, Musical performances and lots and lots of stalls - even rheindeers and elves!

Leonardo da Vinci's atmospheric Venetian port of Cesenatico explodes into Christmas life with music and lights, historic sailboats and barques full of nativity figures. At night, illuminated, it is truly wonderful.

And high on the top of Mount Titano, soaring above the Adriatic coast, are the ramparts of a unique World Heritage Site - the tiny, atmospheric Republic of San Marino.

Here the city-state's castles and walkways reveal sensational views, its cobbled streets and alleys hide little shops selling simply everything - tax paid only to San Marino! And at Christmastime thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy San Marino's wonderful sights and warm hospitality - and SHOP duty free.




During the  6-day familiarization, training and  certification visit agents will:

• Learn to taste wines in vineyards from expert enologists and try at least 15 superb local wines – including Christmas specials
• Enjoy a fabulous seasonal Christmas Feast
• Learn to taste fabulous virgin olive oils under the tutelage of the 17th generation of the olive mill owners
• Learn the history of Italian cuisine, learn to cook local specialties in Italy's best cookery school and cook a Christmas delicacy
• Learn how to taste local cheeses with an expert raffinatore
• Learn about and taste dozens of local culinary specialties.
• Learn about the massive cultural history of the area with its art cities, medieval castles, basilicas and mosaics dating back to when Ravenna was Imperial capital of the Roman Empire and of the kingdom of Goths – and the real Christmas traditions
• Most importantly they will each have all the expertise necessary to knowledgeably and profitably introduce your clients to all the opportunities presented by this superb, unspoiled destination in the heart of Italy.
• And, as Best of Romagna is one of the Global top 100 Sustainable Destinations  agents will also have a thorough introduction to how they can individually benefit from Green/Sustainable tourism - from an acknowledged globally-recognised expert in sustainable tourism

Participating agents will... Join in a great joyous Christmas FESTA; visit Christmas Markets, see Christmas lights and music,; Meet the people that make little Romagna one of the world's greatest opportunities for travel agents; Learn to cook a local seasonal 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 three superb 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 - Venetian Cesenatico; See stunning fairytale hilltop castles and extraordinary views throughout Romagna; Visit Romagna's lovely art-cities and villages.

Departures: 24, November, 1 December – with visit to fairytale Sant Agata Feltria Christmas festivities 8 December with visit to San Marino Christmas

Special Christmas Markets include: Guided tour from Bologna, 1 night city centre Bologna hotel accommodation, 4 nights country house accommodation in Romagna. All meals, guided excursions specially-arranged tastings of local produce including food, wine, olive oils, Christmas experiences, a hands-on cookery class to make fabulous pasta and a workshop to understand the area - and its sales opportunities. - Certificate of competence in Best of Romagna for successful participants together with training in other green travel opportunities.

Cost: $595 per travel agent (partners and spouses welcome - cost $795  subject to space). Single room supplement $250 - all 100% refundable on post-FTC business.

Eligible participants: Travel agents, tour operators, group organizers, and spouses/partners.

Space is strictly limited so please contact Best of Romagna as soon as possible to book your place on the next available Christmas FTC visit.
"Ti aspettiamo in Romagna!" Say the Best of Romagna team http://www.totemtourism.com/our-team.html

Read the Best of Romagna story HERE

What FAM travel agent guests said in 2016 "My clients they deserve to see this part of Italy that's not really known and its beautiful" "Breathtaking mosaics - something you just can't imagine" "On every corner of the street there's a story and someone wanting to tell it to you" "After Rome it was so nice to be here without that craziness" "You see smiles, graciousness and you see fun - you want to be a part of it and its so easy"

More info on Best of Romagna:
Between Venice and Florence, the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea - Romagna is known as the 'Heart of Italy'. Authentic, natural and much less touristy than many other Italian destinations, Romagna is revered throughout Italy for its warm hospitality, the quality of its local food and wine, its stunningly beautiful countryside, its hundreds of fairytale hilltop castles and its major cities of art.

And it has another really important aspect that you and your clients will feel everywhere you go.

Whether you're shopping or eating, walking or talking, in Romagna you can always expect old-fashioned courtesy, kindness and care. Here you can feel totally relaxed in the knowledge that your (and your clients') visit is really important and worthwhile.

Because, in Romagna you are not just another tourist as you may be in many places nowadays - here you are indeed a treasured guest.

Romagna has been recently rated as one of the world's top 100 Green Destinations for very good reason - it offers visitors experiences that really warm their hearts.
"Italy's Best Kept Secret" - said noted US food and wine writer Janice Nieder read story: HERE

PLEASE NOTE THESE FTC TRIPS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR TRAVEL AGENTS OR GROUP ORGANISERS.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO REQUEST YOUR PLACE VISIT AGENTS FAMILIARIZATION HERE

Best of Romagna has everything a travel agent needs to create and promote a great group experience. Check out:
Photo gallery: HERE

Agents download page (including agent's manual and FAQs): HERE

Very special holidays created with Love and care

Writes travel journalist Valere Tjolle: "I've been in the travel industry since the 1960's and I've been writing about it for over 20 years now - in all that time, I've never lost the belief in that perfect destination - that combination of food and wine, history and sights, accommodation and hospitality, accessibility, cleanliness and relaxed, fulfilling adventures, plus safe, wholesome hassle-free places to chill out.

So as I've travelled around the globe from Azerbajan to Zanzibar and in every continent I've searched for this perfect destination combination,

I first visited Romagna (the historic region of Italy between Venice and Florence, the Apennines and the Adriatic) in March 2012 to write a story about the destination. It was amazing, but I've been lucky enough to see many amazing places all over the world - why did I think that Romagna was special?

The fact is, I simply couldn't believe it  - in a world of mass commodity tourism, here was a place that had escaped intact from tourist hordes - it was totally stunning - a real Shangri La! All of the values that I believed tourism could offer - and I felt were lost - were here in Romagna and thriving.

Everybody was more than just kind and courteous, they treasured their homeland and their heritage - a glorious history, stunningly beautiful countryside and cities of art. They treasured their massive harvests of food and drink and their superb culinary culture. Above all they took great pleasure in sharing it all with me.
So, naturally, I kept returning to check that this wonderful place wasn't a dream and every time I returned something very special happened.

Read just four of the stories I wrote:

A byzantine action-packed food & culture weekend by train to Ravenna and the heart of Romagna

There I was enjoying Lyon pistachio sausage, mashed potatoes in chives, with mustard dressing followed by a selection of delicious macarons at the amazing Fin de Siecle Train Bleu restaurant  admiring the view of the trains in Paris's Gare du Lyon.  

And the disappointing email arrived. What no sleeping car on tonight's train to Bologna? I'll have to sleep in a 6-berth couchette cabin! How terrible, particularly as I'd been looking forward to first class comfort on a romantic night journey....

Take the sleeper train back 15 centuries: HERE

Provenance, local specialities, authenticity, food and drink, culture and history, passion and quirkyness - added value experienced and explained


The question: How do you faithfully reflect Italy's massive regional strength, individuality and passion for hospitality in sustainable tourism?

The answer: Total immersion of every tourist's complete six senses.


Total commitment Emilia Romagna HERE

The more Italy changes the more it remains the same

It was the last performance of the Ravenna Festival and we arrived in the sultry July evening heat at the massive San Giacomo palace, the seat of the power players in Ravenna - the Rasponi family.
With its air of peace , understanding and plenty, you couldn't find a more sublime place to sleep

Rasponi revels HERE

The B&B is the heart of tourism and Oride is the soul of the Casa Masoli family businesses

Ravenna is a great destination - it has everything from a massive 1500 years of history, a living culture, great music, stunning sights and architecture, fantastic food, warm and friendly people - and it's just a hop skip and jump to the Adriatic beach at Ravenna Lido.

The heart of the great Romagna Tourism tradition HERE

Thinking that this amazing place deserved a much better showcase, I then researched and published three magazines about the area in 2013 and 2014 -I called them 'The Best of Romagna'  you can download them below free...

Then, in 2016 with the help of some Romagnola friends we created a video about Romagna, see it HERE it's called 'Romagna Mia" And then, because I STILL wasn't sure, we brought professional travel agents to Romagna to see what they think - see and hear what they said about it in the short video clip HERE:

The travel agents liked it so much that they organised the FIRST small groups of lovely, lively Americans visited Romagna.

This is what the travel agents said:  "My clients they deserve to see this part of Italy that's not really known and its beautiful" "Breathtaking mosaics - something you just can't imagine" "On every corner of the street there's a story and someone wanting to tell it to you""After Rome it was so nice to be here without that craziness" "You see smiles, graciousness and you see fun - you want to be a part of it and its so easy because everyone welcomes you".

In 2017 the first 3 small intimate groups of 12 visitors each arrived - lovely, interesting, interested people from all over the US, Alaska to Florida:

• They tasted superb wine and local produce in three fabulous organic vineyards.
• They ate great fresh, seasonal local Romagnolo food in three superb restaurants.
• They were taken back 1600 years to the glorious Byzantine Roman Empire
• They took adventures from Romagna to Venice and Florence
  

Care, security, life enhancing, fun, unique/different, simplicity, clarity, love - they just LOVED going back in time!

This is what they said: Thank you for all your knowledge and passion…thank you so much for a wonderful time… we so enjoyed this wonderful trip… a great experience… awesome… a fabulous journey… you are the best… a trip we will always remember… words cannot express our gratitude… thank you from my heart… thank you for wonderful memories… the best meal I've ever had!

Why don't YOU come and find out what it's all about?

If you are a travel agent or group organizer and want to be a part of something really special for the benefit of your clients, find out more about Best of Romagna Familiarization, Training and Certification program HERE

Selected travel agents are being invited to experience Italy's Romagna for themselves - and take part in the Best of Romagna Familiarization Training & Certification program.

Upon the completion of the program they will become a Best of Romagna certified experts and be entitled to use the logo and benefit from marketing initiatives.






During their 6-day familiarization, inspection and training visit they will…

• Learn to taste wines in vineyards with expert enologists and try at least 15 superb local wines
• Learn to taste fabulous virgin olive oils under the tutelage of the 17th generation of the olive mill owners
• Learn the history of Italian cuisine and learn to cook local specialties in Italy's best cookery school
• Learn how to taste local cheeses with an expert raffinatore
• Learn about and taste dozens of local culinary specialties.
• Learn about the massive cultural history of the area with its art cities, medieval castles, basilicas and mosaics dating back to when Ravenna was Imperial capital of the Roman Empire and of the kingdom of Goths
• Most importantly you will have all the expertise necessary to knowledgeably and profitably introduce your clients to all the opportunities presented by this superb, unspoiled destination in the heart of Italy.

Participating agents will... 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 specialty 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 three superb 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 - Venetian Cesenatico; See stunning fairytale hilltop castles and extraordinary views throughout Romagna; Visit Romagna's lovely art-cities and villages.

Departures: 29 September, 20, 27 October, 3, 10, 17, 24 November 2017 ex Bologna

Includes: Guided tour from Bologna, 1 night city centre Bologna hotel accommodation, 4 nights country house accommodation in Romagna. All meals, guided excursions specially-arranged tastings of local produce including food, wine, olive oils, a hands-on cookery class to make fabulous pasta and a workshop to understand the area - and its sales opportunities. Plus Certificate of Competence in Best of Romagna for successful participants.
 
Cost: $595 per travel agent (partners and spouses welcome - cost $795 subject to space). Single room supplement $250 - all 100% refundable on post-FTC business.
Eligible participants: Travel agents, tour operators, group organizers, and spouses/partners.

Space is strictly limited so please contact us as soon as possible to book your place on the next available FTC visit. Valere@bestofromagna.com

Ti aspettiamo in Romagna! say the Best of Romagna team!

How top100 global sustainable destination Best of Romagna is going from success to success with care HERE

Delicious food, glorious wine, warm, hearty hospitality and fairytale sights in undiscovered, un-touristy, hassle-free Romagna. 9 day holiday- from just $1190

• 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:

• 1 night’s lovely city center accommodation in Bologna
• 7 nights accommodation with breakfasts in a lovely Italian Country house in the 'Ancient Valley of Cherries'
• 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
• Top cookery class
• Guided visits to Foodie capital of Italy Bologna, World Heritage Ravenna, Venetian Cesenatico, ancient Santarcangelo and lovely Longiano.
• On option: Half day cookery course in "Italy's best cookery school" and visit to Venice

 
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 one-week 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 $1190.
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 Itinerary in the ‘Heart of Italy’

Day 1 Friday – Welcome to Bologna
Arrive Bologna. Depending on our arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of this colourful 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.
 
Day 2 Saturday - 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 and the extraordinary Sala Borsa library…We’ll admire the enormous Basilica of Saint Petronio  we’ll even visit the first seat of the world’s first university, the University of Bologna, Archiginnasio and its famous Anatomical Theater. And 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 Casa Grilli  (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 – 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. Off then to Santarcangelo di Romagna for a visit of this fairytale hilltop city and something really special – a visit to Mutonia
. Then, we'll visit the 500 year old Olive Grove at Locanda della Luna and enjoy a taste of olives and olive oil presented by the 17th generation of the owning Turchi family. 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.
All before a great dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni. ​

Day 4 Monday- 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 - 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 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.
 
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– 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 – 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 - 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 - Homeward Bound or?
Return to Bologna OR why not stay a little longer in Paradise?

Please note: Tour prices are based on groups of a minimum number of 10 participants and on twin bedded/double room accommodation. There is a single room supplement of $300 per person. All prices may change up until the time of booking. Itineraries may change due to operational circumstances.
 
*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
** 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
 
Departure dates 2018:
March 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26

See a little more about Romagna with our video about Longiano, our video about wine tastings, our video about Ravenna and Cesenatico and our video about Casa Artusi and Fattoria Paradiso
 
Please note: Tour prices are based on groups of a minimum number of 10 participants and on twin bed/double room accommodation. There is a single room supplement of $300 per person. All prices may change up until the time of booking. Itineraries may change due to operational circumstances.
 
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 f 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

Writes travel journalist Valere Tjolle:

I've been in the travel industry since the 1960's and I've been writing about it for over 20 years now - in all that time, I've never lost the belief in that perfect destination - that combination of food and wine, history and sights, accommodation and hospitality, accessibility, cleanliness and relaxed, fulfilling adventures.and wholesome places to chill out.  So as I've traveled around the globe from Azerbajan to Zanzibar and in every continent I've searched for that perfect destination combination,

I first visited Romagna in March 2012 to write a story about the destination. It was amazing, but I've been lucky enough to see many amazing places all over the world - why did I think that Romagna was special?

The fact is, I simply couldn't believe it  - in a world of mass commodity tourism, here was a place that had escaped intact from tourist hordes - it was totally stunning a real Shangri La! All of the values that I believed tourism could offer - and I felt were lost - were here in Romagna and thriving.

Everybody was more than just kind and courteous, they treasured their homeland and their heritage - a glorious history, stunningly beautiful countryside and cities of art. They treasured their massive harvests of food and drink and their superb culinary culture. Above all they took great pleasure in sharing it all with me.

So, naturally, I kept returning to check that this wonderful place wasn't a dream and every time I returned something very special happened.

Here are just four of the stories I wrote:

• Take the sleeper train back 15 centuries:
• Total commitment Emilia Romagna
• Rasponi revels
• The heart of the great Romagna Tourism tradition

Thinking that this amazing place deserved a much better showcase, I then researched and published three magazines about the area in 2013 and 2014 -I called them 'The Best of Romagna'  you can download them here:

• Issue number 1 Ever Heard of  Pellegrino Artusi? Mona Lisa, Mussolini and Ravenna witches DOWNLOAD HERE
• Issue number 2 Mountaintop republic reaches for the stars, US TV Chef  gets award, Girls day out Romagnole style, The Millers’ Tale DOWNLOAD HERE
• Issue number 3 Put Christmas back into Christmas & explore ancient river valleys to festivals sublime food, stunning scenery DOWNLOAD HERE
  
  

Then, in 2016 with the help of some Romagnola friends we created a video about Romagna, see it here it's called 'Romagna Mia"
 
And then, because I STILL wasn't sure, we brought professional travel agents to Romagna to see what they think – see and hear what they said about it in the short video clips BELOW::

IF YOU ARE A TRAVEL AGENT OR GROUP TRAVEL ORGANISER AND WANT TO BE A PART OF IT FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUR CLIENTS WHO WANT A REALLY DELIGHTFUL MAGICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF ITALY CLICK HERE

And of course these travel agents liked it so much that they organised the FIRST small groups of lovely, lively Americans visited Romagna.
In 2017 the first 3 small intimate groups of 12 visitors each arrive - lovely, interesting, interested people from all over the US, Alaska to Florida:

• They tasted superb wine and local produce in three fabulous organic vineyards.
• They ate great fresh, seasonal local Romagnolo food in three superb restaurants.
• They were taken back 1600 years to the glorious Byzantine Roman Empire
• They took adventures from Romagna to Venice and Florence
• Care, security, life enhancing, fun, unique/different, simplicity, clarity, love – they just LOVED going back in time!

This is what they said: Thank you for all your knowledge and passion…thank you so much for a wonderful time… we so enjoyed this wonderful trip… a great experience… awesome… a fabulous journey… you are the best… a trip we will always remember… words cannot express our gratitude… thank you from my heart… thank you for wonderful memories… the best meal I’ve ever had!

And now I can say to all of my Romagnolo friends - I believe this is the best, the happiest, the most welcoming, the most lovely, food-filled, wine-filled, kindness-filled place in today's world.

Why don't YOU come and find out? These are a few of the hundreds of photos we took of the first three groups of lovely, lively visitors (now lovely, lively friends!)

IF YOU ARE A TRAVEL AGENT OR GROUP TRAVEL ORGANISER AND WANT TO BE A PART OF IT FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUR CLIENTS WHO WANT A REALLY DELIGHTFUL MAGICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF ITALY CLICK HERE

Want to know more?
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
WATCH THE SLIDESHOW BELOW TO SEE GROUPS OF US VISITORS ENJOYING ROMAGNA:

FALL FESTAS IN THE HEART OF ITALY
ITINERARY

Day 1 – Friday – travel to Bologna overnight.
 
Travel to Bologna check into our centrally situated 3-4 star hotel for overnight and breakfast.
 
Day 2 – Saturday – Visit to painted city of Dozza & winetasting at top vineyard & travel to Longiano for accommodation.
After breakfast there will be time to explore Bologna before we leave mid-morning to take the via Emilia to Dozza. We’ll take a walk in the atmospheric and historic hilltop art town of Dozza with its dominating fortress, built for Katarina Sforza  - now the regional wine center. The town has a biannual exhibition of wall-murals – the houses are painted by famous (and not-so famous) artists and the results left to give visitors a joyful and fascinating experience.

Then on to the wine-growing area of Imola where we will visit the superb Zuffa vineyard. This family vineyard produces 100% organic wines including some of the very best in Italy – chosen to represent the area at the world Expo 2015. Our lunch will include typical products of the area including the Squacquerone cheese, local prosciuttos and salamis, as part of our vineyard lunchtime, we’ll take a tour of the vines, see the process and taste up to six wines with our meal – including the superb Aleaugust Cru – IGP Sangiovese and the Elisa late harvest Albana DOCG Passito.
 
We’ll then travel to Longiano to check in to our Italian country house hotel such as the Aloggio San Girolamo (website: http://www.alloggiosangirolamo.it/) the Casa dei Grilli (http://www.casadeigrilli.it/eng/index.asp) a lovely Art Deco country house, the Locanda de la Luna
 
After arrival in Longiano and check into our accommodation there will be short walk for a welcome dinner including drinks (wine or soft drinks) at Dei Cantoni restaurant by Longiano’s castle.
 
Overnight in Longiano

Day 3 – Sunday - Tasting Day & Festa Day Sunday – tour of Longiano & olive farm olive oil tasting & fab vineyard wine tasting & afternoon/evening festa visit.
 
After a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, first visiting the delightful jewel-box theatre Petrella and the museum of masks of the Commedia dell’Arte. Then we’ll see the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views and great modern art collection. After, we'll visit the 500-year-old Olive Grove at Locanda della Luna and enjoy a taste of olives and olive oil presented by the 17th generation of the owning Turchi family.
 
After, we’ll cross the valleys to the stunning Villa Venti where we'll take a wine tasting and taste the unique Mora Romagnola prosciuttos and salamis, plus the sensational cheeses of Renato Brancaleoni. With these delicacies we'll savour the superb organic wines Mauro Giardini and his family create in this wonderful vineyard.
 
Straight after our light lunch we’re off to the festa for the whole afternoon and evening of fun!

Day 4 Monday – Seaside and Mosaics Day – visit to Cesenatico followed by visit with tour at sensational mosaic-filled Ravenna.
 
After breakfast we'll visit Venetian Cesenatico for a stroll in its delightful Venetian-style port, designed by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Cesare Borgia.
 
We will then travel on to Ravenna for a guided visit (including entrances) to this glorious city with our Ravenna specialist 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 another glorious dinner with included drinks at Dei Cantoni and overnight at our accommodation.

Day 5 – Tuesday - Cooking Class & wine tasting at beautiful historic vineyard
 
Depart after breakfast for a really special event!
Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian? Casa Artusi http://www.casartusi.it/en/  "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 Fattoria Paradiso. 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 6 Wednesday Return or stay for more adventures day...

And before Christmas...

November 24 and  December 1 fairytale Sant Agata Feltria becomes ‘Christmas town' complete with markets and a truly Christmassy fairytale castle.

and
December 8, 15 Mountaintop republic San Marino becomes ‘Christmas of Wonders’ full of stalls and lights and a Father Chrismas Village.
 

Prices include: All 6 day autumn experiences include: 1 night's B&B in a central  Bologna 3/4 star hotel, transfers from Bologna hotel to one of our country house hotels in the Romagna countryside for 5 nights B&B in the Italian country house, great local dinners each night with wine and waters, visit to colourful food-wine-music-packed festa, 3 wine tastings in stunning vineyards, cookery class and food experience in "Italy's best cookery school", visit to Ravenna to see amazing mosaics and Cesenatico to see Da Vinci's port. And more  $950/€900/£750 Single room supplement $250/€240/£200

Add on an extra adventure: Take 2 extra days of unforgettably exciting adventure in italy's unspoiled playground for just $450/€425/£350 Single room supplement  $110/€100/£85

Our Romagna Adventures: let's play for a couple of days. Subject to the weather and availability (and your preferences and capabilities - of course!) we'll lay on some exciting participation events: Think hatha yoga, meditation, fish buying and cooking, hillside castle-town, spiritual woods and mountain  and valley rambling with deli picnics, mountain biking, olive picking, wine harvesting,  alchemy,  horse riding, thermal spa treatments, baking. And that's not all!

Adventure prices  include: 2 nights B&B accommodation in Italian country house, local dinners with wine and waters (or local deli picnics) transfers, entrance/tuition costs if applicable.

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Friday – travel to Bologna overnight hotel
Day 2 - Saturday – Visit to painted city of Dozza & winetasting at top vineyard & travel to Longiano Italian country house
Day 3 - Sunday - Tour of Longiano & olive farm olive oil tasting & fab vineyard wine tasting & afternoon/evening festa visit.
Day 4 Monday – Seaside and Mosaics Day – visit to Cesenatico followed by visit with tour in sensational World Heritage mosaic-filled Ravenna.
Day 5 - Tuesday - Cooking Class & wine tasting at beautiful historic vineyard
Day 6 - Wednesday Return or stay for more adventures in Romagna
Day 7 - Adventures in Romagna
Day 8 - Friday – Return to Bologna

TO REVEL IN FULL ITINERARY CLICK HERE

Walking the romantic castles of Romagna
Walking the castles of Romagna (8 days 7 nights)

As an Extension to the Best of Romagna 8 day tour or as a stand-alone small group event

Included Highlights

• Visits to some of the most romantic castles and castle-towns in Italy;
• Walks along the enchanting Marecchia Valley with a qualified walking guide;
• Local produce-style deli-picnics on certain days;
• Superb dinners every day with wine;
• Comfortable accommodation in local hostelries;
• Visits to many unexplored gems of Italian culture and history;
• Congenial walks in good company – not too strenuous;
• All designed as a natural life-enhancing experience, bags transported.

Day 1 - Transfer to Santarcangelo di Romagna dinner & overnight 
Perched on a hilltop (called Mons Jovis – Mount of Jove) Santarcangelo has a valid claim to be both the heart of Romagna and the source of the Sangiovese grape. As a Slow City with a number of fine restaurants it is certainly the area’s culinary capital. With Etruscan origins, Santarcangelo is riddled with grottoes which are now mainly used to store superb local wines. Walking the city with its lovely buildings, squares and palaces is a relaxing delight.

Day 2 - Walk from Santarcangelo to Verucchio dinner & overnight (12 km)
Morning post-breakfast stroll in Santarcangelo, followed by the walk through fields to the stunning and historic hilltop town of Verucchio. It is from here that the Malatesta clan came to dominate Romagna for hundreds of years, provide the raw material for stories in Dante’s Divine Comedy and create literally hundreds of castles. Apart from the soaring Malatesta castle, the town also boasts a substantial Villanovan/Etruscan museum.

Day 3 - Walk from Verucchio to San Leo dinner & overnight (17 km)
We are now in the Marecchia Valley within sight of the many atmospheric hilltop castles in the area. Today we will walk from one castle to the other on an ancient path. Naturally we will take a stop for a picnic lunch of seasonal local produce to rest on our journey and admire the views. By late this afternoon we will have climbed to soaring San Leo with its cathedral and Martini Tower, once a pilgrimage site and later famous for imprisoning the alchemist Calliostro after whom an international festival ‘Alchemia’ is held.

Day 4 - Walks around San Leo dinner & overnight 
A day of resting and rambling in the byways around lovely San Leo.  There will also be time to explore the many places of interest in the town and around including the splendid 12th century cathedral which replaces the Roman temple of Jupiter previously on the site. A visit can also be made to the important fortress and equally important town square outdoor café!

Day 5 - Walk San Leo to Sant’Agata Feltria dinner & overnight (21 km)
The longest walk of the week takes us along the scenic Marecchia valley with sensational views, lots more castles and a lovely picnic lunch to the picture-perfect hilltop castle-town of Sant’Agata Feltria. The lovely town is famous for its yearly truffle festival, its Christmas celebrations, its main square with a pretty wooden theatre and its soaring castle now full of European fairytales.

Day 6 - Walk Sant’Agata Feltria to Pennabilli dinner & overnight (11 km)
After breakfast, we’ll take a stroll around the town before embarking on our lovely walk via the tiny castle of Petrella Guidi and the Marecchia valley to our second cathedral town - Pennabilli. This lovely hilltop was the retirement choice of famous Romagnolo poet, scriptwriter and artist Tonino Guerra who had much to do in making the town a great place to enjoy. Noted visitors included the Dalai Lama who inaugurated many of the small meditation parks, there is an orchard of forgotten fruits, a museum of calculus, and truly fabulous walks.

Day 7 - Walks around Pennabilli dinner & overnight
We’ll have a full day to explore Pennabilli and the area including local rambles and a visit to the natural park of Sasso Simone.

Day 8 - Transfer to Bologna
Today we’ll leave Pennabilli for Bologna. A stop will be made to the superb internationally-rated organic Zuffa Vineyard and take a wine tasting in the open air, between vines prior to arriving at Bologna.

Walking the castles of Romagna (8 days 7 nights) minimum 4 people includes experienced walking guide, transfer of baggage from accommodation to accommodation 7 nights dinner bed and breakfast accommodation (meals with local wine/soft drinks), picnics on full day walks, return transfers from central Bologna or as an extension to the 8 day Romagna tour. Cost $1900 per person Single Room supplement $300

PLEASE NOTE THESE GROUP ARRANGEMENTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH TRAVEL AGENTS OR GROUP ORGANISERS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION EMAIL TravelAgents@BestofRomagna.com
OR VISIT BestofRomagna.com

Undiscovered Italy – food and wine, culture and wellbeing
9 day holiday from just $1,400
 

• Undiscovered Italy – food & wine, culture and wellbeing holiday in undiscovered, untouristy, hassle-free Romagna.
  
• Small group tour 9 days, 8 nights from just $1400
• 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 – the beautiful, legendary land safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea and as yet unspoiled by tourism.
• Land at in Rome or Milan or Venice, we can arrange your travel to Bologna to begin your Romagna Experience.

Included Highlights

• 1 night lovely city center hotel Bologna
  
• 7 nights superb Italian country house accommodation
• 7 superb dinners or lunches with wine/soft drinks
• 3 fabulous vineyard wine tastings
• Tastings of local breads, prosciuttos, salamis, cheeses and olive oils
• Top cookery class
• Visits to Bologna, San Marino, Ravenna, Rimini, Faenza
• 2 days included chill-out country days with included activities
• Artisan outlet shopping
• Hosted by knowledgeable, lovely locals throughout

• All designed as a natural life-enhancing experience. 
• Plus: 'Introduction to the Best of Romagna' Pre-tour information, Welcome pack
  
• From just $1,400 per person.
  

Day 1 Friday
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.

Day 2 Saturday - 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 and the extraordinary Sala Borsa library…We’ll admire the enormous Basilica of Saint Petronio  we’ll even visit the first seat of the world’s first university, the University of Bologna, Archiginnasio and its famous Anatomical Theater. And 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 Casa Grilli   (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 - Enjoying 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. Off then to Santarcangelo di Romagna for a superb lunch, a visit of this fairytale hilltop city and something really special – a visit to Mutonia  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. Overnight in Longiano.

Day 4 Monday - Mosaics and da Vinci's seaside
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 fish lunch in Cesenatico 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 overnight.

Day 5 Tuesday - Cooking Day
Depart after breakfast for a really special 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. Without any doubt, this will be the highlight of our trip!

Then, we'll visit the 500 year old Olive Grove at Locanda della Luna and enjoy a taste of olives and olive oil presented by the 17th generation of the owning Turchi family.
Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Wednesday - Well Being Day 1
Today is another day to take care of your whole body and mind. Subject to availability, our own preferences, and, of course the weather, we’ll have the option 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 see three fabulous art cities on the historic  via Emilia. We’ll visit Roman Rimini, built in classical Roman style 2,000 years ago, we’ll enjoy serene Cesena  with its 600 year old library and lovely square and castle and we’ll be shocked by the combination of classical elegance and brutalist Art Deco/Novecento created by Mussolini in Forli. Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 7 Thursday - Shopping, Hills and Castles, San Marino
First stop today is the ancient artisan print works of Pascucci where they still create designs, make wooden blocks and their traditional dyes, and have printed wonderful materials since 1826. Here we'll take a tour of the works and have an opportunity to purchase at outlet prices. Then we’re off to the hills visiting fairytale Sant Agata Feltria   and stunning San Leo  with its fortress and cathedral. The rest of our day will be spent in the tiny mountaintop republic of San Marino . A deeply-historic UNESCO world heritage site with glorious views, cobbled streets and a fascinating range of delightful boutiques. San Marino has an experience for everyone. There will be a guided tour and time for lunch. Tonight we’ll take a superb dinner with a scenic view in Verucchio at the Rocca restaurant then return to Longiano for a restful overnight. 
 
Day 8 Friday - Well Being Day 2
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 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 . Final night celebration dinner and overnight in Longiano.

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

Departure dates 2018:
March 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26

See a little more about Romagna with our video about Longiano, our video about wine tastings, our video about Ravenna and Cesenatico and our video about Casa Artusi and Fattoria Paradiso
 
Please note: Tour prices are based on groups of a minimum number of 10 participants and on twin bed/double room accommodation. There is a single room supplement of $300 per person. All prices may change up until the time of booking. Itineraries may change due to operational circumstances.
 
About the Best of Romagna - read our story

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!

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