Blog Posts

Book with a professional USA travel agent that has been to Romagna, seen it, tasted it... LOVED IT!

2/23/2018

These professional US travel agents have inspected Romagna and can help you get the best of the Best of Romagna! Click on the image to hear their views.

AGENTS CHECKING IT OUT

New York State & Nationwide
Syracuse: Sally Fedrizzi (315) 471-1305
sally@vagabondtourandtravel.com
Vagabond Tour and Travel
www.vagabondtourandtravel.com

Connecticut
Avon: Mary Moretti 860-678-1407
hhtvl@yahoo.com
Huntington Hay Travel

Florida
Vero Beach: Diane Catenaci – 772-321-7378
diane.catenaci@frosch.com
Indian River Travel
http://www.froschvacations.com

Indiana
Indianapolis: Paula Ramo 317.894.4428
abetterwaytotravel@gmail.com
A Better Way to Travel, LLC

Maine
Portland: Evan McElligott – 207- 221- 5413
Longer Vacations
www.longervacations.com

Massachussets
Boston: Anita Scannell – 321-459-1990
anitascannell2@lycos.com
Brevard Travel

Nebraska
Omaha: Karen and Jack Pritchard 402-390-0909
Vacation Superstore
eTravelOmaha.com

New York State
Loudonville: Maria Crodelle & Maribeth Maloney (518)221-1559
Loudon Travel
www.loudontravel.com/

Oregon
Bend: Joanne Dalass – 541-388-0345
joanned@bendbroadband.com
Getaways Travel

Texas
San Antonio: Jo Anne Tuck (832) 721-6875
riverwoodtravel@gmail.com
Riverwood Travel
www.Riverwoodtravel.com

Washington DC
Stuart Carroll 202-543-8118
Carroll Travel
www.travelroom.com

0 Comments

Harvest-time FAM trips to the heart of Italy unveiled

2/14/2018

0 Comments

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE VIDEOS OF TRAVEL AGENTS ONSITE

Food, wine, culture & fun! Limited numbers of Travel Agents will experience the unspoiled Heart of Italy at fabulous fall festa time

Guests will visit the heart of Italy in fall and enjoy festivals, food, wine, fairytale castles, fun cooking course and great wine tastings. They will explore a secret corner of paradise between Venice and Florence, the Apennines and the Adriatic.

The FAM program has been repeated for 2018 following the incredible experiences of both agents and the first 2017 groups of clients.

Read the story so far of the extraordinary success of Best of Romagna - one of the world's top 100 green destinations HERE

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 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: 28 September , 5,12,19,26 October, 3 November, 2,9,16 November ex Bologna

Cost: $795 per travel agent (partners and spouses welcome - cost $895 subject to space). Single room supplement $300 - all 100% refundable on post-FAM business.

This is what 2016 FAM participants 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"

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 an informal workshop to understand the area - and its sales opportunities.

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

Space is strictly limited so please contact travelagents@bestofromagna.com as soon as possible.

Further information on Romagna FAMs HERE

0 Comments

The Planet is dying - what are we doing? Top100 sustainable destinations awards to be presented at ITB

2/14/2018

0 Comments

Sustainable destinations awards event will include Earth Award - the Planet is dying - what are we doing? - to be presented at the world's biggest travel trade fair.

Building on the 2017 Top100 Sustainable Destinations list, the Top 100 Jury will present 'Best of the Best' Awards in seven categories to selected destinations.

Special categories will include nature; culture; adventure; cities and communities; the seaside and, naturally, best for the planet. There will be a special award - "The Earth Award - the Planet is dying - what are we doing?"

The event will be held on 7th March at 4pm in the Palais am Funkturm at ITB.

The Sustainable Destinations latest Top 100 was unveiled for the third year on World Tourism Day 2017. The listings celebrate the efforts of tourism destinations' responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Top100 Sustainable Destinations is supported by 20 international sustainable tourism organizations.

The 2018 'Best of' the Best' awards will include;

Best of Nature - for the Top100 destination showing global leadership in actively protecting its scenic views, natural habitats and wildlife, and showing respect for animals,
Best of Culture- for Top100 destination showing global leadership in supporting the authentic celebration of local culture and tradition,.
Best of Adventure - for the Top100 destination showing global leadership in offering sports & adventure opportunities.
Best of Communities - for the Top100 destination showing global leadership in protecting its social fabric and sense of place, in involving its local community in tourism, and in avoiding human exploitation, human rights violation, and disruptive mass tourism (over-tourism).
Best of Seaside - for the Top100 Destination showing global leadership in offering beach and water related leisure opportunities.
The Earth Award - the Planet is dying - what are we doing? - for the Top100 destination doing the most to focus tourism on environmental sustainability and minimizing global transport emissions
Best of Planet- for the Top100 destinations showing international leadership and innovation in responsible and sustainable tourism.

Further information on the Top100 Sustainable Destinations HERE:

0 Comments

Yet another perfect day of wine and roses

1/23/2018

0 Comments

Sensational sights, lovely walks, amazing food and wine, hospitality and kindness

After a lovely relaxed sleep in our warm and friendly, historic Italian country house Aloggio San Girolamo, we’ll start the day by enjoying the perfect breakfast outside in the sun. What’s on offer? Well naturally there are delicious local seasonal fruits and juices and home-made breads and cakes and home-made yoghurt – all organic. There are also local cheeses and hams. And naturally great coffee (it is Italy!) and teas. And sublime views!

We take a short walking tour of lovely castle town Longiano. First we see the delightful chocolate-box theatre Petrella, renowned for its incredible acoustics and lovely interior. – time for a little song from the stage?

Then we walk through the cobbled streets up to the fabulous atmospheric medieval castle with its extraordinary views to the sea and the countryside. Now it’s not just famous because it was built for hunchback Gianciotto Malatesta (the man who killed his beautiful wife, Francesca – recounted in Dante’s Inferno). The castle has another claim to fame – the sensational art collection of poet Tito Balestra. Here we’ll see Degas, Chagall, Leger, Goya, Kokoschka and an astonishing array of Italian artists.

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, Manuela and their family create in this wonderful vineyard.

Naturally we explore the stunningly-beautiful vineyard with its astonishing views and Mauro shows us just how he can bottle these sights, this soil and this air to be a real taste of the ‘Terroir’ using organic and biodynamic methods. Now we get to taste it!

Our antipasta includes local prosciuttos and salamis made from rare breed ‘Mora Romagnola’ pork, an array of half a dozen local cheeses including fresh ‘Squaquerone’, pit-fermented ‘Fossa’, cheeses ripened in strawberry and other superb tastes. All this is eaten with ‘Piadina’ flatbread which Manuela has made from her own milled flour and ‘Savor’ (a confection that Manuela has created from quince, grape must, local walnuts, honey and apples – amongst much else).

The wines we taste include Mauro’s fabulous Sangiovese ‘Primo Segno’ – a superb organic red and ‘Serenaro’ a fruity white made from the indigenous ‘Famoso’ grape and much sought after by connoisseurs.

Now it’s off along the picturesque route to the fabulous, historic Slow Food city Santarcangelo di Romagna. It is lovely - a rich and beautiful hilltop town with a massive medieval castle and a colorful history which is very intertwined with the glorious food heritage in this fertile country.After a nice walk along Santarcangelo’s colorful streets it’s time for a fabulous Sunday lunch..

We have lunch in a stunning restaurant set in a local palace. La Sangiovesa is ram-packed full of history. It was started 70 years ago by a bunch of local artists, including Fellini’s friend and scriptwriter, the local poet Tonino Guerra. The purpose of the restaurant is to highlight the very best of art and design and history and sensationally, unbelievably wonderful food and wine. After a tour of the great flagstoned palace including seeing the amazing grottoes, we sit down to our late Sunday lunch.

We had antipasta at Villa Venti – so we start with three different sorts of pasta – ‘Passatelli’ made of breadcrumbs, parmesan, lemon and nutmeg; ‘Tagliatelli’ with a ragu made of rare-breed pork and beef; and ‘Capeletti’ little hats stuffed with cheese and herbs.

Our main course is a great platter of local meats including guineafowl, sausage, rare-breed ribs, local rabbit and beef – and another platter of great vegetables – fat tomatoes, peppers, aubergines – all cooked on the open grill, plus superb rosemary-roasted potatoes.

Now another platter arrives – warm Piadina made using organic flour that is still produced in the water-powered stone mill and created in the kitchen by hand.

And, of course, dessert! We take a miraculous Zuppa Inglese – a traditional Romagnolo pudding made of egg yolks, dark chocolate, sponge, lemon and the mysterious Alkermis licquer.

And everything we’ve eaten is farmed on Sangiovesa’s land and made by hand that day (like the pasta and the Piadina) and cooked fresh in the Sangiovesa’s kitchen.

Now time for a walk around Santarcangelo and maybe a gelato?

And we visit the astonishing Mutoid community for another taste of cutting-edge contemporary art.

We go back to Longiano late in the afternoon for a lovely evening walk. And so to bed in our Italian country house.

More perfect days here:

Simply another perfect day
Simply a perfect day

Travel agents and group organisers have a few perfect days yourself on a spring FAM trip HERE

Find out more about having perfect days in Romagna

0 Comments

Simply another perfect day

1/16/2018

0 Comments

Welcome to the Feast…

We wake up early after a lovely sleep in our lovely stylish family hotel – the Hotel Touring with its fabulous veranda over the city a superb breakfast is on offer with delicious pastries and coffee.

Bologna is a food city that wakes 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 includes many tastes!

Next our eyes 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 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 . We walk around the vineyard with Augusto Zuffa, see the fascinating winery, walk among the lovely vines, smell the scents. Then we come inside to take a wine tasting of some of Augusto’s greatest wines (including Italy’s representative wine for Expo 2015).

Amongst others we’ll taste superb Sangiovese, delicious Albana, and perfect Pignoletto – white, red and pink, sparkling and still. Of course, you can’t drink without eating in Italy and Augusto’s sister Michela now brings out a massive platter of delicious local starters including local hams and cheeses, breads and pasties and lots of other delicious items.

After this wonderful visit, we will see the painted city of Dozza with its fabulous castle and wine heritage.

Then, we take the short journey to the hilltop castle-town of Longiano to check into Alloggio San Girolamo 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.

Another lovely day, and so to bed in the lovely country house...

It’s another great day tomorrow!

0 Comments

Simply a perfect day

1/10/2018

0 Comments

Just one simple, perfect natural day full of fun and food and wine and glorious experiences

Now for a lovely walk to work off a little of that fabulous food. Where?

Cesenatico is one of the biggest fishing ports in the Adriatic, but more importantly it is both very historic and unbelievably, beautifully, Venetian. After Cesare Borgia captured the town he set his employee Leonardo da Vinci to tart it up. So it could be said that our walk to the sea and back through the amazingly photogenic port-canal is like walking in a Da Vinci masterpiece! And we can taste another local masterpiece – a superb gelato by the seaside.

The walk, the stunning surroundings, the little traghetto boat trip across the canal and the fabulous sea air has made us a little hungry, so we’re off to lunch.

Where better than lunch in the country? It’s a short trip to the unbelievably wonderful La Casina agriturismo where Valentina Valentini holds court. Her family farm all the land around and everything comes from their superb production.

What’s for lunch? First we have a selection of starters – cheeses (including the miraculous squaquerone) prosciuttos (cured on the estate) and magical piadina (warm local flatbreads made here). Secondly, we taste two of the Valentini special pastas (made freshly this morning) they include aromatic pasta pockets filled with cheese and covered with fresh sage with crispy prosciutto; then sensational tagliatelli with delicious specialty Valentini ragu sauce.

And the main course? Meats, sausages, patties all made of Valentini meat grilled on their open fire with delicious crispy potatoes roasted with rosemary plus succulent grilled vegetables – sweet tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini and anything else that’s in season.

Naturally it’s all been washed down by delicious Valentini wines.
Of course there is a great plate of little desserts and coffee and local licquers including Banane, Limoncello, Liquorizia – yes all made here too.

Now for the centerpiece of the day – Ravenna (luckily it takes an hour or so to get here – time for a little doze in the sun?)

We meet in the atmospheric 1500-year-old San Francesco basilica. Changed and altered through the ages it loses no power as the center of the Franciscan monastry complex. Here we’ll get our introduction into the power and the beauty of this amazing imperial city.

This world heritage city, three times Imperial capital (of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire) is full of marvelous ancient mosaics and stunning 1500 year old basilicas.

With our guide, Cinzia, we take a gentle stroll back in time to gasp at the jewel-box interior of the mosaic-filled mausoleum that Empress Galla Placidia created for herself in 425ad. Here the glistening mosaics were an inspiration to Gianni Versacce, Sigmund Freud and Lord Byron amongst many others. We are astonished by the basilica of San Vitale, built to rival the Santa Sofia in Constantinople by the great Justinian – we see the mosaic portraits of his glorious, glamorous wife the dancer Teodora.

This edifice, after all is the greatest example of byzantine art in Europe. And we’re amazed by the basilica and mosaics of Sant Apolinare Nuovo. And the stories of Empress Galla Placidia, emperors Theodoric, Justinian, Augustus and Julius Caesar plus Lord Byron, JRR Tolkien, Gustav Klimpt, Carl Jung, Oscar Wilde – a few of the characters who inhabited this city outside of time – the Venice before Venice existed.

Wow. Time for another gelato and a lovely drive back to Longiano – a superb sunset and maybe a dinner at the Dei Cantoni restaurant. Then back to bed and a glorious sleep with the Jasmine and Lime and roses scents of the clean countryside to please us.

What are we doing tomorrow?

Travel agents checking it out!

Couldn’t be as good as this? – See onsite video interviews with travel agents Mary Moretti, Diane Catenaci, Jo Anne Tuck and Stefan Ursu HERE

And report by global food and wine writer Janice Nieder HERE

For more information contact us now welcome@BestofRomagna.com
Familiarisation/inspection trips are available for travel agents and group organisers further information HERE
www.BestofRomagna.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bestofromagna

0 Comments

SPECIAL WINTER ARRANGEMENT: Festive fun, food and wine in Romagna and Florence

1/1/2018

0 Comments

Make 2018 a truly, truly magical Festive Season – in the Heart of Italy!
SPECIAL WINTER FESTIVAL DEPARTURE IN ASSOCIATION WITH RIVERWOOD TRAVEL SAN ANTONIO

Experience Romagna’s Advent - a massive, glorious, joyous festive feast
9 day holiday from just $2,500

All along the Romagna coast, and up in the hills, historic townships vie with each other to create the most outstanding traditional (and non-traditional) Nativity scenes and Christmas Markets. It’s a Christmas experience of a lifetime.

Duty-free mountain top shopping, wonderful Christmas entertainment and nativity scenes everywhere make a heart-warming festive feast to see, to hear, to taste, to savour and to save!

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

Real Christmas food & wine, culture and wellbeing holiday in undiscovered, untouristy, hassle-free Romagna.
A day to Christmassy RENAISSANCE FLORENCE by scenic train
Exploring Christmassy BOLOGNA
Fabulous Christmas Festival in ancient UNESCO republic SAN MARINO
Back in time with miraculous mosaics in BYZANTINE RAVENNA
Learn to cook Christmas Italian in a TOP COOKERY CLASS
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 festive culinary experience GREAT MEALS WITH WINE

Price Includes:

1 night lovely city center hotel Bologna
7 nights accommodation with breakfasts in a lovely Italian Country house
7 superb festive 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 with festive specialties
Visits to Florence, Bologna, San Marino, Ravenna, Rimini, Santarcangelo
Amazing authentic local Christmas markets and artisan outlet shopping
Hosted by knowledgeable, lovely locals throughout

All designed as a natural life-enhancing festive experience.
Plus: 'Introduction to the Best of Romagna' Pre-tour information, Welcome pack
JUST $2,500 per person (single room supplement $500)

High on the top of Mount Titan, soaring above the Adriatic coast, are the ramparts of an unique World Heritage Site - the tiny, atmospheric Republic of San Marino. And a truly amazing array of Christmas treats.

Called "The Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.

Christmas music, Christmas lights, stalls selling hot Christmas drinks and sweet Christmas confections, plus the aromas and sounds of Christmastime everywhere... And when guests are happily tired of soaking up Christmas and shopping up bargains and return to the plain, there are yet more traditional treats in store.

Here in Romagna you'll see the Holy Family up on hilltops, inside castle cloisters, on beaches and in harbours - made of simply every material you can imagine - and often animated, both acted and mechanical. Here in Romagna Christmas is not Christmas without a Nativity Scene and pretty much every Nativity Scene has its own little Christmas Market, where you can buy Christmas presents and stock up on Christmas delicacies, decorations and other delights!

So, in the historic Leonardo da Vinci - designed sea harbour of Cesenatico, you'll see ancient ships with Nativity Scenes on each; in the historic Pope's salt-port of Cervia, you'll see harbour-side and beachside Nativity Scenes; in the hilltop vine-coated wine and olive oil townships of Bertinoro, Brisighella and Longiano you have hilltop and castle court Nativity Scenes. And in the important cities such as Cesena and Forli, Rimini and Ravenna you'll see massive acted Nativities in the historic centers.

For a wall-to-wall total immersion traditional, authentic Christmas feast - Romagna has got it all!

Why not enjoy it to the full and treat yourself to a warm Italian festive event of a lifetime...

Day 1 Friday 7 December- Chrismassy, Foodie, Bologna
Arrival Christmassy Bologna . Depending on arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of the lights in 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 8 December - Welcome to the Christmas 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 festive welcome dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni.

Day 3 Sunday 9 December - Enjoying the Christmas Tastes of Romagna
After a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, to put us in the Christmas spirit we’ll tour the amazing nativity scenes seeing the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views, then enjoying 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..

Off then to San Marino for a truly fabulous Christmas celebration - The "Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.
Return to Longiano late at night.

Day 4 Monday 10 December- Mosaics and da Vinci's seaside
After breakfast we'll visit glorious Ravenna with Cinzia . . All dressed up in its Christmas best - 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. Then we’ll have a great country Christmas lunch at a glorious Agriturismo. After we’re off to Christmas by the sea - Cesenatico for a stroll in its delightful Venetian-style port, designed by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Cesare Borgia. With its amazing lights all over the port – Christmas in Cesenatico is something really, really memorable.

Day 5 Tuesday – 11 December Cooking Day – learn to cook Italian Christmas
Depart after breakfast for a really special event! Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian Christmas? 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 Christmas 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!

After lunch, we’ll visit the close-by historic vineyard – Fattoria Paradiso – in an even more historic setting vineyard hillside Bertinoro.

On our way back to Longiano 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 12 December - Romagna’s historic Christmas settings
The morning is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings. In the afternoon, we’ll take a tour to see two fabulous art cities with their historic Christmasses on the via Emilia. We’ll visit Roman Rimini, built in classical Roman style 2,000 years ago – and with an enormous Christmas market, we’ll enjoy serene Cesena with its 600 year old library and lovely square and castle with its lovely lights and Christmas specialties.
Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 7 Thursday 13 December- Florence’s Renaissance Christmas
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. Starting from Faenza the little train 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.

Christmas in the glittering capital of Tuscany is a real experience. Amazing lights, markets, food and wine – superb aromas are everywhere. 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 Christmas decorated 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 all in their Christmas best, amongst much, much more.

We’ll leave Florence in the early evening for our return journey to Faenza. A special festive 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 8 Friday 14 December - Shopping, Hills and Castles,
First stop today is the ancient artisan print works of Pascucci where they still create Christmas 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. Tonight we’ll take a superb festive dinner with a scenic view in Verucchio at the Rocca restaurant then return to Longiano for a restful overnight.

Day 9 Saturday 15 December - Homeward Bound or?
Return to Bologna OR why not stay a little longer in Paradise?

COST PER PERSON $2500 (SEE WHAT'S INCLUDED ABOVE)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT $500

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. 50% from 8 weeks prior to departure
Departures of the above itinerary are also available on November 30th, December 14th – these departures prices are subject to a minimum 10 passengers per booking.
For further information and bookings contact: Jo Anne Tuck, Travel Planner, Riverwood Travel, Tours and Cruises LLC, 11435 Whisper Green Street, San Antonio TX78230 www.Riverwoodtravel.com Riverwoodtravel@gmail.com 832-721-6875

About the Best of Romagna - read our story HERE

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

0 Comments

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT: A wonderful taste of the real ‘Heart of Italy’ at Harvest time

12/30/2017

0 Comments

SPECIAL DEPARTURE 18 OCTOBER EX USA 19 OCTOBER EX BOLOGNA
IN ASSOCIATION WITH A BETTER WAY TO TRAVEL

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 19 October – 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 20 October - 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 21 October – 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 22 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 23 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 24 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 25 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 26 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 27 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 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. Excursion operates subject to minimum numbers.

Departure date from Bologna 2018: October 19th

For further information and bookings contact:
A Better Way to Travel, LLC
Certified WBE/MBE
11237 Sedlak Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46229
Toll Free: 800.957.4428
Local: 317.894.4428
Fax: 317.894.4784
www.abetterwaytotravel.co

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. 50% from 8 weeks prior to departure.

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

0 Comments

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT: The best of Romagna Food and Wine, Fun and Festas 2018

12/30/2017

0 Comments

SPECIAL DEPARTURE 16/17 JUNE 2018 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Wall to wall beauty, culture fun food and wine
9 day small group holiday from just $2,500
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

A day to RENAISSANCE FLORENCE by scenic train
Exploring BOLOGNA
Fabulous international Festa ARTISTI IN PIAZZA in hilltop Pennabilli
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 SCHOOL
Enjoy an idyllic MIDSUMMER EVENING PICNIC PARTY
Glorious food and wine festival FESTARTUSIANA
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 lovely city center hotel Bologna
7 nights superb Italian country house accommodation
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
Visits to Bologna, San Marino, Ravenna, Florence
Entrances to festivals
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

From just $2,500 per person (single room supplement $300)

YOUR FESTA ITINERARY:

Day 1 Friday 17 June Bologna world capital of food
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 18 June - 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 19 June - Enjoying the Tastes and Scents 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. Pennabilli is a beautiful hilltop town on the border of Romagna and Marche. Over the centuries the town has developed beautifully and quirkily as its ownership passed from powerful family to powerful family. A religious center with its own cathedral and monastery (even a recent visit from the Dalai Lama, apart from wars and spirituality – its real religion is enjoyment, fun and great food. All this is no better exemplified than at the International Artisti in Piazza Festival

No less than 26 beautiful spots in the town provide wonderful stages for music, comedy, dance , circus of all sorts from all over the world. Last year there were some 55 different companies from dozens of countries from Argentina to Japan, UK to Ethiopia, USA to . There is always great Jazz, sublime World music captivating Klesma Hip Hop, Rock, extraordinary acrobatics and clowning amazing theatre. And stuff you’ve never heard of! It’s an inspiration – you won’t want to come home! Night in Longiano.

Day 4 Monday 20 June - 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 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 21 June - Cooking Day & Midsummer party
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!

After lunch, we’ll visit the close-by historic vineyard – Fattoria Paradiso – in an even more historic setting vineyard hillside Bertinoro.

On our way back to Longiano 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.

In the evening we’ll enjoy a fabulous Special Midsummer’s Eve picnic of superb local seasonal delicacies in glorious surroundings infused by the warm intoxicating scents of Jasmine and sweet Lime.

Day 6 Wednesday 22 June – Relax, shop and stroll
After a late breakfast 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. 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. 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 7 Thursday 23 June - 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 8 Friday 24 June – It’s Fabulous Food Festa Day
Morning and afternoon free in the delightful surroundings of Longiano. Time to enjoy a long breakfast, take a stroll in lovely surroundings. A little light lunch perhaps? Just rest and relax. Late afternoon, we’re off to one of the greatest food and drink festivals in Europe – the FestaArtusiana . Created in memory of the “Father of Italian Cookery” Pellegrino Artusi – in his birthplace – the festival celebrates everything to do with food and wine and music – and all the other beautiful things associated with them. For the occasion the town becomes totally dedicated to food and wine even its streets are named after foods – vegetables, fruits, pastas, sweets – naturally gelatos. There are local food and wine stalls, tastings everywhere – literally hundreds of opportunities to taste the best of the best. Naturally there are musical performances, naturally the town’s massive square becomes full of different outside restaurants from basic to snack to glorious!

Festartusiano is a real, warmly welcoming Romagna food extravaganza!

Day 9 Saturday 25 June - Homeward Bound or?
Return to Bologna OR why not stay a little longer in Paradise?

Departure date from Bologna 2018: June 17

For further information and bookings contact:

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

0 Comments

Make 2018 a truly, truly magical Festive Season – in the Heart of Italy!

11/21/2017

0 Comments

Romagna Advent - a massive, glorious, joyous festive feast
9 day holiday from just $2,500

All along the Romagna coast, and up in the hills, historic townships vie with each other to create the most outstanding traditional (and non-traditional) Nativity scenes and Christmas Markets. It’s a Christmas experience of a lifetime.

Duty-free mountain top shopping, wonderful Christmas entertainment and nativity scenes everywhere make a heart-warming festive feast to see, to hear, to taste, to savour and to save!

High on the top of Mount Titan, soaring above the Adriatic coast, are the ramparts of an unique World Heritage Site - the tiny, atmospheric Republic of San Marino.
The idiosyncratic state that refused to join Italy, that kept itself aloof from the European Union (and that scored the fastest-ever goal in the World Cup!) - fiercely preserves its independence and its traditions above everything else to this day.

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.

Because - called "The Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.

Christmas music, Christmas lights, stalls selling hot Christmas drinks and sweet Christmas confections, plus the aromas and sounds of Christmastime everywhere.
And when guests are happily tired of soaking up Christmas and shopping up bargains and return to the plain, there are yet more traditional treats in store.

Here in Romagna you'll see the Holy Family up on hilltops, inside castle cloisters, on beaches and in harbours - made of simply every material you can imagine - and often animated, both acted and mechanical. Here in Romagna Christmas is not Christmas without a Nativity Scene and pretty much every Nativity Scene has its own little Christmas Market, where you can buy Christmas presents and stock up on Christmas delicacies, decorations and other delights!

So, in the historic Leonardo da Vinci - designed sea harbour of Cesenatico, you'll see ancient ships with Nativity Scenes on each; in the historic Pope's salt-port of Cervia, you'll see harbour-side and beachside Nativity Scenes; in the hilltop vine-coated wine and olive oil townships of Bertinoro, Brisighella and Longiano you have hilltop and castle court Nativity Scenes. And in the important cities such as Cesena and Forli, Rimini and Ravenna you'll see massive acted Nativities in the historic centres.
So for a wall-to-wall total immersion traditional, authentic Christmas feast - Romagna has got it all!

Why not enjoy it to the full and treat yourself to a warm Italian festive event of a lifetime...

Real Christmas food & wine, culture and wellbeing holiday in undiscovered, untouristy, hassle-free Romagna.
Small group tour 9 days, 8 nights from just $2500
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 festive 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 with festive specialties
Visits to Bologna, San Marino, Ravenna, Rimini, Faenza
2 days included chill-out country days with included activities
Amazing authentic local Christmas markets and artisan outlet shopping
Hosted by knowledgeable, lovely locals throughout

All designed as a natural life-enhancing festive experience.
Plus: 'Introduction to the Best of Romagna' Pre-tour information, Welcome pack
From just $2,500 per person (single room supplement $300)

Day 1 Friday - Chrismassy, Foodie, Bologna
Arrival Christmassy Bologna. Depending on arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of this colorful medieval city.to see the amazing Christmas lights. 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 of Christmas which pervades the whole area and heightens appetites. Naturally our full-on guided visit will include many tastes of Christmas specialities like nougat and amazing artisan panetone!

Next our eyes will feast on the best of this rich, fabulous city at Christmas 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 Christmas 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 famous for its amazing Christmas nativity scenes – over 150 of them in 2017! Here we’ll have a check into our warm festive accommodation at Alloggio San Girolamo or Casa Grilli (or a similar high grade country-house style accommodation) and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and stunning views. Then another taste of great Romagnolo food and wine - a special welcome festive 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, to put us in the Christmas spirit we’ll tour the amazing nativity scenes seeing the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views, then enjoying the fabulous jewel-box theatre Petrella with its museum of masks. Off then to San Marino for a truly fabulous Christmas celebration - The "Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Return to Longiano for a lovely rest.San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.

Day 4 Monday - Mosaics and da Vinci's seaside
After breakfast we'll visit glorious Ravenna with Cinzia ..All dressed up in its Christmas best - 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. Then we’ll have a great country Christmas lunch at a glorious Agriturismo. After we’re off to Christmas by the sea - Cesenatico for a stroll in its delightful Venetian-style port, designed by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Cesare Borgia. With its amazing lights all over the port – Christmas in Cesenatico is something really, really memorable.

Day 5 Tuesday - Cooking Day – learn to cook Italian Christmas
Depart after breakfast for a really special event!
Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian Christmas? 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 Christmas 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 fresh new 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 Christmasses on the 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. Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 7 Thursday - Shopping, Hills and Castles,
First stop today is the ancient artisan print works of Pascucci where they still create Christmas 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. Tonight we’ll take a superb festive 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?

Festive season departure dates from Bologna 2018: November 30th; December 7th, 14th

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

0 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>