This tour begins in Emilia-Romagna with four nights in Bologna. You will explore the city of Bologna, take part in a walking food tour, and visit important sites in the city. We will visit Tuscany for an olive harvesting experience, a honey tasting, and time in the city! Next, we spend four nights in the Marche region, just outside of Urbino in a 14th-century country estate. We will explore the city of Urbino, go on a truffle hunt, and visit the 3rd smallest country in Europe. (San Marino!) This tour is filled with unique experiences and opportunities that are only available in the autumn during harvest season!
Day 1: October 13th
Welcome to Bologna!
You will be greeted at the airport by your guide, and accompanied to your hotel. You have individual accommodations in a 4-star hotel in the historic city center of Bologna, with breakfast included each day.
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After settling in, we will take a guided walk around as an introduction to the city. Next, we will stop for an aperitif, then we have a reservation for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: October 14th
A Gastronomic Dream...
This morning, we will meet our guide, who is a sommelier and international travel writer. She will take us on a walking food tour of Bologna to sample eight to ten different meats, cheeses, pastas, gelatos, and pastries... plus local wines!! After that, we will have the afternoon to visit some of the sites around Bologna that make it so unique. We have an optional group dinner reservation this evening, then free time in this vibrant city!
Day 3: October 15th
Harvest Day!!
This morning, we will take the high speed train to Florence. We will begin our day with a visit to an olive grove outside of Florence, where you will learn the art of harvesting olives. Afterward, we will picnic in the grove before heading back to the city of Florence for an afternoon of exploring. There will be a short guided tour to acclimate you, then free time for you to explore. You will have a custom map with suggestions and information. Late that night, we will head back to Bologna on a high speed train.
Day 4: October 16th
A Degustation in Three Acts...
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This morning, we will take a high speed train to Florence, where we will meet our driver. He will take us into northern Tuscany, where we will begin a multi-sensory journey. First, a private coffee workshop where you will work with a master sommelier to learn about the journey of a coffee berry from blossom to roasted bean. Next, a stop for a classic Tuscan lunch before we head off into the woods... There, we will meet a couple who has forty bee hives and an apiary. They will take you through a honeyed journey based on the seasons. You will taste the honeys and learn the gradations of sweet to savory to bitter. Our last stop will be at the vineyard of a fourth-generation winemaker for a tasting of his wines paired with Tuscan meats, cheeses, and breads. That evening, we head back to Bologna on the train.
Day 5: October 17th
A Journey to the Marche region
This morning, we leave Bologna to begin our journey to Urbino. We will stop in Ravenna, home of the Justinian-era Byzantine mosaics. You will have time to see the mosaics, explore the city, and visit Dante's tomb.
That evening, we will arrive at the country estate where we will be guests. After we have some time to settle in, we will enjoy a wine tasting of the estate's wines. Later, we will head to our optional group dinner.
Day 6: October 18th
Visiting San Marino~ Don't Forget Your Passport!
Today, we head to the third smallest country in Europe, San Marino. A fiercely independent republic, they made Abe Lincoln an honorary citizen during our Civil War! We will begin our day with a private, guided walking tour of the historic city center.
Afterward, you will have time to explore the city, climb the hill and see the Adriatic Sea, and get our passports stamped! That evening, we will return to Urbino for dinner.
Day 7: October 19th
A Day in a Renaissance City, home of Raphael
Urbino is the birthplace of Raphael, and an important Renaissance city. We will spend the day there, visiting the Ducal Palace and the museum, as well as the birthplace of Raphael.
You will have time to explore the city, visiting the shops and discovering medieval alleys filled with beautiful views.
That night, we have reservations for dinner at a restaurant known for serving traditional regional food, and if you like Truffles they offer some amazing options laden with the seasonal truffles!
Day 8: October 20th
We're going Hunting... for Truffles
This morning, we will head out for an adventure in the woods~ truffle hunting! We will learn how truffle hunters find these rare and delicious funghi, hopefully uncovering one ourselves! Afterward, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
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This afternoon, we will unwind in the spa at the estate, a relaxing place filled with sensory showers, dipping pools, saunas, and more. Tonight, we can enjoy a leisurely dinner on our last evening together; we have a reservation at a nearby osteria.
Day 9: October 21st
Arrivederci!
This morning, your private transfer will return you to Bologna to fly home!
October 13th
through
October 21st
$4450
2 spots available!
Inclusions
The Autumn Adventure Tour includes the following:
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Transfer from the Bologna airport to your hotel in Bologna
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Private room in a four star hotel located in the city center of Bologna for 4 nights
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Private room in a four star hotel in Urbino for 4 nights
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Breakfast each day
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Walking tour in Bologna with a welcome aperitif
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Food tour in Bologna with 8-10 different foods plus local wines
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High-speed, premium class train tickets to Florence and back on two separate days
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Olive harvesting and lunch
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Private car for an outing to Northern Tuscany
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Guided tour and Five Senses Experience at an Italian Espresso Academy
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Visit to an Italian apiary with honey tasting
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Visit to a private vineyard with tasting and local food pairings
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Private car and driver for a day visiting Ravenna and ending in Urbino
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Ticket to visit the mosaics in Ravenna
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Private car and driver for a day visiting San Marino
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Private guided walking to of San Marino
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Car to Urbino for the day and back to country estate
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Entry into Ducal Palace, Museum, and Raphael's House
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Private car and driver for outing to truffle hunt
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Truffle Hunt Experience
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Spa Time at the estate for the afternoon
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Transfer to the Bologna airport from Urbino​
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WELCOME
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Exclusions
Travelers are responsible for:
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
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Lunches and dinners (with the exception of the food tour and picnic after the olive harvest)
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Personal expenditures
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Tips for Drivers and Local Guides (at your discretion, approximately $100 total)
Payment
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10% deposit to secure your spot. Because of the small size of these trips, it is advisable to secure a spot early.
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40% of trip cost due 120 days out from departure
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Balance of trip cost due 60 days out from departure