Italy Culinary Weekend in Bologna: the Capital of Bolognese, Tortellini and Parmesan




Itinerary
A culinary weekend in Italy: three days and two nights in Bologna and Parma, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Porticoes, medieval towers and the Quadrilatero food shops in Bologna, a train day trip to Parma for its cathedral and a ham or cheese tasting, then a slower last day of hidden streets, the climb to San Luca and an aperitivo.


Welcome to Bologna: towers and Quadrilatero
1 night: Bologna
Let's explore and enjoy the local cuisine!
We gather in Bologna and step straight into the city's lively rhythm, with the architecture doing most of the talking.
Under the arcades we take in the grandeur of the Basilica di San Petronio and the elegant facades around it, then reach the Two Towers of Bologna, where those who wish climb the Asinelli Tower for views over the terracotta rooftops.
Continuing under the city's famous porticoes, we explore the Quadrilatero district, a maze of narrow streets packed with traditional food shops and the local specialties Bologna runs on.
Lunch around midday is fresh pasta or regional cured meats, and this is where ragù alla bolognese actually comes from, served with fresh tagliatelle rather than spaghetti.

A day trip to Parma
1 night: Bologna
Parma Day visit
Second day, second city. A train takes us out of Bologna to Parma for the day, and it starts with marble.
The morning wanders the historic centre, where Parma Cathedral glows under its soaring frescoed dome and the Baptistery of Parma rises a few steps away in pink Verona marble.
Midday turns edible: a tasting dedicated either to silky Prosciutto di Parma or to the nutty, crystalline complexity of Parmigiano Reggiano, sliced and shaved straight from the source.
By evening we take the train back to Bologna, still tasting Parma, a city built on simple ingredients perfected over centuries and best understood at the table.

Hidden Bologna and San Luca
Bologna Cuisine, Hidden Corners & Panoramic Views
With the main sights behind us, the last day shows us a quieter Bologna, built more on atmosphere than on monuments.
Hidden corners
We begin at the Santo Stefano Complex, a cluster of interconnected churches known as the Seven Churches, a calm contrast to the first day's bustle.
From there we wander through lesser-known streets, browsing independent boutiques and stopping for coffee in tucked-away piazzas, with almost nothing fixed on the day's schedule.
Views and aperitivo
In the afternoon anyone feeling active can climb, or take the bus, up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, following the world's longest portico to sweeping views over the countryside.
As evening sets in we embrace one of Bologna's best traditions, aperitivo, and that is where the weekend ends, with our cheers and our goodbyes.
What's included
Accommodation in twin, triple or quadruple rooms
- Return train ticket to Parma and back on Day 2
- Parma ham or Parmigiano tasting in Parma (if you are vegan, please let us know in advance and we will arrange an alternative during one of the meals).
City Tax/night
Group Leader services
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences. Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Bologna City Food Tour(approx 2 hours) - approx. 70 USD
Bologna City Walking tour - approx. 42 USD
Pasta cooking class - 120 USD
Parmigiano Reggiano product factory - 30 USD
Additional info
- Accommodation in double, triple or quadruple rooms
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.






