Our Tour Package Includes:

• 9 night package in boutique-style 4-star palazzos
• 23 Meals – 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 1 food tour, 7 dinners
• Transportation and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
• English speaking local tour guides
• Airport transfers
• All taxes and service charges
• Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
• Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, servers at included meals
• Amazing Journeys gift for each participant
• Amazing service throughout

Highlights Include:

• Go truffle hunting with a local truffle hunter and his expert dogs.
• Savor a Michelin-starred dinner at Vespasia, located in our elegant hotel in Norcia.
• Meet a cheesemaker and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at her family’s goat farm.
• Visit a traditional Umbrian frantoio to discover how exceptional Italian olive oil is produced.
• Cook like a local during a hands-on Umbrian cooking class.
• Share an intimate lunch among the vineyards with local Tuscan wine producers Enrico and Antonella.
• Discover the celebrated Chianti wine region with a sommelier.
• Enjoy a private, immersive Tuscan grigliata – an Italian BBQ – at a family-run cattle farm and enjoy Bistecca Fiorentina.
• Bake your own Schiacciata in a wood-fired oven.
• Explore medieval Siena.
• Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano producer, exploring the aging vaults and tasting cheese.
• Discover Modena’s legendary Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
• Learn how authentic Italian gelato is made.
• Explore Ravenna’s extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
• Create your own Ravenna mosaic during a hands-on workshop.
• Discover Bologna’s legendary food culture, wandering its medieval market district and historic artisan “botteghe.”

What’s Not Included:

• Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
• International flights
• Travel protection
• Meals and drinks not mentioned on the itinerary
• Arrival or departure airport taxes
• Passport and visa costs (ETA)
• Medical costs
• Incidentals

Activity Level:

This trip is for you if you’re ready to explore the culinary side of Italy.  Walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal and you’re able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces. You can easily walk through vineyards, in the woods and on cobblestones.  You can climb stairs, navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently.  You can expect several early mornings or later evenings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.  This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices. As this is a group tour, individual accommodations cannot be made for those who are not able to keep up with the group.  If you have questions or concerns, please be in contact with Amazing Journeys at this time.

Flights:

Arrive into Rome – land in Rome (airport code FCO) no later than 11:00am on September 12^th.
Depart from Bologna – depart from Bologna (airport code BLQ) any time after 6:00am on September 21^st.

Sunday, September 12 – Arrival – Rome Airport – Umbria

Welcome to Italy!  Upon your arrival at the Rome Fiumicino airport, our transfer will take us toward the beautiful region of Umbria.  Along the way, visit Marmore Falls where the rushing waters of the Velino River plunge dramatically through forested landscape in the heart of Umbria.  Upon reaching the historic town of Norcia, check into our beautiful hotel, a noble residence from the 16^th century, located right in the heart of the historic center.  This afternoon, admire the backdrop of the Sibillini Mountains, visit the Church of St. Benedict or browse the charming shops filled with local delicacies (the famous Norcineria).  Tonight, we will enjoy an Amazing Journeys Welcome Program and Welcome Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Norcia to start off our Flavors of Italy tour with a true Umbrian experience.

Dinner is included today.  

Monday, September 13 – Umbria

Today it’s time to roll up your sleeves and discover the authentic recipes of this land. Norcia is not only world-renowned for its prosciutto and salami (the art of Norcineria), but it is also the capital of the precious black truffle, lentils, artisanal cheeses, and fresh pasta.  In a charming location just a short walk from our hotel, we will enjoy a traditional Umbrian cooking class. We’ll have fun preparing a full local menu, followed by a celebratory lunch featuring the fruits of our labor. This will also be a special opportunity to meet the locals, our dedicated hotel team, and the Bianconi family, who have been masters of hospitality in Norcia since 1850!  After lunch, enjoy some downtime to relax at the hotel or stroll through the town.

Later this afternoon, we will head out into the beautiful countryside just outside the city walls. Here, we will meet Nicola, a local truffle hunter whom everyone in Norcia knows and loves. We’ll join him and his expert dogs in the woods for an authentic truffle hunt.  To wrap up this incredible day, Nicola will host an informal countryside picnic and aperitivo for us. Imagine a spread of local delicacies, excellent wine, and perhaps some meats grilled over an open fire. It will be a relaxed evening spent among friends in a truly breathtaking setting.

Breakfast lunch and dinner are included today.  

Tuesday, September 14 – Umbria

This morning we’ll travel to the charming town of Spoleto where we’ll enjoy a walking tour through the historic center followed by free time to browse the local shops and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful Umbrian town.  We will enjoy lunch together in Spoleto before continuing our afternoon.

Experience the heart of Umbrian olive oil at a traditional frantoio, where we’ll learn about the time-honored process of transforming freshly harvested olives into the region’s olive oil. Finish with a tasting of the golden-green oils, savoring their distinctive flavors and aromas.

This evening we’ll dine at the acclaimed Vespasia, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its refined Umbrian cuisine. Enjoy a special guided tasting dinner showcasing the region’s exceptional flavors, expertly crafted into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.  

Wednesday, September 15 – Umbria – Tuscany

This morning, we’ll journey north through the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany to the enchanting Montepulciano region. Along the way, we’ll visit the charming winery of Enrico and Antonella, where we’ll be welcomed as friends for a relaxed lunch surrounded by vineyards.  This is not a formal wine tasting but rather an authentic Tuscan experience filled with good food, local wine, stories, and the warm hospitality that makes travel so memorable.

Continue toward the Chianti countryside where we will stay for the next three nights. This evening, we’ll gather for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, beginning with an engaging introduction to the renowned Chianti wine region from a local sommelier, setting the stage for the culinary and wine experiences to come.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.  

Thursday, September 16 – Tuscany

This morning, venture into the beautiful Chianti countryside to meet Marta, a passionate young farmer who has built her own goat farm and artisanal cheese business. Discover her inspiring story and experience authentic Tuscan hospitality as we share a memorable farm-to-table lunch with Marta and her family.

Spend some time this afternoon relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the pool, or simply taking in the views over the Tuscan hills.

Tonight, venture off the beaten path to the tiny Tuscan hamlet of Castellinuzza for a truly immersive evening at a family-run cattle farm and boutique Chianti winery. Meet Simone and his family, tour their winery and cantina, and discover the prized Chianina cattle used to create Bistecca Fiorentina—one of the most celebrated and highly regarded steaks in all of Italy. Then settle in for an authentic Tuscan Grigliata – an Italian-style BBQ – where you’ll bake your own Schiacciata – Tuscan flatbread – in the wood-fired oven while Simone grills tender Chianina beef over an open flame. Enjoy seasonal specialties, fabulous Chianti wines, and the warmth of a family gathering that quickly feels like a night among friends. As the evening unfolds with music, dancing and singing, you’ll experience the true spirit of “La Dolce Vita”.  This private, immersive Tuscan experience will be a night to remember.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.  

Friday, September 17 – Tuscany

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the charming village of Radda in Chianti, with time to slow down and savor the peaceful rhythm of the Tuscan countryside. Sleep in, wander the picturesque village streets, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the hotel.  This is your time to recharge and relax.

Discover the timeless beauty of Siena, one of Tuscany’s most enchanting medieval cities, celebrated for its elegant architecture, winding streets, and vibrant traditions. Begin with lunch at a local trattoria, savoring an authentic taste of Sienese cuisine before meeting our local guide for a walking tour through the historic center. Explore the magnificent Piazza del Campo, famed for the legendary Palio horse race, and visit the spectacular Duomo, home to remarkable works of art and architectural treasures. Enjoy some free time to browse charming shops or soak up the atmosphere before gathering in the piazza for a relaxed drink and a final toast to beautiful Siena.

This evening, gather with our Amazing Journeys community for a special Shabbat celebration at a welcoming, family-run pizzeria near Radda. Enjoy a casual dinner featuring local hospitality, good food, and the joy of sharing Shabbat together while surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.  

Saturday, September 18 – Tuscany – Emilia-Romagna  

Bid farewell to the rolling hills of Chianti and journey into Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy’s great gastronomic capitals.  You’re in for a treat as we have a deliciously authentic experience at a Parmigiano Reggiano producer. Tour the production area and remarkable aging vaults where hundreds of wheels of cheese slowly mature to perfection, and discover why Parmigiano Reggiano is known as the “King of Italian Cheese.” Finish with a tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano at different stages of aging, experiencing how its flavor and texture evolve over time.

Journey to Modena, the heart of Italy’s famed culinary tradition, for a special visit to a local balsamic vinegar producer. Discover the time-honored art of crafting traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, aged slowly in a series of wooden barrels to develop its rich, complex flavor. Enjoy a tasting followed by a delicious lunch, celebrating one of Emilia-Romagna’s specialties.

Continue onward to the beautiful city of Ravenna, our home for the next three nights. Known for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and rich artistic heritage, Ravenna offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Italian charm. This evening is yours to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure, with the opportunity to discover one of Ravenna’s many wonderful local restaurants.

Breakfast and lunch are included today.  

Sunday, September 19 – Emilia-Romagna

Discover the artistic treasures of Ravenna on a guided walking tour through its historic center. Explore the magnificent Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, two UNESCO World Heritage sites celebrated for their breathtaking Byzantine mosaics. This fascinating introduction to Ravenna’s extraordinary art and history sets the stage for our hands-on mosaic workshop later in the journey.  Spend some free time for lunch and exploring this historic city.

We’ll head to vibrant Bologna where the historic center is transformed into a pedestrian paradise on Sundays. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll explore the city’s medieval heart, including its magnificent Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest and most majestic churches in the world, famous for its striking unfinished façade and its deep historical significance to the city.  Wander through the atmospheric streets of the ancient market district among historic “botteghe” (shops) where generations of artisans have perfected Bologna’s legendary culinary traditions, from fresh pasta and local cheeses to cured meats. After our tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps lingering over a glass of wine or a bite at one of Bologna’s charming cafés and wine bars.

Breakfast and a food tour are included today.

Monday, September 20 – Emilia-Romagna

Step into Ravenna’s ancient artistic tradition with a hands-on mosaic workshop led by a professional mosaicist. Learn the techniques behind the city’s extraordinary Roman and Byzantine mosaics as you create your own unique piece using beautiful materials such as marble and glass paste. Take home your handcrafted mosaic as a special, one-of-a-kind memento of Ravenna.

This afternoon we’ll step inside a local gelato workshop to discover how authentic Italian gelato is made.  A gelato maker will introduce us to the ingredients and explain how different flavors are created, before guiding us through the preparation of our own batch.  We’ll finish with a tasting of freshly made gelato!

This evening, gather for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event Dinner and toast amazing friends, wonderful memories and unforgettable scenery as we explored the Flavors of Italy.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.  

Tuesday, September 21 – Emilia-Romagna – Depart for Home

Bid ciao to Italy today.  Take a group transfer to the Bologna airport as you depart for home with many wonderful memories of our Amazing Journey together.

Breakfast is included today.

 

Itinerary at a Glance (Itinerary subject to change)
Sunday, September 12          Arrival – Rome Airport – Umbria
Monday, September 13         Umbria
Tuesday, September 14        Umbria
Wednesday, September 15   Umbria – Tuscany – Chianti
Thursday, September 16       Chianti
Friday, September 17            Chianti
Saturday, September 18        Chianti – Emilia-Romagna
Sunday, September 19          Emilia-Romagna
Monday, September 20          Emilia-Romagna
Tuesday, September 21         Emilia-Romagna – Depart for Home

Properties
Nights 1-3      Palazzo Seneca, Norcia, Umbria
Nights 4-6      Palazzo San Niccolò, Radda, Tuscany
Night 6-8        Palazzo Bezzi, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

Please note: Alternate hotels may be used.  The order of the tour may be changed.  Some activities are weather dependent

Rates	Twin*	Single
	$6999	$8499

 

A deposit of $1200 is due with your reservation.  Rates listed are for final payments made by check.  After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee. Full payment is due on March 1, 2027.

*Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net  We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves.  Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise.  When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.  Please understand that the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Pre-Night Stay: Since this tour begins in Norcia (about 2 ½ hours drive from Rome), we will not be organizing pre-nights at our hotel.  If you would like to come into Italy early, we recommend staying in Rome.

Rates are subject to change based on availability.

These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time.  By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until December 15, 2026, there is a $200 penalty for cancellation. From December 16, 2026 – January 14, 2027, the cancellation penalty is $600. From January 15, 2027 – March 1, 2027, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From March 2, 2027 – May 3, 2027 the cancellation penalty is 25% of the cost of the tour. From May 4, 2027 – June 3, 2027 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour. From June 4, 2027 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour.  Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.

Travel Protection: Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program.  Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.

Activity Level: This trip is for you if you’re ready to explore the culinary side of Italy.  Walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal and you’re able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces. You can easily walk through vineyards, in the woods and on cobblestones.  You can climb stairs, navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently.  You can expect several early mornings or later evenings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.  This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices. As this is a group tour, individual accommodations cannot be made for those who are not able to keep up with the group.  If you have questions or concerns, please be in contact with Amazing Journeys at this time.

Dietary Restrictions: This tour is for travelers who are excited to experience the true culinary side of Italy.  This tour is not kosher-style and there will be pork and shellfish served at some meals/experiences.  No dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Group meals are pre-arranged menus – sometimes there will be menu choices and other times it will be a set menu.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact us before registering for this trip.

Passport & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip.  If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred.  If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, no visas are necessary at this time, however, beginning sometime in 2027, travelers will need an ETIAS waiver to travel to Europe. We will share information as it becomes available. More information can be found here: ETIAS Travel Authorization  Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.

Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together.  Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise.  When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.

Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information here: Center for Disease Control.  Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and can therefore give you no further information on what vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.

Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.

Flights: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys.  For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into Rome – land in Rome (airport code FCO) no later than 11:00am on September 12^th.
Depart from Bologna – depart from Bologna (airport code BLQ) any time after 6:00am on September 21^st.

Transfers: Transfers between the arrival and departure airports and our group hotels are included in your tour package for those arriving within our flight parameters.

• Arrival into Rome: Upon arrival into the Rome airport (FCO) on September 12^th, you will be transferred to Norcia.  The drive is approximately 2½ hours, making a stop along the way.  We will likely offer two arrival transfers today based on the scheduled arrival times of our travelers.
  • If you would like to stay at a Rome airport hotel, we recommend staying at the Hilton Rome Airport which is attached to the airport
  • If you are planning on spending time in Italy before the first day of the tour, make your way back to the Rome airport (FCO) in time for the departure transfers. We will share exact meeting times and locations for your transfer.
• Depart from Bologna: The drive to the Bologna airport is approximately 1 hour from Ravenna.  We will likely offer two departure transfers today based on the scheduled departure times of our travelers; one for flights departing beginning at 6:00am and another for flights departing after 9:00am.

Pre-Night Stays: Since this tour begins in Norcia (about 2 ½ hours drive from Rome), we will not be organizing pre-nights at our hotel.  If you would like to come into Italy early, we recommend staying in Rome.

Baggage: Regardless of what your international air carrier permits, each traveler will be limited to one checked suitcase and one carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag must fit up on the coach (not a roller-board).  We recommend using a backpack, tote bag or purse.  If your luggage exceeds these limitations, our tour operator charges $12 per additional bag for each hotel and that cost will be passed along to you.

Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tour costs accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.

Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tours effectively.

This group is limited to 16-20 travelers.  We must have a minimum of 16 participants in order to operate this tour.