TRIP PRICE: $4395.00

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Beautiful, centrally located accommodations double occupancy; $995.00 Single supplement fee - NO SINGLES ROOMS AVAILABLE - JOIN WAITLIST

• Most meals (6 Breakfast, 3 lunches, 4 Dinners)

• Food and wine tastings throughout the tour

• Sudden Journeys Tour Director

• A small, friendly group of 10 people

• All ground transportation (pickup Bologna/dropoff Florence)

• All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary

• All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes

• Coach Driver, local guides and Restaurant gratuities

• Special dinner and welcome drinks

• Custom-designed gifts for your travels

• Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Arrival Airport: Milan - Train to Parma Rail Station

Departure Airport: Florence/Milan/Rome

Note: The itinerary is descriptive, not definitive, and is subject to change. There also may be modifications due to weather, restoration works taking place are historic sites, and availability of local activities and guides.

ACCOMMODATIONS

THREE NIGHTS IN PARMA

This family-run hotel is located in a historic 13th-century palazzo near Piazza del Duomo, steps from Parma Cathedral and the Baptistery of Parma. It's close to shopping and dining, offering opportunities to enjoy Parma's cuisine and culture. Accommodations reflect the building's charm with antique furniture and warm colors.

THREE NIGHTS IN FLORENCE

Nestled in Florence's historic center, the hotel offers tranquility and vibrancy. Housed in a restored 19th-century palazzo, it exudes a special, intimate atmosphere. Each room blends antiques with a contemporary twist. Immerse in Florence's artistic wonders as you embrace its charm and warmth during your three-day stay.

Kyle, a seasoned travel guide with over two decades of industry experience, has dedicated her life to creating enriching and inspiring travel experiences for diverse groups. With a repertoire of leading thousands of travelers (yes thousands!), she possesses an intimate understanding of the transformative power of travel. Her journeys span across the picturesque locales of Europe and the US, underlining her vast travel experience and knowledge. Yet, with every tour, Kyle's heart for her guests remains the same: to ensure every individual returns home with a revitalized spirit, a broadened worldview, and cherished memories of newfound friendships.

DAY ONE (Arrival Day) Our journey together begins at the Parma Rail Station. Here we will gather together, and stop for coffee for a time of introductions before traveling to the hotel. After you’ve settled in, we will meet our local guide for a stroll through Parma's picturesque streets. Later we will gather for an aperitivo hour and an unforgettable dinner at one of Parma's most celebrated restaurants. This is our chance to connect, learn one another’s stories, and toast to the magic that is sure to unfold when cultures collide.

• Walking tour Parma

• Welcome drinks and dinner

• Free Time: late afternoon at the hotel

Light walking: 1-2 miles throughout the afternoon. Bus 1 HR.. Sleep in pARMA.

DAY TWO (Emilia Romagna)
This morning, our journey takes us to the picturesque Castello di Vigoleno set in the Piacenza hills, where history and architecture intertwine in a mesmerizing display. Wander through its cobbled streets and immerse yourself in its timeless setting. Next, we will visit a special winery, where we will learn all about the production of award-winning Vin Santo. This is the only winery that makes this dessert wine. After lunch, stroll through the charming medieval village of Castell'Arquato, where every corner reveals a new facet of its old-world charm. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this ancient town, basking in the beauty of its well-preserved architecture and captivating vistas. This place doesn’t even seem real. Conclude the day by returning to Parma for an evening of leisure and dining on your own.

• Explore the villages Castello di Vigoleno and Castell’Arquato.

• Visit a special winery Vin Santo of Vigoleno

• Lunch: Local area restaurant

• Free Time: Dinner in Parma

Light walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day, light hills and stairs. Bus 1 hr 45 mins. Sleep in Parma.

DAY THREE (Emilia Romagna)
Today, we will set out early for a day filled with culinary delights and historical intrigue. Our journey will take us to the heart of the region as we visit the producers of world-renowned parmesan cheese, parma ham, and balsamic vinegar, offering an opportunity for tastings at each stop.
Amidst the picturesque hills, we will linger over lunch which promises to be a memorable experience. In the afternoon, we will have the chance to explore the remarkable 15th-century Torrechiara Castle, an architectural marvel that boasts stunning frescoed rooms and captivating views from its exterior. Dinner together in the evening.

• Guided tours of producers of parmesan cheese, cured ham, and balsamic vinegar

• Explore Torrechiara Castle

• Dinner together in one of the best restaurants not just in the region but in all of Italy.

Moderate walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day, moderate hills and stairs. Bus 2 hrs. Sleep in PARMA.

DAY FOUR (Modena and Florence) Time to leave Parms and begin our travels south. Our morning will be spent in Modena at the famed Mercato Albinelli, considered the most beautiful covered market in Italy. This historic food market is the perfect place to sample local food. You’ll have time to shop for treats of your own. After lunch, we will travel to Florence. Once we check into the hotel, we will set off on a walking tour of central Florence including a visit to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This renowned establishment, dating back to the 13th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of perfumery and herbal remedies. Here you can immerse yourself in the stories and craftsmanship behind the products, gaining insight into centuries-old practices. Dinner together in the evening.

• Visit Modena and Mercato Albinelli

• Florence walking tour

• Visit Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella

• Free Time: Morning in Modena

Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day and stairs. Bus 2 1/2 hrs. Sleep in Florence.

DAY FIVE (Florence) Immerse yourself in the beating heart of Florence! Our day begins with a timeless ritual at the city’s oldest cafe, for coffee and pastries. A perfect prelude to the day awaiting us. Join our local guide, a passionate storyteller, who will unveil the secrets of Florentine craftsmanship. Step through the curtains of workshops, witnessing the magic unfold of leathermakers, painters, bookmakers, sculptors, jewelers, and more. Feel the artist's passion ignite your creative spirit. After an insightful morning, we will enjoy a special lunch experience together. As the afternoon unfolds, Florence is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander through ancient city streets, lose yourself in museums, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. As the sun dips low, the city transforms, twinkling lights painting the scene with a touch of romance.

• Coffee at Florence’s oldest cafe

• Unique artisan walking tour

• Lunch together

• Free Time: all afternoon and evening. Dinner on your own.

Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day. NO BUS. Sleep in Florence.

DAY SIX (Florence) This morning is for you. Savor the freedom to explore the city's soul at your own pace. We won’t meet until after lunch. Now imagine a hidden courtyard, sunlight dappling through ancient trees, and an intimate studio bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. Here, we will gather for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Meet a local wordsmith, a weaver of tales both old and new, and artistry of calligraphy. We will each create our own artwork of script and witness how our shared experiences transform into handwritten treasures, beautiful keepsakes that will become tangible reminders of our time together. Our final evening will be an affair to remember and promises to be a crescendo to an unforgettable week together.

• Free time: Morning and lunch on your own

• Inksperience with a local artist

• Farewell feast

Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day. NO BUS. Sleep in Florence.

DAY SEVEN (Departure Day) After an amazing 6 days together, it is time to leave. You will depart the hotel for the train station in Florence or the airport.