18

Explore Emilia-Romagna with Champion Cheesemongers Emilia D'Albero & Tommy Amorim

Sep 26 - Oct 1, 2026

Set in the heart of Italy’s celebrated Emilia-Romagna region, this carefully curated culinary journey invites travelers to experience Bologna and its surroundings through the lens of authentic flavors and refined cultural discovery. Known as Italy’s gastronomic capital, this region is home to legendary products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, traditional balsamic vinegar, and hand-rolled fresh pasta - each explored here through exclusive visits, tastings, and hands-on experiences.

With private transportation throughout, expert local guides, and a thoughtful balance of immersive activities and leisure time, the itinerary offers both comfort and depth. From countryside estates and family-run producers to Bologna’s historic streets and kitchens, this experience is designed to connect guests to the soul of Italian cuisine and lifestyle in an unforgettable way. 

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
Travelers who sign up by March 1st will receive $200 off their itinerary.

image.png


Your Hosts

Your hosts for this journey through this special region of Italy are Emilia D’Albero and Tommy Amorim, internationally respected cheesemongers who have traveled Italy extensively and curated this itinerary through years of personal and professional experience. With Emilia and Tommy as your subject-matter hosts, you’ll go beyond the familiar tourist path to access producers, places, and traditions typically known only to cheese industry insiders. 

Emilia is a Certified Cheese Professional and made history in 2025 as the first American to win the title of Meilleure Fromagère du Monde (World’s Best Cheesemonger) at France’s Mondial du Fromage competition, the highest honor in the global cheese world. Over the past decade, her work behind the counter and as an educator has been rooted in a desire to foster appreciation and deep respect for cheese tradition and innovation. 

image.png

Tommy is an award-winning legacy cheesemonger and specialty retailer, inspired by his grandfather’s long career in Philadelphia’s Italian Market. A Certified Cheese Professional as well, and winner of the 2021 Cheesemonger Invitational, he is known for championing cheesemakers through storytelling, education, and thoughtful product curation.

image.png

Together, they have a combined 30 years of experience working in cheese and specialty food, and they bring exclusive insight and a shared passion for Italian food culture. Join them for an intimate, insider journey through Emilia-Romagna that blends exceptional access with hands-on learning and deep exploration of authentic Italian culinary traditions.

  • Itinerary Details

    Meal Inclusions Indicated on each day (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

    September 26 – Arrival in Bologna & Welcome to the City

    Upon arrival at Bologna Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your trip coordinator and transferred by private coach to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a welcoming aperitivo at the hotel - an elegant introduction to the flavors and hospitality that define this region.

    image.png

    Later in the afternoon, set out on a gentle orientation walking tour through Bologna’s historic city center, discovering its iconic porticoes, lively piazzas, and rich architectural heritage. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to choose your own dining experience and settle in comfortably. Overnight at the Starhotels Excelsior *or similar, your home in Bologna for the next five nights.

    September 27 – Prosciutto di Parma & Mortadella Traditions (B, L)

    After breakfast, meet your guide and depart in a private vehicle for Langhirano, a picturesque area internationally renowned for its production of Prosciutto di Parma. Visit the celebrated Prosciuttificio Galloni, where you will learn about the meticulous curing process that transforms simple ingredients into one of Italy’s most prized delicacies.

    image.png

    Continue on to Golfera, a distinguished producer of mortadella, for insight into another cornerstone of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary identity. A light lunch will be arranged according to the confirmed visit schedule. In the late afternoon, return to Bologna and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure, reflecting on a day devoted to the region’s legendary cured meats.

    September 28 – Parmigiano Reggiano & Local Wines (B, L)

    After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver at the hotel and set off into the countryside of Emilia-Romagna for an unforgettable introduction to its most celebrated flavors. Your first stop is the renowned Caseificio Quattro Madonne, where you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes immersion into the world of Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn how this iconic cheese is crafted, from milk to wheel, and discover the variety of cheeses produced on-site, guided by passionate local experts.

    Continue on to the charming La Cavaliera Farm, where tradition and craftsmanship define every detail. Enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by a relaxed, farm-to-table lunch featuring homemade specialties, local products, and a tasting of their own Lambrusco wine. In the late afternoon, return comfortably to your hotel, with the evening at leisure to unwind and reflect on the day’s indulgences.

    giorno

    September 29 – Artisan Cheeses & Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (B, L)

    Following breakfast, depart with your guide for Caseificio San Silvestro, a small, family-run dairy near Modena. Here, you’ll observe the production of fresh cheeses such as ricotta, caciotta, and stracchino, gaining insight into the daily rhythms and traditions that define Emilia-Romagna’s dairy heritage.

    Next, travel to Acetaia San Giacomo, one of the region’s most respected producers of traditional balsamic vinegar. Begin with a light lunch before enjoying a guided visit through the aging rooms, where vinegar matures slowly in wooden barrels over many years. Learn about the patience and precision behind this extraordinary product before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free at your leisure.

    September 30 – Bologna Cooking Class & Farewell Dinner (B, L, D)

    This morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and take a leisurely walk into Bologna’s historic city center for a hands-on cooking class rooted in centuries-old tradition. Hosted in a local home, this experience introduces you to the art of fresh pasta as practiced by a legendary sfogline, the women who have preserved Bologna’s culinary soul. Begin with a welcoming aperitivo of regional cheeses and wine, setting the stage for an authentic and intimate experience.

    Under expert guidance, you will learn to prepare Bologna’s signature egg pasta from scratch—mastering the dough, rolling techniques, and secrets passed down through generations. After the class, sit down to enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared, paired with local wines. The afternoon is free for personal exploration before gathering in the evening for a farewell dinner at a beloved local restaurant in the city center, such as Ristorante Diana or similar, featuring a two-course menu and dessert (drinks not included).

    October 1 – Departure Day (B)

    After breakfast, meet your private driver in the hotel lobby for a smooth and comfortable transfer to Bologna Airport. As your journey comes to a close, depart with lasting memories of Emilia-Romagna’s extraordinary flavors, warm hospitality, and timeless traditions - an experience designed to linger long after the final goodbye.

  • Booking Terms and Conditions

    Travel Dates

    September 26 - Oct 1, 2026

    Pricing

    • Double Occupancy: $5,995 USD per person
    • Single Occupancy: $7,695 USD per person

    Group Size and Minimum Requirement

    This trip is designed for a group of 8 travelers. The trip will proceed only if a minimum of 8 participants is reached. If the minimum number of travelers do not RSVP and complete their $100 per person deposit, this trip will be cancelled and/or rescheduled. In the event of cancellation, passengers who have paid their $100 deposit can use this credit towards any future itinerary or travel experience with Vacationeeze.

    Inclusions

    • Accommodation: 5-night stay at Starhotels Excelsior *or similar (Standard room with breakfast included)
    • Private Transportation: Private vehicle with driver for all scheduled tours and transfers. Airport transfers included from Bologna Airport (BLQ).
    • Tours and Experiences: Private expert-led tours, tastings and classes throughout the region.
    • Meals: Meals and beverages as described in the itinerary

    Not Included in the price

    • International flights to/from Italy
    • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, additional beverages, or optional activities not listed in  the itinerary
    • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
    • Medical expenses or emergency services
    • Any expenses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations
    • Local city tax, due at check-in - 7 EUR per day.
    • Optional excursions or experiences not specified in the itinerary
    • Meals not described in the itinerary


    Itinerary Subject to Change

    Disclaimer: Due to circumstances beyond our control like weather events, the itinerary may be adjusted but will offer equivalent or higher quality experiences.

    Booking and Payment Policy

    A non-refundable microdeposit of $100 USD per person is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. This microdeposit will be applied toward the final balance of your trip. If the trip is cancelled, you can use this microdeposit towards any future travel experiences with Vacationeeze.

    • Deposit of $3000 per room due: May 22, 2026
    • Remaining Balance due: August 7, 2026
    • Cancellation policy: All amounts paid are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against loss in unforeseen circumstances.


    Health and Mobility Considerations

    Participants should be in good physical condition as some activities require moderate walking. If you have mobility restrictions or need special accommodations, please inform us in advance. If you have special dietary requirements, we will make every effort to accommodate, but due to the nature of local cuisines and the experiences included, we cannot guarantee specific accommodations. 


    Insurance

    Comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events, is highly recommended. Insurance is not included in this itinerary package.


    Weather Conditions

    Weather may impact outdoor activities. In case of adverse weather, alternative arrangements will be made.


    Legal Disclaimer

    By booking this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined. The tour provider reserves the right to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. The provider is not liable for personal losses.

user avatar

Your Advisor

Kelsey Caballero

Vacationeeze LLC

advisor business logo

kelsey@vacationeeze.com

+1-215-454-2069