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! 

This is a guided tour designed for women only. The maximum group size is 6 women per tour. Our guided tours include individual, private rooms in 4 star hotels, breakfast each day, all ground transportation for tour activities, transfers to and from the airport, and robust itineraries. You are met on the ground in Italy by your guide, who will travel with you until you depart for the airport. Our goal is to provide women with a group of other women to travel with, while maintaining a sense of independence. Our motto is "Travel Solo, Not Alone!" and we find that our groups tend to bond and develop friendships that last beyond Italy! 

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.

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! 

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. 

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. This evening, we will head back to Bologna for dinner!

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. 

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! While you don't actually need your passport to visit, it's always fun to add another country to your record of travel! That evening, we will return to Urbino for dinner.

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! 

This morning, we will head out for an adventure, an Italian Sagra, or festival. This sagra is centered around the famous truffle. The fair includes other edible mushrooms, herbs, and honeys. With booths lining the streets, we will sample local foods, learn about truffles, and enjoy lunch in this quaint hilltop town! 

This afternoon, we will head back to Bologna, where we will spend our last night together! We will enjoy a group dinner and share our memories of the week! 

This morning, your private transfer will return you to Bologna to fly home!