Itineraries for Your Trip to Bologna
3 Days in Bologna for Foodies
Bologna is the epicenter of Italy’s culinary landscape and a gourmet hub for specialties ranging from Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to fresh egg pasta and bubbly Lambrusco wine. I’ve discovered in my years of visiting “La Grassa” (or “The Fat Lady,” one of the city’s many nicknames) that roomy trousers are a must.
Handrolled pasta is such a staple here that there is a clutch of local women (known as le sfogline) who spend decades perfecting their art. These sheets of fresh pasta are cut into ribbons and tossed with thick ragù, layered between meaty sauces for lasagna, or stuffed with morsels of pork for tortelloni. Here’s how to savor these delicacies and many more in just three days in Bologna.
Bologna’s high humidity intensifies the summer heat and winter cold, but its many miles of porticoes protect from rain in all seasons.
If you only have time for one thing, dig into a heaping plate of tagliatelle al ragù featuring pasta made fresh by le sfogline that morning.
Begin your culinary adventure with a stroll through the Quadrilatero, the historic market district in Bologna’s old town. Admire delicacies from the region, then join a food tour to sample some of those delicacies at a number of spots around town–from old-school delis to landmark trattorias.
This afternoon, relax over a glass of Lambrusco or another wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the city. Grab an al fresco table at one of Bologna’s lively wine bars or join a guided wine tasting to learn about the area’s unique varietals as you sip.
Bolognese cuisine would not exist without the gourmet specialties produced in Emilia-Romagna’s “Food Valley” surrounding the city. Today, head straight to the source with a guided tour of local farms to learn about the history and production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena balsamic vinegar.
Tonight, learn the secrets to turning out fresh pasta and hearty ragù from a local Bolognese host. Learn more about the city’s culinary culture while sampling the fruits of your labors.
Today, head to the rolling vineyards to visit the area’s cellars—join a wine tour with transportation so you can imbibe worry-free. Sample Lambrusco and other local wines and relax over lunch in the countryside.
Alternatively, head further north to the Valpolicella wine country to sample its flagship Amarone della Valpolicella wine produced in the vineyards just outside Verona. Stop for a stroll through Verona’s pretty old town before enjoying your final unforgettable dinner in Bologna.
