Bologna & Reggio Emilia: A Quick Italian Getaway

Trip Idea: Bologna & Reggio Emilia Getaway for 2 Adults

Discover the heart of Emilia-Romagna with a delicious mix of culture, food, and Italian lifestyle.

Included Services

• Airport Transfer
• Private/shared transportation from Tirana Rinas to Bologna Airport.
• Accommodation in Bologna
• 1 night at UNA Hotels Bologna Fiera, Bologna (Italy).
• Ideal base to explore Bologna’s historic center and its famous porticoes.
• Rail Transfer
• Train or ground transfer from Bologna Centrale to Reggio Emilia, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Emilia-Romagna countryside.
• Culinary Experience in Bologna
• Ticket: "Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato", Bologna (Italy).
• Learn to make fresh pasta, taste traditional ragù alla Bolognese, enjoy a Spritz, local wine, and authentic gelato.
• Accommodation in Reggio Emilia
• 1 night at Holiday Inn Express Reggio Emilia by IHG, Reggio Emilia (Province), Italy.
• Comfortable stay to discover a quieter, authentic side of Emilia-Romagna.

Trip Overview

This itinerary is perfect for 2 adults who want a short, food-focused Italian escape. Start in Bologna, the gastronomic capital, with a hands-on cooking class and time to explore the medieval city center. Then move on to Reggio Emilia, a smaller and charming town known for its slow pace, excellent cuisine, and local culture.

For preparation and inspiration, I recommend a mix of practical guides and more in-depth reading. For guidebooks, look at Lonely Planet’s “Italy” and Lonely Planet “Pocket Bologna & Emilia-Romagna”, which give concise, updated information on neighborhoods, restaurants, and transportation. The Rough Guide to Italy also has good cultural background and food recommendations, while the DK Eyewitness “Italy” guide offers very visual maps and illustrations of Bologna’s landmarks and porticoes. If you want to delve into food culture before your cooking class, I suggest “Emilia-Romagna: A Culinary Journey” (search for English editions or similar titles focused on the region) and books about Italian cuisine such as “The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking” by Marcella Hazan, which explains many traditional techniques used in Bologna. For a more narrative style, you might enjoy travel memoirs set in Italy (for example, books on living and eating in Italy) that describe daily life, markets, and the art of slow eating—perfect to get into the mood before arriving in Bologna and Reggio Emilia.