Bologna to Ravenna: Glittering Trails – Escorted

Food & Wine

One of the joys of this trip is the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, which is deeply rooted in tradition. Bologna is world-renowned for its contribution to Italian food, and we will have the chance to try classic dishes like tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth), tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagna. The city is also famous for its cured meats, such as mortadella, which has been produced here for centuries. As we move into the countryside, the food becomes more rustic, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Castel San Pietro Terme and the surrounding area are known for their hearty pasta dishes, often served with rich sauces made from wild game. Piadina, a traditional flatbread from Romagna, is a staple in many of the towns along our route, typically filled with cheese, cured meats, or vegetables. The fertile plains and rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna are renowned for their abundant production of high-quality fruits and vegetables. The region is particularly famous for its pears, peaches and tomatoes, with the countryside around Bologna and Romagna producing fresh, seasonal ingredients that are staples in the local cuisine. In Brisighella, we’ll have the opportunity to taste local olive oil, known for its delicate flavour and often used in salads or drizzled over fresh bread. The Romagna side of the region is also famous for its desserts, including ciambella (a type of cake) and the rich, custard-filled zuppa inglese.

Wine is an integral part of the Emilia-Romagna experience, and our trip will pass through some of the region’s most famous wine-producing areas. Sangiovese, a bold red wine, is the dominant variety in Romagna, known for its deep colour and robust flavour. It pairs beautifully with the rich, meaty dishes of the region. In the hills surrounding Bologna, Pignoletto is the star — a light, sparkling white wine that is perfect for refreshing the palate after a long walk. Albana, another white variety, can be found in both dry and sweet styles, offering a versatile accompaniment to various dishes.

History

Emilia-Romagna is a region with a deep and layered history, and our route takes us through places that have witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations for centuries. Bologna itself was founded by the Etruscans and later became a key Roman city. It flourished in the Middle Ages, establishing the University of Bologna, which attracted scholars from across Europe. The medieval city’s architecture reflects this long history, with its towers, churches, and porticoes standing as testament to its past. The architecture of Bologna’s historical centre and the gypsum mines in the Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa share an interesting historical and material connection. Gypsum, a versatile mineral, has been extracted from the area’s karstic hills since Roman times and has played a significant role in the construction and architectural heritage of Bologna. Mining activities in the park area, including quarries and tunnels, are part of a long tradition of using local natural resources to support Bologna’s growth. The extracted gypsum was transported to Bologna to meet the city’s architectural needs, and as such, the mines played a vital role in shaping the appearance of the historical centre. The historical connection between the architecture of Bologna and the gypsum mines is preserved today not only in the city’s buildings but also in the landscape itself. While mining in the park has ceased, the old quarry sites, tunnels, and caves are now part of the protected Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi, which highlights both the natural beauty and historical significance of the gypsum extraction industry. The Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola was historically a source of gypsum for building and plasterwork, a practice that dates back to Roman times. Brisighella, another medieval gem, developed around its fortress and benefitted from its strategic position between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The trip concludes in Ravenna, a city with one of the most remarkable histories in Italy, having served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later as a key Byzantine stronghold. Ravenna’s mosaics, preserved in churches and mausoleums, offer a glimpse into the artistic and religious life of the early Christian era.