La Dolce Vita – the food & wine tour
So, in May I had the opportunity so spend 3 nights in the beautiful region of Emilio Romagna in Italy, visiting Ravenna, Bologna & Rimini, courtesy of Holiday Lounge & Typically Holidays.
First stop was the town of Ravena one of Italy’s most enchanting art cities and a stay at the boutique 4 Star Exclusive aparthotel La Reunion where luxury and history meet. Located in the heart of Ravena, it’s just a few steps away to sample the local cuisine, history and, of course, the gelato.
Once we arrived and got settled, we went across the street to the Ca’de Ven wine shop for lunch, located in a fifteenth century palace, after lunch we had a walking tour of Ravenna visiting the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, Italy’s great poet. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia renowned for its stunning mosaics.
Once the afternoon arrived it was time for more food but this time, we were cooking the locally bread known as Piadina, an Italian flatbread which goes well with the local wine or Aperol Spritz.
This evening, more food!!! At the Tavern Byron located in the former residence of the romantic poet Lord Byron the Palazzo Guiccioli.
I would recommend to anyone who is sailing out of Ravenna to stay in the city for a couple of nights before.
Day 2
This morning is an early start as we are heading to Cenisatico for the next two nights, but with a stop on the way to take in the City of Bologna.
Bologna is a lively city with a blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food, speaking of food it will soon be time for lunch again but before this we ventured around the city on a guided tour taking in the many towers they have and how they are restoring them like the leaning tower of Pisa, the Piazza Santo Stefano, a popular gathering place for locals and events and is part of te Santos Stefano complex known as the seven Churches . Next stop, town hall and the impressive civil wedding room with the stunning murals on the ceiling and then onto fishmonger’s square which leads you on the quaint streets of Bologna where you can sit with a glass of wine and watch the world go by while sampling the local cheeses and meats.
After the tour, its lunch but today we are cooking lunch, Pasta tagliatelle, wish me luck 😊
What a Success!, my friends know I’m no cook, I would say I have a more of a creative flair but the class went down well and I will be coming home to try and make the pasta again.
After a wonderful tour and food in the city we are heading 1 hour south to the beautiful beach resort of Cenisactico and a two night stay at the Grand Davinci hotel which was designed by Versace.
Set in the resort of Cenisactico and directly on the beach front this hotel is grand with a modern Italian charm.
This is evening we are dining in the hotels restaurant with waiter service and a range of delicious meals to choose from.
Day 3
Rimini, the city I feel in love with for the culture, the tiny cobbled streets and the air filled with jasmine.
Today entering through the ancient gate of Rimini on our walking tour, visiting the historic streets, roman landmarks and vibrant marina finished by a sea food lunch at the local Trattoria La Marianna.
Italy just keeps getting better with every stop.
Charlotte Stanbridge-Senior Travel Consultant-Hinckley Office
