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Tuscan Countryside
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Panforte
Tortellini
Siena
Starting at $7,590 per person
Join Great Courses Journeys for an unforgettable culinary exploration of Italy, led by acclaimed food historian and Great Courses Professor Ken Albala. With over three decades of expertise in food history and writing, Ken will guide you through the rich traditions of Italian cuisine, providing deep insights into the evolution of Italian food and food writing. Renowned for his work on the cultural history of food, Professor Albala’s expertise will bring Italy’s culinary heritage to life as you explore the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and beyond.
From Bologna’s bustling food markets to the picturesque hills of Chianti, experience firsthand the traditions and recipes that have shaped Italian cuisine. Professor Albala will discuss the origins of iconic Italian ingredients and dishes, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and handmade pasta. Take part in hands-on cooking experiences, including a pasta-making class, and sample some of Italy’s famous wines, olive oils, and sweet treats. As you travel through historic cities such as Modena, Florence, and Siena, Professor Albala will also shed light on the role of food in Italian culture and history, enhancing your understanding of Italy’s deep connection to food as an art form. This immersive, food-filled journey offers not just a taste of Italy but a deeper connection to its culinary legacy.
with Ken Albala
A Taste of Italy: A Cultural and Culinary Tour
DEPARTURE DATE AND PRICING
May 16-22, 2026
Learn traditional Italian cooking techniques from expert home cooks and chefs, including crafting fresh pasta at the home of Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian home cooking.
Indulge in tastings of iconic Italian flavors: Parmigiano-Reggiano; aged balsamic vinegar; premium olive oil; and creamy, soft, and flavorful gelato.
Wander through historic cities such as Modena, Siena, and Florence, visiting UNESCO-listed sites, medieval piazzas, and vibrant local markets.
Discover artisanal-made sweet treats with guided tastings of Tuscan cantucci and Siena’s famous panforte.
Experience the beauty of Italian hospitality around the table at family-run taverns and elegant restaurants, where the passion for great raw ingredients is married with traditional recipes.
Highlights
Ken Albala
Ken Albala is a Professor of History at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he has taught for over three decades and received the Faye and Alex Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award. He earned an MA from Yale University and a PhD from Columbia University. A leading food historian, he has authored or edited thirty books, including Eating Right in the Renaissance, Food in Early Modern Europe, and Beans: A History, which won the Jane Grigson Award in food writing. His Three World Cuisines received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award. He has edited major food encyclopedias and coedited Food, Culture & Society. Albala also coauthored The Lost Art of Real Cooking and its sequel. His latest books are The Great Gelatin Revival and a cookbook Opulent Nosh. Over the past three decades, he has overseen multiple food-related publishing series with more than 100 titles.
Journey Expert
Ken Albala
Bologna
Arrive in Bologna this morning and transfer independently to the centrally located hotel. Discover the heart of Bologna’s gastronomic culture with a guided walk through its bustling food market district, where artisanal meats like mortadella and regional delicacies take center stage. Conclude the day with a warm welcome dinner featuring traditional breads, local charcuterie, and a glass of sparkling fruit-forward Lambrusco, celebrating the city’s rich flavors. Here, Professor Albala will discuss why Bologna, renowned for its famous law school, is also known as “La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa” (Learned, Well Fed, and Red) and whose cooking is considered the pinnacle of Italian gastronomic art. Petrus Crescenzi—a medieval lawyer who retired to a farm—composed an agricultural manual that shows a fine appreciation for terroir in the wine and produce of the region which is still apparent in the food today.
Included Meal: Reception Dinner
Accommodations: Art Hotel Orologio
Forlimpopoli
Travel to Forlimpopoli and immerse yourself in the legacy of Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian home cooking. Professor Albala will explain the role of Artusi in creating a national cuisine in the late 19th century as an integral part of forging the nation of Italy. Then, guided by the Mariette who are passionate guardians of regional traditions, learn the art of fresh egg pasta, from tagliatelle to tortellini. After this hands-on experience, take a relaxed stroll through the village’s historic center, visiting the impressive Rocca Albornoziana fortress and charming piazzas. Return to Bologna where the evening is free for independent exploration of local dining options at your own pace. Tour staff will be available to make recommendations.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Art Hotel Orologio
Piazza Grande, Modena
Today, Professor Albala will describe the culinary culture of this region through historic cookbooks of the late Renaissance and Baroque. Travel north to Modena for a day exploring two iconic Italian food products. Begin at a local cheese producer and gain insight into the aging process of Parmigiano-Reggiano followed by a guided tasting. Next, visit an historic balsamic vinegar producer and step into the aging rooms filled with aromatic barrels to discover the time-honored craft of transforming grapes into a velvety, tangy-sweet elixir. Sit down to a sumptuous lunch at the family-run restaurant, showcasing their prized vinegar. In the afternoon, at your leisure, explore Modena’s UNESCO-listed Piazza Grande, its stunning cathedral, and the lively Mercato Albinelli. Art and music enthusiasts may also wish to visit the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti, celebrating the life and career of the legendary tenor, before returning to Bologna for a free evening and perhaps joining the local tradition of a passeggiata before dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Art Hotel Orologio
Classic Cantucci Biscotti
Depart Emilia Romagna and drive over the Apennines mountains into Tuscany this morning. During the bus ride, Professor Albala will discuss the roots of Italian cuisine in ancient Etruscan and Roman times.
On arrival in Florence, take a deep dive into Italian coffee culture, where a local historian guides you through the roasting process and a professional tasting of espresso and cappuccino. Then, take a walking tour through the historic center of the city. This afternoon, sample some sweet treats, stopping first at Bottega Museo Mattei—famed for its traditional Italian biscotti, particularly the classic cantucci—followed by a visit to a local gelateria. Check in to the centrally located hotel, then enjoy a free evening to explore and dine at your leisure, with many options easily accessible by foot.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Cellai
Ribollita
Begin your day with a guided walk through the San Lorenzo Market, a hub of produce and food purveyors for local Florentines. Gain insight into local ingredients with a local chef, admiring the seasonal produce. The summer fruits will just be beginning to ripen, and fava beans—a Tuscan favorite often served with pecorino cheese—will be arriving at market, too. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy a hands-on cooking class featuring Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, for which Tuscan mangiafagoli (bean eaters) are renowned. As you enjoy your lunch, Professor Albala will describe the local cookbook of Domenico Romoli, published in Florence in 1560, plus Renaissance dining customs. Later, enjoy a guided olive oil tasting before an evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Cellai
Castello Verrazzano
Today, Professor Albala will offer a grand overview of the history of Italian cuisine from ancient times to the present and its impact globally. Travel south through the scenic Chianti hills to Castello Verrazzano today. As you approach the hilltop location of this award-winning winery, be sure to admire the breathtaking views of cypress-lined roads and terraced vineyards. Explore the historic castle, once home to the famed explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, and wander through the ancient cellars as you learn about the estate’s commitment to sustainability. The experience concludes with a tasting of their acclaimed wines. Professor Albala will discuss Florence’s role in global trade, including that of both Verrazzano and Amerigo Vespucci. Later, enjoy free time in Siena, strolling through the medieval streets, visiting the picturesque Piazza del Campo and the magnificently decorated cathedral, or exploring artisan shops. Meet at a local grocery store, operating since 1879, for a tasting of Siena’s historic sweets, including the richly spiced panforte, dating back to medieval times, and the soft almond ricciarelli cookies. Return to Florence in the early evening. Gather for a farewell dinner at the family-run Trattoria Cammillo.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Cellai
This morning, bid farewell to the Andes as you take a short flight from Cusco to Lima. From there, connect to your international flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Cellai, Florence (3 nights)
Hotel Cellai is a charming 4-star boutique hotel with a welcoming ambiance. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, it offers easy access to Florence’s historic center. The decor features antique furnishings, velvet accents, and a rooftop garden with Duomo views. Rooms are stylish yet cozy, with modern amenities. Guests enjoy free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a library bar with an honor system.
Art Hotel Orologio, Bologna (3 nights)
This charming 4-star boutique hotel is ideally located in the center of Bologna, on Piazza Maggiore, overlooking the monumental clock tower. The building dates back to the 19th century and was recently fully refurbished. Guest rooms are warm and welcoming with an “at-home” feel and modern comforts. Public spaces around the property are filled with works of art.
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