11-Day Culinary and Nature Road Trip from Milan to Rome Through Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at one of Milan's oldest pastry shops, sampling their renowned panettone.
Walk to the Duomo Cathedral.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Duomo Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of Milan's iconic cathedral, and consider taking the lift to the rooftop for panoramic views.
Walk down Via Dante to Sforzesco Castle.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy authentic risotto alla Milanese and cotoletta alla Milanese, local specialties that you cannot miss.
Drive to Brescia.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Brescia

Brescia, Italy

3:00PM

Explore the Brescia Castle

Wander through the historic castle grounds, offering fantastic views of the city.
Walk to the Piazza della Loggia.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through Santa Giulia Museum

Check out this UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the history of the Lombardy region.
Optional walk through the city center.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Dodici Apostoli

Savor local dishes including tortelli di patate in a cozy atmosphere.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Culinary Delights in Parma

Parma, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bar Sette

Indulge in the famous prosciutto di Parma and fresh bread to kickstart your day.
Drive to Parma.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Parma Cathedral

Marvel at this stunning Romanesque cathedral, especially its beautiful frescoes.
Walk to Teatro Regio.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Forchetta

Try the torta fritta, often served with cured meats.
Continue exploring.

3:00PM

Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour

Tour a local caseificio to learn about and taste authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.
Drive back to your accommodation.
EUR20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Il Quartiere

Enjoy homemade pasta dishes that come highly recommended.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Savoring Modena

Modena, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pavesi

Start with a rich cappuccino and a freshly baked brioche.
Drive to Modena.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit the Modena Cathedral

Admire the intricate sculptures and art inside this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk to the Mercato Albinelli.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Mercato Albinelli

Wander through this vibrant market and taste some local specialties.
Walk to dinner location.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Francescana

Dine at one of the world's best restaurants for a unique culinary experience (reservation required).
Head to your next destination.
EUR250, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Balsamic Vinegar Producer

Take a tour to learn how traditional balsamic vinegar is made and do some tastings too.
Drive to your accommodation.
EUR15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hosteria Giusti

Savor Modena’s regional dishes like tortellini in brodo.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Bologna - Food Capital

Bologna, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

Grab a cup of espresso and a cornetto before heading out.
Drive to Bologna.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Walking Tour of Bologna

Explore the food markets and learn about Bologna’s rich culinary history.
Walk throughout the city center.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Two Towers

Climb the Asinelli Tower for a view of the city.
Walk to lunch location.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Me

Relish tagliatelle al ragù, the local specialty known worldwide.
Explore Bologna further.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cookery Class

Join a local chef in a cooking class to learn how to make pasta from scratch.
Walk to class location.
EUR60, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Drogheria della Rosa

Enjoy a delightful dinner in a beautifully restored building with a romantic atmosphere.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Florentine Treasures

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Try a traditional Italian breakfast with pastries and strong coffee.
Drive to Florence.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore world-famous artworks, including Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Walk to Ponte Vecchio.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Cross the Ponte Vecchio

Enjoy the charming views of the Arno River as you walk across this historic bridge.
Walk to lunch location.
Free, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Dine on the renowned Florentine steak and local Tuscan wines.
Explore Florence or visit the Accademia Gallery.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Accademia Gallery

Stand in awe of Michelangelo's David, an essential highlight of Florence.
Walk towards Piazzale Michelangelo.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Venture to Piazzale Michelangelo

Take in a breathtaking sunset view over Florence.
Drive to dinner location.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Santo Spirito

Enjoy traditional Florentine dishes in a lively neighborhood.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Discovering Chianti

Chianti, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at local agriturismo

Enjoy homemade bread and jams produced on the farm.
Drive through the scenic Chianti region.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting Tour

Savor a wine tasting at a local vineyard, learning about Chianti Classico production.
Stay at the vineyard.
EUR25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Le Panzanelle

Enjoy local seasonal cuisine paired with Chianti wine.
Drive to next vineyard or town.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Castellina in Chianti

Stroll through this charming medieval town, full of shops and history.
Walk around town.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Torre

Indulge in a seasonal menu with local delicacies.
Drive back to accommodation.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Charming Siena

Siena, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar Illy

Fuel up with an espresso and fresh pastries before heading out.
Drive to Siena.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Piazza del Campo

Stroll through Siena's famous square and take in its medieval architecture.
Walk to the Siena Cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Siena Cathedral

A masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, it is worth the visit.
Walk to lunch location.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Taverna di San Giuseppe

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes with local wines served in a cozy atmosphere.
Continue exploring Siena.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale

Explore the art gallery featuring works by famous Sienese artists.
Walk through the city.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Antica Osteria da Divo

Dine on the finest local dishes with stunning views.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 9: San Gimignano - The Medieval Gem

San Gimignano, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a light breakfast with local wines and cheese.
Drive to San Gimignano.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit San Gimignano's Towers

Climb the famous towers for some of the best views in Tuscany.
Walk around the town.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore the local shops

Browse artisan products including the famous Vernaccia wine.
Head to lunch location.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Ruota

Indulge in a light meal with local produce.
Visit the gallery afterwards.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Galleria Doria

Appreciate the impressive artwork in this historic gallery.
Drive to dinner location.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria del Carcere

Taste the best of Tuscan cuisine in an authentic setting.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Exploring Pisa

Pisa, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Bottega del Buon Caffè

Enjoy artisanal coffee and a savory pastry.
Drive to Pisa.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb the famous Leaning Tower and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Walk to lunch location.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Bruno

Enjoy local delicacies like cecina, a chickpea pancake.
Head to your next destination.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Botanical Garden

Wander through this historic garden filled with diverse flora.
Walk to the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Drive to Rome

Travel to the magnificent capital city of Rome.
Enjoy the scenic route.
Free (fuel costs), 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Teo

Cap off the day with authentic Roman pasta dishes.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Roma - The Eternal City

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Greco

Savor a luxurious espresso in one of Rome’s historic cafés.
Walk to the nearby sights.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Colosseum

Step into history as you explore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Walk to the Roman Forum.
EUR18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Aroma

Feast on gourmet Italian cuisine with views of the Colosseum.
Explore nearby streets.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk through the Roman Forum

Take a guided walk through the heart of ancient Rome.
Head to Vatican City.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

Gaze in awe at the spiritual center of Catholicism and its staggering architecture.
Transport to your accommodation.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Conclude your adventurous journey with some authentic Roman-style pizza.
Return to your accommodation.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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