
Embark on a journey through Italy’s gastronomic heartland with our Bologna and Ravenna Food Preparation and Nutrition Trips, where students experience Italy’s culinary traditions, art, and engineering excellence up close.
Explore Bologna, Ravenna, Modena, and Maranello — cities rich in history, cuisine, and culture. Students will gain firsthand insight into Italy’s famous foods like tortellini, ragù, and balsamic vinegar, while also discovering the world of Ferrari and opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. This unforgettable adventure offers a dynamic mix of education, hands-on activities, and cultural immersion.
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Arrive at Bologna Airport, where your driver will meet and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Relax and explore Bologna’s medieval streets. If time allows, join a 2-hour guided walking tour to discover the iconic Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and the city’s famous Porticoes. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local trattoria.
Overnight stay in Bologna.
After breakfast, take the train to Ravenna to explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia — all adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics. Optional guided tour available for a deeper experience.
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Maranello to visit the Ferrari Museum. Explore Ferrari’s history, legendary cars, and innovations.
Continue to a traditional Acetaia in Modena to learn about the ancient craft of balsamic vinegar production. Guided tour and tasting included.
Enjoy a light lunch featuring regional specialties.
In the afternoon, visit the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti and discover the life and legacy of the famous tenor.
Return to Bologna for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Bologna.
After breakfast, visit the Carpigiani Gelato Museum. Participate in a hands-on gelato-making workshop where students learn about the history, science, and artistry of gelato.
Taste your creations before transferring to Bologna Airport for your flight home.
End of the group’s journey.






Photos above are from our sample itineraries, excursions and activities – each trip is tailored to your group.
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Mosaics of Ravenna – Visit spectacular 5th–6th century mosaics that have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Admire the intricate designs and vibrant colours while learning about their historical and cultural significance. Discover how these works reflect the region’s prosperity, trade connections and symbolism, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.

Discover the art of Italian ice cream with a hands-on gelato-making workshop. Learn about the balance of ingredients, flavour development and texture control that give gelato its distinctive taste and creaminess. Under expert guidance, create your own flavours and enjoy the results fresh from the churn.

Learn traditional techniques behind one of Italy’s most prized products at an authentic balsamic vinegar farm. Discover the slow ageing process in wooden barrels, the careful blending of must and vinegar, and the strict quality standards that protect its heritage. Finish with a guided tasting session to explore the complex flavours that develop over years of craftsmanship.

Although not a food venue, the Ferrari Museum offers an engaging look at precision manufacturing, quality control and materials science — all of which have parallels in food production. The exhibits provide a chance to discuss hygiene zoning, traceability, ergonomics and packaging integrity, while the brand’s premium positioning offers a case study in how narrative, provenance and design can shape perceived quality in both automotive and food sectors.

These UNESCO-listed basilicas showcase remarkable Byzantine mosaics and architectural craftsmanship, offering a rich cultural backdrop for understanding historical trade routes that brought spices, sugars and preserved goods into the region. The symbolism around bread, oil and wine links directly to food heritage, while the mosaic colours prompt discussion on natural pigments and how colour is stabilised in modern food production.

Small in size but visually stunning, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is renowned for its deep-blue mosaics that have survived for over 1,500 years. Its preservation invites comparisons with modern food shelf life, product stability and the role of barriers against light, oxygen and moisture. The imagery of bread and wine also connects to fermentation, acidity and microbial control as age-old preservation methods still relevant today.
Your Food and Culture trip is based in Bologna — one of Italy’s most vibrant university cities and culinary capitals — with day trips to Ravenna, Maranello, and Modena. This region offers an incredible living classroom for studying food, art, engineering, and Italian heritage.

Hotel Astor offers a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Bologna, ideal for school groups seeking a welcoming base for their educational adventures. Located just a short distance from the city’s historic centre and major transport links, the hotel provides modern, well-equipped rooms with private facilities, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet each morning, setting them up for a day of exploration. With its friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to Bologna’s famous sights, Hotel Astor ensures a safe and enjoyable stay for students and teachers alike.
Duration: 9 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 7 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 4 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 4 days
Tour Type: Educational

Using educational visits to support Classical Civilisation GCSE and A-level study A Classical Civilisation school trip gives students the opportunity to engage directly with the…
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