BOLOGNA, ITALY
May 24-31, 2026

Located in the heart of Italy, Bologna is just the right size, small enough to project a friendly and intimate character and large enough to support a vibrant cultural life and an emerging creative economy. The city offers a wealth of art and architectural treasures, with museums and churches containing works by masters such as Raphael and Michelangelo as well as offering regular exhibitions of contemporary art.
Overlapping this ancient city is a sophisticated and prosperous modern city with boutiques whose windows display elegantly tailored apparel and exquisitely fashioned leather goods, and food shops filled with colorful and tempting arrangements of fruits and vegetables. The region of Emilia-Romagna is well known for its rich culinary tradition and offers some of the finest gastronomical experiences to be found in Italy. Emilia-Romagna is the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the highly coveted balsamic vinegars of Modena, prosciutto di Parma, tortellini, and much more.

The itinerary includes:

• Full-day gastronomic tour visiting artisan producers of parmigiano reggiano, baslamic vinegar, and prosciutto di Parma
• Walking tour of Bologna's historic medieval center, including Piazza Maggiore, the basilica of San Petronio, Santa Maria della Vita church, Piazza della Mercanzia, the famous Due Torri, and the church of San Domenico
• Guided tour of the 17th-century anatomy theater in the Archiginnasio, part of the University
• Full-day excursion to Parma to visit some of the most important historic and architectural venues including the Cathedral of Parma, the Baptistry, and the Farnese theater
• Guided visit of the Museo della Musica with a private concert
• Lecture/demo on the History of Instrument Making in Bologna by luthier Bruno Stefanini
• Guided tour of Santo Stefano, dating from the 4th century and designed in homage to Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher

​INCLUDED CONCERTS:

• Mozarteum Orchestra from Salzburg, in a program of music by Porpora, Haydn and Mozart, with Luigi Piovano as cello soloist and director
• Private chamber music concert at the Museo della Musica
• Private chamber music concert in Parma at historic villa

PRE-PROGRAM OPTIONAL EXCURSION:
Full-day excursion to Ravenna. 

• Discover Ravenna's well-preserved architecture dating from the Roman and Byzantine period with our private guide
• Visits to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, the Church of Sant' Appolinare Nuovo and the Neonian Baptistry
• Visit to mosaics workshop to learn how mosaics are created and restored
• Includes lunch at a trattoria featuring local specialities​

REGISTRATION OPENS IN DECEMBER!

Piazza Nettuno

Portico of Banca d'Italia

Santo Stefano

Visit to an artisan producer of parmigiano reggiano

Visit to an artisan producer of balsamic vinegar

Mosaics of Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna

This trip is organized and managed by Scherzo Cultural Journeys.
​It is hosted by the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey
​Complete details can be found on their travel website at:

REGISTRATION OPENS IN DECEMBER!