Bologna | Foodie Capital of Italy

Bologna is for foodies.  It’s called “La Grassa” (the fat one) for a reason.  Think tortellini, lasagna and ragu' alla bolognese.

Many great photographers call Bologna their favorite Italian city for its colorful architecture, miles of arcades covering bustling sidewalks.  Perhaps also because it’s a place a photographer can escape mainstream tourism and and be immersed in a vibrant and metropolitan town.

You’ll eat at a variety of restaurants and taste wines of the region along with famous delights of the Emilia Romagna region: prosciutto, parmigiano and balsamico.

For the second part of the visit we move our headquarters into the countryside to explore the rustic side of Romagna and meet chefs you’d likely never find on your own.

Partners are welcomed on this tour, designed as a relaxed holiday where food meets photography. This is the Bologna and Romagna that tourists don't get to see.  

See and photograph the secret locations that we've discovered in our 25 years photographing this region. 

Being immersed into the culture of small local trattoria dining, visits with local characters and villages devoid of tourism better informs your photographs and enriches your Tuscan experience. 

Inspiration is guaranteed. 

Pre-Workshop: We recommend you arrive a day or two early to acclimate to the time zone.  You can fly directly into Bologna or choose nearby Florence airport for an easy entry.   Venice is also just an hour or two away by train and makes a fun extension to your travel afterward.  We’ll be happy to suggest hotels and travel tips for your pre and post workshop days.    

Randy Collier - fine-art photographer and exceptional instructor

Gabriele Angelini - Italian Pro Photographer and licensed guide 

This tour has a minimum group size of 6.   If the minimum is not met at least 90 days before the departure date, the trip will be transformed in a private tour or canceled and refunds will be sent. You will receive a notification. 

You can check the BOLOGNA & ROMAGNA TRIP to see if the minimum has been met and who's going.  Or you can inquire here. 

Meeting in the hotel for a short introduction to the workshop and a guided tour of the historical center of Bologna with a professional guide

Welcome dinner in a typical “bolognese” family restaurant with dishes of the

Emilian cuisine

Walk and street shooting the town with Gabriele, who has published multiple books on Bologna, and photograph in the “old market” in the historic center

Lunch in the oldest Osteria of the city

Free time to explore Bologna, armed with Gabriele’s suggestions for fascinating churches, towers and galleries

Dinner at a local favorite Trattoria

Overnight: Bologna

AM   Day trip to the foodie region of Emilia

In Sorbara a visit to an ancient "acetaia" producer of the famous “balsamic", lunch under the arcades tasting dishes of the tradition

PM    In Modena for a walk in the historic center of town, to visit the Pavarotti's Museum home to taste the atmosphere of this world famous opera singer

Overnight: Bologna

AM A trip to the land of Parmigiano Reggiano and visit to the warehose and livestock farm, photo session and tasting

PM Visit Museo Ferrari in Maranello, the story, the cars, the pilots that made this brand world famous

Overnight: Bologna

AM We leave Emilia to drive to Ravenna, the main city of Romagna, one of Italy’s most important historic and artistic sites, for a guided tour of the basilica of San Vitale and bizantine monuments

PM departure to Faenza, the ceramic city, for dinner with a first taste of romagna dishes

Overnight: Faenza

AM Photos in the Saturday local-market, a colourfull location for people shooting

PM After lunch transfer to Dozza, the old "borgo" with it’s murals and castle, visit the regional Enoteca of Emilia Romagna and dinner at the well loved Restaurant La Scuderia with traditional dishes

04:30 - visit to the old “borgo” and the Rocca (Emilia Romagna Enoteca)

07:00 - dinner at La Scuderia (typical Romagna dishes) (on own)

Overnight: Faenza

AM Drive to Brisighella through the Romagna hills to visit the village with its "donkey's street" on the houses

PM Faenza for relaxing and packing, we'll have our farewell dinner under the stars in Bagnacavallo in a 700's round square

Overnight: Faenza

We'll check out from our Hotel and return to Bologna, then on to Florence for those staying there.  Arrive Florence by 3PM

Participants who'll join the Le Marche Extension will have a briefing and a short lunch before leaving for the extension