A journey into authentic taste

1st day:
Arrival in Mercato Saraceno, the heart of the Savio Valley and a land famed for its wine. The town’s name evokes a medieval and legendary past—perhaps linked to the presence of “Saracen” merchants, or more likely to an important marketplace active since the Middle Ages on the route connecting Tuscany and Romagna. We begin with a visit to a prestigious local winery, where we will explore the barrel cellar and enjoy a tasting of regional wines, especially the renowned Sangiovese.
We continue to Sarsina, an ancient Roman city founded in the 3rd century BCE, best known as the birthplace of Plautus, one of the greatest playwrights of classical Latin theatre. The town still retains its Roman layout and boasts an outstanding archaeological heritage. Lunch will be served at a typical trattoria featuring traditional Romagna dishes.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Sarsina, home to extraordinary Roman-era artifacts, including mosaics, inscriptions, and the famous Sarcophagus of Obulacco. We’ll then take a stroll through the historic center, with highlights including the Co-Cathedral of San Vicinio and numerous traces of the town’s illustrious past. In the afternoon, transfer to Bagno di Romagna, a spiritual and thermal destination nestled within the Casentino Forests National Park.
We will visit the historic Facciani Beekeeping Farm, with a tasting of artisanal honey, followed by a stop at the Fumaiolo Salami and Pasta Workshop, renowned for its high-quality traditional products. Enjoy some free time to explore the town center, with its Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, artisan shops, and relaxing atmosphere. Hotel check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

2nd day:
After breakfast, departure for Cusercoli, a charming medieval village dominated by the imposing Castle of the Counts Guidi, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Bidente Valley. The village preserves its ancient charm with cobbled streets and stone houses that whisper tales of feudal lords and knights.
We’ll take a guided tour of the castle, discovering its historical and architectural secrets. Next, we’ll move on to a local farmhouse or osteria for an authentic culinary experience. A show cooking demonstration will be followed by a hands-on cooking workshop, where participants will prepare typical Romagnolo dishes. The experience concludes with a lunch featuring the dishes prepared during the workshop. In the afternoon, we head to Santa Sofia, the gateway to the Casentino Forests National Park. This small town blends culture, nature, and contemporary art. We’ll visit the “Vero Stoppioni” Contemporary Art Gallery, which hosts works by Italian artists of the late 20th century, including permanent installations from the Campigna Prize, one of Italy’s longest-running art awards. This will be followed by an urban trekking route through the most picturesque corners of Santa Sofia: the Bridge over the Bidente River, the Civic Tower, the Town Hall, the Church of the Holy Crucifix, and the evocative Park of the Resistance. We end the day with a visit to the Pero Matto Workshop, specialized in the traditional rust-printing technique. After a demonstration, participants will have the chance to try the technique for themselves with a practical activity. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

3rd day:
After breakfast, departure for Portico di Romagna, a small medieval village known for its Renaissance architecture and its charming stone bridges spanning the Montone River.
Here we’ll take part in a real truffle hunting experience in the woods, guided by expert truffle hunters and their faithful Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. The experience also includes a visit to  the Volcano of Monte Busca, known as the smallest volcano in Italy. Lunch will follow at Il Vecchio Convento, a historic inn that has long promoted local cuisine and ingredients, with a menu featuring truffles and traditional Romagna dishes. In the afternoon, we move on to Castrocaro Terme, a town famous for its thermal springs since Roman times and for the Italian Song Festival hosted here. We will visit the impressive Fortress of Castrocaro, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Apennines, and the Museum of Wine and Territory, housed inside the fortress. The museum offers a journey through local archaeology, winemaking traditions, and rural culture. End of services and return journey.

Gusti – “Gastro Upscaled Tourist Itinerary In Rural Regions Of Croatia And Italy”, ID ITHR0200403