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5 good reasons to visit Grand Tour Italia

Updated on 20 October 2025 From Grand Tour Italia

Grand Tour Italia is offering a unique experience to celebrate the cultural and food and wine biodiversity of Italy's 20 regions across 50,000 square metres. Located in Bologna, Grand Tour Italia promises an extraordinary journey through food, art, traditions and entertainment, blending education, recreation and sustainability.

Each region has its own dedicated space including a landscape and tourism promotion area, a typical osteria, a market with regional products and an educational area. Important partners such as the Holden School, Coldiretti and Slow Food have been entrusted with the narration of history, culture, agriculture and food and wine biodiversity.

Admission to the park and parking are free of charge. Grand Tour Italia, open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offers entertainment of all kinds, with music, shows and events for adults and children. A free shuttle service is also available at weekends (Saturday and Sunday) subject to availability.

The daily schedule, full of activities, cooking and food education classes, workshops and events, is designed to ensure an exciting journey through the traditions and excellence of Italy.

Here are 5 good reasons why you shouldn't miss a visit to Grand Tour Italia

1. A journey through italian culture

The centrepiece of the experience is the extraordinary gastronomic variety of the Italian regions. Each area of the park is dedicated to a region, with typical taverns and markets where you can taste and buy local products. From the robust flavours of Sicilian cuisine to the refined dishes of Trentino, Grand Tour Italia is offering you the chance to taste Italy in one go.


2. Immersive experiences - cooking classes and workshops

If you'd love to get your hands on pasta, Grand Tour Italia is the right place for you. Join the cooking classes and workshops organised by Slow Food, to learn the secrets of homemade pasta, Neapolitan pizza and the Italian wine tradition thanks to the Italian Sommelier Association. Each experience is designed to bring visitors closer to the richness of Italian cuisine, both interactively and entertainingly.

Free courses for seniors and workshops for children and teens promote food education and conscious shopping, with sessions dedicated to the over-65s every Thursday and Friday at 11.30 am and 5 pm, and to the younger visitors (5-13 years old) on Thursdays and Fridays at 6.30 pm.


3. Literary thursdays: a salon of culture and aperitifs

Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Grand Tour Italia is hosting the Giovedì Letterari (Literary Thursdays), a special (and free) opportunity to meet renowned authors and writers over an aperitif. Between a glass of wine and a bite of typical products, you will be able engage in conversations on literature, philosophy and current affairs.

  • On Thursday 23 October at 7 pm, Giacomo Poretti will present his book “La fregatura di avere un'anima” (The Downside of Having a Soul) (published by Baldini+Castoldi), a novel about the most difficult and poetic task in life: educating and nurturing the most invisible part of a child. 
  • On Thursday, 30 October, at 7 p.m., Chimicazza will present her first book, Molecole che fanno cose. Soluzioni, rimedi e scorciatoie della chimica di tutti i giorni (Molecules that do things. Solutions, remedies and shortcuts in everyday chemistry) (Longanesi). This book is about shortcuts. It talks about the molecules we use, consciously or unconsciously, that help us adapt better or push ourselves beyond our limits. Molecules that have become invisible companions, intertwined with our experiences. This is their story, as volcanic and unpredictable as a chemical reaction, told as no one has ever done before.
  • Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Francesco Aquila will present his book “Ricette di Vita – My Way 2” (published by Baldini+Castoldi). This “autobiography in recipes” tells the story of Francesco and how he became “Aquila”. The most important stages of his flight, the key ingredients — and, of course, his victory in MasterChef Italia 10.

  • Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. Laura Gramuglia will present her book “Contro il matrimonio. Guida sentimentale per ragazze di ieri, oggi e domani” (published by EDT). The presentation will be followed by a DJ set hosted by her. This is not a book against love, affection, or relationships. Rather, it questions the institution of marriage and explores relationship dynamics that have stopped working for some time. 
  • Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. Bruno Luverà will present the book co-written with Vincenzo Mollica “Amo le triglie di scoglio - Andrea Camilleri si racconta” (published by Rai Libri). During the presentation, there will be a remote connection with Vincenzo MollicaOn the occasion of the centenary of his birth, Rai pays tribute to one of the most beloved Italian writers of the second half of the 20th century.
  • Thursday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m. Oscar Farinetti will present his book “La regola del silenzio” (published by Bompiani). A man capable of hearing the secret sound of the world. A double murder. And a truth hidden in silence.

Prior booking is recommended at the following link

 

4. Fun for the whole family

Grand Tour Italia is something special for young and old alike. From the adventure offered by the Urban Tree Experience Adventure Park, with its suspended courses and ziplines, to the fun-filled Luna Farm, a children's playground with rides and attractions, the Park will provide fun for the whole family. Whether you want to challenge yourself on the track with the electric go-karts or relax in one of the many green areas, every corner of the Park is designed to give you unforgettable moments

Not to mention the ‘Capolavori’ bookshop, with a selection of the 1200 most important books in history, available for free consultation or purchase as second-hand. A large assortment of books for children and young readers is also available.


5. A Commitment to Sustainability and Biodiversity

Grand Tour Italia is not just a showplace, but a project that promotes sustainability and food awareness. Biodiversity is the focus of every activity, from the EARTH Foundation's art exhibitions exploring the link between food and visual culture, to educational workshops promoting the value of a sustainable food supply chain. This commitment makes a visit to the park not only fun, but also highly educational, encouraging everyone to think about a greener, health-conscious future.


Grand Tour Italia takes you on a journey into the heart of Italian traditions, a place where culture, food and fun come together. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a culture lover, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, Grand Tour Italia won't disappoint you. Don't miss the chance to come and enjoy a unique experience!

For all information and details on individual experiences, workshops and events visit the website

Edited by
Grand Tour Italy Press Office
The Grand Tour Italia food and wine park is a journey into the biodiversity of Italy's 20 regions, offering an immersive experience into their cultural, historical, food and wine and landscape richness.
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