Azorcan Tours, Edmonton, AB (2026)

09/06/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – BOLOGNA – SERIE A FOOTBALL

Our early evening in Bologna brought us a completely different Italian experience as we headed to the historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to watch Bologna FC take on Sassuolo in Serie A. The Dall’Ara has been Bologna’s football home since 1927 and is one of Italy’s great traditional stadiums, instantly recognisable by its red-brick architecture and distinctive Maratona Tower. It also has an impressive history on the international stage, having hosted matches at both the 1934 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. There was something special about arriving with the local supporters and experiencing first-hand the colour, noise and passion that surrounded an Italian football match.
Bologna FC 1909, affectionately known as the Rossoblù for their famous red-and-blue colours, has been part of the city for well over a century. What made our visit particularly interesting was the club’s strong Canadian connection. Bologna entered a new era in 2014 with the arrival of a North American investment group led by Montreal businessman Joey Saputo, who later took complete control of the club and remains its president. Saputo is also closely associated with Canadian soccer through CF Montréal, giving this historic Italian club a rather unexpected link across the Atlantic to Canada. The game ended in a 2-2 tie with the home team scoring the equalizer in extra time.
After spending the day discovering Bologna’s history, food and culture, it was great fun to finish with something enjoyed so passionately by Italians — calcio! Sitting inside the Dall’Ara and watching the local side compete against nearby Sassuolo gave us another perspective on life in Emilia-Romagna. From the historic surroundings of the stadium to the enthusiasm of the Rossoblù supporters, it was a memorable evening and another wonderful experience to add to our Bella Italia Tour.

09/06/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – BOLOGNA

Our morning began with a guided walking tour of Bologna, the wonderful capital of Emilia-Romagna. We wandered through its historic centre, surrounded by distinctive terracotta-coloured buildings, medieval streets and the famous porticoes that give the city so much of its character. Among the sights was the impressive Fountain of Neptune, one of Bologna’s best-known landmarks, standing proudly in Piazza del Nettuno and adding another touch of grandeur to the heart of the old city. Bologna had a wonderful balance of medieval history and modern Italian life, helped along by the youthful energy of its historic university and vibrant student community.
We also learned why Bologna was affectionately known by its three famous nicknames: “La Dotta” (The Learned) for its ancient university tradition, “La Grassa” (The Fat) for its celebrated cuisine, and “La Rossa” (The Red) for the warm red and terracotta colours of its rooftops and architecture. Food was certainly an important part of the experience, with traditional favourites such as tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella and lasagne verdi all closely associated with Bologna. Emilia-Romagna was also a region with an extraordinary motoring tradition, home to some of Italy’s most famous automotive names and a passion for engineering, design and performance that had become part of the region’s identity.
After our guided tour came to an end, everyone had some free time to enjoy Bologna at their own pace. It was the perfect opportunity to find a traditional trattoria for lunch, browse the local food shops and markets, wander beneath the beautiful porticoes, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city. From medieval history and magnificent architecture to wonderful food and legendary Italian motoring traditions, Bologna and Emilia-Romagna had certainly given us plenty to enjoy.

09/05/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – MODENA - FERRARI

After a morning immersed in the culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna, our afternoon took us into the world of Italian motoring at the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Located in Modena, the museum celebrates the life and vision of Enzo Ferrari, the legendary figure whose passion for racing and engineering gave rise to one of the world’s most recognisable automotive names. The collection brings together beautifully preserved Ferrari cars, engines and memorabilia, while the exhibitions tell the story of a man whose ambitions extended far beyond simply building fast cars. The current car exhibition features Ferrari’s that we specifically made for stars like Pavorotti, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Cher, John Lennon, and others.
The visit was a fitting finale to our time in Modena — a region where craftsmanship, passion and tradition are at the heart of so many things, from cheese and balsamic vinegar to world-famous automobiles. We then continued to Bologna, checked into our hotel and had the evening free to explore the city at our own pace, perhaps discovering one of its many restaurants, trattorias or wine bars. Another wonderful day on our Bella Italia Tour, filled with the flavours, history and passions that make Emilia-Romagna such a special part of Italy.

Ferrari Musei Ferrari

09/05/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – MODENA - BALSAMICO

Our culinary exploration of Modena continued at Aceto Balsamico Paltrinieri, where we discovered the fascinating world of traditional balsamic vinegar. The Paltrinieri family has been producing balsamic vinegar since 1845, and their experience is reflected in every stage of the process. Unlike the everyday balsamic vinegar many of us know, traditional balsamic begins with freshly pressed grape must, which is slowly cooked and then transferred into a series of wooden barrels. Over many years, the vinegar gradually becomes darker, thicker and more intensely flavoured, taking on subtle characteristics from the different woods used during its long maturation.
What makes traditional balsamic particularly fascinating is just how much time is part of the recipe. Barrels are carefully tended as the vinegar slowly concentrates through natural evaporation, with older batches developing extraordinary depth and complexity. We finished our visit with a tasting, discovering the balance of sweetness and acidity that makes authentic Modena balsamic so distinctive, followed by a delicious lunch showcasing local specialities. It was a wonderful opportunity to taste the tradition we had just learned about — and certainly one of the culinary highlights of our Bella Italia journey!
Thank you Guido, Nicoletta and family for another memorable visit Acetaia Paltrinieri

09/05/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – MODENA - PARMIGIANO REGGIANO

Our day in Modena began at 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia, where we stepped behind the scenes to discover how one of Italy’s most celebrated cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano, is made. The process begins with fresh milk from local farms and follows a remarkably traditional method that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. We watched the cheesemakers transform the milk into enormous copper vats of curd before learning how each wheel is pressed, salted and prepared for its long journey of maturation. In the aging warehouse, thousands of wheels rested in carefully organised rows, with time playing an essential role in developing the cheese’s distinctive flavour and texture.
We also discovered that Parmigiano Reggiano is not simply one cheese, but comes in different ages, each offering its own character — from a younger, delicate flavour to the deeper, more complex and crumbly qualities of a well-aged wheel. Of course, the best way to appreciate what we had learned was with a tasting! It was a fascinating introduction to one of the great food traditions of Emilia-Romagna and a delicious reminder that some of Italy’s finest culinary treasures are created through a combination of simple ingredients, skilled craftsmanship and plenty of patience.

4 Madonne Caseificio dell'Emilia

09/04/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – VENICE GRAND CANAL

Our time in Venice also gave us the opportunity to experience the magnificent Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway and one of its most iconic sights. We admired the beautiful historic buildings lining its banks and watched the constant movement of boats making their way through the heart of Venice. We crossed the famous Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and an important crossing over the Grand Canal. The surrounding area offering a wonderful glimpse into the energy and character of Venetian life.
One of the fascinating things about Venice was seeing how the canals continued to function as the city’s roads. Goods and supplies were transported by boat throughout the waterways, while the vaporetti, Venice’s public water buses, carried residents and visitors between different parts of the city. Delivery boats, vaporetti, water taxis, and traditional gondolas all shared the waterways, giving us a wonderful appreciation of how closely Venice’s history and daily life remained connected to the water. From the grandeur of the historic palaces and the beauty of the Rialto Bridge to the everyday movement of goods and people, the Grand Canal offered another memorable perspective on this extraordinary floating city.

09/04/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – VENICE

We departed Verona for a wonderful day trip to Venice, the unforgettable floating city built across a lagoon of 118 islands. After arriving at Tronchetto, we boarded our boat and made our way towards the heart of Venice and the magnificent St. Mark’s Square. Once we arrived, we met our excellent guide, Gianni, who led us on a fascinating walk from St. Mark’s through the historic streets and towards the lively markets just beyond the Rialto Bridge. Along the way, Gianni shared stories about Venice’s unique traditions, including the famous Murano glass and beautifully crafted Venetian carnival masks, bringing the city’s history and culture to life.
After our guided tour, the group had some free time to experience Venice at their own pace. Some took the opportunity to enjoy a traditional gondola ride, gliding along the city’s beautiful waterways, while others made their way up the Campanile di San Marco for amazing panoramic views across Venice. There was also time to explore the markets and beautiful streets, browse the shops, and enjoy lunch while taking in the remarkable atmosphere of this unique city. Everyone was able to choose their own way to experience a little more of the magic of Venice.
In the late afternoon, we gathered near the Doge’s Palace and walked back to the boat dock for our return journey to Tronchetto. From there, we continued back to our hotel in Verona, where we had time to relax before enjoying dinner at the hotel. It had been a full and memorable day exploring Venice, with Gianni’s excellent guidance, the wonderful sights, and the different experiences enjoyed during our free time making it a particularly special day of the tour.

09/03/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – VERONA

We returned to Verona and, in the late afternoon, met our favourite local guide Priscilla for a lovely two-hour walking tour through this historic city. We learned more about Verona’s ancient Roman connections, including its historic city walls and the remarkable Arena di Verona, one of the city’s most famous Roman landmarks. The Arena was especially atmospheric that evening, as we saw people arriving to enjoy Puccini’s Turandot. Just outside, we also spotted the impressive Egyptian-inspired set designs prepared for Aida, which was playing over the following days, with La Traviata also scheduled as part of the Arena’s opera programme. The area around the Arena also held a more recent place in history, having been the site of the Olympic closing ceremony, making this remarkable setting a wonderful connection between Verona’s ancient past and its modern cultural life.
Verona was also a city rich in literary history and romance. Our walk brought us closer to the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, whose enduring story was forever associated with the city, while we also discovered Verona’s connection with the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who found refuge here during his exile. These stories added another fascinating dimension to our visit and helped bring Verona’s history and cultural heritage to life.
After the walking tour, the group enjoyed free time to explore Verona at their own pace. There was time to continue sightseeing, browse the shops, enjoy the atmosphere of the historic centre, and choose a restaurant for dinner. It was a relaxed and enjoyable way to end our time in this beautiful Italian city, with the lights of the Arena and the excitement of the evening’s opera adding a particularly memorable touch to our visit.

09/03/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – CA MAIOL WINERY

We continued our journey to Cantina Cà Maiol, a beautiful winery near Lake Garda, where we were welcomed for a guided visit. We explored the vineyard, winery, production area, and wine shop, gaining an interesting insight into the setting and process behind the wines produced here.
Following the visit, we enjoyed a tasting of two wines, which was accompanied by a delicious traditional Italian light lunch. The generous buffet offered a wonderful selection of cured meats and cheeses, fresh bread and focaccia, a cold dishes, and dessert. It was a lovely opportunity to relax together and enjoy some authentic Italian flavours in a welcoming setting.
The winery visit and lunch provided a wonderful conclusion to our morning around Lake Garda. After a scenic boat tour and time exploring Sirmione, it was particularly enjoyable to slow down, share good food and wine, and appreciate another taste of the Italian lifestyle that made the day so memorable.

09/03/2026

BELLA ITALIA TOUR – LAKE GARDA

This morning, we headed to the beautiful shores of Lake Garda for a relaxing boat tour around the Sirmione peninsula. The 25-minute cruise provided wonderful panoramic views of this enchanting medieval hamlet, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the lake. From the boat, we admired the impressive Scaliger Castle and the ancient Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, as well as the elegant villas, thermal springs, and famous Jamaica Beach.
Sirmione was every bit as charming from the water as it was from land, with its picturesque palaces filled with flowers and its beautiful lakeside setting creating a truly memorable atmosphere. The boat tour gave us a lovely opportunity to appreciate the peninsula from a different perspective while taking in the scenery and historic character that made Sirmione such a special place to visit.
Following our cruise, the group enjoyed some free time to explore Sirmione at their own pace. It was a wonderful chance to wander through the charming streets, take in the beautiful surroundings, and simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this captivating lakeside town. It was a delightful start to our day around Lake Garda.

Azorcan Tours

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request