Day 4: Venice ➝ Po River Sailing ➝ Romagna Countryside

This morning we waved arrivederci to Venice, taking one last ride through the canals before heading out into the countryside. The city slowly faded behind us as we made our way toward the Romagna region, a land famous for its love of food, wine, and good living.

Our journey took us into the Po Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the landscape feels timeless. We boarded a pontoon boat and glided across the wetlands, the same waters that once sheltered ancient Romans as they fled barbarian invasions. The scenery was peaceful and wide, dotted with small fishing huts and farms that look as though they haven’t changed in a thousand years. It was easy to imagine life here centuries ago.

After the boat ride, we stopped for a country lunch that was as beautiful as it was delicious. Fresh cheeses from the market, crusty bread stacked into sandwiches, bright salads of mozzarella and tomatoes, handmade pasta, and a perfectly prepared chicken dish reminded us why Italy is such a paradise for food lovers. Dessert was the final touch—elegant and indulgent, the kind of sweet ending you never want to rush.

In the afternoon, we checked into our hotel in the Romagna countryside. Surrounded by vineyards, it felt like the perfect place to unpack and stay awhile. Knowing we had three nights here brought a sigh of relief—no need to shuffle luggage every morning, just a chance to soak in the Italian rhythm of life.

The highlight of the day came with a visit to a vocational high school, something travelers rarely get to experience. The students there study agriculture, cheese making, hospitality, cooking, baking, and even bartending. They welcomed us warmly, showing us their greenhouses filled with plants, their balsamic vinegar barrels, and their cheese-making rooms. Their pride in their work was infectious. After the tour, they served us a meal they had prepared themselves, proving their skills go far beyond the classroom. We ended our visit at their small shop, where they sell their handmade foods and plants—a true hidden gem.

That evening, we gathered for dinner with friends, sharing plates of pasta, fresh salads, and a few toasts to another wonderful day. The laughter carried through the night, made even better by the company of Jimmy from Prohibition Brewing, who joined us for the evening. Between the beautiful food, the lively conversation, and the sparkle of good wine, it was the kind of night that makes you grateful to be in Italy.

Day four was full of history, flavor, and connection—exactly the kind of travel that stays with you long after the trip ends. Tomorrow, we continue our adventure in the Romagna countryside, but for tonight, we drift off to sleep surrounded by vineyards and the quiet hum of rural Italy.

I’ll be doing a similar tour in the fall of 2026, and I’d love to have you join me. Text me your email and I’ll send you a list of the tours we have coming up in 2025.

615-474-5689
chuck@CocosItalianMarket.com

You can also find all the details here: destinationitalybycocos.com

And if you’d like a quick overview, this video answers the most common questions people ask about the tours I lead to Italy: Watch here.