On 5 September 2024, Grand Tour Italia officially opened its doors to the public, promising a unique experience that in 50,000 square metres celebrates the cultural and gastronomic biodiversity of Italy's 20 regions. Located in Bologna, Grand Tour Italia is set to offer an extraordinary journey through food, art, traditions and entertainment, in an environment that fuses education, entertainment and sustainability.
Each region has a dedicated space that includes 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.
Entrance to the Park and parking are completely free of charge.
On the occasion of the opening, during the first two weeks from 5 to 15 September, the courses and experiences will be free for the public, so that everyone can get to know them and try them out. They are listed here:
- Pasta course
- Pizza course
- Wine abc course organised by the Italian Sommelier Association
- Taste workshops organised by Slow Food
- In the kitchen with slow food
- Tour of the Worlds: a multimedia journey that allows visitors to taste typical products such as Mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and wine.
In addition, Grand Tour Italia offers entertainment for all tastes and is animated from Thursday to Sunday by music, shows and events for adults and children.
The Giovedì Letterari (Literary Thursdays) are planned, meetings with important authors that will take place at aperitif time from 7 p.m. onwards.
On 12 and 19 September, Grand Tour Italia will host two philosophy lectures by Matteo Saudino, aka BarbaSophia, a well-known professor, writer and Youtuber. With topics ranging from Socrates and Aristotle to Kant and Hegel, from ancient to modern philosophy, Saudino, famous for his YouTube channel with over 47 million views, will once again make philosophy accessible and engaging for everyone without ever being banal, and above all will teach us how to make it a tool to be used in our, contemporary, daily lives. A sort of very useful ‘toolbox’.
The permanent attractions at Grand Tour Italia are many:
- EARTH Foundation Exhibition Space: dedicated to contemporary art and photography, with exhibitions designed to celebrate food culture through the visual arts. EARTH Edizioni publications will explore the exhibitions, starting with the book ‘Photo&Food’.
- Bookshop ‘I Capolavori’: realised with the contribution of the Holden School, it will offer the 1200 most important books in history, which can be consulted free of charge and purchased as second-hand.
- Luna Farm: an amusement park dedicated to children and families, with rides, games and private party areas.
- Tree Experience Adventure Park: in the indoor outdoor areas of Grand Tour Italia, the Adventure Park offers suspended courses, ziplines and climbing in a safe environment. Information on purchasing tickets will soon be available on the GTI website.
- Coming soon Grand Tour Karting: in tune with the Motor Valley, the 500-metre indoor circuit uses Parolin electric karts, offering safe and sustainable challenges for individuals and corporate groups.
The daily schedule, full of activities, cooking and food education lessons, workshops and events, is designed to offer an exciting journey through the traditions and excellence of Italy.
Grand Tour Italia is not just a destination, but an invitation to explore, taste and experience Italy in all its splendour. Covering an area of 50,000 square metres, it offers an unprecedented experience that combines tradition and innovation, culture and entertainment, and promotes sustainability and food awareness.
Grand Tour Italia invites all and sundry to discover and experience Italian tradition in an enthralling journey, celebrating the art, culture and gastronomy of our country.
Grand Tour Italia is open from Thursday to Sunday.
A free shuttle service is available for those coming to Grand Tour Italia on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), subject to availability.
For opening and shuttle times, information and details on individual experiences, courses and events visit the website and social channels Facebook and Instagram: @grandtouritalia.ita
Grand Tour Italia - Via Paolo Canali 8 - Bologna
