Special guided tours of the Castle! Finally the most golden, most sparkling, most starry party …. that warms the freezing and snowy winters! At Gropparello Castle, the enchanted Christmas shines with gold, sugar icing, fires in the fireplaces, sun among the dry leaves…. The fireplaces in the halls and lounges light up in a crackling symphony, illuminating the rich brocades with warm shades. The perfumed spices, the pickled oranges, the bows and red berries combine to dress up the rooms, decorated with garlands and lights, while the big tree returns to triumph in the Sala d'Armi, where the harpsichord and the archlute await their musicians. The tea room on the main floor smells of honey and orange blossom, which describe an ideal direct path to the ancient kitchens, where the smoke of hot drinks imitates an aromatic mist that hides the splendid composition of pumpkins and pomegranates arranged on the impressive central table. And for the children – awaited by the old family dolls for games in front of the fireplace – warm creams with the scent of vanilla and biscuits with the flavor of raisins, zibibbo and cinnamon are ready. Rich brocades, scented spices, dried oranges, bows and red berries… The halls are dressed in garlands, lights and colors… The great tree returns to triumph in the Sala d'Armi, where the harpsichord and the archlute await their musicians... The tea room on the main floor smells of honey and orange blossom, In the ancient kitchens, the servants' tea is ready on the central table where a splendid composition of pumpkins and pomegranates triumphs, and for the children there are steaming creams with the scent of vanilla and biscuits with the flavor of raisins, zibibbo and cinnamon...

Discover the traditions and gourmet treats that make the festive season in Bologna so special as you explore Christmas markets and beautifully decorated medieval porticos. Wander through historic streets draped in twinkling lights and traditional red and green garlands, soaking up the festive atmosphere and visiting the best loved Christmas spots in the city. Indulge in festive treats and traditional Christmas favorites like pandoro, see the famous nativity scenes, browse the Santa Lucia Christmas Market for handmade gifts and decorations and stroll through the Mercato di Mezzo buy gourmet foodie gifts and sample some of the traditional Christmas delicacies. With a local, eat, drink and be merry Bolognese style. Join a like-minded local to explore Bologna while the medieval and Renaissance porticos are draped in twinkling lights and the markets are adorned with traditional Christmas garlands, and soak up the festive atmosphere together. Do like the locals do and gather to see the nativity scenes at Cattedrale di San Pietro and Palazzo d’Accursio, an annual local tradition. Wander through the streets and admire the decorations, maybe picking up affordable, handmade gifts and crafts from street side stalls that spring up in December. Visit the Mercato di Mezzo and Santa Lucia Christmas Market to buy gifts and try the festive culinary treats that are a well-loved Christmas tradition in Bologna. Learn about other Christmas traditions from your local as you explore the city and markets, maybe stopping to enjoy a glass of wine or hot chocolate. Curious travelers will be connected to locals who are interesting and sociable people, who know the city well and who love to share their favorite places. They are not tour guides by profession. What we try to recreate is the feeling of having a friend in every city you visit; someone who can show you the places you’ll fall in love with and help you to connect with the most authentic soul of a place. Book this meet up and the team will contact you within 24-hours and ask you questions about your preferences and interests, so they can match you with the right profile and assign a like-minded local Bolognese. Keeping in mind your personal answers, your local host will put together a bespoke itinerary just for you. Please note that this will be outlined but flexible. Your host will arrange the most convenient meeting place for you. If you feel like changing direction during the meet up, or if your local host believes that you'd enjoy a sight or different experience, he/ she will suggest and discuss with you changes to the itinerary.