Authentic experiences of the real Italy
Due to the extreme weather, the Via Crucis Vivante 2018 was postponed to 2019.
To view the video of the Via Crucis in 2015 click here
We invite you to experience this moving and spiritual occasion this Easter. Imagine the small mountain village of Frassinoro draped in darkness, with only the flickering oil lamps lighting the way from one life size staged depiction of each station of the cross to another. All the local villagers are involved as cast members in each tableau.
Together we will walk the silent streets alongside others visiting from nearby towns, many murmuring responses to the broadcast prayers which are interspersed with beautiful music. This is a truly unique experience.
Remaining off the beaten track, some of the other highlights of your holiday will include a typical Italian Easter lunch on Easter Sunday, a visit the recently discovered mummies of Roccapelago; browse the the large markets in Sassuolo and a visit to the elegant city of Modena and a walk through the chestnut woods to the monolithic bridge of Ponte Ercole.
Thursday 18 April: Meet up in Bologna and after stowing your luggage we will take a walk around this beautiful city which is the home of Europe’s oldest university. We will visit Piazza Maggiore with it’s magnificent cathedral and interesting mediaeval buildings, including Santo Stefano a complex of various churches dating from Roman times. You will have an opportunity to see and sample the amazing foods available and understand why the city is called ‘Bologna il Grasso’ (Bologna the Fat) before we travel to Polinago. Dinner at Cherry House BnB.
Friday 19 April: Today, Good Friday, we visit the large markets held over 3 piazzas in the town of Sassuolo, here you will see every conceivable product on sale. From food, plants, household items, clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, everything is available. As the market closes at lunch time, we will head to the Due Madonna restaurant for lunch before going on to visit the elegant city of Modena. While there we will visit the San Geminiano with its lovely tower, the Ghirlandina. The church is a World Heritage site and listed as the finest example of Romanesque church. We then return to Polinago and a light dinner at Cherry House BnB before departing for the small town of Frassinoro to enjoy the Via Crucis Vivante .
Saturday 20 April: After breakfast we will set off for the small village of Roccapelago to see and learn about the recently discovered Mummies of Roccapelago. Discovered 5 years ago the mummies have proved to be a treasure trove of information for researchers. Following a light lunch in nearby Pievepelago, weather permitting, we will visit the beautiful mountain lake – Lago Santo, sitting at 1500 meters and surrounded by the majestic Monte Giove. From here we go onto the delightful Citta d’Arte, Fiumalbo, close to the Tuscan border. Then it is time to return home and change, before having dinner at the local pizzeria.
Sunday 21 April: Following a leisurely breakfast we will go for a walk around Polinago and for those who wish, there is the opportunity to attend an Easter service at the local church prior to going out for a delicious Easter lunch along with many members of the local community. After a typical long, Italian meal, we will go for a walk to the well-known local monolith known as Ponte Ercole. Our final dinner will be at Cherry House BnB.
Monday 22 April: Today we say goodbye to Polinago and return to Bologna railway station or airport.
Please Note:
** As many events are of a very local basis and often not publicised beforehand, We reserve the right to possibly change some aspects of the tours, should we consider that a more interesting opportunity has presented itself.
** Should you not wish to participate in the cooking class, please advise us when booking and we can offer an alternative excursion and have you meet back at the venue with the others to enjoy the lunch.
**All tours start and finish in Bologna. On arrival you will be taken for a tour and lunch in Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna.
Tour packages include:
Tours DO NOT include: