The Grand Tour Italia, recently launched in Bologna, is a reimagined theme park that offers travelers an immersive experience of Italy’s culinary and cultural traditions. This innovative project, spearheaded by Italian businessman Oscar Farinetti, is the successor to the FICO Eataly World theme park that closed in February 2024. Despite drawing 2.8 million visitors in its first year, FICO struggled to maintain attendance and ultimately fell short of its goals. In a bold move to revitalize the concept, Farinetti invested an additional 15 million euros to reconceptualize the project, with a goal of attracting 1.5 million visitors in the first year of operation.
Grand Tour Italia is a massive 50,000-square-meter park that showcases the diverse culinary landscape of Italy’s 20 regions. While food remains a focal point of the experience, the park also emphasizes regional biodiversity, historical architecture, customs, and traditions. Visitors can explore unique osterias serving traditional foods and wines, markets with local products, and educational areas that provide insights into each region’s cultural heritage. The park is designed to take guests on a journey through twenty-three porticoes, each representing a different region of Italy. This layout pays homage to Bologna’s renowned Medieval porticoes, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience.
Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the Grand Tour Italia project, with products sourced from organic and sustainable sources. The park has partnered with organizations such as Scuola Holden, Coldiretti, and Slow Food to promote local food traditions and agricultural practices. In addition to culinary experiences, the park offers educational workshops, cooking lessons, wine tastings, and storytelling sessions to engage visitors of all ages. With a bookstore stocked with influential books in history and an amusement park for children, Grand Tour Italia aims to be a family-friendly destination that combines entertainment with cultural enrichment.
The concept of the “Grand Tour” is inspired by the historic journey described in Wolfgang von Goethe’s Italian Journey. This 18th-century tradition of young European men traveling to refine their education has been reimagined in a modern context at Grand Tour Italia. Through a single location, travelers can explore the iconic cities, towns, and villages of Italy, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich history and culture. This concept not only enhances the tourist appeal of Bologna but also serves as a tribute to Italy’s diversity and cultural richness.
The Grand Tour Italia offers a unique and immersive experience that celebrates Italy’s culinary heritage and cultural traditions. With a focus on sustainability, education, and entertainment, this theme park is poised to attract visitors from around the world. By blending history, art, food, and entertainment, Grand Tour Italia provides a captivating glimpse into Italy’s vibrant past and present. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun family outing, Grand Tour Italia promises to be a destination that will delight and inspire visitors of all ages.