2026 Gelato Tour of Italy!

GELATO TOUR OF ITALY
JANUARY 20-29, 2026
BOLOGNA | SIGEP | TUSCANY

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

Discover the heart of Italy’s gelato scene with an unforgettable journey through Bologna, the SIGEP Convention, and the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. Whether you're a seasoned gelato professional or a passionate enthusiast, this tour offers unparalleled learning opportunities, incredible cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences.

WHY JOIN THE 2026 GELATO TOUR?

Every year, we uncover new insights into the art of gelato-making, and 2026 will be no exception! Our two tour options include:

  • Full Trip: A comprehensive journey featuring Bologna, SIGEP, and three days in the heart of Tuscany.

  • SIGEP-Only Tour: A 5-day experience focused on the world’s most influential gelato and frozen dessert expo.

We have been attending SIGEP since 2000 because of our deep passion for gelato and ice cream. SIGEP is the premier event for the frozen dessert industry, bringing together professionals from gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery, and pizza. The exhibition in Rimini showcases the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the future of the industry.

And this year, we’re adding an extra treat—visiting some of Tuscany’s finest wine and olive oil estates! If you love exquisite food and wine, you’ll adore this part of the trip.

We’re also proud to have Carpigiani as our sponsor again this year! As part of their sponsorship, attendees will receive exclusive benefits, including private classes on their state-of-the-art equipment at SIGEP and discounts on future purchases.

 

TRIP OPTIONS

Option 1: Full Trip - $5,250

An all-inclusive package covering:

  • Roundtrip airfare from Newark Liberty International Airport to Italy

  • 4-star hotel accommodations

  • 7 days of breakfast and gourmet dinners

  • Entry to the SIGEP Convention

  • Private hands-on gelato workshops with Italy’s largest and oldest equipment maker

  • Visits to Bologna, SIGEP in Rimini, and a luxury wine hotel in Tuscany

  • Hassle-free experience—your only extra costs will be personal shopping, incidentals, and gratuities

Option 2: SIGEP-Only Tour - $3,700

An all-inclusive experience featuring:

  • Roundtrip airfare from Newark Liberty International Airport to Italy

  • 4-star hotel accommodations

  • 4 days of breakfast and gourmet dinners

  • Entry to the SIGEP Convention

  • Private hands-on gelato workshops with Italy’s largest and oldest equipment maker

For more details, contact Malcolm Stogo at 973-669-1060 or email mstogo79@gmail.com.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2024 GELATO TOUR

Ken Davis (2024): "Thank you for an amazing adventure! Great food, wine, and company—Italy is always Marcie’s favorite destination. So glad we finally made it!"
Scott Zatley (2024): "A fantastic experience! Thank you for organizing this adventure."
Purple Door Ice Cream: "A wonderful trip!"
Neal Gothenthal (Springers Ice Cream, NJ): "Fabulous trip! Dinner at Fabio’s was unforgettable."
Teresa Stryker: "We learned so much and are grateful for the opportunity to join the tour!"

TRIP ITINERARY

BOLOGNA & RIMINI

  • Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Depart from Newark Liberty International Airport.

  • Wednesday & Thursday, January 21-22, 2026 – Arrive in Bologna, meet our long-time guide Alex, check into the Art Commercianti Hotel, and enjoy free time to explore Bologna.

  • Friday, January 23, 2026 – Spend the morning in Bologna before transferring to the Abner Hotel in Riccione. Enjoy an authentic Italian seafood dinner at LeLa.

  • Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Full day at SIGEP Convention, exploring the latest in gelato, coffee, pastries, and frozen dessert equipment. Dinner at Datodro, famous for its incredible bread and formaggi gnocchi.

  • Sunday, January 25, 2026 – Spend another day at SIGEP or explore Rimini at your leisure. Meet at 5:00 PM for a special dinner hosted by Carpigiani.

TUSCANY WINE & OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE

  • Monday-Wednesday, January 26-28, 2026 – Travel through the breathtaking countryside of Tuscany, visiting San Gimignano, Volterra, and Val d’Elsa. Enjoy guided tastings at Sosta Alle Colonne, sampling exceptional wines and six varieties of extra virgin olive oil, paired with homemade snacks and bruschetta.

RETURN TO THE USA

  • Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Depart Tuscany for Florence Airport, transfer through Munich, and arrive back in Newark around 8:20 PM.

COST & REGISTRATION DETAILS

Full Trip (Bologna, Rimini, Tuscany) – $5,250 per person

  • Includes airfare, hotel, breakfast, dinner, and private transportation

  • Registration fee: $50 (non-refundable)

  • Single supplement: $450

  • Discount: Book with a $1,500 deposit before June 30, 2025, and save $550!

SIGEP-Only Tour (Bologna & Rimini) – $3,700 per person

  • Includes airfare, hotel, breakfast, dinner, and entry to SIGEP

  • Registration fee: $50 (non-refundable)

To reserve your space, a $1,500 deposit per person is required. Payment can be made via check or credit card (3% credit card fee applies).

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!
Secure your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Italy’s gelato, wine, and culinary wonders!

For more information, contact Malcolm Stogo at 973-669-1060 or email mstogo79@gmail.com.