About the location: Emilia Romagna; just the name conjures up visions of gastronomic
wonders. It is often said to be the food capital of Italy, and the
center of it all is
Bologna. Best known, of course, for its Bolognese sauce, this famed university town is not
only wealthy, but rich in its traditions and lifestyle. Don't forget to walk with the locals
under the city's famed porticos (or arcades), which stretch for many miles throughout
the center of town, and to explore the medieval roads and red buildings of one of Italy's most
beautiful cities. Your base will be
the four-star Hotel
Al Cappello Rosso, located 50 meters from the main square of Piazza Maggiore. Visits
include Modena and Parma, both a must for any gastronome.
About the lessons: Your cooking lessons will be a combination of demonstration and hands-on participation.
Your first class with be at a farmhouse where
you will learn how to make typical homemade pasta.
After preparing the pasta, you might learn to prepare crostini,
those wonderful appetizers of organic bread topped with special
sauces of cheese or vegetables, a typical second dish, or traditional Emilian
dessert such as crostata, (plum tart) or a special cake of the
region, salame. After the lesson,
enjoy a
tasting of all the dishes you have prepared.
Your second class is at
an old Bolognese cookery school that offers spacious well-equipped working areas
and the professional skills of trained teachers. There will be a demonstration from the traditional
pasta-makers, the "sfogline" of Bologna. With skill and patience, these ladies with
their magic touch will teach the curious visitor the secrets of making and rolling
out the pasta, and like magic tortellini, tagliatelle and tortelloni will
appear. Guests can also participate in the endeavor. After the lesson you will taste
the prepared dishes flavored with traditional sauces.
A Gastronomic Adventure in Bologna
Bologna, Emilia Romagna
Itinerary
Day One
-
Arrival and transfer from the airport or train station to your hotel.
-
Time to settle in and
relax.
- Dinner tonight will be on your own, with suggestions from your host. Perhaps
dine at a famous local restaurant—a favorite of John Grisham’s
and one featured in his bestselling novel, The Broker!
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Day Two
-
Following breakfast at the hotel, departure to Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery.
- Then
it is on to Modena to visit an acetai, the traditional balsamic vinegar production. There
will be an explanation of the main rules for producing the best traditional balsamic
vinegar of Modena, with of course, an opportunity for a tasting.
- Lunch will follow at the
acetaia’s restaurant.
-
After lunch some free time to shop in Modena.
- Return to Bologna with dinner on your own.
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Day Three
- Following a very early breakfast, it is off to Parma to learn the secrets of the production
of one of the most famous Italian products, the parmigiano reggiano cheese.
-
Afterwards, transfer to a typical farmhouse of the region for a morning cooking class followed
by lunch of typical Parmesan dishes, including a taste of
aged Parma ham (prosciutto).
-
Return to Bologna with dinner on your own.
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Day Four
-
After breakfast, depart for an excellent cooking school in historic Bologna for a class
of typical Bolognese homemade pasta, tortellini, tagilatelle and tortelloni, with lunch to
follow based on your efforts.
-
In the afternoon, a tour around the medieval market.
-
Your farewell dinner tonight will be in a charming tavern dating form the 15th century in
the historic center of town; a very festive night
with music set in the renovated but historically unchanged building.
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Day Five
-
Breakfast followed by departure. Ciao!
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US$1650 per person based on double occupancy
for 4 people
US$2000 per person based on double occupancy
for 2-3 people
US$300 single supplement
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2008 Tour Dates
Available year-round on request for a minimum of 2, maximum of 4 people.
The following are dates of Bologna conventions, during which availability is limited and a surcharge may apply, please inquire for details .
January 17-18
February 8-11
February 14-17
February 23-March 2
March 12-15
March 28-April 3
April 10-14
April 22-24
May 14-17
May 28-31
June 5-6
September 11-14
September 18-20
September 30-October 4
October 15-18
October 28-31
November 12-16
December 6-14
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Included in the program
-
Four nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel
- Daily breakfast
- Two cooking classes, one in farmhouse near Parma and one in Bologna
- Lunch following morning cooking classes days three and four
- Visit to Modena to the Ferrari Museum and an acetaia
- Visit to Parma to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory
- Tour of Bologna’s medieval market
- Farewell dinner
- Round trip airport or train transfers.
- Guide and transportation throughout
- Translator where necessary
Please note: drinks are not included
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Cooking Vacations 
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