Phone: 800-945-8606 | Local: 312-467-0560 | Fax: 312-467-0598 | Email: info@theinternationalkitchen.com | Newsletter Signup | Print Page
Gastronomy in Parma and Bologna - NEW
Parma and Bologna
About the location: Emilia Romagna is known as the “food basket of Italy” and considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of Italy. Parma, of course, is home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as well as the fine Parma prosciutto ham. Bologna is a vibrant city, home to Europe’s oldest university. The products of this fertile land have been praised through the centuries, and you have the opportunity to hone your culinary techniques in two of the most charming cities of this region.
Your stay in Parma will be at the beautiful 4-star Hotel Palace Maria Luigia, situated in the heart of Parma, while in Bologna you will stay in a centrally located three-star hotel featuring all the desired amenities.
About the cookery course: Your cooking class will be taught by the famed “King of Ham” Chef Massimo Spigaroli, one of the world’s experts on Italian cured meats, or one of his trusted collaborators. Chef Massimo is an artisan who makes some of Italy’s best salumi, including his legendary culatelli — a slowly cured boneless ham unlike any other you’ve ever tasted — as well as parmigiano-reggiano cheese. With more than 40 years of experience, Chef Massimo can impart a unique and in-depth take on the area’s food traditions. He runs a 2011 Michelin-rated restaurant, as well as the biodynamic farming practices of the farm where your class will be held.
Although Chef Massimo does not speak English, a translator will be available. During the class you will learn to make a variety of Italian pastas for which the region is well known: ravioli, agnolini, tagliolini, tagliatelle, stringoni, and pasta rasa, to name a few.
- Transfer from the Bologna airport to your hotel in Parma.
- Check in and relax, or start exploring Parma on your own.
- Dinner tonight on your own, either in town or at the hotel.
- Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Parma’s old town center, including the Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistry, and Farnese Theater.
- Lunch at a typical Trattoria in town.
- Afternoon free to explore or shop and dinner on your own (perhaps ask your guide for some recommendations!).
- Breakfast.
- Depart for a guided tour of a local farm where the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced, including a tasting of this delectable cheese!
- Next, visit a plant that produces the famed Prosciutto di Parma ham.
- Visit a local wine cellar of the Vini dei Colli di Parma (the local vineyards at the foot of the Parma hills), and enjoy a tasting lunch of gourmet products and local wines.
- In the afternoon, a guided tour of the spectacular fifteenth-century Torrechiara Castle.
- Following the castle tour, a visit of the Museum of Salame di Felino (the best salami in Italy!) located in the elegant Felino Castle.
- Return to Parma and dinner on your own.
- Breakfast.
- Transfer to the Parma countryside known as the “Bassa Parmense” (flat countryside of Parma), where you will be treated to a very unique experience. First you will be welcomed at the farm of Chef Massimo Spigaroli, the “King of Ham,” where you will learn about the prime-cut ham, “Culatello di Zibello.”
- Next, a hands-on cooking lesson featuring Emilia-Romagna’s other famous contribution to Italian gastronomy: stuffed pastas such as ravioli, tortellini, tortelli and the like. Lunch of what you prepared served with local products produced on the farm. This is a very authentic Italian experience!
- In the afternoon, a guided tour of the Rocca Meli Lupi castle in Soragna. This stunning castle is still inhabited by Prince Diofebo Meli Lupi.
- Free time for shopping at the Fidenza Village Outlet, one of the most exclusive outlets in Italy.
- After shopping, enjoy an apperitivo and taste the typical specialties of the Villaggio del Gusto.
- Return to Parma and dinner on your own (if you are still hungry!).
- Breakfast and check out.
- First stop: Modena, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the old town center, including the Duomo, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Grand and the Estense Gallery. Your tour will also include a focus on the town’s historical gourmet shops.
- Next, a visit of a producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (the famed balsamic vinegar of Modena). Light lunch at the vinegar plant with a tasting of local products.
- In the afternoon, transfer to Bologna and check in to your hotel.
- Free evening and dinner on your own in this vibrant city.
- Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Bologna’s city center focusing on the historical gourmet shops and including tastings of local products.
- Lunch to follow at a typical Osteria of the city.
- In the afternoon, time to explore on your own.
- Farewell dinner tonight at one of the most typical restaurants of the city.
- Breakfast, and transfer on your own to the Bologna airport or train station.
