- The International Kitchen
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- Custom Flavors of the Real Italian Countryside & Tuscan Splendor
Custom Flavors of the Real Italian Countryside & Tuscan Splendor
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Select Your Trip Details
Custom tour of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany for Alan Bortnick party of 4.
Custom tour itinerary
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Day One - Sunday, March 22
- Private transfer from Bologna airport to the Antica Corte Pallavicina in Emilia Romagna, a beautiful country estate with a 700-year old castle, ancient farming techniques, a Michelin-star restaurant, and some of the most famous cured meats in the world. Featured on Top Chef season 17 (“All Stars”), it is a true paradise for foodies and cooks. Check in to your superior
- Learn about Culatello di Zibello PDO – one of the most artisanal and prestigious cured pork meats of the world that can only be aged in this extra-ordinarily humid microclimate. VIPs like King Charles of England and Prince Albert of Monaco top their cellars up with this incredible product…no doubt why! You’ll have the chance to visit the place where this prestigious product is aged for years.
- This evening, enjoy dinner at the Michelin-Star restaurant (drinks not included, paid locally).
- Overnight at the Antica Corte Pallavicina.
Day Two - Monday, March 23
- Breakfast at the hotel and depart on a full day tour exploring the flavors of the region.
- First stop is to a Parmesan cheese producer. Enjoy the guided visit at a traditional producer of Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO: you’ll discover how the King of all cheeses has been literally made by hand in the same way since the Benedictine monks invented it 10 centuries ago! From the curdling into the typical copper heaters to the salting and the final ageing in the so-called wheel cathedrals, you will be a privileged witness of almost all the steps of production of this out-and-out food icon. And of course, the visit will include a tasting of different ageings of the cheese.
- Next, visit a local wine producer, with tasting of course.
- Enjoy a lunch featuring more delicious local products.
- Next, visit of a producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale (the famed balsamic vinegar of Modena). Have a guided visit of a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar PDO producer: you will get to know why different kind of woods are used for the barrels and – more importantly – why the balsamico made upon the traditional method is the one and only “black gold,” not to be confused with the imitations available in most of the delis and stores around the world.
- Return to the hotel.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight at the Antica Corte Pallavicina.
Day Three - Tuesday, March 24
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time today – or we can schedule another optional excursion. If cars interest you, perhaps a visit to the Ferrari Museum. Other options include the town of Modena, or even Bologna (which is about 1 – 1/12 hours away).
- Dinner on your own.
Day Four - Wednesday, March 25
- Breakfast and check out, leaving your bags with the concierge.
- Around 10:30, start your cooking class with the chefs. You will have a full immersion in the production of traditional fresh pasta from the Bassa Parmense area, together preparing the pasta cuts that have made Emilia Romagna famous all over the world: from tortelli Parmigiana style to tagliatelle, anolini, and the pre-Columbian open gnocchi.
- Lunch to follow.
- After lunch, private transfer to Tuscany for the next leg of your culinary journey.
- Arrival at the splendid Corte de’ Papi Relais. Check in to your deluxe cottages.
- Enjoy a warm welcome by your host David and his staff.
- Dinner at the relais.
Day Five - Thursday, March 26
- This morning enjoy an excursion to Montepulciano, where you will have a winery visit and tasting, as well as a light lunch of local products. You will learn about the famed wines from this part of Tuscany.
- You will also have time to explore the medieval hilltop town on your own. .
- Return to Corte de’ Papi.
- In the late afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Cortona. You can stroll through the cobblestoned streets and learn about this beautiful Tuscan town. Visit the Etruscan Museum, which includes a rich collection of objects found during excavations in the area.
- Dinner on your own. We recommend you stay in Cortona for dinner, and organize a taxi transfer back to the relais when you are done.
Day Six - Friday, March 27
- This morning meet for your second cooking class. Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
- Afternoon on your own. You might want to relax at the property, but other activities can be organized as well.
- Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, wine included.
Day Seven - Saturday, March 28
- Private transfer to the Rome airport (or city center).
Trip Details
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Included in the 6-Night Trip
Accommodations- 3 nights at the Antica Corte Pallavicina (2 superior rooms)
- 3 nights at the Corte De’ Papi Relais (2 deluxe cottages)
Food & Beverages- In Emilia Romagna: Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 Michelin-star dinner (beverages paid locally)
- In Tuscany: Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, local wine (1/2 bottle per person) included with all included meals.
Classes & InstructorsTwo cooking classes, one in Emilia Romagna and one in Tuscany
Excursions- Culatello visit
- Full day excursion to producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, winery, and Aceto Balsamico
- Guided tour of Cortona
- Half-day excursion to Montepulciano with wine tasting
Transfer Details- Arrival transfer from Bologna airport (*or Milan airport – pending)
- Transfer from Antica Corte Pallavicina to the Relais Corte de’ Papi
- Transfer from Corte de’ Papi to Rome
Not Included
- City tourist tax (paid locally)
- Optional excursion on Day 3
Accommodation Information
The Antica Corte Pallavicina has been lovingly restored by the Spigaroli family to highlight the 16th century origins alongside modern amenities. The six elegant bedrooms have coffered ceilings as well as modern furniture and period furnishings. Every room offers a beautiful view of the rolling pastures of Emilia-Romagna.
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Just outside Cortona lies the gorgeous 5-star relais hotel, La Corte dei Papi. This charming hotel went under extensive restoration while still retaining some of the villa’s history, including terra-cotta floors and vaulted ceilings. The elegant rooms and suites offer modern comforts, including en-suite bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, adjustable air conditioning, hair dryers, and more.
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Pricing & Dates
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Pricing
See moreUS$5250 per person based on double occupancy
Tour Dates
See moreMarch 22-28, 2026
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