Farm to Table in Emilia Romagna
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Emilia Romagna is famous around the world for its Parmigiano Reggiano, mouthwatering cured meats, and sparkling Lambrusco wines. Within the region is the lively city of Parma, which is decorated with the beautiful art and architecture of Correggio and Antelami as well as wonderful opera and theatre performances. Travel just 20 km from Parma and you will come to a 5 hectare family run organic farm that embodies the locals’s culinary passion as well as a testament to agriculture preservation.
Your hosts, Valentina and Alessandro, started their organic farm Podere Cristina in 2012 to escape the day-to-day demands of the modern world and to raise their young son in a healthier, nature-filled environment. Today, they grow a variety of vegetables and fruit, including strawberries, blackberries, pears, and plums, which they sell as well as make into jams. The farm is also home to Romagnola hens, an ancient breed of the region, which produce delicate eggs ideal for custards and creams. This family-run farm is the perfect oasis for health conscious travelers looking to embrace organic farm-to-table practices and enjoy a relaxing getaway with breathtaking views from the farm’s veranda.
The farm is located in the Barboj Natural Park, home to several organic farms specializing in growing traditional foods of the region. During your free time, take advantage of the hiking and horseback riding trails to explore the beauty and untouched quality of the park. If you are interested in horseback riding, Valentina has a small stable on their property with Bardigiano horses, a native breed to the area, perfect for beginner lessons or to take in the beautiful landscape (additional cost for horseback rides). Within the park, there is also a unique area with small mud volcanoes that are caused by methane gas surfacing. According to folktales of the region, through the gas bubbles, the earth whispers stories and legends to those who visit. Historically, locals used to believe the mud could be used to cure rheumatism and arthritis. Today, the small mud volcanoes are another site to see in the beautiful Barboj Natural Park.
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Trip Details
Chef Ivano leads your 2 hands-on cooking classes in the well-equipped kitchen featuring ingredients grown on the property. Classes focus around making traditional Emilian recipes or pasta using eggs straight from the henhouse. The chef is very passionate about teaching guests about traditional dishes of the region and how the ingredients can easily be locally grown to best capture the unique flavors of the area. On the weekends, their small restaurant opens up to the locals, who share in the enthusiasm and pride of their gastronomic accomplishments.
Your 2 classes will feature:
- Traditional Parma/Emilian recipes
- Homemade pastas
Itinerary
Day One
Order of activities may change depending on season and availability.
- Transfer from Parma train station to your accommodations located within steps of Podere Cristina’s B&B. (Please note earliest transfer time is 5:30 pm.)
- Check in and take your time to explore the property and farm. The veranda provides a great place to view the surrounding Barboj Natural Park.
- A welcome dinner will be served in the dining room.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- Breakfast.
- In the morning visit a family-run organic farm known for their parmigiano reggiano cheese and enjoy a sampling of their cheeses for lunch with local wine.
- Return to the farmhouse for your first cooking lesson focused on traditional recipes from the region.
- In the evening, dinner will be served in the dining room.
- Overnight.
Day Three
- Breakfast.
- Visit a nearby black pig farm to learn about the famous traditional process of salting and curing meat that has been passed down for generations.
- Enjoy a sampling of locally cured meat for lunch with local wine.
- After the visit, return to the farmhouse for your second hands-on cooking lesson. Valentina will start by taking you to collect eggs from the henhouse to make homemade pasta.
- In the evening, dinner will be served in the dining room.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Visit a nearby organic winery with over 20 hectares of vineyard and taste some of their wine.
- Return to the farmhouse for lunch followed by a return transfer to Parma train station.
Trip Details
Included in the 3-Night Trip
Accommodations
3 nights accommodation at a B&B near the farm
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 2 tasting lunches
- 3 dinners
- Local wine with all meals
Classes & Instructors
Chef Ivano leads your 2 hands-on cooking classes in the well-equipped kitchen featuring ingredients grown on the property. Classes focus around making traditional Emilian recipes or pasta using eggs straight from the henhouse. The chef is very passionate about teaching guests about traditional dishes of the region and how the ingredients can easily be locally grown to best capture the unique flavors of the area. On the weekends, their small restaurant opens up to the locals, who share in the enthusiasm and pride of their gastronomic accomplishments.
Your 2 classes will feature:
- Traditional Parma/Emilian recipes
- Homemade pastas
Excursions
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese producer
- Black pig farm to learn about the local cured meats
- Visit to a local organic winery
Transfer Details
- Round-trip group transfers to/from Parma train station
Country:
Italy
Region:
Emilia Romagna
Tour Dates: Currently unavailable. Please contact us for similar experiences.
3 Nights
Starting at
$1,050
Accommodation Information
Just a short walk from the family-run farm, this quaint B&B features two double rooms as well a small apartment with a kitchenette perfect for four people, providing an intimate, relaxing experience in the countryside. Each rustic room has its own bathroom, and free WiFi is available throughout the B&B. All rooms have garden views and feature basic amenities. Starting in 2019 there will also be a swimming pool at the property (in season). Please note that there are no rooms with two twin beds – if you do not want to share you should plan to upgrade to the 2-bedroom apartment (+US$80 per person).
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Pricing:
3-night Program
US$1325 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$80 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$275 per person when booking 4 or more people
Currently unavailable. Please see similar cooking vacations in Italy.
Tour Dates
Currently unavailable. Please see similar cooking vacations in Italy.
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Country:
Italy
Region:
Emilia Romagna
Tour Dates: Currently unavailable. Please contact us for similar experiences.
3 Nights
Starting at
$1,050
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