Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

I am so excited for today!  We will be visiting producers of two of the most world-famous products of the region, and some of my absolute favorite things to eat: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Balsamic Vinegar.

Late Morning: Parmigiano Reggiano Producer

On this tour, we will visit a traditional producer of the famed Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.   

We’ll see the steps involved in the production - many of which still rely on experience and devotion by the “Casaro” (dairy-master) in the traditional manner rather than a purely mechanical process.

We will finish with tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano of 3 different ages and warm, freshly-made ricotta (every day).

Afternoon:  Acetaia & Lunch

Our next stop is a family-run Acetaia (Acetaia is the name of the place where they produce balsamic vinegar or the attic where the aging barrels of balsamic are preserved),

We will learn about Modena's traditional balsamic vinegar, which is much more than a vinegar. It takes at least 12 YEARS of aging to be ready fro consumption. After 25 years it can be called “extra-vecchio” with its golden capsule, having achieved a perfectly-balanced balsamic aroma that makes a perfect finish touch in drops to enhance so many recipes.

The tour includes tasting of Balsamic aged over 12 years and over 25 years and are matched to the entire lunch menu served at the family villa, ranging from appetizer to dessert.

Evening & Dinner: On Your Own

Enjoy a night out in Bologna and dinner on your own!

Meals included:  Breakfast, Light lunch, Dinner

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

Late Morning and Lunch: Prosciutto!

How I adore prosciutto - dare I say it's the best of the Italian cured meats?  Today we head out again to visit another artisan producer, specializing in Prosciutto di Modena and di Parma, as well as Culatello and the so-called Prosciutto contadino , considered to be the rustic predecessor to the more refined, 'modern' style.

We will enjoy a light lunch with abundant high-quality cured meats, local bread "Crescentine" and a few other items to round out our meal. 

Afternoon:  Lambrusco

Afterwards, we head to a highly-rated Lambrusco winery in the Modena Hills. The landscape is gorgeous, and wineries may still be harvesting grapes, depending on the season/weather. Lambrusco is similar to Chianti wine, in that American imports have often been low-quality plonk. Discover how delicious this lightly sparkling red wine is when it's made with care and attention. It may become your new favorite pizza wine!

Evening:  Dinner

We will enjoy a meal together in Bologna at a local trattoria featuring some of the lauded dishes of the region.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:  Arte L'Orologio, or similar 4*

Late Morning & Lunch:  Cooking Class

Today our destination is an agriturismo overlooking one the most stunning valleys in Bologna hills. 

Eating local with seasonal food is the core of this experience. We’ll pick herbs, veggies, and all that we need from the orto (garden) and around the farm to cook based on what is in season.

This class will also take us back in time, as we will learn about rural, agriculture life. The houses on the farm date back to the Medieval period and have been patiently restored to offer an experience between past and present.

And of course, we will enjoy a fabulous meal cooked together!

Late Afternoon: OYO

This afternoon you'll have a bit of time for any last shopping or site-seeing you may want to do, or just relaxing in one of the vibrant squares with a glass of wine before we meet again for dinner.

Evening/Dinner: Traditional trattoria

We enjoy a final meal together this evening, eating many of the classic dishes that the region has to offer. We can reminisce about our time together and say cin cin/cheers to new found connections and Bella Italia.

Meals included:  Breakfast

And now it's time to finally say arrivederci - which is good-bye, but also translates to "see each other soon". I do hope that's the case!

Transfers to your next adventure are not inlcuded.

Bologna is very well-connected by train to most major cities in Italy and the train station is a short 10-minute taxi ride from our hotel. Alternatively, you may fly out of the Bologna airport back to the US, or perhaps choose to fly out of Florence or Venice.

Whatever you are considering, I'd be happy to assist in planning your departure.